The Silver Slipper Stakes was meant to provide a clearer picture for the Golden Slipper, but James Cummings and Adam Hyeronimus had other plans, launching Beiwacht into the spotlight with a commanding win at Rosehill.

Race favorite Wodeton endured a tough trip, racing three-wide from barrier nine for most of the 1100m Group 2 contest. Despite the wide run, the $2.20 favorite fought hard under Kerrin McEvoy, finishing third by a short neck behind West Of Swindon ($9.50) in second.

With second-favorite Bel Merci ($3.20) finishing near the tail of the field, Beiwacht capitalized in style. The son of Bivouac surged home for an impressive 2¾-length victory, solidifying his credentials ahead of the $5 million Golden Slipper on March 22 at Rosehill.

Hyeronimus called Beiwacht ($17) a “raw talent,” noting his runner-up finish behind Bellazaine at Randwick on February 8.

“He was out of contention on debut, but we kept at it, stuck to our process, and got him heading in the right direction,” Cummings said.

“He’s a naturally fast colt. The key was getting him to settle and use his speed efficiently. That’s what you’d expect from a Bivouac colt out of a Street Cry mare with a proven record of producing Group winners.

“This is a big result leading into the Golden Slipper.”

McEvoy reflected on Wodeton’s effort.

“I thought he ran really well,” he said.

“The plan was to sit a little further back with cover, but that didn’t happen. He had to do it the hard way, but he kept fighting.

“He’ll be in great shape for the big race in a few weeks.”

Meanwhile, Zac Lloyd admitted that Bel Merci “just wasn’t himself today.”

Wodeton remains the $3.50 favorite for the Golden Slipper, with Apocalyptic, trained by Michael Freedman, next in line at $11.

Beiwacht’s odds for the 2025 Golden Slipper have now tightened from $34 to $15 with online betting sites.