Godolphin gelding Hartnell has extended his terrific record with a third win at the highest level in this afternoon’s Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
Hartnell resumed for a dominant win in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes over course and distance in spring and he was subsequently our tip to win this race, given his terrific fresh record and proven ability here.
Slightly fractious in the gates prior to jump, Hartnell found an ideal position in transit behind the pace from his wide draw; allowing Thronum, Lord Of The Sky and Tosen Stardom to set the tempo when the field finally settled at the turn.
Jockey Craig Williams went for the whip when the field began to turn for home and it proved decisive as Hartnell put himself into the race and mustered a big turn of foot; flying home alongside a wall of horses and beating Single Gaze, Brave Smash and Thronum in a photo.
Williams’ ride was again the difference in Hartnell winning the CF Orr Stakes and the leading hoop was pleased to pilot the horse to another Group 1 win.
“When he walked into the yard he just looked fantastic and I spoke to James (Cummings) leading into the race and he was really happy with the way he was,” Williams said after the race.
“Kerrin McEvoy trialled him up in Sydney and he said he went really well with no pressure.
“The race actually didn’t work out right for him. He just got a little bit upset in the gates before they released us and he went back and was slow and around the bend he really didn’t turn at all and I was quite worried about him.
“I had to be firm with him a fair way out and thank goodness he lifted, the quality of horse he is, so it’s great and I’ve got nothing in my boots, so it’s even better!”
Cummings was thrilled with Hartnell’s performance to win the CF Orr Stakes first-up and he revealed another match-race with Winx in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) may be on the cards next.
“He’s an absolute pleasure to train and he has to be up there with the best horses that Sheikh Mohammad has ever had in training in Australia,” he said.
“The is the horse’s third Group 1 since arriving here, but of course he’s been facing some pretty smart horses these last few seasons and it is just amazing to see him produce such a big effort like that.
“When you think about how hard it is to win Group 1s and how rarely you win them when they have to do it so tough like that from wide barriers, the horse dug so deep.
“I had a funny feeling that if he was to return as good as that, then maybe we could target a Chipping Norton with him second-up. We’d have the fit horse on the scene.
“The horse does sprint well fresh and I do like the idea of keeping him fresh, but he won’t lock anything in today.”
Hartnell has posted a career total of twelve wins and thirteen minors through thirty-eight starts.