Michael Hawkes, trainer of the promising colt Why So Hard, has voiced his surprise at his charge being installed as the favourite for the Callander-Presnell, despite the distance query.
The three-year-old made a solid return to racing, finishing third behind Satono Glow in the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on October 10. Now, he is set to tackle his first attempt at a mile in Saturday’s Listed Callander-Presnell (1600m), a considerable 400-metre increase in trip.
Hawkes readily admits the distance is a significant question mark, but he is optimistic that Why So Hard’s placid nature will aid him in making the leap.
“He’s jumping to a mile second-up from 1200, and it’s an ask, but the horse is good and I can’t fault him,” Hawkes commented.
“It would be better if it was 14, but he’s such a relaxed horse, I don’t think it’s going to be an issue, albeit it’ a mile at Randwick. It is tough.
“He’s still learning. It’s only his third start in a race, but he’s drawn well enough and hopefully he can have a nice run in transit and really hit the line.”
Among the nine horses lining up against Why So Hard is Chris Waller’s contender, Central Europe. This colt returns to Sydney following a respectable fourth place in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m), behind the highly-rated Warwoven.
Given the colt’s Group 1 form and Central Europe’s proven record at the distance, Hawkes questions the logic behind Why So Hard’s $2.70 favourite status.
“I think it’s ridiculous, to be honest,” he admitted.
“But I can only have them right for the day. I can’t worry about prices.
“I don’t think he should be favourite, but I don’t set the markets. I can only train the horses.”
It is worth noting that Hawkes Racing employed a similar tactic with Why So Hard’s sire, All Too Hard. He finished fifth in the 2012 Run To The Rose (1200m) before immediately stepping up to a mile for the George Main Stakes, where he finished fourth.
All Too Hard went on to win that year’s Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and finished second in Ocean Park’s Cox Plate (2040m).
Michael Hawkes believes Why So Hard is still approximately six months away from reaching his peak, with his best performances expected in the autumn.
He holds a similar view for stablemate Chuchichaschtli, the winner of the Tapp-Craig. Although initially considered for the Callander-Presnell, connections opted to spell her with the autumn carnival in mind.
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