Express Pass has finally lived up to the lofty expectations placed on him with a comfortable victory in the inaugural running of the Chautauqua Stakes at The Valley.
Saturday’s 1200m Listed race was renamed to honour the “grey flash” who scored one of his biggest wins at track while The Valley also saw the end of his career.
Chautauqua won the 2015 Manikato Stakes, coming from last with a barn-storming victory while his career ended on a sour note when he stayed in the gates when competing in a barrier trial three years later.
While unlikely to ever reach the dizzy heights of Chautauqua, a 13-time winner of almost $9 million in prize money, Express Pass does possess above-average ability.
On debut he was placed in the Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes at Caulfield and two starts later ran third in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
But until Saturday’s success at Listed level, Express Pass had only been successful up to benchmark 78 grade.
Ridden by Jye McNeil for the first time, Express Pass ($15) scored a two-length win from the $3.40 favourite Bella Nipotina with Irish Flame ($51) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Express Pass’ victory completed a double for Ryan who scored earlier with Mynumerouno.
“The race mapped well and Jye rode him a treat,” Ryan said.
“We can see what this horse can do on his day. He ran third in a Danehill as a three-year-old and he’s got a good finishing burst and we saw it today.
“I was umming and ahhing about running, but Reece Murphy, Jye’s manager, rang me yesterday just in case we did get a run and he put some thoughts into my head.
“When the scratchings came through it all fell into place. I’m very lucky and very thankful.”
Ryan said Express Pass had appreciated being down on the minimum weight of 54kg on Saturday.
