The outcome notwithstanding, participating in a Golden Slipper brings immense pressure that can wear down two-year-olds, but according to Chris Waller, budding colt Campione D’italia has handled it smoothly.
“You wouldn’t know he’s had a run,” Waller said.
This Snitzel-sired talent arguably posted the field’s top effort in the Golden Slipper, flying home from the rear to grab fourth place, two lengths shy of Guest House.
It capped a razor-thin win in the Skyline Stakes (1200m) as he motored clear from behind, implying the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes distance of 1400m at Randwick this Saturday will play to his strengths.
“The Golden Slipper was only his third start in a race and he’s getting more tractable each time he runs,” Waller said.
“And he’s learning all the time. He’s coping really well with his racing.”
Barrier three is Campione D’Italia’s spot in the 14-starter Saturday race, while barnmate Fireball confronts barrier 12.
The latter held midfield position in the Slipper without ever seriously contending, but Waller viewed him as another needing the extra ground.
“He wasn’t beaten far and I thought he raced like a 1400 metre horse too,” he said.
Five of those tackling the Sires’ Produce Stakes also lined up in the juvenile triple crown’s opening instalment, followed by the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on April 18.
Joining from the Slipper are Blue Diamond Stakes winner Streisand who placed second, Zambales finishing ninth, and Paradoxium in eleventh.
Compare the racing odds across sites for the upcoming Sires’ Produce Stakes.