The Hawkes Racing team took the wraps off a well-bred prospect when Bigcat Rhapsody (Darci Brahma – The Lions Roar, by Western Symphony) made a winning debut at Monday’s Warrnambool meeting.
Bigcat Rhapsody narrowly won the Marriott Hotel Maiden Plate (1200m) to become the fifth winner out of the Group 2-winning mare The Lions Roar (Western Symphony – Western Solstice, by Sir Tristram).
The gelding is a half-brother to the New Zealand stakes winner Leeu (Volksraad – The Lions Roar, by Western Symphony) as well as the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) winner Growl (Montjeu – The Lions Roar, by Western Symphony).
Hawkes Racing paid $400,000 for Bigcat Rhapsody at the 2010 NZB Premier Yearling Sale. At the same sale Delbridge Racing purchased Pakari Toa (Darci Brahma – Alisara) pictured as a yearling above.
Meanwhile, Coolmore Stud sires started the week strongly by posting a winning treble at Monday’s Wagga and Warrnambool meetings.
Merci Grand (Choisir – Thanksgiving, by Generous) provided the Wagga leg to Coolmore’s treble while Iguazu (Giant’s Causeway – Japari, by Deputy Governor) and Gotta Dream (Oratorio (IRE) – Granada Miss, by Bellotto) claimed races at Warrnambool