Chautauqua did the near impossible, coming from absolute last on the home turn at Royal Randwick, to win the T J Smith Stakes in what would be best described as a barn storm performance.

Betting tickets would have been discarded long before the home turn, he just couldn’t win, but he did!

It is doubtful if we have seen a better performance than that, in a 1200 metres Group 1 race, since the era of Bernborough.

Chautauqua three T J Smith Stakes and his great win in Hong Kong to his credit, he seems to save his best performances for right handed tracks.

John Hawkes, who shares the training partnership with his two sons, Michael and Wayne, issued the riding instructions to Tommy Berry, loud and clear.

“Stay near the fence if you are going to win this race, if you are going to win this race you will have to come late, “said Hawkes senior.

John Hawkes saw the race from the couch in his home, there was quite some excitement, he shared it with his wife Claire.

There is nothing left for Chautauqua at present, but a rich carrot is awaiting in the wings come October 12

Chautauqua - The big grey gets up on the outside.