On a day when Winx gave her followers a heart attack, supporters of Hartnell had no such worries as he scored a dominant win in the Group II PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
So often runner-up to Winx, Godolphin and trainer James Cummings made a conscious decision to campaign Hartnell in Melbourne this spring away from the mare and, in contrast to Winx in the Warwick Stakes at Randwick, the seven-year-old always looked the winner.
Settled in second place as Charmed Harmony set a strong speed to the home turn, Craig Williams allowed Hartnell ($2.80 fav) to run into the straight and after a slap with the whip he came away under hands and heels to score by 2 1/4-lengths over Charmed Harmony ($26).
Williams was riding Hartnell for the first time under race conditions and said the win was of the highest class.
"The team was very confident today and the horse delivered - that win is even better than it looks," Williams said.
"He was on his wrong leg all the way and off the bend but he was just very dominant and there's more to come.
"The experience around here just makes him a more seasoned horse."
Assistant trainer David Charles said Hartnell arrived in Melbourne in excellent shape and has thrived since being at Flemington.
"We bought him to Melbourne early and James wanted him to come here on Tuesday to work as part of the process," Charles said.
"The race worked out extremely well and he's an amazing adaptable horse. We're looking forward to the rest of the spring with him for sure.
"He's just done so well since he's been here. The Makybe Diva was always the plan next and then James will sort it out from there."
Black Heart Bart ($3.60) was beaten 3 1/4-lengths into third, stewards noting afterwards the seven-year-old to be mildly lame in his near hind leg.
