John Thompson took over the training of Sir John Hawkwood for Waratah Thoroughbreds only this spring but all the signs are he might have a group 1 winner after Saturday's Metropolitan at Randwick.
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Owner Paul Fudge had a look at Sir John Hawkwood at Thompson's stables on Friday and turned to the trainer with a smile.
"He said to me that it is the best the horse as looked," Thompson said. "Blake Spriggs [who rides Sir John Hawkwood] said the same thing. I have to admit they probably know more about him than me because he has only been here for a month or so.
"Paul was very happy and said it looks like you will have your first winner for me on Saturday. It didn't sink in straight away but it is a group 1, that would be pretty special."
Sir John Hawkwood joined Thompson's yard from David Vandyke after running second in June's Brisbane Cup. The stayer, which has a very consistent record, was set towards the Metropolitan and could head onto the Cups in Melbourne.
The eight-year-old has had just the one start for Thompson, a second to McCreery in the Kingston Town Stakes on September 10.
"They just told me to keep him fresh, he races best like that, and the plan was one run and into the Metrop," Thompson said. "He was very fit and well when he arrived and I have just kept him ticking over.
"Everything he has done has been like a nice stayer and the first-up run was good. He has improved from that and everyone who knows him better than I do is happy and I'm happy with him as well."
The final piece of work for Sir John Hawkwood will be a raceday gallop with Danjeu, which is getting ready for next month's City Tattersalls Cup, at Kembla Grange on Tuesday.
"It will just get him away and give him a day out," Thompson said.
Sir John Hawkwood, which only has 53 kilograms in the Metropolitan, is well respected in the betting as the $5 second favourite to Newcastle Cup winner Sacred Master.
