Hawkes Racing has produced plenty of elite colts, but co-trainer Michael Hawkes says Nepotism is a standout.
The three-year-old resumes in Saturday’s Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill on a path towards the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m).
Nepotism’s bloodlines are impressive, related to All Too Hard, Ole Kirk, Divine Prophet and Star Turn, but Hawkes believes what sets him apart is raw ability.
“He’s a baby. He is maturing,” Hawkes said.
“He is different and different in a good way because what you saw was just raw ability.”
His only defeat came in the Todman Stakes (1200m)Baillieu (1400m) and Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m).
Stablemate Devil Night, a Blue Diamond winner, also lines up. He closed strongly for fifth in the San Domenico Stakes and could stretch to a Golden Rose or Caulfield Guineas tilt.
Nepotism has drawn barrier five, while Devil Night starts from gate one.