Cheka on track for Classic campaign

Eve Johnson Houghton is looking ahead to a good campaign from her Classic hopeful The Cheka.

The son of Xaar showed immense promise in just two starts as a juvenile, winning his maiden at Ascot by 10 lengths and then going down by half a length to Sri Putra in the Solario Stakes at Sandown.

“He’s done really well over the winter and we’re delighted with him,” said the UK trainer.

“He’s going for the Greenham and then the Guineas. We’re keeping it simple.

“Everything is going well, touch-wood. He’s grown into a monster and is a very impressive horse.

“He’s been back in training since the beginning of January and he’s doing a few faster bits of work now.”

The Cheka is 50-1 with the sponsors for the Stan James 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 2.