Gallic Chieftain is an ex-French galloper building an excellent record on Australian shores. Saturday’s Listed Winter Cup over 2400M at Rosehill is the 4YO’s first dalliance at stakes level.
Now trained by Darren Weir, Gallic Chieftain came to Australia with one win from his seven starts in France. Weir has taken the entire through his grades, allowing OTI partners to enjoy three wins and two placings from eight Australian starts. Along the way, Gallic Chieftain collected both the 2000M Pakenham and 2250M Morphetville track records.
On June 3, Gallic Chieftain justified a short quote when an emphatic winner over 2040M at Moonee Valley. Coming off an uncharacteristically poor run at Flemington, the entire settled in the second half of the field before making a sustained run out wide on the course. The strength of the win saw the Weir stable eyeing off stakes success.
Gallic Chieftain steps up to 2400M for the first time in his career on Saturday. Regular rider, Dean Yendall, is making the trip north to take the mount from barrier one. The extra trip looks ideal for this most progressive stayer, and it is hoped the Winter Stakes might be used as a springboard to better races in the spring.
The Weir stable report Gallic Chieftain continues to thrive in his work. He looks to have an excellent chance on Saturday to provide OTI partners with further success.
