Track gallop with winner strong pointer that Hawk can fly again at Awapuni on Saturday

A strong track gallop with a subsequent winner has given trainer Peter Didham confidence that Fabian Hawk can continue his excellent form at Awapuni on Saturday.

Fabian Hawk, winner of three of his last four starts, and a clear $2.80 favourite for the eighth race, worked on a par with Matthew Eales’ Durham Lad on the course proper last week, sprinting home in 37.6, his track rider reporting the horse felt extra good.

So when Durham Lad came out at Hastings last weekend and trounced the open sprinters over 1200 metres, it augured well for the staying tyro Fabian Hawk.

“He always works strongly but she said he felt really well in that gallop,” Didham said.

“Normally horses have only so many good runs in them until they get tired but his work’s been that good I’m happier now than before his previous runs.”

Fabian Hawk will be having only his sixth run this prep and has handled varying wet ground in each of his three wins, leaving Didham unconcerned about the expected holding ground on Saturday.

The track rating was a heavy 10 this morning but with a clear forecast until the weekend, Didham says it can’t help but be holding.

“I think his run when it was loose was more impressive but he’s been fine with it puggy.”

It’s been a month since Fabian Hawk last raced, when he easily put away a similar rating 75 field at Awapuni, carrying 57.5kg.

On Saturday he stays in the same grade but goes up 2kg, Didham opting not to claim, unlike the four horses around him in the handicap.

“Parkes is one of the best and the horse has carried weight before and it hasn’t worried him.”

In his last four starts, the four-year-old has lumped 57.5kg, 59kg, 59kg and 69kg (in a highweight).

“Sure, claiming will help the others but Parkesy knows him well now and there’s plenty of time to carry light weights in open races later on.”

While Fabian Hawk has led in his last two wins, Didham can see the likelihood of the horse being able to take a trail on Saturday.

“I can see a fair bit of pace in the race - Billy Boy, Kingfisher Lad and Kahu Rock all like to race on the speed - and there could be a lot more pressure early and down the back.

“It’s up to Johnny but it would be nice at some stage for the horse to learn to settle as he can’t always be in front. He’s got a really good turn of foot.”

While a couple of attempts to buy the horse came to nought in recent weeks, Didham says he’s happy to keep him, especially with stake money about to increase after the Entain deal.

“And he’s still six months away from his peak. He’s 16.2 and lightly framed and that’s why he does virtually nothing for a week after each race and then we build him up like an English stayer.

“He’s done very well since his last start and should go well again.”