Hawkes duo dash for fame

THE Hawkes stable will send out two valuable stallion prospects in one of Australia’s premier sprint races at Flemington today.

Three-year-old Exceedance and four-year-old Trope run in the $1.25 million Newmarket Handicap (1200m) chasing a Group 1 win that would enhance their futures at stud.

Trope ($41) is yet to score at the highest level, his only victory coming in a maiden at Randwick on debut, but Hawkes says he has the potential to win in Group 1 grade.

Exceedance ($4.80) has won at Group 1 against his own age in what is regarded a stallionmaking race, the Coolmore Stud Stakes last November, over today’s straight course.

He will be trying to win the Newmarket first-up as Redkirk Warrior did in 2017 when he became the first horse in 100 years to do so.

Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Michael, said Exceedance was fit enough and he was not put off by some who have suggested his recent Flemington jump-out was not up to scratch.

“A furlong after the winning post, he was in front, so it was a 1000-metre gallop and he powered through the line,” Hawkes said.

“He wasn’t out there to have a gut-buster and he’s fit enough to win first-up.”

Rival trainer James Cummings reckons his Group 1winning colt Bivouac has something to prove in the Newmarket after finishing sixth as favourite in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.

“His work on Tuesday had some electricity about it. He’s coiled up, tuned up, wound up and ready to show what a brilliant colt he is,” he said

Bivouac shares $4.80 favouritism with Exceedance in Ladbrokes’ market.

Speedy filly Loving Gaby is next at $5.