“There's the bet”: Hawkes bullish on $12 Briasa in All Aged

Briasa is currently $12 for the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick this Saturday.

The Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes-trained sprinter has only won one race since winning the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) last autumn – the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m).

This autumn, the grey has only had two starts – a fourth placed finish in the Group 1 Galaxy and second-last finish in the TJ Smith.

Now entering his third run this preparation, Wayne Hawkes was adamant on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up that the five-year-old being at double-digit odds is the bet of the race.

Hawkes: “There's the bet.”

Hall: “What? $12 for Briasa?”

Hawkes: “100%!”

Hall: “He didn’t get 1400m last year.”

That 1400m race which Hall referred to was last year’s edition of the All Aged Stakes, where the son of Smart Missile finished fourth.

Hawkes explained that Briasa was simply unlucky last time around, only being overtaken in the final few strides of the Group 1.

“That was 12 months ago, and he ran 1360m, he got collared the last 40m and he sat outside the leader,” Hawkes rebutted.

“So, he needs to draw the right barrier. If he gets one (out) one (back), he's going to be right up to his ears.

“$12 is overs, there's no doubt about that.”

Jimmysstar was the horse that stormed over the top of Briasa last year to win by 0.59 lengths. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding is the $3 favourite to go back-to-back in the All Aged.

Hawkes also confirmed that Briasa’s usual jockey Tyler Schiller won’t be riding the grey this Saturday as the hoop will be racing in Perth, so young gun Zac Lloyd will mount the son of Smart Missile instead.

Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au