Hawkshot continues rapid rise with All-Star inclusion

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Lindsay Park has doubled its hand in the All-Star Mile after Hawkshot (Fiorente {Ire}) was dealt one of the final wildcards into the inaugural running of the world’s richest 1600 metre race.

His rapid progression from a Benchmark 64 victory in mid-January to success in the G2 Autumn S. and a runner-up finish in the G1 Australian Guineas at the weekend earned him the call-up on Monday.

Star Tasmanian filly and Guineas winner Mystic Journey (Needs Further) and Godolphin’s multiple Group 1 winner Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) also got the nod from Racing Victoria.

“It’s exciting to have two runners in a $5 million race, there’s a lot to look forward to.” – David Hayes.

Raced by Sun Bloodstock, Hawkshot joins his fellow 3-year-old and stablemate Amphitrite (Sebring), who ran third behind Mystic Journey on Saturday, in the March 16 event at Flemington.

“It’s exciting to have two runners in a $5 million race, there’s a lot to look forward to,” Lindsay Park senior trainer David Hayes said.

David Hayes

“Without winning the Guineas, I couldn’t have been happier with Hawkshot’s run. He did all the work in front into the wind.

“It’s a significant Group 1 race and when he won his Group 2 he ran faster sectionals than they did in the Orr S. that day.”

“It’s a significant Group 1 race and when he won his Group 2 he ran faster sectionals than they did in the Orr S. that day.” – David Hayes.

RV’s Executive General Manager – Racing Greg Carpenter said the selection panel considered Hawkshot the worthiest recipient of the final wildcard.

“The decision on who should receive the final wildcard was more difficult, with several contenders presenting their case over recent weekends, but ultimately the panel felt that emerging 3-year-old star Hawkshot was the worthiest recipient.

“He was a breathtakingly brilliant winner of the Autumn S. He then ran bravely when leading in the Australian Guineas from the outside gate to beat all bar Mystic Journey.”

“He was a breathtakingly brilliant winner of the Autumn S.” – Greg Carpenter.

Hawkshot was not among the original nominations received for The All-Star Mile but, under the terms and conditions of the race, the panel was entitled to select a wildcard runner from outside the original list of entries.

“There has been a healthy debate in recent weeks over who should receive the last three All-Star Mile wildcards, and it was impossible to overlook the performance of Mystic Journey in the Australian Guineas,” Carpenter said.

“Adam Trinder’s stable star is arguably Australia’s most exciting filly. It is very pleasing to see the state of Tasmania join Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria with a representative in the final field.

“Adam Trinder’s stable star is arguably Australia’s most exciting filly.” – Greg Carpenter.

“Hartnell’s list of achievements since arriving in Australia, including setting a track record when winning the 2018 Epsom Handicap at Randwick, are outstanding.

“With the announcement of the remaining three wildcards, we now have a perfect blend of established topliners, emerging stars and a unique array of fan-voted horses that add to what will be an intriguing contest on March 16 at Flemington.”