A Group Three win has reinforced the quality of Entirely Platinum but the Hawkes camp is keeping a lid on further autumn expectations.
The four-year-old took his step up to stakes company with confidence, dispatching a field of more seasoned campaigners in Saturday’s Sky High Stakes (1900m).
Two recent wins were not enough to earn him favouritism with Prince Cheri and Diametric at $4 and Entirely Platinum a $4.40 chance.
The equal favourites were among those left in Entirely Platinum’s wake as Corey Brown steered him to a 1-1/4 length win over Midsummer Sun ($21) with Desert Jeuney ($18) another head away third.
Entirely Platinum has had just 11 starts, winning five.
“He is still learning,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.
“The owners paid half a million dollars for him and have been very patient.
“Today was a test to see if he was up to the company. We had no doubt he could run the distance. That was never a factor.”
Hawkes said there were several options over 2000 metres in coming weeks but they would not be aiming too high.
“We have a lot of choices,” he said.
“We will let the dust settle first.”
Brown, who made a flying visit from his Singapore base to ride at Rosehill, agreed with Hawkes’ assessment.
“He is a lovely horse but he is still a baby,” Brown said.
“He will measure up to the really good ones next time around.
“It’s just great to get back home and ride a winner for the Hawkes team.”
