NEWMARKET HANDICAP

1200m, $1.25 million, handicap at Flemington

HISTORY

* First run in 1874

* Held at Caulfield in 2007

* Bart Cummings holds the training record with eight winners

* Damien Oliver has ridden three winners

NOTABLE WINNERS

* Aspen (1880/81), Malua (1884), Wakeful (1901), Gothic (1927/28), Aurie’s Star (1937), Ajax (1938), Bernborough (1946), Correct (1960/61), Manihi (1968), Century (1973), Toy Show (1976), Desirable (1977), Maybe Mahal (1978), Razor Sharp (1982/83), Placid Ark (1987), Schillaci (1992), Takeover Target (2006), Weekend Hussler (2008), Black Caviar (2011), Hay List (2012), Lankan Rupee (2014), Brazen Beau (2015).

TALKING POINTS

* Can Chautauqua finally win a Group One race over the straight 1200m course at Flemington after three previous second placings

* Chautauqua could become the fourth horse in 50 years to carry 58kg or more to victory in the Newmarket

* A small field and the absence of Terravista, with a hoof problem, prompted connections of Secret Agenda to give the filly her chance

* Japonisme will try to become the second Chris Waller-trained three-year-old to win after Brazen Beau was successeful in 2015

WHAT CONNECTIONS ARE SAYING

* “Tom (Sadler) thought it was the firm ground but he can put in the odd ordinary one. The horse is good and hopefully he’s put that bad one away” – Charmed Harmoney’s trainer John Sadler.

* “Going back to that track that he’s had such a good record at, and the extra 100 metres on top of the Oakleigh Plate, you’d think it should be a really good race for him to run well in” – The Quarterback’s trainer Robbie Griffiths

* “She might not get a lot of chances in Group Ones, in small fields and with no weight and if she runs a place it adds to her CV as a broodmare” – Secret Agenda’s trainer Mick Price

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au