A stylish winner on debut, the Hawkes Racing trained Exceedance filly Chuchichaschtli stepped up to stakes class at just her second start to win the $500,000 Listed ATC Tapp-Craig (1400m) with authority.
Sent off as the favourite, jockey Tyler Schiller had the filly settled in third position on the rail as the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Plagiarism went forward to take up the running from the inside barrier.
Getting a charmed run, Chuchichaschtli only had Plagiarism and the Chris Waller trained Lafite ahead of her as she turned for home, and while Outspan looked a challenger for a few strides, it ended as quickly as it began.
Committed to taking his filly along the rails to tackle Plagiarism, Schiller had plenty of room as he charged to the lead to take the prize and remain unbeaten.
Working home well into second position, a length and three quarters from the winner was the Extreme Choice colt Omolong, a half length ahead of Lafite to give the Waller camp both second and third.
Remember the name: CHUCHICHASCHTLI! ?? The filly goes two from two and wins the Tapp-Craig with Tyler Schiller on board for Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes. @G1TySchil @HawkesRacing https://t.co/OKF1hUG0xv
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 10, 2026
Trainer Michael Hawkes clearly has an opinion of this filly.
“She was really good first-up at Warwick Farm and she has taken great benefit, which is the best thing. I said to Tyler, just go and enjoy the moment. We know we’ve got a really nice filly on our hands and it’s all about learning. It’s only her second start in a race.”
“Obviously, it’s at stakes level. She’s only against her own age, but in saying that, she just keeps improving.”
“He went to go out, and he came back in, but once he drew away in the end it was really good to see. She’s very exciting.”
“I’m just happy for (owners) Gary and George. They bred her and she’s a really nice filly. Gary flew down from Hong Kong for her first run, and he’s watching back at home (on Saturday), so it’s pretty good.”
“We trained mum, Interstellar, Grey Worm for Gary, and when she (Chuchichaschtli) won the other day at Warwick Farm it was five years since a win and a runner for Gary. We’re back on the board and onwards and upwards.”
With Tyler Schiller having ridden her in both starts, the win justified his faith in the filly.
“Michael always had a big opinion of her,” said Schiller. “Once she trialled under Jay Ford first time this prep, Michael said she is probably one of the best I’ve trained, best fillies I’ve trained. That is a big statement to make and she has come out and proven it at the moment.”
“I was hoping to sit outside of Plagiarism. The pace went on and it was a lovely spot to be in. Michael just wanted to see her get the 1400m. I thought she did that with flying colours.”
Taking her earnings to $347,450 with her unbeaten run, the Vinery Stud foaled and raised Chuchichaschtli is the second foal to race and second winner from Interstellar (NZ), who was also raced by Gary Lui and trained by Team Hawkes.
Interstellar is a winning half-sister by Shamoline Warrior to G1 New Zealand Oaks winner Savaria from a G1 pedigree.
Chuchichaschtli became the seventh stakes winner for Exceedance with the Vinery Stud based sire outstanding value this season, standing at a fee of $22,000 (inc. GST).
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