News

All Systems Go For Chautauqua

16th Apr 2016

Breeding and Racing - Friday, 15th April 2016

Superstar sprinter Chautauqua (Encosta de Lago-Lovely Jubly, by Lion Hunter), whose half-brother Radradra finished runner-up on debut at Hawkesbury yesterday, will fly out for Hong Kong on Monday night ahead of his next assignment in the Gr1 Chairman's Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on 1 May.

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said the brilliant grey had come through his stunning last-start win in the Gr1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) in good order, and that he was looking forward to his first international challenge.

"He pulled up really well from the run," Hawkes told racenet.

"He's actually improved off that win so as long as he travels well and everything goes to plan, he's going to be right there."

Among Chautauqua's likely opposition is fellow Australian sprinter and Dubai Al Quoz Sprint winner Buffering, as well as Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Mongolian Saturday.

"You can only go off your last run and based on the way he won the other day it wouldn't matter where he was in the world," Hawkes said.

"That being said Buffering is there, he's coming off a super win in Dubai, and Mongolian Saturday is there as well so it's certainly a competitive race."

Hawkes said a possible trip to Royal Ascot was also on the cards. "If he wins in Hong Kong we might have to think about meeting the Queen but we're taking it one step at a time with him, he's still only a five-year-old and has plenty of racing ahead of him," he said.