Chetwood Keeps The Ball Rolling for Exceed And Excel

Last start winner of the Group III Cameron Handicap at Newcastle, Chetwood made it four wins from as many starts this season with a dominant performance in Saturday's $120,000 Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m).

With James McDonald in the saddle, Chetwood settled outside the pacesetting Sistine Demon before taking control at the point of the turn.

The son of Exceed And Excel came two lengths win over a fast-finishing Rough Justice (Wanted) with Sistine Demon (Excites) holding on for third a long-head back. (photo Grant Courtney).

Trainer John O'Shea said he was delighted with the way Chetwood is progressing.

"He's getting through his grades nicely and showed another string to his bow today by taking the sit," O'Shea said.

"I was a little concerned they might be going a bit quick but he seemed to relax beautifully.

"He was strong through the line and we thought he'd be suited around Caulfield.

"We'll see how he is when he gets home. He's had a float trip down to Melbourne on Wednesday so there may be one more run in him, we'll see how he pulls up.

"If he does, we might drop back in trip for the Salinger (1200m) or run him over 1400 metres on Oaks day."

McDonald said he had no concerns in the race once Chetwood relaxed.

Chetwood is the eighth foal out of the Marauding mare Eldarin who was making headlines before being purchased by Darley.

A winner of three races in Melbourne, Eldarin is sister to Group1 Oakleigh Plate winner Drum, and the stakes-placed Tambour, the dam of multiple Group 1 winner Armee.

Eldarin is also a half-sister to Group1 Australasian Oaks winner Anamato (Redoute's Choice) and Listed winner and Group 1 Caulfield Guineas runner-up Port Watch (Star Watch).

The first foal of Eldarin, Mearas (Redoute's Choice), was purchased by Woodlands Stud at the 2005 Inglis Easter Yearling sale for $1.1 million. He went on to win two races including the Group III Spring Stakes at Newcastle.

Eldarin is also the dam of the stakes-placed Sindarin (Redoute's Choice).

The daughter of Marauding missed for two seasons after Chetwood but produced a Sepoy filly last spring. She was bred back to Hallowed Crown but missed.