BRISBANE: Team Hawkes will test the waters for a spring campaign in Melbourne with Rainbow Styling in the group three Tattersall's Cup at Eagle Farm today.
Rainbow Styling warmed up for a shot at the 2200m feature with a commanding restricted class win over 1666m at Ipswich last Saturday.
Co-trainerMichael Hawkes is unconcerned about backing up Rainbow Styling just a week after his winning Ipswich effort.
"The Tattersall's Cup has always been his main goal this time in," Hawkes said. "He's by Zabeel and they generally need time. I liked his win at Ipswich and backing up in a week shouldn't be a problem."
Rainbow Styling won the Listed Tatt's Cup (2000m) at Randwick in January but Hawkes has reservations whether he can cope past a middle distance.
"I think around 2200m is his right distance," Hawkes said yesterday.
"I don't think he can run a strong 2400m so I doubt we'll be looking at the big races in Melbourne.
"If he runs well he'll go for a break and what races he runs in down there will depend on how he's going."
Rainbow Styling came to Queensland for last year's Tattersall's Cup but could finish only fifth to the Brian Smith-trained Hume.
"He's a bit older now but he ran fifth last year when he ran home strongly," Hawkes said.
Taranaki trainer John Wheeler is hoping for improved performances from Court Ruler and The Grogoch.
Court Ruler has failed in all three appearances this campaign, including a last-start 15th in the Brisbane Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 12.
The Grogoch ran a solid third in the group three Chairman's Handicap (2020m) at Doomben in May before a last-start 10th to Pleasure Time in a 2020m class six at Doomben on June 14.
"The Grogoch had 59kg last start which was probably more than he deserved," Wheeler said yesterday.
"He still finished the race off strongly but he's not a topliner. He gets his chance tomorrow."
