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Chautauqua spins the wheels at Sha Tin

Paul Joice - Friday April 22

Michael Hawkes was happy with what he saw when Australia's number one sprinter strutted his stuff at a rain-sodden Sha Tin on Friday morning.

Chautauqua gets a feel for the Sha Tin turf course ahead of his Group I bid on May 1. Photo: HKJC

Chautauqua arrived in Hong Kong on Tuesday for his planned assault on the Group I Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) on May 1, and did his first piece of serious work on the turf course.

The four-time Group I winning grey gelding covered 1200m in 1.23.60, working home his final 400m in 22.40 seconds.

"All good," said Michael Hawkes, who trains in partnership with brother Wayne and father John.

Hawkes also made comment regarding the racing pattern of the stable star, which is to get back and power over the top of rivals.

"A good, even pace would be ideal but he's shown he can run his closing splits off a fast or slow pace," Hawkes said.

Tommy Berry was yesterday announced as the jockey for Chautauqua on Sunday week, the pair combining for a scintillating victory in the Group I TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 2.

Chautauqua is currently the $2.25 favourite with Sportsbet for the Chairman's Sprint Prize.


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