The team Hawkes-trained Nepotism ($4) has circled all 11 rivals in stylish fashion to claim victory in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon.
The son of Brutal put the writing on the wall after a dominant victory in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m) last time out, with the two-year-old relishing the step-up to 1600m to claim back-to-back wins and a maiden Group 1 success.
It was a patient steer by Tyler Schiller, jagging back to the rear of the field after drawing out in barrier 11, allowing Nepotism to get into a rhythm as they approached half-way.
The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Bellazaine () was allowed to set a strong tempo early, while Spicy Lu ($11) was ridden up to hold a position after being slow away under Rachel King.
James McDonald was happy to smoke the pipe aboard State Visit () towards the rear of the field a pair in front of the eventual winner, while Within The Law () was heavily backed prior to the jump and appeared to settle nicely mid-field with cover.
It was Tommy Berry and Tupakara () hitting the front at the furlong pole as Within The Law charged to his outside, while Nepotism was launching down the centre of the course.
It was a three-way go as they passed the post, but Nepotism was simply too strong in the concluding stages, securing a dominant victory in the $1 million feature.
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes was on course to break down the win.
“He’s just a proper horse,” said Hawkes.
“When he was at the back and when they were running along I was thinking whether they were going hard enough.
“I said to Tyler (Schiller) that we’ll have to slice and dice and come through them. We came around the corner and I thought ‘is he going to get there’, but he has an exceptional turn-of-foot.
“Last to first, unbelievable.
“Dad won a Doncaster. Neil Werrett and his partners, they’ve been so patient. His win in the Baillieu was outstanding. We just love making colts.”
Tyler Schiller then spoke post-race.
“The tempo didn’t feel that strong to me from when I was at the 800,” said Schiller.
“I was ‘watching the bird fly in front of me’ and thought that we had left it too late.
“Michael said not to swoop them because we won’t win if we do. From the 600 (metre mark) I was waiting to cut the corner. Federalist was going nowhere in front of us but it was an incredible win.
“I feel like he peaked at the 100 but he had that tenacity to win. He’s a greedy colt and a really tough effort today.
“He’s a great colt and he picked up when I needed him to. He’s got a great will to win and a great tenacity. To get him to this trip so quickly, and through a couple of hot form races, he’s a great colt and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”
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