The Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, staged down Flemington’s famous straight on the first day of Cup week, has become a launchpad for future stallions since its elevation in 2006.
From Star Witness and Sepoy to Zoustar, Brazen Beau, Flying Artie, Merchant Navy, Exceedance, Home Affairs and Switzerland, the honour roll is pure blue-chip.
Chris Waller, already a six-time winner of the contest, chases another chapter in the 1200m three-year-old showcase on Saturday with Beiwacht.
After a Sydney-only preparation, Beiwacht trialled down the straight for the first time in a Friday jump-out, running third.
The outcome mattered less than the education, Waller explained.
“I think it’s really important,” Waller said.
“Most of our winners have done it once or twice and it certainly makes you feel better.
“It’s one less of those things you have to worry about come race day, especially Sydney horses who are looking for that running rail.
“Depending on where you’ve drawn, inside or out, at least you’ve been down the straight, and they don’t have to drift across left or right from wherever they have drawn.”
Beiwacht’s credentials were underlined by his record time triumph in the Golden Rose (1400m) on September 27—historically a prime formline for the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Waller says the colt ticks the right boxes.
“He’s got, which you need up the straight, he’s got the ability to run 1400 metres,” Waller said.
“He’s a big strong horse, he’s been down for a week, he’s settled in well, so he’s got what it takes.
“His training is done. It’s a matter of keeping him together, fresh and ready for Saturday.”
Victory could springboard an overseas campaign, with Godolphin sounding out Dubai and Ascot straight-track targets later in the season.
“It’s about doing the little things right and giving him experience up the straight which could unlock doors in the second half of his three-year-old year with straight racing,” Waller said.
“That could open up Dubai, it could open up Ascot. They’re certainly options.
“You want to travel good horses, especially colts, because you only have them for a short time before they head off to the stallion barn.”
Adam Hyeronimus stays aboard, while James McDonald—who has steered three of the past four winners of the Coolmore Stud Stakes—remains in Sydney.
“He’s a tricky horse, but he gets him to settle, and he has turned into a very tractable horse,” Waller said.
“Winning a Group 1 race on him in Sydney and with James not being in Melbourne, it was a pretty easy call.
“He deserves the ride. He’s doing a great job. He’s riding a lot of winners and he
If you’re betting on the Coolmore Stud Stakes, line up the market with trusted betting sites, compare odds across multiple online bookmakers, or wager on the go with leading betting apps.
