Few would doubt the ability of Superium, but the son of Verrazano (USA) has proved a frustrating character for punters.
Well supported when placed in all four starts since being transferred to Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes, Superium blew punters out of the water when he launched down the centre of the track for a last to first performance under Craig Williams in the Listed Jim Beam Black Hinkler Hcp (1200m) at Eagle Farm .
He overpowered the Ocean Park gelding Southern Lad by a length with a short-neck back to Snitzel filly Away Game in third.
It was the first stakes success for Superium who won the Wellington Boot at two when trained by Joe Pride.
A homebred for Ross Williams's Superhorse Trust, Superium advances his record to four wins, three seconds and four thirds from 20 starts with earnings of $441,075.
"It was good to get the job done because he has been frustrating," Wayne Hawkes said.
"It all planed out perfect. There did not look a lot of pace in the race, and everyone was saying they were jumping and leading, so it looks as if the track is playing fair.
"All his runs up here have been fantastic. Last start he was beaten a head and a head.
"Ross Williams has been a good supporter of our for the last 12 months. He won a Gong and nearly won a Metrop so he has had a great 12 months."
Consigned by Superhorse Trust to the 2018 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, Superium was passed in short of his $60,000 reserve.
The 4yo son of Verrazano (USA) is the best of three winners from as many to race out of Rosie's Halo who Superhorse Trust purchased for $45,000 at the 2011 Inglis Australian Easter Broodmare Sale.
By Al Maher from former brilliant Group III winner and Group 1 MRC Blue Diamond Stakes runner-up Brief Embrace, Rosie's Halo has a yearling filly by Rubick that was bought by Star Thoroughbreds / Randwick Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) for $125,000 at the 2021 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Rosie's Halo was covered by Rubick again last spring
Superium becomes the 10th stakes-winner and the second in Australia for More Than Ready's Group I winning son Verrazano (USA), who shuttled to Coolmore for one season.
