The 2014 Doncaster Mile odds of Hawkspur have shortened significantly since the barrier draw was conducted on Tuesday and the talented gelding is now available at a quote of $9.50 to take out the time-honored race at Royal Randwick this weekend.
Trainer Chris Waller rates Hawkspur one of his best winning chances in the 2014 Doncaster Mile at Royal Randwick this weekend. Photo by: Steve Hart
Hawkspur was available at Doncaster Mile odds of $13 when the final field was released earlier this week, but his price was immediately shortened after he received barrier eight and he has received plenty of betting support in the past 24 hours.
The Purrealist gelding started his autumn preparation with a disappointing performance in the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 8 before returning to his best form with a third place finish in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm on March 8 and an unlucky third in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 22.
Trainer Chris Waller has been delighted with the performance of Hawkspur in his past two runs and believes that the four-year-old is an excellent chance of replicating the feat of Rangirangdoo, who took out the 2010 Doncaster Mile after running well in the Ranvet Stakes in the lead-up to the race.
“He is going outstanding,” Waller said.
“His run in the Ranvet was good and it has been a good preparation for us in the past.
“I think that he is going to run the race of his life.
“The mile is a bit short, but he has drawn well, he has a confident jockey and he handles all conditions.”
Another promising stayer that Waller has set for a tilt at the Doncaster Mile is talented mare Royal Descent, who drifted out to 2014 Doncaster Mile odds after she drew barrier 20 for the $3 million event this weekend.
Waller admits that the Redoute’s Choice mare will need plenty of luck from the outside gate, but believes that she has the talent to score her first win at Group 1 level since she took out the Australian Oaks (2400m) in dominant fashion just under a year ago.
“It is an awkward gate,” Waller said.
“I don’t think that you can sit wide with a medium weight and win.
“We will need a bit of luck and hopefully luck is on our side.
“She is clear good enough, her runs have been good, and she has been set for the race as well.
“Fingers crossed for some luck.”
Messene ($4.60) remains a narrow favourite in 2014 Doncaster Mile betting markets, but there has been plenty of support for Waller-trained Weary who is now into odds of $6.50.
