Regardless of his performance in Saturday’s Queensland Derby, Hawkspur has already fulfilled the expectations of trainer Chris Waller.
Hawkspur will make a clean sweep of the three-year-old stayer’s triple crown at the winter carnival if he wins the Derby at Eagle Farm following victories in the Rough Habit Plate and Grand Prix Stakes at his past two starts.
Hawkspur, Jim Cassidy - Photo by Steve Hart
Waller has always maintained the Rough Habit and Grand Prix were Hawkspur’s “grand finals” in Brisbane and regards the Derby as a “bonus”.
“Your job as a trainer is to win prize money and you’ve got to be realistic,” he said.
“Your lead-up races are good prize money-generating races.
“So our horses are realistically set for the semi-final or even earlier because you only need a bad draw, bad luck in running, or a wet track on grand final day and you’ve missed everything.”
Hawkspur ran second to Toydini in the Carbine Club at Randwick during a three-start autumn campaign but his form has blossomed in Brisbane.
“He’s thriving. Every preparation he’s got better as every run has gone on,” Waller said.
Waller has worked on maintaining Hawkspur’s fitness levels since the Grand Prix and is satisfied with the gelding’s condition.
“We’ve had him wound up for those first two and we’ve just backed off him to make sure he’s stayed the same for the last two weeks,” he said.
“I’m never too confident but all he’s done is win. That’s all you can do.”
Hawkspur has drawn barrier five in the Derby and is the $4.40 second favourite with Survived the $3.70 favourite.
“Drawn perfectly, he’s the benchmark horse,” Waller said.
Waller respects Queensland Oaks winner Gondokoro but isn’t overawed by her presence.
“All I can look at is my horse,” he said.
“Obviously she needs to be respected being an Oaks winner. Hopefully this year’s Oaks is inferior to the Derby.”
