Grey Flash gives rivals the jitters

SOME punters have already written him off but champion sprinter Chautauqua is the horse that rival trainers rate as the one they have to beat in The Everest.

Each stable with a runner was asked to reveal the horse they feared most and Chautauqua secured a survey-high three votes from a possible 10.

Everest favourite She Will Reign’s trainer Gary Portelli has always looked up to Chautauqua’s co-trainer John Hawkes and knows “The Grey Flash” will be spot on tomorrow.

“I know John Hawkes and he is probably my idol as a trainer and I know how he can get horses to perform on the right day,” Portelli said.

Fell Swoop’s trainer Matt Dale agrees and feels a bit of rain tomorrow will only help the chance of Chautauqua ($5).

“I think Chautauqua is going as good as ever and he just needs the sting out of the track and he is clearly the horse to beat,” Dale said.

She Will Reign was the second most popular pick in the survey with two votes alongside Vega Magic and Redzel.

Peter Snowden (Redzel) and Ben Hayes (Redkirk Warrior, Vega Magic and Tulip) agree She Will Reign deserves to be favourite.

Gold Coast trainer Toby Edmonds, who has Houtzen in the race, tipped Vega Magic.

“He gets up on the speed and he is an in-form horse that is probably bombproof,” he said. “He puts himself in the race and will be strong late.”