Chautauqua firms to favouritism for The Everest
AFTER scoring an incredible win in Saturday’s T.J. Smith Stakes, champion sprinter Chautauqua has firmed into favouritism for The Everest.
The Hawkes-trained sprinter firmed in from $6.50 to $4.60 with Sportsbet.com.au after its last-to-first win at Randwick and it’s closing the gap behind Winx for popularity.
Winx still remains the most popular with punters and Sportsbet’s representative Will Byrne is hoping the connections of Winx consider the 1200m Everest as an option.
“It was like Chautauqua sprouted wings over the last 100m, it really was an unbelievable win and punters have reacted,” Byrne said.
“If connections decide to head there with Winx, it will be one of the great showdowns in Australian racing.”
The only other runner in single figure odds is Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign which is currently an $8 chance.
The slick sprinter will be more suited than Winx at the distance and punters are getting a value price with bookmakers.
The Everest updated market:
Chautauqua – $4.60
Winx – $8
She Will Reign – $8
Speith – $12
English – $15
Houtzen – $15
Star Turn – $15
Astern – $15
Russian Revolution – $17
Signs Of Blessing – $21
Black Heart Bart – $21
Winx prepares for Queen Elizabeth tilt
Many punters believe Winx is a moral in this Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick and they’re probably right.
The Chris Waller-trained champion is preparing beautifully for the big race after winning the George Ryder Stakes by a whopping 7.5 lengths and Waller has no concerns about the possible heavy track.
“She is like a hydrofoil. She just skims across the track rather than getting into it,” Waller said. “On those heavy tracks, horses work harder because they get into them, but she doesn’t.”
Winx had an exhibition gallop at Randwick on Saturday where punters got a taste of what’s to come in the future.
“She is right on track and that gallop at Randwick on Saturday was perfect for her going into the Queen Elizabeth,” Waller said.
“She will have one more gallop and we are looking to Saturday.”
The current $1.15 favourite at Sportsbet.com.au will attract big number on track and ATC spokesman Brett Devine believes most of them are there to see one runner.
“It is the Winx effect,” Devine said. “It is clear that people have waited for this meeting to see her in her grand final.”