The Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on the opening day of Melbourne Cup week has evolved into a stallion making race since being granted Group 1 status.
Since attaining Group 1 in time for the running of the 2006 edition, colts like Star Witness, Sepoy, Zoustar, Brazen Beau, Flying Artie, Merchant Navy, Exceedance, Home Affairs and Switzerland have been victorious.
Chris Waller has been the main beneficiary with six victories and will be looking to add to that tally in the three-year-old sprint over the straight 1200m course when Beiwacht lines up on Saturday.
With all his racing in Sydney to date, Beiwacht got his first look down the Flemington straight in a jump-out on Friday, finishing third.
Waller made the point it was not the finishing position he was concerned about, it was all about giving Beiwacht experience on a track that he had never seen before.
“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 is coming off a last start victory, in record time, in the Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 27.
The Golden Rose has been a good form reference in past years for the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Waller said Beiwacht has similar credentials to his previous 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.”
Waller said success on Saturday could open the door to Beiwacht travelling internationally.
He said there had been some talks with Godolphin of potential trips to Dubai and then Ascot for straight races 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 ride on Saturday with James McDonald, who has ridden three of the past four winners of the Coolmore Stud Stakes, electing to stay 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
