A longer-term plan will be at play when promising colt Theblade heads to an off-season race at Rosehill looking to keep his perfect record intact.
A dominant winner by almost six lengths on debut at Randwick’s Kensington track in August, The Team Hawkes three-year-old will resume in the Petaluma Handicap (1200m) at his home track on Saturday where he takes on fellow unbeaten prospect Private Harry.
While Theblade’s career got off to a belated start, co-trainer Michael Hawkes hoped the horse could add some experience to his resume over the summer ahead of an autumn carnival tilt.
“He was supposed to run at Warwick Farm as a two-year-old at the end of last season, but he got scratched at the barriers and everything turned to custard,” Hawkes said.
“He ended up winning as a three-year-old at Kensington. We were just trying to win a race, give him a short break, bring him back, give him a run or two, and then give him a short let-up and head towards the autumn.”
A son of Toronado, Theblade was successful on a soft 7 surface at his debut despite not being comfortable on the ground and Hawkes felt the likelihood of a good track at Rosehill would suit him.
“That’s why Tommy (Berry) got him to the outside and to the middle of the track, his wheels were actually spinning on the ground,”‘ Hawkes said of Theblade’s first start.
“But his class prevailed, and he ended up winning by a big margin.
“Saturday, it’s a lovely race – three-year-olds, 1200 metres, home track, small field.
“He’s working great and he is there to win. He has done everything right and I can’t fault him.”
Theblade will be one of four Rosehill runners for the stable along with Zondee in the Canadian Club Handicap (1500m), Catahoula in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1300m) and Scorch in the final race.
Hawkes says their remaining trio are in good shape and make each-way appeal.
“They are all running well and they’re all top three chances,” he said.
Theblade ($3.10) and Private Harry ($2.15) dominate markets for the Petaluma Handicap, while first-up Canterbury winner Scorch is regarded as the yard’s next best chance on Saturday at $6.50 with online betting sites.
