3 minute read

Gallic Chieftain exploded third up last campaign and we at The Melbourne Mail are banking on him doing the same thing again this weekend at Moonee Valley.

Gallic Chieftain comes off what looked a fairly flat run second up from a spell at Flemington. Having finished strongly from a less than ideal position first up at Warrnambool Gallic Chieftain looked set for a big campaign and we are not going to let one run turn us off that thinking.

The second up Flemington run was behind 100-1 Northern Journey. It was almost certainly a weaker race and Saturday's Moonee Valley contest looks sure to take more winning than that which on face value doesn't read well for Gallic Chieftain.

But a lack of real early pressure there meant the race turned into a bit of a zip home and Gallic Chieftain was again left poorly placed given the way the race was run.

Saturday's race looks like being a truly run 2040m contest on paper, and already things are looking brighter for the Chief. Third up last preparation Gallic Chieftain found himself in a truly run 2000m race and he responded by beating a strong field by a couple of lengths, securing the (albeit very modern) 2000m course record at Pakenham by the best part of a second.

The race produced several subsequent winners, of which he was one himself, and his form following that run showed that he has plenty more to offer under the right scenario.

For an each way play we head back to race two on the card for the mares. Eight runners under $15.00 in the early betting tells the tale of the race, it's wide open, but there are a couple of possible edges of interest.

Majestic Lass comes off a very plain run second up but she pulled up with an issue there and it could pay to be very forgiving of the run.

On her form from last campaign she has the ratings to go with any of those lining up in opposition on Saturday and with a Premiership-chasing Craig Williams going on, and the market potentially being fairly soft about her given the plain run last time she makes a bit of appeal.

The Melbourne Mail

Bet Of The Day: Race 8 #12 Gallic Chieftain @ $4.80

Each Way Play: Race 2 #6 Majestic Lass @ $6.50