Sprint ace has eye on weather

CHAUTAUQUA could make his comeback to Sydney racing at Randwick on Saturday.

The Hawkes stable has nominated the grey for the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m), which has attracted 11 entries, including six Group 1 winners.

Chautauqua, the $2.80 favourite in TAB’s opening market, has not raced in Sydney since winning his second T.J. Smith Stakes at Randwick in April.

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said Chautauqua was still in Victoria and a decision on whether he ran would not be made until later in the week.

“We have nominated him but we want to see how the weather is and what the track will be like,’’ Hawkes said.

Nominations for the weight-for-age Canterbury also include Hauraki, Le Romain, Music Magnate, Japonisme and Ugo Foscolo.

The Hawkes stable has entered Caulfield Guineas winner Divine Prophet for the Randwick Guineas but he is likely to tackle the Australian Guineas at Flemington.