Analysis: World to see the Chautauqua express set alight in Hong Kong sprint

ANALYSIS: AUSTRALIAN speed sensation Chautauqua is primed to cement ranking as world’s best sprinter at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Chautauqua will put his reputation as the world’s No. 1 sprinter on the line when he steps out on Sunday. Picture: Colleen Petch

AUSTRALIAN speed sensation Chautauqua is primed to cement ranking as world’s best sprinter at Sha Tin, according to Herald Sun racing writer Daryl Timms.

The Team Hawkes-trained sprinter has been training the house down in Hong Kong and everything appears in place for lightning performance when jockey Tommy Berry takes the reins on Sunday.

CHAIRMAN’S SPRINT

1200m, Group 1, $2.4 million

Sha Tin, Sunday 5.30pm

1. CHAUTAUQUA 6 M W & J Hawkes, T Berry, 57kg $2.25

2. AEROVELOCITY 14 P O’Sullivan, Z Purton, 57kg $9

3. GOLD-FUN 5 R Gibson, O Peslier, 57kg $9

4. PENIAPHOBIA 8 T Cruz, M Chadwick, 57kg $13

5. BUFFERING 3 R Heathcote, D Browne, 57kg $6.50

6. NOT LISTENIN’TOME 12 J Moore, J McDonald, 57kg $17

7. LUCKY BUBBLES 1 F Lui, B Prebble, 57kg $9

8. MONGOLIAN SATURDAY 2 G Enebish, D Whyte, 57kg $26

9. CHARLES THE GREAT 7 J Moore, G Mosse, 57kg $101

10. SUPER JOCKEY 13 T Millard, K Teetan, 57kg $151

11. AMAZING KIDS 4 J Size, N Rawiller, 57kg $21

12. THEWIZARDOFOZ 9 J Size, J Moreira, 57kg $11

13. STRATHMORE 11 T Millard, N Callan, 57kg $101

14. DIVINE BOY 10 M Tsui, D Leung, 57kg $101

Odds: CrownBet

Chautauqua wins the Gilgai Stakes on Turnbull Stakes Day in 2014. Picture: Getty Images

THE SPEED

Buffering, Peniaphobia and Aerovelocity are expected to vie for the lead with Lucky Bubbles, Not Listenin’tome and Mongolian Saturday stalking the speed. Chautauqua will settle in his customary position at the back, poised to unleash over the last 200m. The track tends to favour on-pacers. Buffering is drawn perfectly.

THE FACTORS

Track: Good 4

Rail: Out 4.5m

Forecast: Possible shower, 28C

THE SKINNY

CHAUTAUQUA

Attempting to justify world No. 1 sprint ranking. Has settled in well in Hong Kong. The ground, firm or shifting, will not matter but his chances depend on a solid tempo. Capable of breathtaking sectionals.

AEROVELOCITY

Hong Kong’s champion sprinter after a sensational win in January’s Centenary Sprint Cup over today’s course and distance. Has started in three Group 1 sprints and won all three. Has recovered from a colic attack last month and will be prominent for a long way.

GOLD-FUN

Classy miler-turned sprinter who won this race last year. Six starts over today’s track and distance for two wins and four seconds. Likely to settle midfield and will be strong late.

PENIAPHOBIA

Led all the way to win the Longines Sprint over this course in December and chased Buffering when third in last month’s Al Quoz in Dubai. Tough to topple on his home track.

BUFFERING

Queensland marvel racing in career-best form. Has contested a remarkable 32 Group 1s, for seven wins. Has thrived since arriving from Dubai after an inspiring Al Quoz win. Will be hard to run down from a perfect gate.

NOT LISTENIN’TOME

Has James McDonald on and John Moore’s polish and will appreciate any cut in the ground. Struggled from a wide gate in Dubai. Needs to improve. Formerly trained in Australia by John Hawkes.

LUCKY BUBBLES

Five wins from 10 starts at Sha Tin and will relish the expected hot pace. Capable of blistering sectionals. Brett Prebble rides.

MONGOLIAN SATURDAY

US raider who won Breeders’ Cup turf sprint. Trainer abandoned Al Quoz tilt after horse succumbed to travel sickness. Seven wins from 32 starts. Handles all surfaces.

CHARLES THE GREAT

Backmarker in moderate form this preparation.

SUPER JOCKEY

Runner-up in last year’s Golden Shaheen in Dubai. Suffered a leg injury in that race this year.

AMAZING KIDS

Emerging star who was second in the Sprint Cup to Aerovelocity. Talented swooper with four wins over course and distance.

THEWIZARDOFOZ

Another rising talent. Perfect record in three tries over the course and distance. Will storm home late.

STRATHMORE

First attempt at Group 1 level. Untapped.

DIVINE BOY

Five straight defeats after three successive wins in lower classes. Needs to lift.

DARYL TIMMS SELECTS

1. Chautauqua

2. Buffering

3. Peniaphobia

4. Thewizardofoz

Buffering works on the turf course at Sha Tin on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied