Team Hawkes decision to dodge the wet track in Sydney paid dividends with Zephyron scoring a clear cut win in the Group 3 $125,000 Channel Seven Premier’s Cup (2200m) at Doomben today.
Zephyron will head to the Brisbane Cup after winning the Premier's Cup at Doomben. Photo by Daniel Costello.
Zephyron was also an acceptor for the Listed $100,000 W J McKell Cup (2400m) at Randwick but when it looked as though it was going to be wet, Team Hawkes headed to Doomben where the track was rated a Good 3.
Glen Boss settled Zephyron ($4) back in the field and let the five year old explode on the scene at the 300m and coasted to the line to score by three quarters of a length from the Bart and James Cummings trained Precedence ($6) and last start Doomben winner Pretty Pins ($7) running for third.
The Chris Waller trained Danchai ($3.50) was sent out the favourite but after racing midfield faded in the straight to finish tenth.
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes is happy with the way that Zephyron has progressed this campaign and was pleased to see him handle the step up to 2200m.
“It’s just about getting the horse relaxed. First time at 2200m,” Michael Hawkes said.
“Today he got into the right position, Bossy rode him very well, he idled down late on the line, onwards and upwards.”
“This bloke was accepted in the McKell but we decided to bring him here, he’s got black type winning this race.”
Zephyron will head back to Sydney early in the week and a wet track is the only thing that will stop Hawkes from coming back to Brisbane for the Group 2 $300,000 Brisbane Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm in a fortnight.
“If all is going well and the track is dry he will be coming back for the Brisbane Cup. All going well and the weather is fine he will be here but if it is wet then I’ll scratch him and put him in the paddock.”
Boss has no concerns of Zephyron running out a strong 2400m of the Brisbane Cup after he had trouble pulling the gelding up after the race.
“I couldn’t pull him up. All he wanted to do was keep galloping after the line, so that will be the natural progression for him. He is a young horse on the way up,’ Boss said.
“There is absolutely no reason why he wouldn’t go there and be hard to beat.”
“He is an exciting staying prospect this bloke.”
“He gave me a lovely ride. I had to press the button a bit early, I didn’t want to go that early but I had nothing to take me forward into the race.”
“He was electric when I pushed it.”
Runner up Precedence also put in a great Brisbane Cup trial and will be at his peak in two weeks after doing his best work at the end of the 2200m today.
