Winner of the Country Championships Final, Chidiac has transitioned effectively into stakes racing via a gritty close win in the Group Three Hawkesbury Crown.
She thereby delivered apprentice Braith Nock his 300th win overall and a prompt double on the lone-day program post his success with Bella Khadijah in the Midway Handicap (1500m).
Under the colours of magnate Gerry Harvey, Chidiac has forged a formidable record of seven wins across 12 runs, with her Saturday performance likely the pinnacle owing to its impact on her stud value.
“This was stepping over the line for me (Group race) as I like to keep them graded,” winning trainer Brett Cavanough said.
“But with mares, you have to step them out of their zone for black type, and now she has got the job done she is very valuable.
“She was worth $25,000 when I got her, but Gerry will probably discount her for $1 million now.”
Cavanough, who shares the training duties with his daughter Georgie, was equally excited about gifting Nock a milestone moment.
Sydney’s apprentice champion from last term, Nock leads anew with 25 city strikes and perfectly tallied his 300th for his Scone handler.
“I had that in mind all the time, I wanted to give him his 300th winner,” Cavanough said.
“It’s a great result for Braith, the stable, our staff. Everyone involved.”
Cavanough has no firm plans for Chidiac’s path ahead but noted consideration for the Group 3 Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) at Scone in two weeks’ time.
“But it is job done for the time being. We will see how she pulls up and go from there,” he said.
“The Dark Jewel is 1400 metres, and she gets that, so a bit to think about.”
Chidiac ($4.80) scraped home by the barest margin from Surfin’ Bird ($5), as Arriving Home ($20) clung to third spot.
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