Stablemates Sam Hawkens and Athabascan chase common Sydney Cup prize
Tom Charlton and John O'Shea are anxiously awaiting confirmation of a run for fresh addition Sam Hawkens in the Parramatta Cup, whereas stable companion and Sydney Cup contender gelding Athabascan is confirmed to take part.
Once prepared by William Haggas, Sam Hawkens holds first reserve status for Saturday's key 1900m contest, with Charlton enthusiastic about commencing his local program post some encouraging trials.
"From the start of the week, it looked like every horse above him was going to accept and that's how it has panned out," Charlton said.
"It is what it is. If he gets a run, he'll run really well.
"He is an absolute gentleman and he's a horse we really like."
Having triumphed in Europe at up to 2800m, Sam Hawkens managed just one prior local start in the St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick during last spring's carnival, ending unplaced as the market elect.
It was his parting effort for Haggas before linking with O'Shea and Charlton, during which he has settled into his fresh surroundings.
Recent barrier tests have revealed the five-year-old in fine fettle, and with the Sydney Cup (3200m) as his primary objective, Charlton foresees a bold first-up display.
"His best form in England was over a mile-and-a-half plus, so for him to trial sharply is great," he said.
"His riders, James (McDonald) and Zac (Lloyd), have been quite complimentary and are saying he'll be competitive over a mile.
"That gives us confidence he has come back well and he's going to be a horse for the future, especially when he gets out over a trip."
Teammate Athabascan shares the Sydney Cup (3200m) ambition for the autumn series, seeking to go one better after second to Circle Of Fire in 2023 and fifth to Arapaho 12 months back.
"He seems as enthusiastic and happy as ever," Charlton said of Athabascan.
"He will improve from the run, but he can run a solid race and hopefully set himself up for some races down the line."
Fans can find competitive online bookmakers offering markets for the Parramatta Cup.
More Racing News
Buckaroo welcomes Jye McNeil for Futurity Stakes return
Cox Plate placegetter Buckaroo will have jockey Jye McNeil back on board for his opening outing of the autumn series at Caulfield.The gelding heads into the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, piloted by McNeil.In the gelding's tally of 31 career starts, McNeil has only been aboard...
Walker team warming to Geegees Mistruth ahead of Caulfield feature
Mark Walker's Cranbourne stable has developed an increasing fondness for Geegees Mistruth the longer she has been in their care.The four-year-old, bred in Tasmania, transferred to the Walker outfit last spring following preparation by Stuart Gandy.With six successes in 15 races, Geegees Mistruth remains without a mainland triumph, but hopes...
Berry confident in Ninja's Hobartville Stakes bid
Premier jockey Tommy Berry reckons a Queensland summer campaign has reshaped the previously unruly Ninja, placing his trust in the gelding to match the top three-year-olds at Rosehill.During his Queensland stint, Ninja raced three times, claiming victory in the Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) at Eagle Farm and battling from a...
O'Brien backs Closer to free despite inexperience for blue diamond stakes
Danny O'Brien refuses to let Closer To Free's shortage of race exposure hinder expectations for the colt in Victoria's leading juvenile feature at Caulfield.The colt secured entry to Saturday's Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield via a winning performance in the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) on February 7.O'Brien...
Big Sky sidelined ahead of Blue Diamond Stakes after vet checks
X-rays taken after a canter workout at Cranbourne have excluded favourite Big Sky from Victoria's leading race for two-year-olds.Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's colt had been installed as the top pick for Saturday's Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), but the trainer was displeased with the colt's movement spotted...
Thornton backing Run Lucy Run for Ipswich repeat
Trainer Glenn Thornton is aware of Run Lucy Run's capabilities, but unlocking her top form requires a patient approach that he believes will ultimately prove fruitful.Having shifted from Victoria to the Gold Coast, the handler is developing his 12-strong 2026 string, and Run Lucy Run seeks to capitalise on her...
Autumn Mystery's autumn plans target South Australian Derby
The staying three-year-old Autumn Mystery kicks off his bid for the South Australian Derby taking on more experienced competitors at Caulfield.Having most recently been eighth across the line in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington during November, Autumn Mystery now contests the benchmark 84 Lamaro's Hotel Handicap (1400m) this Saturday.Rory...
Berry optimistic as Incognito targets Silver Slipper redemption
It's no simple task to chart the progress of a two-year-old with limited starts, above all following a bump in their autumn campaign.Jockey Tommy Berry is leaning towards positivity though, with Incognito ready to relaunch his Golden Slipper bid during Saturday's Silver Slipper (1100m) at Rosehill.Previously the market elect for...
Oakleigh Plate looms as key target for Don't Hope Do
The connections of Don't Hope Do have devoted 18 months to strategising, and now they can observe the results in Caulfield's Group 1 sprint event.According to trainer Simon Zahra, Saturday's Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield represents the strongest prospect for Don't Hope Do to secure a Group 1 success.He teamed...
Mareth set for major challenge against mares in Millie Fox Stakes
Rising star filly Mareth encounters a significant autumn hurdle by competing with more experienced mares in the Millie Fox Stakes held at Rosehill.Having raced on just five occasions, the three-year-old claimed her maiden at Canterbury during December and then was narrowly beaten by impressive filly Caffe Florian in the Listed...