Gun sprinter Chautauqua has firmed to go back-to-back in the TJ Smith Stakes on day one at The Championships at Royal Randwick on April 2.
The dual Group 1 winner went from $4.50 to $3.50 after Team Hawkes indicated what the gelding’s path would be this autumn.
“The money trickled in as soon as Wayne Hawkes indicated the horse won’t be running in Victoria, with the goal firmly the TJ Smith as far as its local runs are concerned”, TAB’s Glenn Munsie said.
“Punters seem pretty happy the horse is likely to have just the one run at most before the TJ, before potentially heading to Hong Kong and Royal Ascot.”
Golden Rose winner Exosphere is the second pick for the TJ Smith at $6, with Queensland’s champion Buffering one of four at $11.
TJ SMITH STAKES
$3.50 Chautauqua
$6 Exosphere
$11 Buffering
$11 Delectation
$11 Japonisme
$11 Terravista
$15 Boban
$15 English
$15 Counterattack
$15 Lumosty
$15 Press Statement
$15 Srikandi
$26 or longer others
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BIG BETS ON THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
$50,000 @ $18 on Capitalist (Magic Millions) / Winx (Queen Elizabeth)
$5,000 @ $5 Winx (Queen Elizabeth)
$3,500 @ $4.60 Chautauqua (TJ Smith)
$2,355 @ $15 Xtravagant (Doncaster Mile)
$1,200 @ $15 Preferment (Queen Elizabeth)