Hartnell has reaffirmed his place as one of Australia’s premier weight-for-age horses with a last-stride win in the Group One C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield.
Coming from midfield under jockey Craig Williams, Hartnell ($6) reached the lead in the dying stages to beat Caulfield Cup runner-up Single Gaze ($19) and Brave Smash ($9.50) in a blanket finish.
Trainer James Cummings says Hartnell could return to Godolphin’s Sydney stable to be prepared for a clash with Winx in the Group One Chipping Norton Stakes at Randwick next month.