One of the world's leading sprinters, Chautauqua (Aus) (Encosta De Lago {Aus}) aims to regain the winning thread in the G1 Manikato S. at Moonee Valley on Friday. The 6-year-old had a rare off day when only fourth in the G1 Moir S. behind Extreme Choice (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}) at the same track in September over 1000m and connections are confident the step back up to 1200m will allow the dashing grey to show his true colours. Dwayne Dunn has ridden Chautauqua to victory on six occasions and is set to steer him on Friday.
“The 1000m was probably not ideal for him first-up,” commented Dunn. “The 1200m is what he's looking for–back to the Valley, 1200m, good speed on, and I think you'll see the real Chautauqua.”
The Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes trained gelding is seeking back-to-back wins in the race and his sixth Group 1 success overall.
Dunn added, “This is what we expect him to do–turn up, and be as dominant as he was last year.”
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