3 minute read

Progressive stayer Hawkspur has assumed favouritism for the Group 1 Queensland Derby following his impressive performance to salute in the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes at Doomben this afternoon.

Having proven too good in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate last start the son of Purrealist relished the extra trip and helped Jim Cassidy land his second feature race of the day.

Slotting in beautifully just off the speed, Cassidy was again at his brilliant best when going for home early in the straight kicking clear to score comfortably from the Mike Moroney trained Rhythm To Spare with the David Payne trained Honorius finishing third.

"I dug him out from the rails draw to hold my spot and about 600m from home I came off the fence and went for it on the corner and made them chase," Cassidy said.

"Not a lot of them can run a strong 2200 and this guy [Hawkspur] can run a mile-and-a-half."

Having proved a revelation this preparation, Cassidy was full of praise for Chris Waller.

"It was a good win and a great training performance from Chris [Waller]," Cassidy said.

"Getting up over a trip I think has really helped him, I thought the wet track might have flattened him last week but he's improved and is turning into a nice staying horse."