Michael Hawkes has compared Remarque to grand sprinter Chautauqua in terms of natural ability but says a number of issues have prevented him from realising his potential – until now.
The five-year-old has put his hand up for a slot in The Everest with an against-the-odds win in Saturday’s Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick as Australian racing darlings Nature Strip and Eduardo failed to feature.
Eduardo led and kicked at the top of the straight but was overhauled late, jockey Nash Rawiller claiming he felt something was wrong with the 10-year-old’s action late.
Nature Strip had a tough run and didn’t show his usual dash with trainer Chris Waller and his owners announcing later in the afternoon that he had run his last race.
“I’m announcing his retirement on behalf of the owners,” Waller said.
“He’s just been an amazing horse and everything he does he does to the best of his ability, even today, he was prepared well, he came to the race sound, he was trialling well.
“There has been no indication that race ability’s not there, but he wasn’t the same horse in the race today.”
While the Concorde heralded the end of the Nature Strip era, a new star burst onto the scene in the form of Remarque.
After having to be re-shod behind the barriers before the race, Remarque ($4.40) took the delay in his stride, overcoming a wide run and fending off the late finish of In Secret ($4) by a short neck with Bella Nipotina ($6) also prominent, another long head away third.
It was a satisfying victory for co-trainer Hawkes who said he had never lost faith in the horse.
“He’s had his fair share of issues, he’s had a throat issue, he’s been gelded,” Hawkes said.
“No doubt, if he hadn’t had these issues, he’s in the Chautauqua bracket.
“He’s not there in the coat yet either and he’s going to improve out of sight.”
Remarque will have his next start in The Shorts and longer-term, connections are hoping he can claim an Everest slot.
“The big one’s there, of course you’re interest. If you’re not interested, you’re mad,” Hawkes said.
“The next step is The Shorts for him and we’re heading in that direction.”
Apprentice Zac Lloyd was thrilled with the performance of In Secret, who steamed to the line at her first 1000m test.
“The last 100 metres was phenomenal. She is on track for the preparation. That was awesome,” Lloyd said.
