Theblade shreds rivals in impressive debut

Michael Hawkes has labelled Black Caviar’s nephew Theblade as “the real deal” following the colt’s stunning debut win on Randwick’s Kensington track.

Out of the champion’s unraced half-sister Brigite, a full relation to Team Hawkes’ former top galloper turned successful sire All Too Hard, Theblade made a mess of his rivals, taking out Wednesday’s Street Boss @ Darley Handicap (1150m) by 5-3/4 lengths.

Hawkes wasn’t surprised by the performance, although he was hoping to see it a couple of weeks ago when Theblade was scratched at the barriers for a two-year-old race at Warwick farm after hitting his head.

“It’s disappointing when you set horses for races and that happens,” Hawkes said.

“It was all about trying to win as a two-year-old with him, but once that backfired two weeks ago, we’ve had to opt towards this race and we didn’t expect the rain.

“We’ve always said to the owners, the horse has got plenty of ability, we’re yet to see it. Today we’ve seen it, obviously on a wet track, which is another positive.

“He is the real deal and hopefully he can go on to bigger and better things.”

Theblade ($3) trailed the speed for Tommy Berry, who hooked him to the better going in the middle of the soft 7-rated track where the colt let down beautifully to power clear.

Godolphin’s Alpine Ski ($3.50) held down second with Johnny The Kid ($3.30) another half-length away third.

Hawkes said having another member of All Too Hard’s family in their care was special, especially given the involvement of Gilgai Farm’s Rick Jamieson, who bred Black Caviar.

“It is another generation and with these colts, we’re lucky enough to train them and have the patient owners that we do,” he said.

“But when you get a family we’ve had a lot to do with – and Gilgai (Farm) is in the horse as well and they’ve bred this bloke, Rick Jamieson obviously knows how to breed a winner – it’s exciting to think that a horse like this and of this calibre, could hopefully get to the top one day.”

Meanwhile, Chris Waller will give thought to setting Aeliana ($4.40) on a Flight Stakes path after she rocketed home late to post a decisive 1/1-4 length victory over Diddle Dumpling ($3.20 bookmakers fav) in the Inglis Xtra Bonus Handicap (1150m).

A daughter of young stallion Castelvecchio, Aeliana is expected to appreciate more ground, although Waller says he will see how she pulls up before determining a plan.

“The key is, win your maiden, and then you can look further,” Waller said.

“We will see where she’s at and if she is a Flight Stakes filly, you plot a path towards it, and if she’s not ready for that, she won’t do much more.”