Out of the winner's circle since the Listed Warrnambool Cup in May last year, the Archie Alexander-trained Gallic Chieftain (FR) revelled in the heavy conditions in Saturday's Group 11 Schweppes Chairman's Handicap (2600m).
A field of 19 lined up for the traditional Sydney Cup lead-up. In a slogging finish Gallic Chieftain (FR), with Damian Lane in the saddle, defeated the Chris Waller-trained Shraaoh (IRE) (Sea The Stars) by a half-length with the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Semari (Sebring) one and a quarter lengths back in third. (images Steve Hart).
Carrying the colours of OTI Racing, Gallic Chieftain (FR) advances his record to 9 wins, 6 seconds and 5 thirds from 40 starts with earnings of $1,013,745.
It was a career highlight for Alexander who took over the training of the 6yo entire after the disqualification of Darren Weir at the beginning of this preparation.
"OTI are a big help to me and always have been and this horse is terrific, Alexander said.
"Coming up here I was really confident. We've brought horses up here before and it's hard travelling horses, some horses just don't settle but this horse has done really well up here, he had barrier one, light weight and one of the best jockeys in the world on him.
"The whole way I was pretty confident. I never thought he was in trouble. The plan was to stick to the rail the whole way, obviously, Damien scrapped that plan and did the best thing and when he got out I knew he would be strong to the line.
"We came up here just for this race, but with the Sydney Cup in the back of our mind. You probably can't go back home now so we will keep him here, keep him nice and fresh for a week, and tackle the big one. Perfect weather, nice money. It's been a real mission of mine to come up and beat you guys in Sydney and I'm really happy to do it."
Golden Slipper-winning jockey Damian Lane said Gallic Chieftain deserves his chance in the Sydney Cup.
"Credit to Archie and his team. They've got the horse so happy. He can be a sour bugger at times but he was in the zone in the yard and he raced that way," Lane said.
A son of the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat winner Tamayuz (Nayef), Gallic Chieftan is a half-brother to Group III Prix Texanita winner Aladdine (Naaqoos) out of the stakes-placed Cacique mare Katerini.
