Growing Empire is poised to make a return to Sydney for the first time since securing a place in The Everest, with connections hopeful he will show significant improvement back on a circular track.
The three-year-old has participated in three straight races at Flemington following his impressive third-place finish behind Bella Nipotina and Giga Kick in The Everest (1200m) last October. However, he will face a turn in this Saturday’s The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill.
Johann Gerard-Dubord, assistant to trainer Ciaron Maher, is confident that the change in track layout will play a crucial role as the colt aims to return to top form after a couple of disappointing runs in Melbourne.
“His first run was one to forget. It was extremely windy that day, and the race didn’t unfold in his favor. He made a few mistakes, and there were several factors to consider,” Gerard-Dubord commented on Growing Empire’s performance in the Lightning Stakes.
“He showed improvement in his second run (in the Newmarket Handicap), but I believe he will perform even better around a bend.
“This week, he returns to a bend, and the horse is in good shape and ready to go.”
Growing Empire will be one of three Galaxy contenders for Maher, alongside the talented mares I Am Me and Estriella.
Estriella will need to step up her game after a lackluster performance in last month’s Oakleigh Plate (1100m), where she settled back and wide. Meanwhile, I Am Me bounced back from her unplaced run in the same race to secure third place behind Jedibeel in the Challenge Stakes (1000m).
“She showed improvement in her last start,” Gerard-Dubord said of I Am Me.
“It wasn’t an easy task, with only two weeks between runs, the journey to Sydney, and the shift from 1100 to 1000 meters.
“Despite that, she posted strong sectionals and now returns to 1100 meters.”
Unbeaten three-year-old Private Harry is the $3.20 favorite for The Galaxy, with Growing Empire leading Maher’s trio as an $8 chance.