In anticipation of possible global racing, Chris Waller alongside Godolphin moved Beiwacht to Melbourne to acclimate to straight-track conditions.
The three-year-old colt targets the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday, matched against Godolphin stablemate Tentyris, handled by Anthony and Sam Freedman.
These Godolphin colts are both tabbed for the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington March 7, with overseas options including the June Royal Ascot meeting in Britain.
They previously dueled on the Flemington straight, Tentyris taking the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) in November as Beiwacht came home fourth.
Beiwacht‘s fourth came off a dominant score in September’s Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill.
Trainer Chris Waller confirmed readiness, citing Ben Melham’s positive feedback from last week’s Flemington gallop, with the jockey aboard Saturday.
“Darren (Beadman) went down to watch it, and he gave us a glowing report,” Waller said.
“Everyone is happy.”
Waller emphasized the Melbourne races prep for trips abroad, yet the key focus with Godolphin is revitalizing the colt’s form.
“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.”
Waller replicated this strategy successfully with Home Affairs, Lightning Stakes winner after Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Nevertheless, Home Affairs couldn’t sustain momentum in 2022 Newmarket Handicap with 56kg, ninth place, before trailing at Royal Ascot in 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.
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“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.