Exciting Victorian youngster Hector Fawley had to delve deep into his bag of tricks to continue the sensational start to his career in the heats of the Group 3 SA Derby (530m) at Angle Park last Thursday night.
Hector Fawley gains his name from a Minister for Magic in the Harry Potter series, following a successful theme for Buckley breeder/trainers Ian and Lisa Cockerell.
After flying back-to-back 29.33sec victories at Sandown Park – at just his fourth and fifth starts – Hector Fawley clocked a Best Of Night 30.36sec on debut at Angle Park in preparation for the heats of the $25,000 to-the-winner Derby.
The homebred son of Bernardo and Rolanda Hooch was chasing a fourth straight win when he started $1.70 favourite in his Derby heat but appeared to be in all sorts of bother mid-race after meeting interference.
Not two until December 17, the youngster ‘conjured’ a remarkable escape act, charging home to defeat fellow Victorian Winnington Bale by three-quarters of a length in 30.62sec, his fifth win from seven starts.
“It was huge!” said Lisa Cockerell.
“Down the back, I thought he was in trouble and was just hoping he would go quick enough to qualify, but when he was able to get up, it was unbelievable.
“Ian (husband) broke him in and said he looks like being a really nice pup, but he’s probably surprised us with how well he’s going. Just the way he’s conducting himself in races. He led in his first few wins but then coming from behind last week, showed a different dynamic.
“It’s really exciting and is pretty surreal because he’s ours!
WATCH: HECTOR FAWLEY (B4) produced a remarkable effort to win his G3 SA Derby heat, charging home to defeat fellow Victorians WINNINGTON BALE (B2) and SALAD DODGER (B6) in 30.62sec.
“He’s probably the best dog we’ve had. We’ve had some really nice dogs – FFA city dogs – but he gives us the impression he could be a Group dog.
“Hector Fawley is a Minister for Magic from Fantastic Beasts. Cornelius Fudge (21 wins) was a Minister for Magic as well, and so was Rufus Scrimgeour, which also won at Angle Park last Thursday.”
Hector Fawley, one of six Victorians to qualify for Thursday night’s Derby Final (Race 8 at 9.50pm) may need to produce more ‘wizardry’ after drawing Box 6.
Despite the awkward alley, he’s the $3.70 second elect, with Anthony Azzopardi’s Deadly Class (Box 2) $2.60 favourite.
“They’re all good dogs, so from Box 6, it will depend on what happens early,” Lisa offered.
“He showed last week he doesn’t have to lead, so he has to be a chance.
“But he’s still so young and you have to keep in mind that this is his third trip over to South Australia and we don’t know how much that has taken out of him.
“He’s pulled up great and couldn’t be feeling any better. We just have to hope the stars align!”
Victoria will also have a very strong hand in the G3 SA Oaks (Race 6 at 9.04pm), with Daniel Gibbons’ fastest heat winner Yahiro Bale (Box 5) $3.60 favourite after a Best Of Night 30.42sec qualifying effort, ahead of Ava Blazer (Box 2), prepared by Jeff Britton, at $3.70.
