RacingHorse
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While Australian-breds have always been among the top sprinters in Hong Kong, Australian-based runners have not fared especially well in the region. Having missed out at a crack at the G1 Longines Hong Kong International Sprint in December 2015, Chautauqua (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}) was given a three-race prep at home with an eye on the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize this past May, winning the G1 Lightning S. and a second consecutive G1 T. J. Smith S. with electric, deep-closing victories. But could he repeat the dose away from Flemington and Randwick and over a track that does not typically suit his late-running style? The ‘Thunder from Down Under’ answered in emphatic fashion. The 9-5 favorite beneath Tommy Berry, Chautauqua hopped at the break in a field including the two previous winners of the Hong Kong Sprint–Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) and Peniaphobia (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire})–as well as G1 Al Quoz Sprint hero Buffering (Aus) (Mossman {Aus}). Still last nearing the stretch, Chautauqua peeled out widest and was letting down well, though he still had several lengths to find with time ticking away. Emerging star Lucky Bubbles (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}) was sent into the lead inside the final 200m, but with a final quarter in :22.28 (final 800m in :43.91!), Chautauqua was up to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat (video).
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