The Coolmore Stud Stakes has cemented its reputation as a stallion-maker on the opening day of Melbourne Cup week at Flemington, a status it has embraced since attaining Group 1 classification in 2006.
Since that upgrade, headline colts such as Star Witness, Sepoy, Zoustar, Brazen Beau, Flying Artie, Merchant Navy, Exceedance, Home Affairs and Switzerland have all prevailed.
Chris Waller has profited most from the straight-track feature with six wins, and he’s aiming to extend that record in Saturday’s three-year-old dash over 1200m when Beiwacht takes his place.
Having campaigned exclusively in Sydney, Beiwacht had his first look at the Flemington straight in a Friday jump-out and finished third.
Waller emphasised the result was immaterial; the aim was exposure to the unique layout.
“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 arrives off a record-breaking victory in the Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 27, a race that has repeatedly proven a prime lead-in for the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Waller believes Beiwacht fits the profile of his past winners.
“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.”
A win could also pave an international path. Waller revealed discussions with Godolphin about potential targets in Dubai and at Ascot for straight-course features during their carnivals.
“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 retains the mount on Saturday, with James McDonald—who has partnered three of the past four Coolmore Stud Stakes winners—remaining 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.
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