Michael Hawkes declares Gallo Nero ‘horse to beat’ in BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes

A confident Michael Hawkes says the stable isn’t wary of anybody as Gallo Nero aims to put a luckless first-up run behind him in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes

A bullish Michael Hawkes has declared “we’re not wary of anybody” in Saturday’s BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes, believing the wide spaces of Eagle Farm will suit his colt Gallo Nero.

Leading jockey Tommy Berry will step up to steer Gallo Nero after regular rider Tyler Schiller suffered a fractured back on Wednesday when filly Rockabye Roxy bucked the hoop in a frightening incident at Canterbury Park.

Schiller will miss at least six weeks, ruling him out of the Queensland winter carnival, including the plum ride on $4.20 favourite Gallo Nero in the $1m BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).

• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

The Michael Freedman-trained gelding Aerodrome is $6.50, with local star Grafterburners next on the line at $7.

“It’s very disappointing for Tyler,” Michael Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne, said on Friday.

“Tommy Berry’s a great back-up but Tyler’s done all the work on the horse. His time will come.”

Hawkes believed Gallo Nero deserved to win his last-start – the Spirit Of Boom Classic at Doomben (1200m) two weeks ago when he finished runner-up behind Cool Archie after being forced to run wide without cover for most of the trip on a Heavy 8 track.

• No Frankie, no worries for Giga Kick in Group 1 attack

“He should’ve won first-up, everyone saw it,” he said.

“In this day and age unfortunately barriers win races and he was no closer than four-deep probably the whole way.

“He deserved to win. Take nothing away from the other horse (Cool Archie) but he got the breaks and went through them while we had to go around them.

“He had a hard run – first-up on a bog track is not ideal – but his first time at 1400m should suit.

“Hopefully he gets a lovely run because I think Eagle Farm will definitely suit him. It’s a big, roomy track that he’ll appreciate.

“We’re not wary of anybody, he’s the horse to beat.

“As long as he gets a good run in transit, everything goes his way and he has a bit of luck then he’s going to figure in the finish.”

Tyler Schiller riding colt Gallo Nero to victory at Royal Randwick last December. Picture: Getty Images

Both Aerodrome and Gallo Nero are $8 chances for the Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) for 2YOs on June 14 at Eagle Farm.

Freedman said he would prefer a dry track on Saturday for the undefeated Aerodrome, despite him winning the Clarendon Stakes (1400m) last start on heavy ground at Hawkesbury.

But with persistent rain on Friday and up to 40mm forecast for Brisbane on Saturday, the Golden Slipper-winning trainer won’t get his wish.

• One-time Derby fancy can bounce back from second-up syndrome

“I was hoping we’d get a firmer track because he’s got such a good action,” Freedman said.

“Whilst he won on a Heavy 8 track at Hawkesbury, I don’t think he was as good on that surface as he was the start before on a drier track.

“But look, he’s travelled up well and he’s very bright and happy. I was happy with his work here (in Sydney) on Tuesday.

“It just remains to be seen how the track plays.”

Originally published as Michael Hawkes declares Gallo Nero ‘horse to beat’ in BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes