Winkers Saturday for All Too Hard

Hawkes Racing co-trainer Michael Hawkes says the addition of winkers are likely for the stable’s top colt All Too Hard in Saturday’s Group III Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill.

The Patinack Farm-owned colt went through his paces in the winkers at Rosehill on Tuesday morning.

"He’s a colt and the winkers will help him focus that bit more,” Hawkes said.

"He worked in the winkers this morning and the horse worked great. He went nice, he did what he had to do.

"More than likely, he’ll race in them.”

Hawkes reiterated the stable wasn’t disappointed with the highly touted galloper’s first-up performance when third to Snitzerland in the Group III San Domenico Stakes (1100m) on August 18.

After missing the start, All Too Hard ran the fastest last 600 metre [33.64 seconds], 400 metre [21.82 seconds] and 200 metre [11.12 seconds] sectionals of the race.

"It’s a different race Saturday again,” he said. "He’s nice and sharp and the 1200 [metres] will suit him a lot better, he’s only going to improve.

"He’s getting better all the time.”

Corporate bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au has posted an "all-in" market for Saturday's Run To The Rose. Champion juvenile Pierro is the $2.25 favourite ahead of All Too Hard at $2.50.

Meanwhile, Hawkes said Cups contender Polish Knight has come through last Saturday’s solid effort in the Group II Warwick Stakes (1400m) in fine shape and will have its next start in the Group II Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm on September 8.

"Very happy with his run, it was a cracking run,” he said. "All’s good with him.”

Story: Clinton Payne RaceNet