Chuchichaschtli, a name derived from a simple European piece of furniture, is anything but plain, according to jockey Tyler Schiller.
The filly, pronounced ‘Khoo-khee-khaesht-lee’, takes its name from a Swiss German term for a small kitchen cupboard, yet this equine counterpart is a talented young filly on the rise.
John, Wayne, and Michael Hawkes train Chuchichaschtli, who made a winning debut at Warwick Farm last month, defeating Love Story, a horse that went on to win dominantly on the Kensington track on Wednesday.
Team Hawkes has decided to immediately advance the three-year-old to Listed grade for Saturday’s Tapp-Craig (1400m), and Schiller believes she possesses the characteristics 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 said.
“The form from her last start has been confirmed by Love Story’s subsequent win.
“I believe she’s a really nice filly. Michael (Hawkes) rates her as top class, so let’s hope she can show us something this weekend.”
Chuchichaschtli will be one of three black-type runners for the Team Hawkes-Schiller combination on Saturday, accompanied by Why So Hard in the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) and Federalist in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m).
Why So Hard achieved a strong victory at his sole start at Randwick in June, and as a scopey type, his trainers have allowed him time to mature and fill out his frame.
Schiller anticipates Why So Hard will continue to develop throughout his three-year-old season but has observed enough to expect a competitive performance this weekend.
“He has switched on nicely since his second trial. He settled closer in that race and had a nice hit-out,” he commented.
“He’s in the right race, in my opinion. He’s a lovely, progressive horse.
“He’s always been big, so hopefully, he’s had that time to grow into himself. I’m pleased with his progress; he was sharp in his debut win and has returned in excellent condition.”
Federalist was initially an emergency for the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) but with two early scratchings, he has secured a spot in the field.
He was Group 2 placed in the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) during the autumn. Thus, while he is coming off a maiden win at Newcastle first-up, he has proven himself at black-type level and, importantly, 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.”
Portland, trained by Matt Smith, and Gerringong, prepared by Chris and Corey Munce, complete Schiller’s black-type mounts in the Hill Stakes (1900m) and The Nivison (1200m), respectively.
With Federalist looking to build on a strong first-up run in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m), check out the betting markets for the race.
