Despite its name, derived from a simple European piece of furniture, jockey Tyler Schiller asserts that the filly Chuchichaschtli is far from ordinary.
The Swiss German term ‘Khoo-khee-khaesht-lee’ refers to a small kitchen cupboard, but this equine counterpart is a talented young filly showing significant promise.
John, Wayne, and Michael Hawkes train Chuchichaschtli, who made a winning debut at Warwick Farm last month, defeating Love Story, a horse that later secured a commanding victory on the Kensington track this past Wednesday.
Team Hawkes has elected to immediately elevate the three-year-old to Listed company for Saturday’s Tapp-Craig (1400m), and Schiller believes she possesses the qualities of a top-tier filly.
“She’s not much like a kitchen cupboard. She’s got an over-shot jaw, but other than that, she’s lovely,” Schiller remarked.
“The form from her last start has been validated by Love Story’s subsequent success.
“I consider her a genuinely nice filly. Michael (Hawkes) rates her as top class, so let’s hope she demonstrates that potential this weekend.”
Chuchichaschtli will be one of three black-type contenders for the Team Hawkes-Schiller partnership on Saturday, joined 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 in his sole start at Randwick back in June. As a rangy individual, his trainers have allowed him ample time to mature and fill out his frame.
Schiller anticipates Why So Hard will continue to develop throughout his three-year-old season, but he has observed enough to expect a competitive showing this Saturday.
“He has improved significantly since his second trial. He raced more prominently then and had a good workout,” he stated.
“I believe he is in the right race. He’s a wonderful, progressive horse.
“He has always been a big horse, so hopefully, he has had the 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 listed as an emergency for the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m), but due to two early scratchings, he has secured a place in the field.
He achieved a Group 2 placing in the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) during the autumn. Consequently, despite coming off a maiden win at Newcastle first-up, he has proven himself at black-type level and, notably, is in his second preparation as a gelding.
“He was outstanding first-up. He is showing better gate manners and is positioning himself closer in the race,” Schiller commented.
“It’s beneficial not having to make up such a significant deficit. I suspect that was a major issue for him as a two and three-year-old, getting too far back.
“It’s a very competitive race on the weekend, so he will need to be at his absolute best, but his current form suggests he is capable of a top-five finish.”
The Matt Smith-trained Portland and Chris and Corey Munce’s Gerringong complete Schiller’s black-type mounts in the Hill Stakes (1900m) and The Nivison (1200m), respectively.
For the Tapp-Craig (1400m), consider the capabilities of Chuchichaschtli against the field at Australian betting sites.