Stablemates Strindberg and Himalaya Dream have bounced back from poor last-start performances to give Hawkes Racing an early double at Rosehill.
Both were ridden in contrasting styles by Tommy Berry on Saturday with Strindberg held up to make a sustained run in the straight in the Spark Of Life Handicap (1100m) while Himalaya Dream led all the way in the Ranvet Handicap (1500m).
Himalaya Dream
A $500,000 yearling, three-year-old Strindberg could now step up to stakes class during the autumn carnival after chasing down Redzel to win by a neck.
“There is a lot of upside to him,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.
“Tommy didn’t panic. He let him balance up and relax.
“It’s no secret I wasn’t happy with his last ride and he rode him perfectly today.”
Berry also earned praise for his ride on Himalaya Dream who sported a nose roll and a set of ear muffs in his three-quarter length win over Maurus.
“Tommy rated him well in front and that’s the best way to ride him,” Hawkes said.
The six-year-old is a former French horse and came to Australia to be trained by John O’Shea.
The Hawkes stable inherited Himalaya Dream when O’Shea took up the position as private trainer for Godolphin.
