THE two big prizes in Hong Kong at the weekend went to the short-priced favourites in Australian sprinter Chautauqua and the top Japanese miler Maurice. Chautauqua proved his ability as a world class international sprinter and passed with flying colours, again producing his phenomenal turn of foot to run down the leaders in the Chairmans Sprint having badly missed the break over the Sha Tin five furlongs.

Chautauqua, a son of Encosta De Lago, ridden by Tommy Berry, is known for his late finishes, and the grey didn’t disappoint as he came past his rivals having missed the break by three or four lengths and making his challenge five or six wide off the tight home bend. He was aided by a fierce battle for the lead with several horses, including Buffering and Peniaphobia doing themselves no favours as they went all out to try and get to the front. Both faded badly.