9-year-old warrior Gailo Chop produced another brilliant run in Saturday’s Kingston Town Classic, finishing 2nd to the locally trained Kay Cee.
Stationed at Lindsey Smith’s Western Australian facility in the lead-up this event for Matthew Williams, Gailo looked in terrific order in the pre-parade ring and the confidence of a forward showing for connections grew.
Gailo Chop jumped from barrier 12 in what was his 20th start at Group 1 level. His jockey, John Allen worked his way across to the rails, eventually taking up an uncontested lead. In a brilliant tactical ride from the Irishman, he preceded to race at steady sectionals before gradually increasing the tempo, with Gailo still travelling comfortably around the final corner. On the biggest stage in Western Australian racing, Gailo gave a great kick at the top of the straight and had connections setting their sights on a 4th Group 1 win with the old marvel. Whilst still fighting on incredibly gamely, the 9kg weight swing to the Neville Parnham trained 3 year old ‘Kay Cee’ told over the final stages, with its lightweight and sweet run up the inside allowing it to finish over the top of Gailo.
Trainer Matt Williams was thrilled with the effort of the son of Deportivo post-race. “I couldn’t be prouder of him,” Williams said. “He gave a great kick but the filly with nine kilograms less managed to beat him.”
Saturday’s effort was Gailo Chop’s 6th Group 1 placing and takes his overall prize money to over $4.4 million.
The OTI stalwart will now head to the paddock and take a well-deserved spell. All going well, we will be seeing him again in the autumn of 2020.
To view Gailo’s 2nd placing via Racing and Wagering WA, CLICK HERE.
