A costly flop at his first run back from a spell when he played up badly in the
gates at Gosford, the Hawkes Racing trained colt was fitted with a barrier
blanket this time around and it had the desired effect.He behaved himself and jumped on terms for Tommy Berry, pushing on to take up a position outside the leader.
Under pressure in the straight, the handsome chestnut gave plenty to fight on and win by a head over talented Fastnet Rock colt Deploy in what looked a very strong 1100 metre maiden.
""It was a good tough win, but the most important thing is that we've got him back on track," said a relieved Michael Hawkes.
A full brother to Group I winner Snitzerland, Sooboog was a $1.5 million purchase for Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Bred and consigned by Arrowfield, he was the most expensive yearling by Snitzel sold in 2014.
"The Coolmore (Group I) is still his long term goal, but we'll just take him along quietly," Hawkes added.
Sooboog is the sixth winner for star producer Monte Rosa, a sister to Group III winner Nina Haraka.
Monte Rosa has already foaled this spring producing a sister to Snitzerland and Sooboog at Arrowfield last month.
