Arguably the most famous horse in racing outside of Winx, Chautauqua started on terms with the field in his Flemington jumpout on Friday morning.
With Tommy Berry in the saddle Chautauquawas in the first heat of the morning, one of four starters in the 800m jumpout.
The popular grey geldingtravelled at the rear of the field, allowed to cruise through late behind stablemate Sunset Watch in a hand-timed 45.03 seconds, the heat won by the Leon and Troy Corstens -trained Runson.
Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes was realistic about the future after the hit-out.
"It was great to see him jump away," Hawkes said. "It's been a lot ofhard work from everyone in Sydney, all I've done is just welcomehim back here at Flemington.
"We're not getting ahead of ourselves, it's only a track work jumpout but it's a step in the right direction. He did seem a different horse when he came back to us - he came with a different attitude for sure, there was a real difference to him and I think it showed this morning.
"He wasn't out there to have a hard trial, it was all about the first five seconds and he's passed that so we'll just see whathappens, speak to the stewards and see what we have to do.
"The dream hasn't died but it's still alive shall we say."
Chautauqua's part owner Rupert Legh was at Flemington to witness his star galloper's performance and indicated the stable are in contact with theMoonee ValleyRacing Club in an attempt to have a barrier trial held during an upcoming race meeting.
Chautauqua must also complete, to stewards satisfaction, a official barrier trial before an embargo is lifted to allow the champion sprinter to head back to the races.
There remains an outside hope that Chautauqua could line up in the $13mThe EverestatRandwickon October 13 with the slot held by Max Whitby and Neil Werrett still to be announced.
