An outside barrier was Michael Hawkes’ one reservation ahead of Why So Hard’s Randwick debut, but the two-year-old has been good enough to overcome it, powering home for a convincing win that has the stable optimistic for his future.
A son of Hawkes Racing’s former top galloper All Too Hard, the hulking youngster started a $5 equal favourite in Saturday’s Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1100m) and was given a patient ride by Tyler Schiller.
Knuckling down in the straight, he overhauled Seductra ($26) by a half-neck, with the desperately unlucky Krasina ($5.50) another short neck away third.
Why So Hard had impressed winning two recent barrier trials and only his wide gate had Hawkes hedging his bets.
“I said to the owners that if he drew one to five I thought he’d just win,” Hawkes said.
“Drawing an awkward barrier just makes it a bit harder, we’re going to have to let the speed go and get back.
“Tyler has ridden him perfectly. He’s got the right run, he’s hit the line well. He is still learning, he’s a baby and he’s got a lot of upside.”
A $140,000 Inglis Classic Sale purchase, Why So Hard is likely to be given a break with Hawkes adamant he will be a much better next preparation.
“He’s a big, rangey sort of horse. He’s a work in progress. If you look at him, he’s more like a three-year-old,” Hawkes said.
“It’s off-season, but you’ve still got to win, and he’s done a good job. He’s going to be a really nice horse.”
Schiller concurred, saying Why So Hard reminded him of two-time Group 1-placed stablemate Swiftfalcon, who scored his maiden win at a similar time of year in 2024.
“Just his build, his demeanour. He is very chilled and easy to ride, although he’s probably got a little bit more speed than Swiftfalcon,” Schiller said.
“If he strengthens up a bit, he’s going to be a lovey ‘fourteen’ (1400m), miler. He has a lot of scope about him.”
