Showdown time for Chautauqua
CHAUTAUQUA, the grey flyer with the most powerful finish in Australian racing, can finally win that elusive Group 1 in another potentially epic showdown with Terravista and Lankan Rupee for the $2.5 million Darley T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick today.
The clash of sprint racing’s “big three” has been talked up as the race of The Championships for weeks now and even the likelihood of a very wet Randwick track won’t detract from the contest as the trio have all proven their ability on rain-affected tracks.
Chautauqua has clashed with Terravista and Lankan Rupee twice previously and although he didn’t win either race, he proved his legitimacy as a Group 1 sprinter.
In their first meeting, Chautauqua split Terravista and Lankan Rupee in the Darley Classic at Flemington last spring; then the three super sprinters fronted up in the Newmarket Handicap at the same track last month with Chautauqua again second, behind Brazen Beau, and Terravista (third) and Lankan Rupee (sixth) behind him.
Chautauqua’s racing pattern means he is almost certain to be giving Terravista and Lankan Rupee a start from the turn today but the grey gelding has the ability to reel off incredible closing sectionals.
“He can win this race if things go his way,’’ co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.
“We have kept him to sprints this season because he has such brilliance even though he will get further and run a mile (1600m).
“He probably should have won a Group 1 race by now but has been a bit unlucky.
“He is knocking on the door and (today) he gets the chance to shine.
“Hopefully this is his time.’’