John O’Shea and Tom Charlton are hoping for a berth for newcomer Sam Hawkens in the Parramatta Cup, while fellow Sydney Cup aspirant gelding Athabascan has secured his spot in the lineup.
Previously under the care of William Haggas, Sam Hawkens sits as the first emergency for the 1900-metre highlight on Saturday, and Charlton is eager to launch his preparation following impressive gate workouts.
“From the start of the week, it looked like every horse above him was going to accept and that’s how it has panned out,” Charlton said.
“It is what it is. If he gets a run, he’ll run really well.
“He is an absolute gentleman and he’s a horse we really like.”
A European victor over distances up to 2800m, Sam Hawkens’ sole Australian outing came in the St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick last spring, where he was unplaced despite starting favourite.
That marked his last start for Haggas prior to transferring to the O’Shea-Charlton operation, followed by a period to adjust to Australian conditions.
The five-year-old has shown impressive zest in his two latest trials, and although the Sydney Cup (3200m) represents his long-term aim, Charlton anticipates a strong showing on debut for the stable.
“His best form in England was over a mile-and-a-half plus, so for him to trial sharply is great,” he said.
“His riders, James (McDonald) and Zac (Lloyd), have been quite complimentary and are saying he’ll be competitive over a mile.
“That gives us confidence he has come back well and he’s going to be a horse for the future, especially when he gets out over a trip.”
Barn companion Athabascan is likewise targeting the Sydney Cup (3200m) this autumn, with his team aiming for success on the third attempt after a runner-up effort to Circle Of Fire in 2023 and a fifth placing behind Arapaho last year.
“He seems as enthusiastic and happy as ever,” Charlton said of Athabascan.
“He will improve from the run, but he can run a solid race and hopefully set himself up for some races down the line.”
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