The word on street had been quite loud about this colt REMARQUE (Snitzel-Response) but we needed to see him on race day.
And we just did at Rosehill.
He certainly has raced his way into Gr 1 Golden Slipper contention now after an imposing win beating ZETHUS (Exceed And Excel-Melpomene) and SING A LOVE SONG (Your Song-Xaar’s Jewel).
Prior to today, Remarque had run in two barrier trials and run them with arrogance winning both cantering home. He suggested he was the real deal and today he has confirmed it.
Trained by Team Hawkes he bounced out nicely and quickly went forward to sit on the outside of the leader Hollywood Gossip but then when he wanted to, he cruised up and took the lead away at the 300m.
The very smart Godolphin youngster Zethus who was also on debut, made a mid-stretch charge but despite racing greenly Remarque just drew clear, toying in the end with his rivals.
“Lovely effort first time out,” said a relieved Michael Hawkes.
“To be fair, he got to the front too soon. But he’s a horse with a lot of talent and handled the occasion quite well.
“The pressure was on because there was lot’s of hype on the horse, and he paraded very good. He’s a lovely colt.”
He ran 1.04.64 and came home in 35.07sec.
He won by 2 lengths and started at $1.45.
“He did everything right until he turned but they did use me up early,” said rider Tommy Berry.
“He looked at the big screen and got a bit lost down the straight. Next time, if he draws better, hopefully he can sit back because that will suit him better.
“He’s a genuine Golden Slipper horse. Must have a big set of lungs because he didn’t even have a blow.”
Third home Sing A Love Song was strong late.
Both he and the runner-up who looks a genuine Gr 1 horse in the making himself, both went home their last 600m in fast time.
But they were beaten quiet comfortably by a very, very smart one in Remarque.
