Team Hawkes put the polish on $1.1million Not a Single Doubt colt Doubtland, who won the Group II VRC Danehill Stakes before retiring to Widden Stud and they produced an impressive debut winner by the young stallion at Newcastle on Tuesday.
A heavily backed favourite for the 1150m maiden with Tyler Schiller to ride, St Johann was primed and ready to go after a trial win at Rosehill at the start of the month.
The four year-old gelding was giving away race experience, but had more than enough ability to get the job done and cruised clear to win by nearly two lengths.
A $220,000 Magic Millions purchase from Widden Stud for St Simon Thoroughbreds/Hawkes Racing, St Johann had the honour of being the highest priced yearling for his sire right up until the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale this year when Gilgai Farm sold a Doubtland colt from Granada Star for $320,000.
St Johann is the first winner from three foals to race from La Chica Bella, a metro winning full sister to stakes-placed Player One.
She has been a regular visitor to the Widden sires and has a 2YO colt by Supido, a yearling colt by Jacquinot and was covered last spring by Trapeze Artist.
St Johann is the third winner of the new season for Doubtland joining metro winners Don’t Doubt Dare (Sandown) and Maria Clara (Doomben).
Doubtland stands at Widden Victoria at a fee of $11,000.
