Trainers Michael and Wayne Hawkes are poised for a potential winning double with the famed Black Caviar bloodline this week, setting their sights on a debut victory for the unbeaten champion's granddaughter at Canterbury.
Hawkes Family Eyes Second Black Caviar Success
The powerful training partnership celebrated a significant win on Wednesday at Mornington with Kings Commission, a son of Black Caviar's first foal, Oscietra. Now, attention turns to Friday's Schweppes Handicap (1250m) where Ready Forcocktails, a granddaughter of the immortal mare, makes her long-awaited race debut.
"She's had a couple of nice trials," co-trainer Michael Hawkes revealed. "Her second one was really good and she has come through it well. We have accepted for Friday and at this stage she is ready to go."
Ready Forcocktails is the first foal of Ready For Caviar, who is Black Caviar's fourth foal. The Hawkes stable, which trained Black Caviar's half-brother All Too Hard, believes patience is key with this illustrious family.
"The Black Caviar family, I just think they need a lot of time and a bit of patience," Hawkes said. "They've all got their fair share of ability, you saw Kings Commission on Wednesday and this girl is no different."
Copacabana and El Paso Bolster Strong Canterbury Team
Team Hawkes' chances at the Canterbury meeting are further strengthened by two other promising runners. The reliable gelding Copacabana is set to contest the First Hitotsu Yearlings Handicap (1550m), seeking a second career win.
"He's a nice horse, third-up, drawn well, so hopefully he can get that lovely run thereabouts," Hawkes said of Copacabana. "He is knocking on the door. He has always had his fair share of ability."
Meanwhile, El Paso will line up in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1900m). Hawkes expressed some disappointment with the son of Dundeel's last start but believes the drop in grade presents a perfect opportunity. "We've just gone back in grade just trying to get another win or two on the board," he explained.
Seib Chases Country Premiership Lead at Goulburn
Elsewhere in New South Wales, trainer Danielle Seib is looking to climb the country premiership ladder with two strong chances at Goulburn. Seib currently sits third on the 2025/26 Country Premiership with 23 winners, just three behind second place.
Her impressive filly Voltage Lass, a daughter of champion sire Too Darn Hot, won stylishly on debut at the Sapphire Coast on December 1. "She did a bit wrong and so did horses around her but I thought she kept her composure well," Seib said of the performance.
Seib's other runner is Swift Gun, who steps up to the mile for the first time. The trainer was pleased with his last run at Albury. "I thought he was good at Albury, perhaps just peaked on the run a little bit late but he has taken good improvement out of it," she noted.
The Canterbury meeting on Friday, December 18, 2025, shapes as a crucial test for the next generation of Black Caviar's lineage, with Team Hawkes expertly guiding their prized prospects.
