Hawkes runners Master Of Wine and Doubtland are set to line up at Flemington on Saturday, seeking improved performances as they progress in their spring campaigns.
Both gallopers have had lofty expectations placed upon them, but they were unable to produce strong performances first up in Sydney.
Master Of Wine was the 2020 Caulfield Cup favourite prior to his run in the Winx Stakes, but has since eased to $15 for the spring feature, with Doubtland also drifting in markets for the Golden Rose and the 2020 Caulfield Guineas after his disappointing first up run.
Watch: Master Of Wine finish back in the field in the Winx Stakes.
Verry Elleegant wins a thrilling Group 1 Winx Stakes! Another ripping ride from @mcacajamez and only fitting @cwallerracing takes it home again. pic.twitter.com/p6XfdMh4b1
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 22, 2020
Master Of Wine will head to the 2020 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), with Hawkes telling RSN that he believes Flemington will suit the talented six-year-old, as well as having a fitness edge against some other runners in the field, like rising star Russian Camelot.
“He’s great, he’s done terrific, he’s travelled down well. Everything is hunky-dory, he worked well this morning,” Hawkes told RSN.
“I can’t wait to see him in a mile at Flemington.”
“It’s going to be a great race on Saturday, there’s some good horses running.”
“He’s already had one run first-up under his belt so that’s always going to put you in good stead as opposed to another horse that is running first-up.”
Doubtland will line up in the 2020 Danehill Stakes (1200m) with the Hawkes camp to decide his path after Saturday’s run, with the first up disappointment puzzling the camp.
Watch: Anders get the better of Doubtland in the San Domenico Stakes.
What a performance from Anders! The sustained speed was seriously impressive to take out the TAB San Domenico for @cmaherracing! pic.twitter.com/lAJE1yBYJ0
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 29, 2020
“I don’t know what to make of his run the other day.”
“He (Anders) ran them off their legs.”
“He worked amazing this morning. He’s a great track worker and that’s what he did this morning.”
