Is Chautauqua still the sprinting star of Australia?
IT’S tough to negatively criticise a horse which has represented Australia on the world stage, but we question whether Chautauqua still has the star factor.
There have been reports this week that the former sprinting superstar is the headline act on day one of The Championships at Randwick this Saturday, but having gone almost 365 days without a win, it’s tough to justify that claim.
Champion horses simply don’t go a year without winning, and we’re not saying Chautauqua wasn’t a champion thoroughbred because it was, but the spark has well and truly burnt out.
Team Hawkes have been scratching their heads this campaign and even tried it over more ground in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes where it finished 8.6 lengths behind Winx.
The run was solid without threatening and co-trainer Michael Hawkes, along with jockey Tommy Berry, believe that it’s better suited back over the sprinting trips.
“We tried and didn’t succeed at 1500 metres, so we changed tack back to a race he has had success in before,” Hawkes said.
“Even though he hasn’t won in five starts I think he is going to get a race that sets up with the right amount of speed to let him show his best on Saturday.”
Chautauqua has owned the T.J. Smith Stakes for two years running and punters are enjoying the +360 at Sportsbet.com.au. Hawkes said there’s no qualms about its racing tactics and punters should expect more of the same.
“You can’t change him, he has his pattern. He needs to get comfortable back in the field and for them to go hard so he can produce that big finish,” Hawkes said.
“He is the most dynamic sprinter we have had. When he is right he is simply exciting.”
Punters are certainly getting a value price which is generous from bookmakers. $4.60 for Chautauqua would have been snapped up in seconds a year ago, but fast forward 365 days and there is rightful caution with investors.
It comes up against a talented field which includes Astern and last start winner Russian Revolution. Both colts are the new horses on the scene and with a slight weight advantage over Chautauqua, they could take the throne as Australia’s best sprinter.
2017 T.J. Smith Stakes
1. Chautauqua – $4.60
2. Malaguerra – $11
3. Terravista – $17
4. Rebel Dane – $41
5. Japonisme – $26
6. Fell Swoop – $16
7. Spieth – $8
8. Voodoo Lad – $15
9. Rock Magic – $26
10. Target In Sight – $81
11. Tivaci – $17
12. English – $10
13. Astern – +500 at Ladbrokes.com.au
14. Russian Revolution – $7
15. Derryn – $61