Gailo Chop ready to roll
SEVENTEEN months after chasing home Winx in the 2018 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Gailo Chop will return to the Group 1 arena to challenge Mystic Journey and a cluster of fellow stars in Saturday’s Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes.
The former French galloper successfully completed his final gallop at Casterton yesterday, sealing his return to competition after overcoming a tendon injury.
Trainer Matthew Williams confirmed the chestnut would contest the Makybe Diva (1600m) as a stepping stone towards the $5 million Cox Plate on October 26.
“He’s come through the gallop well and he’ll head to the races on Saturday,” Williams said.
“He’s going well. Hopefully everything goes to plan on Saturday and we’ll go to the Underwood (Stakes on September 29) after that.”
Gailo Chop is likely to face Mystic Journey, Hartnell, Humidor, Scales Of Justice, Yucatan and Kings Will Dream at Flemington.
Lindsay Park will aim former Irish stayer Rostropovich and SA Derby winner Qafila at the race.
Fifth in both the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup last season for Aidan O’brien, Rostropovich has thrived, according to Ben Hayes.
“We're really looking forward to seeing what he can do first-up,” Hayes said.
“We think he can run a competitive race, but there's a good one (Mystic Journey) in the race, which will make it a bit hard.
“He hasn't got an electrifying turn of foot, but he has got a turn of foot and the mile firstup might be all right.” Hayes said Qafila had earned a crack at Group 1 level after her second to Age Of Chivalry at Caulfield last month.
“She's really come through that race well and will appreciate the extra trip,” he said.
“She's on a path to the Caulfield Cup, so we'll see how she goes here.”