Lloyd Williams struck early at Flemington’s spring carnival opener on Saturday as Fawkner romped to an effortless win in the Sofitel Stakes.
Ridden by Nicholas Hall, the $9 chance justified Williams’ decision to keep him in his high-profile stable as he strolled to a four-length victory over Testascana ($31) with Playright ($26) a head back third.
Fawkner winning the The Sofitel at Flemington - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
Williams’s son Nick said Fawkner had now given a strong hint of spring promise after returning from a spell.
“He’s good this horse, he’s obviously come back well,” he said.
“He had an interrupted autumn. We wanted to give him a kill before we put him out and he’s obviously come back bigger and better.”
Fawkner is by the impressive stallion Reset, which was unbeaten in five starts for the Williams family, winning two Group One wins in the Australian Guineas and the Futurity Stakes in 2004.
“We always thought a lot of him, he’s a half-brother to (Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate entry) Tanby and of course he’s by Reset which holds a pretty special place in our hearts,” Nick Williams said.
“The mare that he’s out of, Dane Belltar, is a good mare and having Tanby gives us some insight into him.
“He probably would have been in one of our sales if it wasn’t for Tanby because it has shown that the progeny certainly get better with age.
“Hopefully he can go forward and do something good over the spring.”
