Team Hawkes training trio weigh up Brave call

Brave One is in line to race either in Sydney or Melbourne this weekend, with Team Hawkes still finalising plans for their consistent three-year-old galloper.

He has dual nominations in the Quayclean Handicap (1300m) at Randwick and the Shop Flemington Handicap (1100m) at Flemington, drawing barrier 12 and 13 respectively.

Michael Hawkes, who trains in partnership with John and Wayne, said the team is still weighing up which race presents the better opportunity.

“In Melbourne, barrier 13 on the straight might not be a bad thing,” Hawkes said.

“But there are other things to consider — the distance, the opposition, and how the tracks are playing. We want to place him where he’s best suited.”

The Hawkes team can delay the decision until Thursday, thanks to their flexibility across both racing hubs.

Brave One has turned in two solid performances since resuming, finishing second to older rivals on heavy going at both Canterbury and Rosehill. This time, he returns to his own age bracket.

“He’s going very well,” Hawkes said. “Getting back to three-year-olds is ideal. Whether it’s Sydney or Melbourne, he’ll be a serious contender.”

If Brave One races at Randwick, Dylan Gibbons will ride, while Jye McNeil will take the mount if he heads to Flemington.

Punters keen to back Brave One can find the best odds and sign-up offers on leading Australian betting sites.