It was little more than a track gallop for talented I Am Invincible three year-old Airman, who made a winning return at Randwick on Wednesday bringing a pedigree update for his Inglis Easter bound half-brother.
Trained by Team Hawkes, Airman had won two of his three previous starts and was tuned up for his first run since last year with a trial win at Rosehill last week.
Ridden by Zac Lloyd, Airman finished off full of running to win the 1000m Benchmark 78 event by the best part of a length and has now won three of four starts earning nearly $100,000 in prizemoney.
“He’s done everything right today, it was really a track gallop,” said Michael Hawkes.
“Zac rode him perfect. He jumped well and he got him in a lovely rhythm and relaxed. Top of the straight, he pushed out and the last 100m drew away.
“He’s better than what you are seeing today and will develop into a really nice horse and he’s got a lot of class.”
A $500,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Hawkes Racing from the Segenhoe Stud draft , Airman runs for a syndicate headed by Rupert Legh in whose colours he runs with his breeder Chris Barham also in the ownership.
Foaled, raised and sold by Segenhoe, Airman is the second foal and second winner from stakes-placed Fastnet Rock mare Zara Bay, a sister to Group I winner Merchant Navy, Group II winner Jolie Bay and stakes-winner Setanta.
Segenhoe will offer a Dundeel yearling colt from Zara Bay at Inglis Easter as Lot 1.
