The John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes-trained Master Of Wine’s program will take in the G1 TAB Turnbull S. and while he isn’t well-placed by the conditions of the race, a bold showing is nevertheless anticipated.
The 6-year-old has two runs on his current campaign under his belt and the Turnbull will serve to have him at the very peak of his powers come Caulfield Cup day on October 17.
Master Of Wine is high up in the market on the fourth line of betting at $13 behind $9 current co-favourites Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Orderofthegarter (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).
“The Caulfield Cup is what he’s down here for – that’s his race,” Wayne Hawkes said.
“The Caulfield Cup is what he’s down here for – that’s his race.” – Wayne Hawkes
Master Of Wine has won five of his 17 starts, including the G3 Sky High S. and the Listed Tattersalls Cup and ended his last autumn campaign with a strong run for fourth in the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. in his first weight-for-age outing.
Following a break, he was unplaced in the G1 Winx S. over 1400 metres and then showed significant improvement over a mile when fourth and less than 2l off the winner Fierce Impact (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the G1 Makybe Diva S.
The conditions of the Turnbull may not be ideal, but the timing of the race is.
“He’s not well off under the set weights and penalties, but he’s going really well and the 2000 metres at Flemington will really suit him,” Hawkes said.
“Two weeks since his last race has been really great and I’ve got no complaints at all. He’s an easy horse to have around, he’s Joe Cool.”
Timing on their side
The stable also has a decent chance in the Sydney staying feature with a sense of timing about Zebrowski (NZ) (Savabeel) in the G1 Heineken Metropolitan H.
The 4-year-old is a dual winner and showed his staying potential when runner-up in the G1 Australian Derby off the back of a second in the G2 Tulloch S.
Zebrowski was unplaced in the G1 Winx S. when resuming over 1400 metres and was then unplaced in the G2 Chelmsford S. at 1600 metres. He got out to a more suitable 2000 metre distance in the G3 Kingston Town S. and finished a sound fourth.
“He drops in weight and he’ll sit further back than the other day and he’s some chance as well. I haven’t seen him because I can’t get up there, but they’ve said he’s done terrifically well,” Hawkes said.
“He drops in weight and he’ll sit further back than the other day and he’s some chance as well.” – Wayne Hawkes
Zebrowski was bred by Windsor Park Stud, who remains in the ownership group, and is from a family the stable knows intimately.
They won Group 2 races with half-brothers Polish Knight (NZ) (Encosta De Lago) and Leebaz (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and prepared half-sister Euro Angel (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) to win the G3 Ladies’ Day Vase. Their dam is the stakes winner Polish Princess (GB) (Polish Precedent {USA}).
The stable also has Rock (Pierro) in the G1 TAB Epsom H. and following his runaway victory in the G3 Cameron H. at his most recent appearance he presents among the leading prospects.
Team Hawkes will be chasing Group 1 success on consecutive weekends following the victory of Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon) in the G1 Golden Rose S., in which he narrowly defeated his stablemate North Pacific (Brazen Beau).
Ole Kirk will arrive in Melbourne next week to prepare for the G1 Caulfield Guineas.
Flemington, G1 TAB Turnbull S., $500,000, 2000m
Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) was a tenacious first-up winner of the G1 Winx S. and was then a close fourth in the G1 George Main S. This trip will suit the 5-year-old much better and she’s sure to be hard to hold out.
Master Of Wine (Ger) (Maxios {GB}) has improved with each outing this preparation and should be at the peak of his powers now. He made ground to finish fourth in the G1 Makybe Diva S. and the extra 400 metres will suit him perfectly.
Finche (GB) (Frankel {GB}) wasn’t far away when a resuming third in the G2 Chelmsford S. and he is much better-performed over middle distances. He is also a second-up winner to draw further attention to his chances.
Surprise Baby (NZ) (Shocking) opened his spring campaign when runner-up in the G3 Feehan S. and he will relish the rise in distance. He is also unbeaten in two second-up appearances and looks a major player.
Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}) is also better-suited to the 2000 metres and acts well at Flemington while his barnmate King Of Leogrance (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) is fresh and has been seen to winning advantage in that state in the past.
