Chautauqua (Image: Racing Photos)
The Grey Flash may return to the races sooner than anticipated with Moonee Valley Racing Club confirming it is currently in talks with Racing Victoria stewards for Chautauqua to compete in an official trial in between races on Group 1 Moir Stakes night, next Friday.
Chautauqua took a crucial step forward at Flemington on Friday morning when he jumped with the field and received the stewards' tick of approval.
Now the six-time Group 1 winner needs just one more successful trial performance to regain his licence to race and The Valley are hoping to see it achieved on the first night race meeting of the season.
"We are currently in talks with Racing Victoria stewards about Chautuauqua trialling either on Moir Stakes night, or the following Friday night at The Valley," MVRC's Alastair Dwyer told Racing.com.
"For Chautauqua to trial on Moir Stakes night would be a great spectacle.
"People love this horse and everyone would love to see him at The Valley and then all being well, back to race in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes three weeks later.
"Since Chautauqua was banned by Racing NSW stewards we've been in discussion with connections, the Hawkes stable and Racing Victoria about getting him cleared to run in the Manikato Stakes.
"He obviously passed the first test this morning and we're hoping his next test can be Moir Stakes night."
Dwyer explained a decision will likely be made soon as to whether Chautauqua is offered the opportunity to trial on race night.
Recently Chautauqua was allowed by Racing NSW stewards to trial at Rosehill in between races, but failed to jump with the field.
In the meantime, The Valley is set to host a number of other star gallopers ahead of Group 1 Moir Stakes night, with the likes of Viddora and Houtzen heading there for course proper gallops on Monday morning.