Team Hawkes’ faith in Doubtland was rewarded when the their expensive colt scored a decisive win in the Group 2 $200,000 Seppelt Danehill Stakes (1200m) down the Flemington straight today.

Doubtland, above, scored a decisive win in the Danehill Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Steve Hart.

Doubtland, above, scored a decisive win in the Danehill Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Steve Hart.

Doubtland was well beaten when a first up fifth in the Group 3 $160,000 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on August 29 but the Hawkes Team of John, Wayne and Michael were confident that the Not A Single Doubt colt would bounce back to his best today.

“First up we went home and scratched our heads. We know he is good, he is very good,” Wayne Hawkes said.

“They just went so hard the other day and they ran home the last furlong in about 12, just chase, chase.”

“It is hard up the straight, you think they are not going quick. When you are watching it with the naked eye, it quite often looks like they are not going quick. When he got out, he put those ears back. He is a smart horse this horse.”

“You can never say never but that was his plan to run in Sydney and then come down for the Coolmore.”

“He was never gone but is now up and about. He is an expensive colt with a hell of a pedigree. He has two Golden Slipper winners in his pedigree. He is the real deal this bloke.

Doubtland is now on the third line of betting at $7 at Ladbrokes.com.au for the Group 1 $1.5m Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 31.

Perth’s super star jockey William Pike had Doubtland ($7) travelling in behind the pace and bided his time before securing a clear run to power to the line to record a three quarters of a lengths win over Amish Boy ($41).

The Leon and Troy Corstens trained Ranting ($13) wasn’t far away in third spot just ahead of the $4.20 favourite Prague.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.