Chautauqua looking to extend repertoire
Champion sprinter Chautauqua will break new ground when he steps up to 1500 metres against the world’s best horse in the George Ryder Stakes.
Winx is the $1.15 favourite to defend the Group One race at Rosehill on Saturday with Chautauqua second elect at $8 despite being beaten in the Canterbury Stakes by Le Romain who is at $11.
Hawkes Racing confirmed on Tuesday, Chautauqua would be given his chance at the distance.
Both Winx and Chautauqua worked at Rosehill on Tuesday morning before heavy rain began to fall.
The Darren Weir-trained Black Heart Bart and Tosen Stardom are nominated for the Ryder but also hold entries for the Group Two Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington where the track will be much firmer.
Tosen Stardom has a win on a soft track while Black Heart Bart has two seconds but predictions are Rosehill will be heavy.
Black Heart Bart beat his stablemate to win the Group One Futurity Stakes last time out.
Chautauqua’s wet track form includes his wins in the 2015 and 2016 TJ Smith Stakes on soft ground while he has finished second twice on heavy including the Canterbury Stakes.
Winx is two from two on heavy ground and has two wins and a second on soft tracks.