The Chris Waller-trained Beiwacht, a triple Group 1 victor, had its initial experience of Sandown on Tuesday morning. This track reconnaissance proved beneficial not only for the horse but also for its jockey.
Champion jockey James McDonald returned to the expansive Sandown track for the first time in eight years, partnering Beiwacht in a course proper gallop in preparation for Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 C F Orr Stakes over 1400 metres.
This prestigious race was a fixture at Sandown from 1966 to 1996 before its relocation to Caulfield.
Saturday’s race day also features the Group 2 Zipping Classic. McDonald’s last raced at Sandown on Zipping Classic Day in 2018, where he had three rides without success, including Who Shot Thebarman in the main event.
He had guided that stayer to victory in the Zipping Classic three years prior, which was the 34-year-old’s second and most recent win at the Sandown track.
“I looked pretty baby-faced then,” McDonald commented on Tuesday morning when recalling his Zipping Classic win. “It’s good to be back. It’s obviously a fantastic racecourse and got so much room. It’s nice to be here.”
Should Beiwacht, under McDonald’s command, secure a fourth Group 1 victory over 1400m, Sandown will be the 20th track where McDonald has achieved a win at the highest racing level.
Beiwacht’s previous Group 1 victories were achieved with Adam Hyeronimus (Golden Rose) and Nash Rawiller (All Aged Stakes and Memsie Stakes).
With the Orr Stakes being the first race McDonald has partnered the son of Bivouac in, he was keen to take the opportunity for a practice gallop four days before the main race.
“I’ve ridden him in trackwork a little bit, but this will be my first sit on him under pressure and I’m looking forward to it,” he stated. “Obviously he’s a very good horse, it looks a strong race, but he’s definitely up to that. He’s got a new challenge here with Sandown, but I’m sure he’ll cope pretty well.”
McDonald is also scheduled to ride Travolta in the $750,000 Zipping Classic over 2400 metres on Saturday. His bookings also include Consulate for the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) and Chayan for the $1 million Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m).
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