Getting in for Chop
DARREN Weir believes Gailo Chop is in a rare zone and a clash with Winx in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes ( 2000m) on the final day of The Championships is on the horizon.
“We’ll probably be running for second but if he gets through next Saturday then it’s likely,” Weir said.
Weir was referring to Gailo Chop, backing up again next Saturday in the Tancred Stakes ( 2400m), a week after he won the Ranvet Stakes ( 2000m), also at Rosehill.
“He’s a great talented horse but it’s rare to get a horse spot on in terms of condition like him. Normally horses have niggly problems but he’s so happy and fit.
“When you’ve got that and your horse has good ability, it’s all coming together.”
Weir said Gailo Chop is being trained from a beach facility at Newcastle as they wanted to replicate the training conditions at Warrnambool.
The horses based at Newcastle were under the supervision of his travelling foreman, former jumps jockey Tommy Logan.
“Tommy said he’s pulled up well,” Weir said. “He’s in terrific order.”
Weir said his Doncaster Mile candidates Humidor and Tosen Stardom would leave for Newcastle tomorrow.
He said Brave Smash would also go with them and the late entry fee for him to contest the TJ Smith Stakes on April 14 has been paid.
Weir confirmed that Mornington Cup winner Kings Will Dream will go to the spelling paddock and come back for a campaign aimed at the Caulfield Cup, as he had secured “the Golden Ticket” into that race.
“He’ll really benefit from a spell,” Weir said.
“He came on a lot during his campaign but he’s still got filling out to do.”