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.
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