Ballarat-based Archie Alexander believes female horses are creatures of habit and for that reason has mapped out a spring program for Chaillot akin to last year.
That program got Chaillot to within three-quarters-of-a-length of a Group 1 win and being a year older and more mature Alexander believes the mare may be able to go closer this time around.
The Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on October 30 is Chaillot’s optimum goal after she commences her campaign in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1300m) at Sandown on Saturday.
After Saturday’s outing, Alexander is planning to start Chaillot in the Group 3 Ladies Day Vase (1600m) at Caulfield on October 13 and then head to Empire Rose.
Chaillot won first-up at the Flemington midweek meeting 12 months ago before going on to run third in the Ladies Day Vase and fourth in the Empire Rose.
“I’m a big believer in mares liking a pattern,” Alexander said.
“Two weeks ago, she looked very rough in the coat but now she’s starting to bloom.
“She ran a year and a day ago at Flemington and this time, we’re racing a year and three days later.
“It’s a similar pattern, at a similar time of year. I think everything is falling into place for a first-up run.”
Chailot has not started since finishing 11th to Krone in the Group 1 Coolmore Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill in March which followed a first-up win in the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in February.
“I was a bit worried, I thought it could have been a bit deeper than what it is, but it’s still a strong race,” Alexander said.
“Sandown is a question mark with her. She can be a bit funny on some tracks as she lets down well on some, but on others she doesn’t.
“But she races well fresh, so we’ll see how we go.”
