3 minute read
The Steven Burridge trained Chalaza proved most impressive on Friday night and was clearly one of the standout performances of the weekend.
Only lightly raced, Chalaza broke through for a handy maiden win two back before taking another step forward on Friday night.
Ridden by Danny Beasley, Chalaza had no concerns with the step up in grade, and appeared to relish the faster tempo of the 1200m event.In his first two starts, Chalaza had lined up over 1400m and while still wanting to do a bit wrong, he appears to be heading the right way.
Well supported to start the $2.40 favourite in the third event, Chalaza settled towards the rear, with both Mastermind and Miss Waimataitai ensuring a solid tempo in front.Allowed to work through his gears by Beasley, Chalaza started to slice his way through the field and once clear passing the 300m, he really started to launch.
Displaying a sharp turn of foot, Chalaza quickly swept to the front inside the 200m, before drawing clear over the concluding stages.Eased down late to score by just over a length, Chalaza returned a new career peak and remains open to further improvement.
Comparatively he returned the second quickest time of the night and notably returned time figures marginally ahead of the bare form (adjusted).Chalaza will no doubt improve with time and gives the impression he will be even better at 1400m and up to a mile.
Where Burridge heads now remains to be seen, however more wins certainly appear in store for the son of Road To Rock.It's never easy for a horse to make the rise from a maiden to Class 4 company, the fact Chalaza also did it dropping back in trip, further pushes his claims as a promising type.
With only three starts under his belt, Chalaza appears more than capable of taking that next step and is certainly worth including in your blackbook.Stablemate Autumn Rush also really impressed over the weekend when notching up back to back wins on Sunday evening.
An ultra impressive maiden winner two back (7L), Autumn Rush proceeded to take that next step when he too made the successful rise to Class 4 company.Given 42 days break from his devastating last start win, Autumn Rush was facing easily his toughest test to date and he too passed with flying colours.
Ridden by Glen Boss, Autumn Rush always appeared in firm control and while not as dominant, his performance still held plenty of merit.Successful in recording a new career peak, Autumn Rush easily disposed of his rivals and certainly appears capable of making the rise through the grades.
From the inside draw, Boss had no other choice but to lead, however when tried in tougher company, you get the impression Autumn Rush will be better served taking a sit.Regardless, he is clearly a nice type heading the right way and more wins appear in store.