It’s not often Hector Fawley draws an inside box. In fact, Thursday night was the first time this year that he has come up with an inside draw.
Wearing the red rug and lining up for his middle-distance debut, Hector Fawley left nothing up to chance.
He set Sandown Park alight and stopped the clock at a staggering 33.64s – making him the third fastest to ever complete the 595m trip.
When Succeed (who recorded a 33.80s win just four days earlier) hit the front early, many thought the race was over. Hector Fawley stuck to the task, found the rail and exploded off the back.
He finished two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Succeed who crossed the line in 33.80s for the second run in a row.
Trainer Lisa Cockerell was pleasantly surprised.
“We didn’t think he would be that quick for his first time over the 595m,” said Cockerell.
“(Box draws) have been frustrating. We seem to keep drawing out in the car park, so it was nice to finally get somewhere near the rail.
“When he had the red, we were hoping he would be able to stay to the rail and show us what he can actually do.”
The win has left the Cockerell clan questioning which distance Hector Fawley is best suited.
His quick 10.71s run home suggests he could be a strong Sandown Cup contender next month.
“We’re not 100 percent sure yet (on whether Hector Fawley will go for the Sandown Cup). We might stick at 595m for a couple more starts then see where he goes from there.”
The strong performances didn’t end there.
Just as we finished taking in Hector Fawley’s run, Black Sail cut loose in the following race.
Known for his slow starts but powerful mid-race splits, Black Sail surprised everyone when he took the lead from Box 1.
He finished in 29.19s, making a big statement ahead of next month’s Harrison-Dawson series.
Trainer Ned McDonald was relieved to see his boy jump well.
“He’s a fast dog but he always lacks a little bit early. Tonight he put it all together and got it right.
“(The Harrison-Dawson) will probably be where we head. We might keep him over 500m while he’s going good.”
Later in the night star sprinter Baby Jaycee completely a successful return home after finishing second in the Golden Easter Egg earlier this month.
She reeled in a valiant My Neo to win the ANZAC Appeal Cup.
Those on track shared a special moment prior to the running of the race with an ANZAC ceremony joined by guests from the Noble Park RSL.
Click here for last night’s results.
Lisa Cockerell after Hector Fawley’s historic win
Ned McDonald after Black Sail’s 29.19s win
A special moment prior to the running of the Anzac Appeal Cup.
