The rise of Laser Hawk continued at Rosehill on Saturday as the three-year-old made another step towards the Australian Derby with a first-up victory.

A half-brother to multiple Group One winner Desert War, Laser Hawk maintained his unbeaten record from three starts when he led all the way in the Quakers Inn Handicap (1500m).

Sent out the $2.35 favourite, the Gai Waterhouse-trained gelding comfortably held off Said Com ($2.40) by 1-1/4 lengths with a half-head to country gelding Merlin Mustang ($15).

Like Desert War, Laser Hawk carries the familiar black and red colours of Eduardo Cojuangco’s Gooree Pastoral Syndicate.

“He is really promising and this was a big step up in grade,” syndicate manager Andrew Baddock said.

“He is on a Derby campaign and will go to the Randwick Guineas next and then the Rosehill Guineas on the way.

“I think he will only get better as he goes up in distance.

“Being a half-brother to Desert War you would think that would be the case.

“He is a big boy and typical of the family.

“He’s probably more long and lean than Desert War and is very athletic.”

Other contenders for the 2400m Derby on April 14 will line up in next week’s Hobartville Stakes (1400m) ahead of the Group One Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 17.

While excited about the prospects of Laser Hawk, Baddock was also happy to report Desert War was enjoying his retirement at Gooree Stud.

“He is happy and fit at Gooree,” he said.

“He is out in a paddock looking after the weanlings and enjoying life.”