Buoyed by securing the prized mount on Chautauqua in The Everest, Brenton Avdulla is determined to repay the faith shown in him by the Hawkes stable at Rosehill this Saturday.
It was Tuesday when Chautauqua's part owner Rupert Legh confirmed that Avdulla had beaten a short list of high profile jockeys to replace the now Hong Kong-based Tommy Berry aboard 'The Grey Flash' for the inaugural $10 million Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 14.
Almost three years have passed since Avdulla last rode a stakes winner for Hawkes Racing but on Saturday he will have two opportunities to provide the stable with Group II success.
He partners Chauffeur ($13 with Crownbet) in the Run To The Rose (1200m) and Euro Angel ($9 with Crownbet) in the Theo Marks Stakes (1300m).
"I've been doing a bit of work there for the Hawkes team and they've been looking after me," Avdulla said.
"I had trialled Chautauqua a couple of times and fortunately got the nod to ride him so I'm obviously very thankful to the Hawkes stable and the owners.
"It's an honour to have a ride like that going into such a big race."
Chauffeur and Avdulla finished a length behind Pariah in the Group III San Domenico Stakes (1100m) when runner-up at Rosehill on August 28 but the colt is expected to improve rising to 1200m.
"We rode him quietly the other day, he tracked Pariah through and finished off really well," Avdulla said.
"He's drawn well again on Saturday so I'm tipping we'll ride him the same way and let him find the line and see if he's good enough.
"I think 1400m will really suit him so going up in distance with a bit of pressure on up front would help."
Like Chauffeur, Euro Angel has also resumed with a second placing under Avdulla, beating all bar Sweet Redemption in the Group III Toy Show Quality (1300m) at Randwick on August 19.
The daughter of Rip Van Winkle takes on a small but select field on Saturday, which includes the early Epsom Handicap favourite Egg Tart as well as two other Group I winners – Foxplay and Good Project.
"It's a good little race but she's a talented mare on her day," Avdulla said.
"That said she's not the easiest horse to ride. She came away a bit tardy the other day but I was happy with the way she relaxed.
"Probably just got a little too far back and didn't get the splits we needed so she was a bit stiff not to win.
"She trialled on Monday and just had a breeze around and she goes into Saturday in good order and jumps from a nice gate. Hopefully she can put herself somewhere midfield."
