More prize money and less weight are the key ingredients the connections of Chaillot have chosen in deciding on the Cantala Stakes over the Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington.
Both are run at Group 1 level over 1600m on Saturday, one is a handicap, the at weight-for-age.
The Empire Rose Stakes, for fillies and mares, is run at weight-for-age and Chaillot would carry 57kg, the same weight as Group 1 winners Colette, Tofane, Mystic Journey and Sierra Sue.
But under the handicap conditions of the Cantala Stakes, Chaillot drops to 52kg.
Trainer Archie Alexander had all year been gearing Chaillot towards the Empire Rose after the mare finished fourth to Shout The Bar in last year’s edition.
But as the race drew nearer and the realisation that there was an extra $1 million in prize money up for grabs, the Cantala Stakes seemed a suitable option.
Chaillot resumed from a spell to win at Sandown on September 25 before being scratched from the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 16 due to wet ground.
Alexander is not concerned about having had the one run going into Saturday’s race.
“Probably all year the target has been the Empire Rose but getting a bit nearer to the race we thought the Cantala might be at the same level of difficulty,” Alexander said.
“And if you look at a horse like Tofane, we are meeting her on level weights, and she is much higher rated than us.
“So, if we were to take on those similar horses in the Cantala, we are much better weighted with 52 kilos on the back.
“There is also double the prize money and I think, give or take, both races are around the same depth.
“Everyone thought one would drop away, but neither of them has, both look strong races, but she’s in good form, loves the mile and loves Flemington.
“She’s been to Group 1 level once before, at Flemington and finished fourth, so we’ll see if we can go a bit better this time.”