Grey fails to jump at chance to race again

CHAUTAUQUA’S bid for a fourth consecutive TJ Smith Stakes hit a hurdle yesterday when the grey refused to jump in two consecutive barrier trials at Royal Randwick.

The seven-year-old veteran, who has won 13 times from 32 starts, was entered in an open trial over 1035m featuring the likes of Houtzen and Happy Clapper, but refused to jump when the gates flew open.

Racing NSW stewards allowed him to try again 10 minutes later in the next trial but again he refused to jump with Brenton Avdulla on board.

Chautauqua will be given another chance to trial next Monday at Warwick Farm and he must perform or his autumn campaign will be thrown into jeopardy.

Team Hawkes wants to run him first-up in the $500,000 Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on March 10.

What makes yesterday morning’s events even more puzzling is that fact that Chautauqua’s first barrier trial this preparation, on February 15, was just about the best of his career when third to Vellor over 802m. He looked sensational that day when storming home and running the final 600m in less than 35 seconds. EDWARD O’Rourke only has one concern ahead of Frolic’s run in Saturday’s $500,000 Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick.

The three-year-old Husson filly produced an eye-catcher when fourth in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) on return from a 10-month break.

She was four lengths last up until the 600m before she got going to flash home, just two lengths off the winner Alizee, who she faces again on Saturday.

O’Rourke said she has been thriving since the run and put in a good track gallop yesterday morning with Jason Collett on board.

“She’s come through her run nicely. The only thing I’d be afraid of coming into this run is the second-up syndrome after coming off a long break before her first-up run,” O’Rourke said.

“Other than that I’m quite pleased with how she’s looking and feeling at home. Jason was pleased with her in her work.”

Alizee is a $2 favourite while Frolic is rated an $8 chance behind second pick Shumookh, who was impressive behind the Godolphin filly in the Light Fingers Stakes on February 17.