Exceedance’s exciting son Swiftfalcon (3g x Tempting Delight) ticked another box early in his career when putting away a quality field by 2.1L in Saturday’s Listed Drinkwise Dulcify Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
Ridden by Jay Ford for Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes, Swiftfalcon drifted back to third last from an outside barrier. In a display reminiscent of his sire, he showed a blistering turn of foot in the final 350m to draw away from the field eased down.
“He got into a lovely rhythm, and they went hard. He’s a lovely talent, but he’s still very raw. He wanted to lay in a bit, but he is very exciting,” Michael Hawkes said post-race.
“The plan is the Spring Champion (Stakes). We thought about running him first-up in the Golden Rose but decided to take the easier option and head back to Melbourne. We thought this would be easier than taking on the Caulfield Guineas. The Spring Champion has always been there, and he looks to be wanting 2000m, which is great.
“It’s great for Exceedance, and it’s been a great day with Ole Kirk (sire of Breeders Plate winner King Kirk). We feel like proud dads, really.”
Bred and retained by Rupert Legh Racing, the Vinery raised Swiftfalcon looks to continue his Spring assault this weekend, backing up in the Gr.3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) where he is currently second favourite in the market. The backup will set him up well for his major target of the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) a fortnight later.
Vinery stands Exceedance (Exceed And Excel) for an unchanged $33,000 (inc. GST) service fee this season with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam, Harry, McKoy or Peter on (02) 6543 8333.
