Hawk Alone – The 2014 Rookie Rebel Winner
According to punters, Hawk Alone (8) was a rough chance to take out the Group One Macro Meats Rookie Rebel over the middle distance at The Meadows. However, the black dog by Westmead Hawk-Glamorous Jade (Brett Lee-Glamorous) had other ideas.
Bookkeeper (6) and Xylia Allen (5) battled for favouritism before box rise, but when the lids opened it was veteran General Destini (2) that got the early break. Xylia Allen (5) began well but was caught up in traffic at the first turn. Bookkeeper was also checked and it was the two favourites now leading the field at the wrong end.
Hawk Alone (8) managed to cross clear of the trouble to get the sit on General Destini. Spirited Flame (1) was about eight lengths away in third and about to make the run of the race. Hawk Alone moved to the outside of General Destini rounding the turn for home and hit the front halfway up the straight. Spirited Flame dropped from the clouds to storm home up the home straight between General Destini and Hawk Alone and was found wanting by just a head.
It was a great finish to the race, which was won in 34.65. General Destini finished a length and a half away in third. Xylia Allen didn't look a chance after she found interference and Bookkeeper also struggled to get back in the race.
Hawk Alone's co-trainer Tom Dailly commented that he was worried about Spirited Flame in the closing stages but “the dog has a big heart and just kept kicking.”
Hawk Alone is trained by Andrea Dailly and owned by Mark Rodgers. The Rookie Rebel win is the dogs first Group One and brings his earnings over $200,000.