Champion trainer Chris Waller capped off the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival in style, claiming the final Group 1 with Beiwacht in the All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
The three-year-old colt jumped cleanly and led throughout, establishing a clear break on the field at the 200m before holding on to score by 0.92 lengths.
Stablemate Lazzura finished second, completing a Group 1 quinella for the Waller stable.
Speaking after the race, Waller highlighted that 1400m is the colt’s ideal distance, referencing his standout performance in the Golden Rose last spring.
“It was similar to his Golden Rose win where he broke the track record for Rosehill over 1400m,” Waller told RSN’s Correct Weight.
“He recorded a sharp time (in the All Aged).
“That’s his niche – I would say 1300m to 1500m is his sweet spot, in particular 1400m.
“There was some science prior to running in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) that we were running him in the wrong race due to his repetitive stride and distance of stride… They were right, 1000m doesn’t suit his racing style.
“But we saw when returning to Sydney at 1300m, he ran second to Joliestar, and then back to brilliant form (in the All Aged) over the 1400m.”
Waller said discussions are yet to take place with Godolphin regarding the colt’s immediate future, with a decision to be made on whether he continues racing or heads to stud.
“I haven’t spoken to Godolphin yet. Obviously, they would be considering whether he runs again or he goes to the stallion barn,” the trainer revealed.
“He’s had a pretty busy three-year-old year, and I don’t think there would be a lot more to gain from (continuing his prep in) Queensland.
“But if he’s going to be retired, we (should have) a few more throws at the stumps, I suppose.”
If Beiwacht remains in work, he is currently rated a $8 chance for the Doomben 10000 (1200m) on May 16 and $6.50 for the Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) on May 30.
Should connections opt to retire him, Beiwacht would conclude his career with three wins from 13 starts and prizemoney exceeding $2 million.
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