All Too Hard back with a bang

High-priced colt All Too Hard began his post-Patinack career with an emphatic success in Saturday's Group I CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

Last year's Group I Caulfield Guineas winner and Cox Plate runner-up was the jewel in an eight-figure deal between Patinack Farm boss Nathan Tinkler and a consortium led by Vinery Stud and Black Caviar's part-owner Neil Werrett, which put the colt into new silks for his 2013 campaign.

Werrett's champion Black Caviar won last year's CF Orr Stakes at her only attempt at 1400 metres in her illustrious career.

All Too Hard's new ownership group flagged their intention to campaign the exciting three-year-old overseas during the year with the CF Orr Stakes providing an important stepping stone.

Hawkes Racing had trialled All Too Hard twice at Flemington in the lead-up to his return to racing but co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said the son of Casino Prince was well short of full fitness.

All Too Hard sat back in the field while King Mufhasa led with Callanish on his outside before jockey Dwayne Dunn sent his mount forward from the 600 metres.

King Mufhasa hit the lead in his own right at the 200 metres but was soon under pressure as All Too Hard swamped him 100 metres from the line.

All Too Hard's condition gave out slightly close to the finish but he still held a clear margin over Mawingo and Mr Moet, who both turned in outstanding first-up performances.

"The pressure is on but you want to keep his record intact and make everything right," Hawkes, who trains All Too Hard with his father John and his brother Michael, said.

"He's not screwed down yet. Where he's going to end up, we're not sure yet, but you can't do much more than win first-up over seven furlongs (1400m). He's never done that before. He'll be having a big blow because he's a big boy.

"It was a good effort and he did a good job. The way the races have been run here today, it has been fairly leader biased and there hasn't been much coming from behind."

Mawingo's jockey Craig Williams was thrilled with the performance of his mount, which was having his first start since an infection derailed his spring campaign after just two starts.

"He's back in form," Williams said. "It was a terrific run and it showed he's back in form."

Wall Street turned in a solid effort to run fourth after delaying the start of the CF Orr Stakes with his barrier antics while King Mufhasa weakened late to finish fifth at his first start for new trainer Bruce Wallace.

Story: Brad Waters RaceNet

Photo: sportpix.com.au