Chris Waller has launched the current racing season with a flourish, clinching another Group 1 event.
Australia’s foremost trainer achieved a record 22 wins at the highest level in the 2025-26 season and has now triumphed in the initial two Group 1 races for the new racing season.
Following Autumn Glow’s success in the Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick last week, Beiwacht thoroughly outclassed his rivals to secure the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Under Nash Rawiller’s guidance, Beiwacht ($6) achieved a commanding three-length margin over Mr Brightside ($21), with the $3.30 favourite Cosmic Crusader finishing a short-neck behind in third place.
Beiwacht was one of five colts prepared by Waller for Saturday’s race, and the trainer conveyed his immense satisfaction in witnessing the four-year-old resume from a spell and perform so impressively.
The colt had been withdrawn from the Winx Stakes the prior week due to an elevated temperature, but by Monday morning, the four-year-old’s spring campaign was back on course.
“We didn’t panic,” Waller stated.
“It was significant enough to warrant him not leaving the stable, and remarkably, his blood count on Monday was perfect.
“We galloped him at Rosehill on Tuesday. He was fine on Wednesday, and everything has been good since, so whatever it was, it didn’t linger.”
Beiwacht has now achieved three Group 1 victories over the 1400-metre distance, and Waller mentioned he would confer with the Godolphin group to decide on future plans.
Waller did indicate that international competition was not out of the question for Beiwacht.
“We expressed last year our keenness to take him internationally, but he’s not a truly straightforward horse,” Waller commented.
“He was out of his comfort zone in the Lightning Stakes, and it did temper our confidence somewhat.
“He’s a specialist over 1400 metres, so there are international considerations.”
Waller observed that Beiwacht had integrated well into his stable and, for a four-year-old entire, was exceptionally relaxed pre-race.
“Saddling him up before the race, he was a delight to work with,” Waller remarked.
“He was intensely focused. It might sound like I’m speaking about a person, but he was genuinely in the zone and solely concentrating on his racing.
“We will find a suitable engagement. I’ll consult with the Godolphin team, and I’m sure there will be some excellent races planned for him.”
Following Beiwacht’s dominant display in the Memsie Stakes, he appears set for further success; consider exploring racing odds with leading bookmakers.