Love Conquers All could be headed to Melbourne after his outstanding first up win in today’s Group Two Shorts Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill.

Prepared by the Hawkes family for long time client and high profile businessman Nick Moraitis, Love Conquers All came with a well timed run under Jim Cassidy to scored strongly.

After hitting a flat spot for a brief moment at the top of the straight, Love Conquers All was able to follow up his recent strong trial performances with a good win over proven Group One winner Albert the Fat.

Michael Hawkes, who along with father John and Melbourne based brother Wayne prepares the outstanding sprinter, was delighted with the performance.

“It was a super performance,” Hawkes said. “The only downside was the bad gate – everything else fell into place.”

“I told Jimmy to ride his own race – just keep him balanced. He got in a bit of a bumping duel but to the horse’s credit he found and that’s all you can ask for.”

“He’s the kind of horse who often hits a little flat spot and then when he keeps coming he does ,” Hawkes added.

“He’s an older horse now and he’s still a bull. He’ll get a bit further now and hopefully he pulls up well and we can go forward.”

“He could run in the Premiere or head to Melbourne.”

The win was an emotional one for the stable and Moraitis after a tough week in which Melbourne Cup runner-up Maluckyday was ruled out of the spring.

Proven big race rider Jim Cassidy is confident that Love Conquers All can win a Group One race after a number of very close calls last preparation.

“He’s only just gone down in a couple of Group Ones,” Cassidy noted. “I think he’s got a good one in him.”

“I’m sure John Hawkes will find the right one for him.”

Love Conquers All is one of the country’s best looking racehorses – looks that have been with him from a young age.

He made a cool $400,000 when purchased by John Hawkes for Moraitis from the Glenlogan Park draft at the 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

It has turned out a great buy with him already turning connections over $1.25 million.

Love Conquers All, a son of Vinery Stud’s successful sire Mossman, is one of two stakes winners produced by the Group One winning mare She’s a Meanie.

A daughter of Prince Salieri, She’s a Meanie won seven races including the Group One Avondale Gold Cup.

As well as Love Conquers All she is the dam of the Tommy Smith Slipper and Wyong Magic Millions Slipper winner and Magic Millions 2YO Classic runner-up She’s Meaner.

Winner: Love Conquers All
Breeding: Mossman-She’s a Meanie (Prince Salieri)
Race: ATC Shorts Handicap G2 (1200m)
Sold for: $400,000
Sale: 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Glenlogan Park
Buyer: John Hawkes
Earnings: $1,255,750
Owner(s):  N Moraitis AM
Trainer: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes