Team Hawkes pulls right rein with Stratford

Punters across the country were delighted with Team Hawkes' decision to miss the Canterbury Classic with Stratford after the improving sprinter landed a plunge at the Gold Coast yesterday.

Stratford, who was scratched from the feature race at Canterbury won by Unanimously on Friday night, was hammered on track from $2.35 to $1.80 with local bookies.

There were a few nervous moments for supporters as jockey Jason Taylor took up a position back along the fence but, once clear in the straight, Stratford raced away to win easily.

"I think he probably would have won at Canterbury but we decided to take the punt and bring him up to the Gold Coast," co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.

"The owners have been terrific, they are here on the Gold Coast but they left the decision to us.They were happy to run at Canterbury or come here."

Hawkes praised the ride of Taylor, who has enjoyed a long association with the family.

"I have to admit, I was a bit nervous when he was buried in behind them but to Jason's credit he never panicked and waited for the run," Hawkes he said.

"He knows the horse well ... he waited for him to balance up and that was the key.

"Jason has been riding for us for about 15 or 16 years. He has ridden Group 1 winners. He won the Stradbroke but unfortunately sometimes people forget that."

Stratford will now be given a let-up before being tested in stakes company at the autumn carnival.

"He will go back home now and not race for about three or four weeks," Hawkes said.

Story: Brent Zerafa Daily Telegraph

Photo: sportpix.com.au