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Silly Point proves too tough to notch up maiden victory

Silly Point displayed his willingness to win on Wednesday, breaking through at start five in the Bowermans Commercial Furniture Plate (1150m).

The three-year-old had missed out narrowly first-up at Canterbury but had been freshened for his second-up assignment at Randwick-Kensington.

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes was full of praise for the son of Hallowed Crown.

"It was a great breakthrough," he said.

"He rode him good Tommy (Berry), he just sat off the speed, he just stalked them and peeled out.

"He took the straight to get home, but look he tries hard, he's a nice progressive horse and he's done a fantastic job.

"He hasn't done a lot wrong at all, his first-up run was really good.

"He's obviously come here with that form and he's produced today."

Silly Point wasn't the fastest away from barrier five, but he was able to finds a position sitting just off the leaders.

Tommy Berry moved the son of Hallowed Crown into the clear at the top of the straight and he began working through his gears.

He had to fight hard for the win, only getting the better of the second-place horse in the shadows of the post, getting the nod in a tight photo-finish.

Berry said the gelding enjoyed the easier run in transit.

"He was a little big in condition first time back, last time at Canterbury and he absorbed that pressure very early in the race," he said.

"Whereas today, I was the one who got the picnic behind the speed and was able to come into the race when I liked.

"I was a bit worried, the second horse fought back and was very strong late.

"He's got a will to win, and he'll keep improving from here."