Jockey says Chautauqua set to fly

“IT will take a good one to beat him.”

That was the statement from Brenton Avdulla yesterday as he prepares to jump back aboard The Grey Flash, Chautauqua, in Saturday’s Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

Avdulla will ride live chances Red Excitement and Big Duke in the Epsom and Metropolitan respectively but it’s Chautauqua he is most excited about.

The big grey only managed seventh first-up in The Shorts (1100m) but he savaged the line late to show he is well on track for the $10 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 14.

“We are two weeks away from the main race but he couldn’t have been more impressive first-up,” Avdulla said. “I saw his work (yesterday) and it was terrific.

“He looks well and I’m sure he will improve again (after) Saturday but it will take a good one to beat him.

“If we get an even track, 1200m at Randwick is going to be more his go with the run under his belt.”

■ GOLD Coast filly Houtzen is a contender for the Australian Two-Year-Old of the Year award for the 2016-17 season to be announced in Brisbane on Sunday week.

Other contenders are She Will Reign, Catchy, Invader and Pariah.