Fawkner Roars Back to Win Makybe Diva
Description:
Starting for the first time in 10 months, Fawkner fought out a spirited finish in the Makybe Diva Stakes (Aus-I) with Rising Romance to win by a short head Sept. 12 at Flemington.
Unraced since his 10th-place finish in last year's Melbourne Cup (Aus-I) Nov. 4, the 8-year-old Reset gelding settled off the early pace, sixth in the 14-horse field, before taking the lead 200 meters out and holding back Rising Romance to prevail. He was second to Dissident in last year's edition of the race.
Fawker finished the 1,600 meters (about one mile) in 1:37.96 with Damien Oliver to take his record to 11-5-3 from 27 career starts, including the 2013 Caulfield Cup (Aus-I) and 2014 Caulfied Stakes (Aus-I).
Rising Romance outfinished Entirely Platinum for third. Favorite Boban was fourth.
Trained by Robert Hickmott for owner Lloyd Williams, Fawkner will be aimed for a second successive win the Caulfield Stakes Oct. 10 before pointing to the Oct. 24 Cox Plate (Aus-I), in which he finished a head second to Adelaide last year.
Fawkner, who is out of the Danewin mare Dane Belltar, was bred in Australia by Steve Bennetts. He was purchased from Mill Park's agency for AUS$70,000 (US$44,772) at the 2009 Inglis Melbourne premier yearling sale.