Ballarat trainer Archie Alexander is looking to lock in a Melbourne Cup start for Gallic Chieftain via the Hotham Handicap, 2500m, at Flemington on Saturday.
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The winner of the Hotham is guranteed a Melbourne Cup start, being exempt from a ballot.
Gallic Chieftain is 32 in the cup's elimination order, with 42 horses remaining in cointention for a start after third acceptors on Monday.
The seven-year-old was fourth in the Hotham last year.
The Caulfield/Ballarat stable of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace have import Southern France well inside the cut-off of 24.
Based at the Werribee quaratine centre, Southern France is yet to run in Australia.
They also have Dal Harraild at 34, Azzuro at 38 and the unqualified Wall of Fire at bthe bottom of the list.