Hawkshot explosive in Autumn Stakes win

Hawkshot emerged as a genuine Australian Guineas chance with his explosive win at Caulfield.

Lindsay Park has added to its Australian Guineas arsenal following the impressive all-the-way win of stable newcomer Hawkshot in the Autumn Stakes at Caulfield.

Hawksot arrived at Lindsay Park’s Euroa stable earlier in the week, a transferee from disqualified trainer Darren Weir.

Lindsay Park became the third stable to win with former Weir-trained horses after Yogi won for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and Nature Strip scoring for Chris Waller.

Hawkshot was explosive in winning Saturday’s Group Two race over 1400m with jockey Mark Zahra declaring the 1600m of the Australian Guineas at Flemington on March 2 won’t pose a problem.

“Weiry and I spent four runs riding him quietly getting him to relax,” Zahra said.

“He’s with Lindsay Park now and we took him straight to the front. He relaxed beautifully and was never going to lose.

“The mile won’t be any issue.”

Sent off a $6.50 chance, Hawkshot kicked clear on straightening in recording a 3-3/4 length win from Deal Maker ($6.50) with another former Weir runner Ringerdingding ($4.60) a length away third.

Co-trainer Ben Hayes said the stable relied heavily on Zahra as they endeavour to learn more about the gelding.

“It was important the input from Mark as the horse has only been in our yard since Monday,” Hayes said.

“He came to us looking a million dollars and he ran very well and on that he looks a genuine chance in the Guineas.”

Hawkshot had his price slashed from $26 to $8 and will be joined on a Guineas path by Lindsay Park stablemates Good ‘N’ Fast, eighth on Saturday, Mickey Blue Eyes and More Sundays.