HAWKER HALL AND J-MAC BACK TOGETHER AT RANDWICK

HAWKER Hall’s resumption coincides with jockey James McDonald’s return at Royal Randwick tomorrow – and he’s got the right draw to continue his excellent fresh record.

The talented four-year-old lines up in the Benchmark 88 Handicap (1100m), and has barrier four in a capacity field, with the rail out 11m from the 1000m to winning post, and 8m the remainder of the track.

Roselyn’s Star’s brilliant return at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday has highlighted Hawker Hall’s prospects, especially having won once and been placed twice from three first-up attempts.

Leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees’ gelding, with McDonald aboard, easily defeated Roselyn’s Star in a Class 6 Plate (1200m) at the Magic Millions meeting at the Gold Coast in January.

“Hawker Hall has had two nice trials to prepare him for his return, and was impressive in his latest at Scone over 800m on July 1, trouncing six rivals,” stable spokesman Danny Greer said today.

“He is in really good order and, being against some other smart horses with an edge in race fitness, the draw is definitely the key.

“J-Mac obviously knows Hawker Hall well, and will give him every chance.”

Lees has brought Fasvara back from his Gold Coast base to contest the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1300m) for three-year-olds, and Dylan Gibbons rides.

“Kris had Fasvara in at Eagle Farm, but he also drew well at Randwick and the chance to earn a BOBS bonus at the last Saturday meeting before the season ends was the deciding factor,” Greer said.

“Fasvara is racing very consistently and again an inside draw is a big advantage.”

Gibbons also partners successful Gosford debutante No Limits in the 2YO Handicap (1100m).

“No Limits is a nice young horse and was good at Gosford, but has drawn poorly tomorrow,” Greer said.

“Whilst he led at Gosford, he doesn’t have to do so tomorrow and hopefully can get some cover from his awkward draw.”

Aaron Bullock rides Oakfield Neptune in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1100m) for three and four-year olds.

“We withdrew her from a Canterbury race midweek because of a wide draw,” Greer said.

“She is in great form and, whilst it’s a step up in class, deserves her chance to win in town.

“Coming back slightly from her latest 1200m victory at home won’t be an issue.”

Last start winner Miss Busslinger (apprentice Will Stanley) has drawn poorly in the 4YO & Up Benchmark 78 Handicap (1300m), and a decision on a start will be made in the morning.

“There’s another suitable race for her at Rosehill Gardens next Saturday if Kris decides to bypass tomorrow,” Greer said.

Though Fasvara is a Brisbane absentee, Lees still has two representatives at tomorrow’s Eagle Farm meeting.

Misato (apprentice Ben Osmond) contests the 2YO Handicap (1400m), and Smashing Nova (Ron Stewart) takes on the 3&4YO Handicap (1400m).

“Misato is a Maurice filly with good ability,” Greer said.

“She got a great ride from the outside barrier to win at the Gold Coast over 1400m last time at only her second start, and will be hard to beat again.

“Smashing Nova has run well at two starts at Port Macquarie and Taree this time back.

“This is obviously a lot tougher, but he has a light weight (52kg) and is not without a chance at big odds.”

STORY JOHN CURTIS, JULY 24, 2026 - BRADLEY PHOTOS