Classy youngster Real Saga will fly the flag for Team Hawkes in Melbourne after keeping his unbeaten record intact at Randwick today.
Real Saga 
made a strong return to racing when he disposed of four rivals over 1000m in his first appearance since he won the Breeders Plate at Randwick in October.
He was carrying condition and did not get the best passage in he first 600m but stamped his class in the last 200m when he strode away to score by a comfortable one and quarter lengths from the first starter Viking Legend in the handy time of 57.78 seconds.
The performance is unlikely to see him threaten brilliant filly More Joyous for Golden Slipper Sakes favouritism but will certainly see him at the top of markets for the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 21.
Michael Hawkes, who trains Real Saga in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne, confirmed that Real Saga will now be sent to Melbourne and have his next start in the Blue Diamond Prelude on February 7.
South African jockey Glynn Schofield has ridden real Saga in his two wins and has a huge opinion of the Tale Of The Cat colt.
“He's got an attitude to die for,” Schofield said after today's win.
Schofield said Real Saga had the size and strength to overcome several bumps when he was awkwardly placed behind the leader approaching the home turn.
“The pressure was on early and he got bumped but found his way out,” Schofield said.
“He's developed and is stronger and bigger.”
