Victory Chant tongue-tied for Diamond
Trainer Leon Macdonald will be relying on the strength of Greg Childs and a tongue tie to get deposed Blue Diamond favourite back to the winners’ circle in Saturday’s Group One feature at Caulfield.
Victory Chant was installed as favourite for Victoria’s richest race for two-year-olds after his spectacular debut on his home track at Morphettville in December.
Although the Adelaide two-year-olds were not considered anywhere near the class he would meet in Melbourne, the time he ran and the way he won earned him favouritism for the $1 million Blue Diamond (1200m).
In the Prelude on February 10, Victory Chant cleared out in front but hung badly and weakened over the final 200 metres to finish third to Shrewd Rhythm.
The owners made the decision last week to replace Clare Lindop with Greg Childs for his big assignment.
“Greg is a strong, experienced rider and it’s a shame for Clare but that’s the way it goes,” Macdonald said.
“Victory Chant will wear a tongue tie but I won’t be putting blinkers on him.
“I hate to think how he would fire up with them on.
“He pulled up well after the race and I really think he will be hard to beat.”
Lindop was Adelaide’s premier jockey in 2004-05 and became the first Australian woman to ride a Group One winner when Exalted Time claimed last year’s Adelaide Cup.
Childs has won most of Australia’s major races including two Cox Plates on Sunline and also partnered the Macdonald-trained Gold Guru to win the 1998 AJC Australian Derby.
Zizou, who finished second to Shrewd Rhythm in the Prelude was Sunday the $7.50 favourite with TAB Sportsbet for the Blue Diamond ahead of Cecconi Familial and Victory Chant at $8.
Victory Chant had been as short as $4.50 before his last start defeat.
The final field will be declared on Tuesday and the barrier draw will be determined the same day but Macdonald is not concerned about the gate for Victory Chant.
“He’ll go forward and probably lead no matter where he jumps from,” he said.
Source: www.racingandsports.com.au