The firepower of the Hawkes Racing team for the spring is undeniable and on Saturday alone, Lake Geneva and Messene will showcase their talents at Randwick, while star sprinter Chautauqua returns at Moonee Valley.
It is not grand final day by any means for any of the trio but co-trainer Michael Hawkes understands there is expectation on each of them. The Hawkes team has got used to scrutiny in the past month and Sooboog's win at Canterbury on Wednesday gave them reason to smile.
"Not many horses go out at $1.10 one start and then win at $9 at their next," Hawkes said. "There were reasons for what happened at Gosford, and we can't control what other people do.
"We try to look after our horses and Sooboog has got that win now, and will go forward.
"If you look at what we did with Rageese and Lake Geneva, it was similar in provincial maidens – get them a bit of confidence with a win and they will keep going forward."
Rageese will be seen next in the Golden Rose, while Lake Geneva steps out in the Furious Stakes on Saturday after running third in the Silver Shadow Stakes following a maiden win at Hawkesbury.
"She is going really well and has worked super since that last run," Hawkes said.
The underrated Messene will be having his third run back from a spell in the Tramway Quality and Hawkes is looking at the Epsom Handicap with him after running fifth in the Missile Stakes and third in the Warwick Stakes.
"I thought his run last time at weight-for-age was good and he is the fit horse [in the Tramway] and in nicely under the conditions," Hawkes said. "He has done everything right since last time."
Chautauqua will start his path towards the Hong Kong Internationals race in the McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley and is a $2.20 favourite.
