KEY POINTS:
Honest performer Gallopin defied a betting drift to win his second race from as many starts at Flemington and in the process earned a start in the A$150,000 ($169,970) Bagot Handicap.
The 4-year-old opened at $2 but was sent out $4 equal favourite in the Johnstaff Projects Plate (2000m) yesterday. Ridden by James Winks, the chestnut gelding gave his backers few causes for concern when he came from sixth of the seven runners with a well-timed finishing burst to score by three-quarters-of-a-length from Road To Athens with topweight Arbitration a short half head away third.
"He always had them covered," said trainer Danny O'Brien. "Wet or dry it doesn't matter. He just gets the job done," he added referring to the dead-rated track.
Gallopin has been a model of consistency since coming from New Zealand, where his best result was a fourth from two runs, racing nine times for his new stable for six wins and three second placings.
He hasn't raced beyond the 2040m at Moonee Valley where he won at his previous outing on December 1 but O'Brien is keen to try him over the 2500m of the listed Bagot Handicap at Flemington on New Year's Day.
The soft track and a couple of gear changes helped Princess Marizza back to the winners' list in the Tellimed (1600m).
The 4-year-old won firstup over 1200m on Cox Plate Day but hasn't had luck since. The mare, who has won four of her 14 starts, is now likely to step up in distance.
- AAP
