Truth is the Cup is an open affair
TEAM Hawkes hopes it can take advantage of a wide open Group 1 Australian Cup on Saturday at Flemington, with Angel Of Truth set for the $1.5m autumn feature.
Angel Of Truth put in a strong Australian Cup trial in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield last start, going back and charging into sixth in a bunched finish, only 1.25 lengths behind the inform Paradee.
“It was a big run … he went back to last, they trot, walked, cantered and he powered to the line,” Hawkes said.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a vintage Australian Cup, that’s for sure and certain.
“He wants to get back to Sydney for the wet tracks but we’re purposely keeping him here for the Australian Cup.”
Hawkes’ father John won what’s considered the greatest Australian Cup with the champion Lonhro in 2004.
Lindsay Park has dominated the Australian Cup in recent years, having won the past three editions. Last year’s winner Fifty Stars tuned up last Saturday, running second in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes.
TAB has the reigning Australian Cup champion at $4.50 all-in favourite ahead of Nonconformist ($7) and Defibrillate ($11).
Group 1 Australian Derby winner Angel Of Truth, formerly with Gwenda Markwell, had four starts for Team Hawkes last year, culminating in an “unlucky” third in the Group 1 Metropolitan.
He has returned with two promising runs in Melbourne.
IT was a tough weekend for the Gold Coast teams in Round 3 FFA Cup action with Tallebudgera Valley and Nerang bowing out.
The Tigers fell to QPL2 side Magic United which scored four goals in the first 15 minutes before going on to win 7-2.
At Bob Jeffrey Field however, it was much the opposite for Gold Coast Premier League side Nerang.
The Eagles took the advantage just past the 20-minute mark in a well-worked goal, holding out QPL2 side Taringa Rovers for the duration of the match before eventually conceding in extra time.
Tired legs were evident between both sets of players and it was the Rovers who capitalised first in extra time before the Eagles clawed their way back in the 101st minute.
Nevertheless, the sides could not be separated further after the 120 minutes of action, with the match forced into a penalty shoot-out to determine who progressed to Round 4.
After both sides were perfect from the spot, it came down to the fifth and final penalty.
With Russell Miner’s attempt saved by the Taringa keeper and then capitalised by converting from the spot, the Rovers advanced.
With Round 4 scheduled for the Easter weekend, only four Gold Coast teams will be in the main draw featuring the state’s best teams from the NPL and QPL.
Surfers Paradise, Palm Beach, Southport and Kingscliff will all be eagerly awaiting the draw on March 8 to see what awaits them in the FFA Cup. They will be joined by both NPL sides Knights and United as well as QPL2 side Magic in the main draw.