After taking out the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m) aboard Terra Mater earlier in the day, Nash Rawiller added another black-type win to the resume, with Here To Shock ($2.80) claiming victory in the Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1400m) at Newcastle on Friday afternoon.
The team Hayes-trained seven-year-old had proven to be a model of consistency during the winter months and returned in superb order first-up despite being headed by Another Wil in a BM100 at Caulfield on August 31.
The son of Shocking was expertly ridden by Rawiller, holding a position outside the leader throughout the 1400m journey to take all luck out of the equation aboard the well-supported favourite.
The Sara Ryan-trained Matcha Latte ($9.50) was the one trying to make-all under Regan Bayliss, and showed plenty of fight in the final 400m, considering he was first-up after a lengthy 538-day spell.
Berkshire Shadow ($11.00) was gallant sitting on a three-wide line throughout, while Robusto ($13.00) showed a promising turn-of-speed for new trainer Bjorn Baker, but they were simply making up the numbers as the top two cleared out in the home straight.
The pair sat down to battle out the finish, and while the 5kg swing in the weights appeared to be taking its toll, favourite backers could rest easy as Nash Rawiller drove Here To Shock through the line for an impressive half-length victory.
2024 Group 3 Cameron Handicap Replay – Here To Shock
Ben Hayes was on course to represent the stable and was delighted with the victory, before leaving the suggestion that the $3 million Big Dance (1600m) is the main spring target for Here To Shock.
“It was a great ride by Nash (Rawiller)”, said Hayes.
“He travelled up here and I was a little bit worried because he can over race, but he relaxed beautifully for Nash, he nursed him, and he gave him a great kick.
“Thrilled with the ride and very excited he’s qualified for the Big Dance, so hopefully we’ll be heading in that direction.
“It’s just a great race for him, a great opportunity, and it’s a great incentive.”
Here To Shock is now on the third line of betting at $11.00 with horse racing bookmakers for the Big Dance (1600m) on November 5.
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