With international plans in mind, Godolphin and trainer Chris Waller transported Beiwacht to Melbourne to gain straight track expertise.
Set for Saturday’s Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington, Beiwacht will confront Godolphin teammate Tentyris, the three-year-old prepared by the Freedman brothers, Anthony and Sam.
The Godolphin colts share entries in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) come March 7 at Flemington, eyeing mid-year abroad exploits like Royal Ascot in June in the UK.
One prior meeting on the Flemington straight saw Tentyris triumph in November’s Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), Beiwacht fourth.
Beiwacht had stormed to success in the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill the previous September before that effort.
Waller reported Beiwacht fit to fire, buoyed by Ben Melham’s rave review post-Flemington gallop last week, Melham retaining the mount.
“Darren (Beadman) went down to watch it, and he gave us a glowing report,” Waller said.
“Everyone is happy.”
For Waller and Godolphin, these Flemington starts build toward travel while prioritizing the colt’s return to peak condition.
“We need him in form and we need him used to straight racing,” Waller said.
“We will let him run his race, not worry too much about other things. We will get him into a good rhythm and let him find his pace he’s comfortable with.
“I think that’s what we have to do with him, he showed that in the Golden Rose. Let him use his speed but harness that speed, a little bit like Nature Strip.
“He’s not as free going, but we’ve just got to get it right.”
This mirrors Waller’s plan for Home Affairs, who nailed Lightning Stakes after Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Home Affairs, however, faded to ninth in 2022 Newmarket Handicap under 56kg, then midfield in Royal Ascot’s Group 1 Platinum Jubilee (1200m).
“To get him ready for the Newmarket, they need to have a run first so it might as well be up the straight,” Waller said.
Find the best value among the betting markets for the race ahead of the Lightning Stakes.
“It could have been in the Eskimo Prince (in Sydney), but he’s won his Group 1, so I’ll keep him there and give him a chance the learn about straight racing.”
The post Flemington straight to launch Beiwacht campaign first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
