Schiller poised to test a promising trio of stablemates

Chuchichaschtli, named after a piece of European furniture, is anything but plain according to jockey Tyler Schiller.

The filly, pronounced 'Khoo-khee-khaesht-lee', takes her name from a Swiss German term for a small kitchen cupboard, yet this equine namesake is a talented young galloper on the rise.

John, Wayne, and Michael Hawkes are the trainers behind Chuchichaschtli, who debuted with a win at Warwick Farm last month, overcoming Love Story, a horse that went on to win impressively on the Kensington track on Wednesday.

Team Hawkes has decided to immediately step the three-year-old into Listed company for Saturday's Tapp-Craig (1400m), and Schiller believes she exhibits the traits of a quality filly.

"She's not much like a kitchen cupboard. She's got an over-shot jaw, but other than that, she's lovely," Schiller stated.

"The form from her debut has been validated by Love Story's subsequent win.

"I think she's a really nice filly. Michael (Hawkes) considers her top class, so hopefully, she can show us something this weekend."

Chuchichaschtli will be one of three black-type runners for the Team Hawkes-Schiller partnership on Saturday, alongside Why So Hard in the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) and Federalist in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m).

The former recorded a strong victory at his sole start at Randwick in June, and as a scopey individual, has been afforded time by his trainers to mature and develop.

Schiller anticipates Why So Hard will continue his development through his three-year-old season but has seen sufficient evidence to expect a competitive performance this weekend.

"He has switched on nicely since his second trial. He settled a bit closer in that race and had a good hit-out," he commented.

"He's in the right race, I believe. He's a lovely, progressive horse.

"He's always been big, so hopefully, he's had that time to grow into himself. I'm happy with what he's done; he was sharp in his debut win and has come back in great order."

Federalist was initially an emergency for the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m), but with two horses scratched early, he is now confirmed in the field.

He achieved Group 2 placing in the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) during the autumn. Therefore, while he is coming off a maiden win at Newcastle first-up, he has demonstrated his capability at black-type level and, importantly, is in his second preparation as a gelding.

"He was terrific first-up. He is jumping better and putting himself in the race," Schiller said.

"It's nice not having to make up so much ground. I think that's what a lot of his problem was as a two and three-year-old, getting too far out of his ground.

"It's a very good race on the weekend, so he'll need to be at his best, but he's in good enough form to say he can run top five."

The Matt Smith-trained Portland and Gerringong, prepared by Chris and Corey Munce, complete Schiller's black-type mounts in the Hill Stakes (1900m) and The Nivison (1200m), respectively.

With Federalist looking to build on a solid first-up run in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m), punters can find the best racing betting markets.