Chau steps up his title chase

JOCKEY Allan Chau is looking to boost his Gold Coast premiership prospects with a strong book of rides at Aquis Park today.

Chau is equal third on the Gold Coast jockeys premiership table with 12 wins this season and a repeat of his winning treble two weeks ago will see him climb further up the ladder.

The in-form Chau has six rides today on the eightevent Gold Coast card with several top chances.

They include Phoenix Shadow in the Tip Top Foodservice Maiden Handicap (1400m) and The Kingdom in the McCain Foods BenchMark 65 Handicap (1400m).

“I have a few really nice rides,” Chau said.

“The one I am riding for Gillian (Heinrich) in Race 4, Phoenix Shadow, he is a very promising horse.

“He has been knocking on the door at his last couple of starts. He gets in good with the barrier and he is on speed.

“I actually chased up for the ride on The Kingdom because I thought it was a big run the other day when fourth first-up in a very hot field.

“He is back to 1400m, which is a suitable distance and he looks promising.”

Chau (pictured) will also ride Osaycan in the Maiden

Plate (900m), Firebox in the QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap (1400m), Royal Phoenix in the C,G & E Class 2 Plate (1200m) and Phantom Shadow in the Class 1 Handicap (1800m).

Sunshine Coast trainer Tony Haydon expects Brando to be very hard to beat in the last race on the program, the Class 1 Handicap over 1800m.

The five-year-old finished a close-up third in similar company over 1845m at Eagle Farm on Melbourne Cup day.

“He is going nice. There is a little gap in between runs but the 1800m should be perfect for him. Dan Griffin rides and he will know what to do,” Haydon said.

“He should be in the money, should be really competitive.”

Haydon will also saddle up Arquera in the Fillies and Mares Class 2 Plate (1200m) with Glen Colless aboard.