The filly Chuchichaschtli, whose name is derived from a piece of simple European furniture, is anything but plain, according to jockey Tyler Schiller.
Pronounced ‘Khoo-khee-khaesht-lee’, the term is a Swiss German word for a small kitchen cupboard, but this equine namesake is a talented young filly on the rise.
Trained by John, Wayne, and Michael Hawkes, Chuchichaschtli won her sole start at Warwick Farm last month, defeating Love Story, who was a dominant winner on the Kensington track this past Wednesday.
Team Hawkes has opted to step the three-year-old directly into Listed grade for Saturday’s Tapp-Craig (1400m), and Schiller believes she possesses the hallmarks of a quality filly.
“She’s not much like a kitchen cupboard. She’s got an over-shot jaw, but other than that, she’s lovely,” Schiller commented.
“The form from her last start has been validated by Love Story’s subsequent success.
“I think she’s a really nice filly. Michael (Hawkes) regards her as top class, so fingers crossed she can show us something on the weekend.”
Chuchichaschtli will be one of three black-type contenders for the Team Hawkes-Schiller combination on Saturday, alongside Why So Hard in the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) and Federalist in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m).
The former posted a strong win at his only start at Randwick in June, and as a scopey type, has been given time by his trainers to mature and develop into his frame.
Schiller expects Why So Hard to continue his development throughout his three-year-old season but has seen enough to anticipate a competitive performance this weekend.
“He has switched on nicely since his second trial. He settled a bit closer in that race and had a nice hit-out,” he said.
“He’s in the right race, I think. He’s a lovely, progressive horse.
“He’s always been big, so hopefully, he’s had that time to grow into himself. I’m happy with what he’s done; he was sharp in his debut win and has come back in great order.”
Federalist was an emergency for the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) but with two early scratchings, is safely in the field.
He was Group 2 placed in the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) during the autumn. Therefore, while he is coming off a maiden win at Newcastle first-up, he is proven in black-type grade and, significantly, is in his second preparation as a gelding.
“He was terrific first-up. He is jumping better and putting himself in the race,” Schiller said.
“It’s nice not having to make up so much ground. I think that’s what a lot of his problem was as a two and three-year-old, getting too far out of his ground.
“It’s a very good race on the weekend, so he’ll need to be at his best, but he’s in good enough form to say he can run top five.”
The Matt Smith-trained Portland and Gerringong, prepared by Chris and Corey Munce, round out Schiller’s black-type rides in the Hill Stakes (1900m) and The Nivison (1200m), respectively.
Keep an eye on the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) for Why So Hard, with odds available at online bookmakers.