Racing
Hawkes colt fresh for Roman Consul test
‘Gentle giant’ Gallo Nero will be out to lay a spring carnival marker in the Roman Consul Stakes.
The only horse to have beaten star three-year-old Apocalyptic, Gallo Nero resumes in the Roman Consul Stakes at Rosehill on a long-term mission towards next year's Magic Millions carnival.
The Hawkes Racing colt edged out Apocalyptic at the latter's debut in December, the filly subsequently dominating Sydney's Princess Series with a clean sweep of the three races she contested, culminating in her Group 1 Flight Stakes victory last weekend.
Gallo Nero makes his seasonal return on Saturday following a juvenile campaign that included placings in the Magic Millions and Champagne Classics in Queensland before he finished down the track on a heavy surface in the BTC Sires' Produce Stakes.
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes is looking forward to seeing him back at the races and says the son of high-performing stallion Wootton Bassett has developed into a beautiful three-year-old.
"We've always had a high opinion of this horse. He won at Randwick and beat Apocalyptic that day and then went to the Magic Millions and ran a creditable race," Hawkes said.
"He has furnished into a lovely colt now. He has done everything right and he's a gentle giant, very placid. He's got a great attitude and good demeanour and he's in for a really good prep."
Gallo Nero will be conceding race fitness to his seven Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) rivals but Hawkes doesn't view that as a negative.
He says the horse has done sufficient groundwork to be in the finish, with improvement to come.
"I'm pretty comfortable with where he's at. He is forward enough," he said.
"He's going to improve through the prep, there is no doubt about that. Like all our horses do, they improve as they get into their routine and their preparations.
"He has had a good jump out at home, a great barrier trial and I'm looking forward to it."
The ultimate goal for Gallo Nero is the Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast in January but Hawkes says they are open to options between now and then and the horse's performance at Rosehill will help determine the path they take.
The stable will also have mares Gangsta Granny and Husk in The Nivison (1200m), the former having not raced since enduring a tough run on-speed when third to Manaal in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) four weeks ago.
Hawkes was careful to give her ample time to recover from that effort and is satisfied she is ready to give Saturday's race a shake while warning not to underestimate Husk.
"It looks a nice race (for Gangsta Granny) and she looks well placed. We can't fault her," he said.
"Husk is drawn a little bit awkwardly but she won well last start and was a bit unlucky first-up as well.
"She is actually in good form and I think she is a very nice lightweight chance."
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