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Masked Crusader has come from last on the home turn to score a first-up win at Caulfield

All roads lead to The Everest Wayne Hawkes declared after the brilliant first-up win of Masked Crusader at Caulfield. 

Masked Crusader made a stunning return to claim the Group 3 The Heath 1100 at his first start since a successful autumn campaign that saw the Michael & Wayne & John Hawkes -trained sprinter win the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley. 

Wayne Hawkes admitted he was nervous on the hometurn when Masked Crusader was in last position. 

But the $1.90 favourite under Jye Mcneil unwound a powerful finishing burst to score by three-quarters-of-a-length from Amish Boy ($8) with Oxley Road ($8) a length away third. 

Hawkes said Masked Crusader was sent to Melbourne to prepare for the spring because of COVID restrictions in place in Sydney. 

"It is very, very tough and hard to do what you want to do in Sydney at the moment," Hawkes said. 

"That was one of the reasons he came here. 

"I know when he came to Melbourne, we never get up and about with our horses, but Michael said to me that he's flying. 

"He was certainly right, there's no doubt about that." 

While The Everest is run at Randwick on Caulfield Cup Day, Hawkes said the stable may leave Masked Crusader in Melbourne until the eve of the race. 

Hawkes said track conditions would play a part in determining Masked Crusader's path to The Everest. 

"All roads lead to The Everest," Hawkes said. 

"Chautauqua, I think it was his second TJ Smith, he was in Melbourne until eight days before the race. 

"With us it doesn't matter because we've got stables in both states. 

"He can do his last bit of work on a Tuesday and go up on Tuesday night or he can go as late as the Thursday night."