News
29 March, 2025
Guns match motors at The Meadows
Cheers could be heard around Australia at The Meadows last Saturday night as Hector Fawley chased after the talented Van Wyck and Orli Bale in his first start back from retirement.
Less than half a length separated him from a first up win – finishing third. He is back at The Meadows on Saturday night, and he finds himself up against two-time Group 1 winner Tim Zoo.
Hector Fawley (7) finished third behind winner Van Wyk (1) and second place getter Orli Bale (4) in a time of 30.04 seconds over the 525 metre distance.
“Hector Fawley has bounced back really well, and we were pleased with the way he ran last week after being held wide and still finishing strong – he’s a true professional,” trainer Lisa Cockerell said.
“A tough assignment for him this week, but when you boast his statistics, you are always going to be put against the best dogs.”
Hector Fawley is a winner of 26 races from 76 starts with more than $800,000 in prize money to his name.
He has drawn box four with one of Australia’s best chasers in Tim Zoo drawn directly on his outside in box five.
“The box is no concern and is much better than the usual outside boxes he draws,” Cockerell said.
“He’s got great spatial awareness, a quick thinker, and a tenacious chaser. Hopefully he can put himself in a good position to navigate the first corner and find himself right in the mix heading down the back.”
Mepunga Smokey is also on the comeback trail, second up following a four-month stint on the sidelines after having a bone chip in his wrist surgically removed. He finished second last Friday night at Geelong behind Matt Loch.
Hector Fawley, Tim Zoo and Mepunga Smokey go head-to-head in race 8 on Saturday night, which will jump at 8.48pm.
In the theme of stars on return, Phoenix winner Schillaci made a triumphant return to racing at Ballarat on Wednesday night after three weeks on the sidelines due to a tail injury.
Schillaci (8) stops the clock in a time of 24.99 seconds over the 450 metres at Ballarat.
Schillaci defeated pre-race favourite Zipping Gryllis in a best of the night 24.994 second run over the 450 metre distance.
Schillaci will likely target the upcoming Group 2 Geelong Cup, heats to be run at Geelong on Friday night, with the final being conducted on Friday 11 August.