Plenty of hype over latest Waterhouse-Bott colt ahead of debut

The excitement around a debutant Randwick colt will come under immediate scrutiny when he tackles a competitive Maiden Plate at Thursday’s feature Hawkesbury meeting.

Chiba, a free-striding son of prolific sprint sire Exceed And Excel in the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable, is set to debut over 1100m at set weights after shining in two recent trials.

Just over three weeks ago Chiba easily accounted for a handy trial field in heavy going by more than two lengths, still running an ultra-slick 33.13 seconds for his final 600m.

Then 11 days later on firm ground, he again showed naturally cruising speed to lead a smart lineup over 1045m before being run down in the final strides, although in fairness he was never pushed at any stage.

Yet it was really just another reminder of Chiba’s raw ability, given he finished close-up behind subsequent group 1 Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot in a trial at Hawkesbury back in March.

There is certainly something in the air long before this colt goes into the Hawkesbury barriers on Thursday.

But there’ll be no room for complacency against a group of rival first starters, many of whom have also shown up at the metropolitan trials.

Istolea Merc, a four-year-old by speedster Winning Rupert from the Bjorn Baker yard, has won both lead-up trials in commanding fashion, running exactly 33.31 secs for the final 600m in both.