David Hayes-trained Hawkie Star may not have had the ideal start to his career when withdrawn at the barrier when he was found to be lame prior to his scheduled debut, but that was all put well behind him when winning a turf trial at Sha Tin yesterday.
The son of young Danehill stallion Dangerous displayed good gate speed and kept on well in the 800 metres trial, clocking 44.4 seconds.
He clearly knows his job very well, and although he has had an interrupted preparation, it certainly hasn't done him any harm and is one to keep safe when he steps out for the first time.
In the same trial, John Size's Prime Delight travelled strongly on the bridle for Douglas Whyte. The International Sale graduate was inclined to hang in slightly, but is definitely a nice mover and there is plenty of scope for improvement.
Whyte won the opening heat with Natural Blitz, who, not surprisingly, led from start to finish. It was a solid piece of work and he is working better than he was going into his last race behind Silent Witness.
David Hall and Brett Prebble won the second all-weather trial with Upbeat, and there was plenty to like about the manner in which he went to the wire. He soon landed in the lead after jumping from the stalls, and led the field for the duration. He has done very well since joining Hall and has strengthened-up.
Tony Millard has a nice griffin with Calcando, who took out the third trial when clocking 46.2 seconds in 800m.
