The 2015 Stan Fox Stakes has drawn just six runners and Wayne Hawkes believes that Press Statement and Rageese are clearly the two horses to beat in the Group 2 event at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Tommy Berry has been booked to ride Rageese in the 2015 Stan Fox Stakes at Rosehill Gardens this weekend. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Rageese started his 2015 Spring Racing Carnival campaign with a fourth place finish in the Listed The Rosebud (1200m) at Royal Randwick on August 8 and he recorded his maiden race win at Wyong on August 30 before he finished fourth behind Exosphere in the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on September 12.
The Street Cry colt beat Press Statement home in the Golden Rose Stakes, but Hawkes admits that Press Statement is deserving of his status as a short-priced favourite in the Stan Fox Stakes this weekend.
“It has fallen apart that race,” Hawkes said.
“It is a field of six and Press Statement is obviously the one to beat.
“He came out on us the other day and Brenton Avdulla shoved him back in on the corner.
“Nothing is ever a two horse race, but you think these two have got it at their mercy.”
Team Hawkes have previously won the Stan Fox Stakes with Octagonal (1995), Lonhro (2001), Rare In Sight (2002), Lightning Star (2003) and Paratroopers (2005), while Lonhro went on to take out the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) a week later.
Hawkes is hopeful that Rageese can replicate that feat and he confirmed that the three-year-old would head to Melbourne for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 10 after he runs in the Stan Fox Stakes this weekend.
“It is a great race the Stan Fox, we have won it many a year with many a good horse,” Hawkes said
“It is a great Sydney lead-up to the Caulfield Guineas and it will sort Rageese out for the Caulfield Guineas.”
Rageese is currently available at 2015 Stan Fox Stakes odds of $5.50 with Ladbrokes, while Group 1 winner Press Statement ($1.40) is a dominant favourite from Up And Coming Stakes winner Shards ($7.50), Bruce Hill-trained Man Of His Word ($17), talented filly Fireworks ($21) and extreme outsider Winning Accord ($51).
