So You Think He’s Tough- Punch Lane Wins G3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup

Tara Madgwick - Saturday May 3

Backing up for a third Saturday in a row, super fit So You Think gelding Punch Lane booked his place in the $3million Big Dance later this year when leading all the way to win the $250,000 Group III Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) on Saturday.

Punch Lane wins the G3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup - image Bradley Photography

Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Punch Lane was ridden a heady race by Nash Rawiller and responded gamely to lead all the way on the heavy track beating Osipenko by more than a length in a courageous display.

Advertisement

Nash Rawiller was on Punch Lane last Saturday when he won at Randwick by four lengths and was happy to keep the ride for another victory.

"Tough as nails this horse, it's been a great training effort,'' Rawiller said.

"Three weeks in a row, not many can do that, but he has come here today and was first out of the gates and first onto the bridle.

"You could expect him to half not want to be here but he was better than last week.''

Punch Lane has booked his ticket to the $3million Big Dance - image Bradley Photography

Punch Lane's Hawkesbury Gold Cup win ensures the gelding is qualified for the $3 million The Big Dance at Royal Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day in November.

A $220,000 Inglis Premier purchase for Bahen Bloodstock Ltd / William Street Syndicate from the Bombora Downs draft, Punch Lane has the overall record of eight wins and five placings from 20 starts with earnings topping $660,000.

Now a two time stakes-winner, Punch Lane is the best of five winners from seven to race for stakes-winner Cybercyn.

Punch Lane is the fifth stakes-winner this season for So You Think, who is priced to please this spring at a fee of $44,000.

Advertisment

Race Result - Richmond Club Hawkesbury Gold Cup 'Big Dance Eligibility' Gr3 1600m

Hawkesbury Track: Heavy(8) Time: 1:36.15
1
Punch Lane
- 5g So You Think (NZ) x Cybercyn (AUS) (Staaraq (AUS))
Tnr: A & S Freedman Rdr: N Rawiller 57.5
So You Think
2
1.3
Osipenko
- 5g Pierro (AUS) x Raskova (USA) (Henrythenavigator (USA))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Reece Jones 57.5
Pierro
3
1.9
My Oberon
- 8g Dubawi (IRE) x My Titania (IRE) (Sea The Stars (IRE))
Tnr: Annabel & Rob Archibald Rdr: J Parr 60
4
2.1
Matcha Latte
- 5g Maurice (JPN) x Wayward (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: Sara Ryan Rdr: Ashley Morgan 53.5
5
2.6
Tavi Time
- 5g Tavistock (NZ) x Guiseppina (NZ) (Johar (USA))
Tnr: K A Lees Rdr: J R Collett 55.5
6
3
Strait Acer
- 5g Headwater (AUS) x Money Wanted (AUS) (Wanted (AUS))
Tnr: John O'Shea & Tom Charlton Rdr: Regan Bayliss 54
7
3.3
Floating
- 6g Puissance De Lune (IRE) x Goujon (AUS) (Snitzel (AUS))
Tnr: Matthew Smith Rdr: K Mc Evoy 53.5
8
4.6
Alegron
- 6g Teofilo (IRE) x Alegria (AUS) (Medaglia D'oro (USA))
Tnr: Bjorn Baker Rdr: Rachel King 56
9
7
Mighty Ulysses
- 6g Ulysses (IRE) x Token Of Love (GB) (Cape Cross (IRE))
Tnr: Annabel & Rob Archibald Rdr: A Hyeronimus 57.5
10
9.4
Honey Girl
- 6m Mayson (GB) x Fleeting Image (GB) (Sir Percy (GB))
Tnr: C Maher Rdr: A Adkins 53
More Reading...
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 AJ Moir Stakes
The Valley blasts into spring G1 action with the running of the $750,000 AJ Moir Stakes WFA at 1000m, and it's always an exciting spectacle when a full field of flyers are going full bore on the turning track!
Sires With Winners - Friday September 5
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Expensive Super Seth 3YO Bolts in by Five!
Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
Aussie Connection with Impressive St Mark’s Basilica Debut Winner
2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) is at Coolmore Australia this spring and had an impressive debut winner at Ascot overnight with El Vamos powering clear of her rivals to win as she pleased.
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
Birdsville Kicks Off with Record Fields on Friday
The 143rd Birdsville Races roared to life today with a burst of trackside colour and red desert dust, as a record crowd of punters converged on the edge of Queensland’s Simpson Desert for the iconic two-day meet.
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
Will Macdonald Joins Astute Bloodstock
Astute Bloodstock is delighted to announce the expansion of our team as we continue to meet increasing client demand and pursue our Group 1 ambitions.
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.