The impressive racing pedigree of former sprint champion Black Caviar shone through at the Randwick midweek meeting, with her granddaughter, Ready Forcocktails, achieving a decisive maiden victory.
The Hawkes stable, represented by John, Wayne, and Michael Hawkes, had the three-year-old Ready Forcocktails in peak condition for her fourth career start and second run this campaign, following a second-place finish to Celestial Charm on the Kensington track last month.
Winning jockey Tyler Schiller spoke positively about the filly’s inherent talent, which had been evident on the training tracks, and expressed his satisfaction with her breakthrough win.
“She has always shown so much at home, so we expected a bit before this run,” Schiller said. “But obviously, she ran into a nice enough two-year-old last start and last ‘prep’, she didn’t have a couple of things go her way. Today, she has found the right race to get a bit of confidence under the belt.”
Ready Forcocktails, the $3.20 favourite, launched a strong sprint when asked by Schiller to win the TAB Plate (1150m) by three lengths from Claudel ($4.60). Sorentina ($18) finished a further three-quarters of a length behind in third.
Schiller commented that the winner was suited by the genuine tempo of the race and maintained her strong run right to the finish.
“She lobbed in a lovely spot, and the pace was nice today,” he commented. “The other day it was a touch steady for her, but very happy with the way she has put them away.”
The two-year-old filly Consulate also marked a significant moment, securing her first city win in the Robrick Lodge Plate (1250m).
Chris Waller’s assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, shared that the stable had held a high opinion of the juvenile’s half-brother, Battuta, which was a key reason for their acquisition of the filly at the Easter sales.
“It’s a bit of a relief really. We had the half-brother called Battuta, who showed a lot of early promise and that was a good reason behind purchasing this filly at the Easter sales,” Duckworth said. “Unfortunately, he didn’t quite work out, but she looks like she is. Hopefully she can go on with the task now. Over further, she is going to be better suited.”
Starting as the $2.60 favourite, Consulate surged past a game Castelbella ($12), with her stablemate Snitzel’s Girl ($6.50) filling the third position.
Ready Forcocktails showed great promise, and punters are keen to get involved with the best betting sites for the upcoming races. Check out sports betting options now.