If Fou fights, Ballarat Cup is within his grasp

That’s the predicament faced by trainers John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes and connections of the enigmatic four-year-old.

“Yes, there are two of them, but if the right one turns up he could do the job,” Wayne Hawkes said.

“To be honest he should’ve won three in this preparation.

“Not talking Group horses – they can do it – but horses under 100 (rating), very few could win three in one preparation.”

• ‘What a heart’: Horse’s comeback almost brings trainer to tears

Foujita San was a “moral beaten” first-up in Sydney in August, then competed strongly in two other starts in the Harbour City before a trip to Melbourne and an authoritative Sandown win.

He finished midfield in the Group 3 Coongy Cup, beaten 4.7 lengths, and then failed to fire at Flemington in a Benchmark 80 on Oaks Day.

The four-year-old roared back to form last Saturday week with victory at Cranbourne under a big weight as a $26 outsider with jockey Jordan Childs aboard.

Childs will ride Foujita San on Saturday in the Ballarat Cup.

“It was a very good win (at Cranbourne last start so we will) have a crack at the Ballarat Cup,” Hawkes said.

“It’s worth good money, he’s going well and he’s in winning form.”

• Monday racebook: Horses to follow, forgive at Caulfield

Foujita San mixed form as a young horse also.

He emerged as a potential Group 1 candidate last year with Caulfield Guineas and Victoria Derby aspirations after a 6.3 length win at Sandown in only his second start.

Solid performances as a spring three-year-old colt, including second in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes at The Valley, heightened interest but the Maurice galloper ultimately lost his way.

“He bolted in that day and then he went to the paddock (and) he got colty and needed to be gelded,” Hawkes said.

“There are two of him but when he sits back and has the right run he runs well.”

• ‘Sit and steer job’: Kiwi raider wins Jericho Cup by seven lengths

Forecast rain this week and potentially more on Saturday has dented confidence slightly.

“He’s better on top (of the ground) … even though he’s got some wet track form he’s a better horse on top of the ground,” Hawkes said.

Foujita San, a $360,000 Inglis Easter Yearling purchase, has earned $285,275 prizemoney for connections with three wins and three placings from 16 starts.

Originally published as If Fou fights, Ballarat Cup is within his grasp