Outstanding galloper Gailo Chop has posted his third win at the highest level with another dominant performance in this afternoon’s Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.
The son of Deportivo was an easy winner of both the Group 3 Carlyon Cup (1600m) and Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) upon resuming this time, but was pipped in the final strides of the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) a fortnight ago, where the track arguably played against him.
Jumping from the gates this afternoon in his atonement, Gailo Chop was allowed to stride forward by regular hoop Mark Zahra and he found an ideal position in transit just outside early leader Classic Uniform ($13).
Enjoying a carefree run in transit, Zahra was a passenger as the horse jogged clear of his rivals at the 300m; mustering a strong kick late to find the line around three lengths clear of the ever-consistent Single Gaze ($4.80) and Prized Icon ($11), who rounded out the minors.
Zahra is riding in career best form at current, but he was quick to lay all the praise on his talented mount in this afternoon’s Ranvet Stakes win.
“He deserved it after the last start and he’s been a great horse to me, but thoroughly deserved after the last start,” Zahra said after crossing the line.
“2000m where I was happy for him to have a bunny today, because I just wanted him to have something to follow and to get off the rail a little bit.
“Terry Henderson (OTI Racing, owner) has been crowing about the wet track and he was spot-on.
“She (Single Gaze) came to me early, but he can sustain a bit of a run this bloke and when I gave him one around the tail he really extended and I thought he’d be hard to beat.
“Darren’s (Weir) flying, so I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Punters who backed Gailo Chop at Neds were able to take advantage of an outstanding $2.30 quote in the market here at Neds!
Gailo Chop’s next assignment is likely-to-be a meeting with champion mare Winx in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on Day 2 of The Championships, for which he is currently rated the $8 second-favourite.