Semillion missed out on a Golden Slipper start but he has scored an important consolation win for his connections with a fighting victory in the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes at Randwick.
A $300,000 buy from the Melbourne Premier Sale, Semillion came to Sydney well credentialled having claimed the Inglis two-year-old race at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day, finished runner-up in the Blue Diamond Prelude and fifth from a wide draw in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes.
He narrowly missed a Golden Sipper start as third reserve, but co-trainer Michael Hawkes was happy to see the colt get a valuable Group race win on the board on Saturday.
“Fantastic win. Obviously, he was third emergency in the (Golden) Slipper and things happen for reasons,” Michael Hawkes said.
“He came here today and we really didn’t know whether he would love a wet track but the horse is a fighter.
“He was probably a bit stiff in the Blue Diamond. He drew wide and we had to make use of him. He ended up running fifth but the horse has come back to Sydney and he’s thrived.
“His win on Cox Plate day was outstanding and to back it up in a Group race today at Randwick is even better.”
Semillion ($3.40 fav) got to the front early in the straight and under the urgings of William Pike, he showed fierce determination to stave off the challengers, defeating Voldemort ($8.50) by a short neck with Spacewalk ($7.50) the same margin away third.
Team Hawkes won the corresponding race with Doubtland two years ago and that horse returned to capture the Group 2 Danehill Stakes in the spring and finish fourth in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Michael Hawkes confirmed Semillion was likely to be spelled and aimed at feature three-year-old sprint races next season.