Promising three-year-old Why So Hard faces a distance challenge in the Callander-Presnell, and while Michael Hawkes is quietly confident his charge can handle it, he’s surprised to see him open favourite.
The three-year-old resumed with an encouraging third to Satono Glow in the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on October 10, and will extend beyond that journey for the first time when he rises 400m to Saturday’s Listed Callander-Presnell (1600m).
Hawkes is the first to concede it’s not an ideal scenario, but he’s banking on Why So Hard’s laidback demeanour to help him make the distance leap.
“He’s jumping to a mile second-up from 1200, and it’s an ask, but the horse is good and I can’t fault him,” Hawkes said.
“It would be better if it was 14, but he’s such a relaxed horse, I don’t think it’s going to be an issue, albeit it’ a mile at Randwick. It is tough.
“He’s still learning. It’s only his third start in a race, but he’s drawn well enough and hopefully he can have a nice run in transit and really hit the line.”
Why So Hard’s nine rivals include the Chris Waller-trained Central Europe ($4), who returns to Sydney following a handy fourth behind Cox Plate fancy Warwoven in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m).
In light of that colt’s Group 1 form lines, and Central Europe’s experience at the journey, Hawkes isn’t sure how Why So Hard is a $2.70 favourite.
“I think it’s ridiculous, to be honest,” he said.
“But I can only have them right for the day. I can’t worry about prices.
“I don’t think he should be favourite, but I don’t set the markets. I can only train the horses.”
Interestingly, Hawkes Racing did something similar with Why So Hard’s sire, All Too Hard, who finished fifth to Pierro in the 2012 Run To The Rose (1200m) then stepped straight to a mile for the George Main Stakes where he was fourth to Shoot Out.
All Too Hard went on to claim that year’s Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and finish runner-up in Ocean Park’s Cox Plate (2040m).
Michael Hawkes believes Why So Hard is still at least six months away from hitting his straps, and will be a better horse again in the autumn.
He has a similar mindset with stablemate and Tapp-Craig winner Chuchichaschtli, who was originally under consideration for the Callander-Presnell before connections decided to spell her with a view to next year’s autumn carnival.
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