Gailo Chop has been backed into 2015 Cox Plate odds of $21 and co-owner Terry Henderson is delighted with the condition of the last start winner ahead of the Group 1 event at Moonee Valley tomorrow afternoon.
Gailo Chop is one of three European contenders in the 2015 Cox Plate. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos
Gailo Chop arrived in Australia just under a fortnight ago and Henderson said that the Deportivo gelding has thrived at the Werribee International Equine Centre and he told Racing Ahead that there will be no excuses if the Northern Hemisphere four-year-old does not perform at his best in the 2015 Cox Plate.
“The horse is really well,” Henderson said.
“It has been a trouble free journey for the horse.
“His work has been very good, his strongest gallop was on Saturday morning and then he worked solidly again on Wednesday.
“All the indicators were excellent, his attitude has been good, his appetite has been good and his weight was where it was when he won at Maisons-Laffitte.
“As much as we can do has been done and we are very happy with where he is.”
Gailo Chop started his 2015 racing season with a very impressive second place finish behind the highly-rated Solow in the Group 1 Prix D’Ispahan (1850m) at Longchamp on May 24, but he failed to fire in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (2011m) at Royal Ascot on June 17.
The Group 1 placegetter returned to winning form with a dominant victory in the Group 3 La Coupe De Maisons-Laffitte (2000m) on September 18 and Henderson believes that Gailo Chop has some of the strongest form lines heading into the 2015 Cox Plate.
“Solow is probably the best horse in the world at the moment up there with Golden Horn and that was his first race back this season and he hadn’t raced for seven months,” Henderson said.
“His run at Ascot was disappointing, but he only finished a length behind Criterion and that together with his last win were his only three races leading into this.
“This has always been the plan for this year.”
Highland Reel remains a clear favourite in 2015 Cox Plate betting with Ladbrokes at a quote of $5.50, while there has also been money for Arod ($8.50 into $8) and Winx ($7.50 into $6).
Pornichet ($31 out to $61) has been the big drifter, but the odds of Mourinho ($26 out to $41) and Kermadec ($7.50 out to $8.50) have also lengthened.
You can score the best Cox Plate odds with leading online bookmaker Ladbrokes, who are offering Best Tote or Starting Price +20% on every single race at Moonee Valley tomorrow.
