Earlier in the programme at Scone, Wild Planet (Animal Kingdom {USA}) enjoyed a change of fortune and he produced a dominant front-running display to claim the Restricted Listed Inglis Guineas.
At his previous appearance the bay had finished third in the Listed South Pacific Classic at Randwick where he was undone by a wide barrier.
“He was a bit stiff and was caught three deep, he was in no man’s land,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.
Tommy Berry and Michael Hawkes.
Rider Tommy Berry took bad luck out of the equation at Scone and from an inside gate he rode aggressively to hold the lead.
“Great credit to Tommy, he rode the perfect race,” Hawkes said. “They jumped well and didn’t give it up. The horse has dug deep.
“Great credit to Tommy, he rode the perfect race.” - Michael Hawkes.
“He’s a fighter and he’s a winner. We’ve always had a big opinion of this horse and now he’s matured and grown. He’s by Animal Kingdom so he’ll only get better.”
Wild Planet was challenged in the run home, but firstly beat off the challenge of Bare Naked Lady (Walking Or Dancing {NZ}) and then kicked strongly to see off the late run of the favourite Military Zone (Epaulette).
The runner-up went back to last from the outside barrier and came strongly in the straight before peaking on his effort in the closing 50 metres. Total Power (Dundeel {NZ}) raced in behind the leader and boxed on for third.
Wild Planet was a $280,000 Inglis Sydney Easter Yearling Sale purchase for Team Hawkes and Andrew Williams Bloodstock and is an older half-brother to the promising 2-year-old Super Seth (Dundeel {NZ}). They are grandsons of the G2 Yallambee Classic winner Toast Of The Coast (Rory’s Jester).
