Caulfield Guineas 2016: Divine Prophet gives John Hawkes his third win in Group 1 classic

HALL of Fame trainer John Hawkes would not be drawn on a Cox Plate start for Divine Prophet despite the three-year-old colt’s outstanding win on Saturday.

Dwayne Dunn drives Divine Prophet to the line in the Caulfield Guineas. Picture: Mark Dadswell

HALL of Fame trainer John Hawkes would not be drawn on a Cox Plate start for Divine Prophet despite the three-year-old colt’s outstanding win at Caulfield on Saturday.

Divine Prophet continued the domination of Sydney-trained gallopers when he burst through the pack to take out a thrilling Group 1 $1 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m).

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Hawkes, who co-trains Divine Prophet in partnership with sons Wayne and Michael, said Divine Prophet is still in the Cox Plate in two weeks but no decision had been made on whether the colt would take on Winx and Hartnell in the nation’s weight-for-age championship.

“We will think about the Cox Plate but you don’t worry about those things now,’’ Hawkes said. “No doubt he could run the 2040m — but he doesn’t have to do that now.

“Most probably he will go for a spell and come back in the autumn but we will enjoy this win and then have a talk about where to go next.’’

Divine Prophet could push on to the Cox Plate. Picture: Hamish Blair

Divine Prophet gave Hawkes his third Caulfield Guineas after wins with Lonhro (2001) and All Too Hard (2012). Lonhro was spelled after his Guineas win but All Too Hard did go to the Cox Plate and ran second to Ocean Park. Hawkes has won a Cox Plate previously and that was with a three-year-old — champion Octagonal in 1995.

Divine Prophet was the third Group 1 win in a row for Sydney gallopers after Winx’s Caulfield Stakes and Global Glamour’s Thousand Guineas triumph.

Brilliantly ridden by Dwayne Dunn, Divine Prophet ($7) came from well back on the turn to win the classic by a head form Seaburge ($31) with a half length to Hey Doc ($11).

Impending was sent out the $3.50 favourite and had little luck from his wide barrier, going back to near last early before finishing hard out wide for fourth.

Hawkes, who has prepared 109 Group 1 winners, lauded Dunn’s ride, describing his effort to weave through the field as “terrific”.

Dwayne Dunn produced a well-timed ride on Divine Prophet. Picture: Colleen Petch

“He rides here each week and he is riding brilliant at present,’’ Hawkes said. “Nothing against Tommy (Berry), he is a really good rider — he has the advantage in Sydney and Dwayne has the advantage in Melbourne.

“This colt has not had much luck in his races but today he has. He drew the ideal barrier and barrier draws win races.’’

Dunn said Divine Prophet handled Caulfield well for the colt’s first start on the track.

“But barrier one really helped him, it meant we did no work at all,’’ Dunn said. “He wanted to get going a bit hard early on but then drop the bit and travelled, just like a good horse.

“Coming to the turn it was just a matter of getting a bit of luck and finding a run. He did want to get out where the other horses were in the straight and run out to them but he was just too good.’’

Hawkes said the win was “extra special” as it provided owners Tony and Mario Falcone with their first Group 1 after nearly 30 years of trying. “They are great people and it is nice to win a big race like this for them,’’ Hawkes added.

Coolmore to feature Star Turn

CRACK Sydney colt Star Turn treated a top-class field of sprinters with disdain as he romped away with the Group 2 $400,000 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield.

Star Turn travelled wide throughout but still sprinted clear of his rivals to score with authority.

Hall of Fame trainer John Hawkes confirmed Star Turn will be aimed at the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Derby day, setting up a mouth-watering clash with Astern and Extreme Choice.

“His race is the Coolmore Stud Stakes,’’ Hawkes said. “He is a brilliant colt and today he really put it together against some good older sprinters.’’

For Star Turn’s owner, Alan Bell, it was a very satisfying moment as he raced champion sprinter Schillaci, winner of eight Group 1 races during the 1990s.

Star Turn gave Team Hawkes a feature-race double after their triumph with Divine Prophet in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas.