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Source: Racenet
Champion trainer Chris Waller has sights only on the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m)before any further planned targets for crack colt Switzerland.
The Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner completed a maintenance gallop at Flemington on Friday in a hot 800m course proper jumpout reserved for Lightning Stakes contenders.
Waller could not be drawn on possible Group 1 Newmarket Handicap or international Royal Ascot aspirations for the Coolmore-owned three-year-old son of Snitzel.
“He’s a high profile colt so just placing him right is important and continuing to build his value,” Waller said.
“All possibilities at this stage but we’ll get through the Lightning and then work out a plan.”
Waller won the successive Lightning Stakes in 2021-22 with Nature Strip and Home Affairs respectively.
Home Affairs completed the Coolmore-Lightning Stakes double.
Home Affairs in 2022 became the first three-year-old to win the Lightning since Fastnet Rock in 2005.
Explosive filly Coolangatta then achieved the feat in 2023.
“His rating in the Coolmore has given us the confidence to take on the older horses,” Waller said.
“He’s still a young lad with a bright future ahead … it’s a tough ask first-up but it’s the start of a good preparation.”
Switzerland is favourite to win the Lightning on February 15 at Flemington.
The colt went through his paces on Friday with James McDonald aboard in a sharp heat won by Traffic Warden from Espionage and Benedetta.
Isthmus and Switzerland rounded out the five under holds.
Waller received glowing report from McDonald, who also won the Lightning on Home Affairs.
“He’s really happy, basically that’s where I’ve got my confidence from,” Waller said.
“Not only seeing the horse physically develop but getting our rider’s feedback including James has been good signs all the way through.”