Just a few weeks after declaring Exceedance filly Chuchichaschtli a stakes-class performer following her debut victory at Warwick Farm, trainer Michael Hawkes watched the exciting youngster validate his confidence with an effortless win in Saturday’s Listed Tapp-Craig Stakes.

Ridden by Tyler Schiller, Chuchichaschtli settled into a prominent position before charging through along the rails to take the lead and race away for a comfortable victory, stepping up to stakes company with impressive ease.

Hawkes who also trained her sire Exceedance and her dam Interstellar, was delighted with the filly’s performance and believes she has plenty more to offer.

“Her first win at Warwick Farm, she went out and ran a 1:09. Horses have to have the ability to do that first and foremost.” He said

“Obviously, it’s at stakes level. She’s only against her own age, but in saying that, she just keeps improving,” he said.

“She went to go out, and then she came back in, but once she drew away in the end it was really good to see. She’s very exciting.”

The victory was particularly rewarding for owners and breeders Gary Lui and George Doyle, who have enjoyed a long association with the Hawkes stable.

“I’m just happy for 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,” Hawkes said.

“We trained mum, Interstellar and Greyworm for Gary, and when she 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.”

Schiller was equally enthusiastic about the filly’s potential, revealing the high regard in which Hawkes has held her from the outset.

“Michael always had a big opinion of her,” Schiller said.

“Once she trialled under Jay Ford first time this prep, Michael said she is probably one of the best fillies I’ve trained. That is a big statement to make and she has come out and proven it at the moment.”

Schiller was also pleased with the way Chuchichaschtli handled the step up to 1400 metres.

“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.”

Now unbeaten from two starts, the Vinery graduate has already amassed close to $350,000 in prizemoney, providing an outstanding early return for her connections.

Chuchichaschtli is the second foal to race out of New Zealand mare Interstellar, a half-sister to Group 1 New Zealand Oaks winner Savaria.

Amongst the 2020 crop of stallions that are still active at stud in Australia, Exceedance has the fourth highest number of stakes performers with 14. He currently sits behind Too Darn Hot (36), Alabama Express (16) and Super Seth (15). The three stallions ahead of him stand between $66,000 and $275,000. This also places him ahead of the likes of Zousain, Cosmic Force, Pierata, Castelvecchio, Brutal and Tassort.
As far as individual stakes winners are concerned, he sits equal third with Alabama Express ($66,000 service fee) and Castlevecchio ($60,500 service fee) all with 7 Stakes winners. These three horses sit behind Too Darn Hot ($275,000 service fee) with 18 Stakes winners and Super Seth ($137,500 service fee) with 10.

Standing at $22,000 and with his biggest crop about to hit the yearling sales, he offers exceptional value to breeders as a stallion with plenty of upside.