Team Hawkes have claimed an early black type win on Warwick Stakes Day at Royal Randwick as Divine Prophet produced a big turn of foot to take out the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m).
Divine Prophet stormed home to win the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes at Randwick this afternoon. Photo: Steve Hart
Jumping from the gates well, jockey Tommy Berry elected to take a position at the rear of the field of nine as early leaders Thronum, Derryn and Pittsburgh set a reasonable tempo from the outset.
Remaining on the rails rounding onto the final straight, Divine Prophet appeared to be well out of contention as Thronum and Derryn kicked clear of the main pack, but the three-year-old immediately responded with a big turn of foot when asked for an extra effort by Berry; swooping his rivals to fine the line half a length in the green.
In being crowned the 2016 Up And Coming Stakes winner, Divine Prophet has extended his impressive career record to two wins and a minor through only four competitive appearances to date.
Trialling well prior to his coemptive debut, Divine Prophet ran on for a credible fifth in the Hyland Race Colours Plate (1200m) at Randwick on Boxing Day, and was immediately returned to the paddock with a view towards the autumn.
Resuming on March 23rd for a classy win in the Dapto Leagues Club Handicap (1200m) and Kembla Grange, the Choisir colt more than displayed his class with an impressive late effort to finish third in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) on April 16th.
Melbourne galloper Derryn drifted in Up And Coming Stakes betting markets in the hours leading up to jump, but the three-year-old is sure to take plenty of benefit from his smart second-place finish.
Gai Waterhouse has underlined the 2016 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on September 10th as the major campaign target for Thronum, who suffered only his second career defeat in five starts in running third this afternoon.
Godolphin runner Kent appeared to kick well in the final straight of the Up And Coming Stakes but was unlucky to be blocked and checked with 150m to run, and will undoubtedly relish a step up in distance in his next appearance.
