Team Hawkes have again demonstrated their knack for successfully switching horses between states with Mr Mozart relishing a change of scenery in Sydney to capture the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes.
The three-year-old had failed to beat a rival home at his past two starts on good tracks in Melbourne but enjoyed the heavy conditions at Rosehill to lead throughout.
Fangirl was a $1.60 favourite to give Chris Waller his sixth successive win in the 1500m feature but never raised the hopes of her backers, finishing fourth and almost five lengths from the winner.
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes was thrilled to see Mr Mozart turn things around after the Snitzel colt showed promise in the spring, winning a Listed race and finishing a narrow second in the Stutt Stakes at The Valley.
“He’s always had the ability and he was probably a bit stiff not to win at Moonee Valley that night,” Hawkes said.
“He’s been a bit up and down, a bit hot and cold.
“It was a beautifully judged ride today, he got out in front and he just loves to run. It’s a great form turnaround.”
Hawkes said they would consider backing up Mr Mozart at the Golden Slipper meeting next weekend but would see how the horse came through Saturday’s run before making any decisions.
“If he didn’t perform today, it was probably going to be curtains,” Hawkes said.
“He is now a Group Two winner and he’s well bred. I’m just happy he has won.”
Tommy Berry said Fangirl was disadvantaged by the tempo of the race.
“Just the sit and sprint didn’t suit her,” Berry said.
Mr Mozart ($10) ran out a comfortable two-length winner over Never Been Kissed ($10), who tried hard, with Character ($26) three-quarters of a length away third.
