The Ciaron Maher stable is eagerly anticipating the upcoming showdown between their promising three-year-old, Growing Empire, and the highly regarded colt from New South Wales, Switzerland.
The two last crossed paths during the spring carnival, where Switzerland claimed victory in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington, leaving Growing Empire to finish in third place.
Both colts are set to make their seasonal returns on Saturday in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington. Switzerland remains the favorite, albeit with easing odds, while Growing Empire is firming as the second pick, with their stablemate I Am Me also in contention.
Jack Turnbull, assistant trainer at Cranbourne, is particularly excited about witnessing the rematch.
“I’m excited,” Turnbull said.
“Growing Empire meets him fresh, and they’re both first-up. When we last faced him, we were fifth-up and had traveled. I believe we’ve improved, and so has Switzerland.
“But this is what racing is all about. They’re recognized as the top sprinters of their generation, and hopefully, it comes down to a thrilling contest.”
Growing Empire has never finished outside the placings in his eight starts, but he is yet to secure a coveted Group 1 victory. He was narrowly beaten by stablemate Southport Tycoon in the Manikato Stakes before placing in The Everest and the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
To gain an edge, the Maher team has opted to apply blinkers to Growing Empire for the first time on race day.
“He’s got a few quirks. He doesn’t necessarily need them, but he’s more responsive and sharper when they’re on,” Turnbull explained.
“He has trialed twice without them this prep and has been fine, but we ultimately decided to fit them for race day.
“He’s drawn in the middle, right next to Switzerland. He jumps well, and with the blinkers, we’re ensuring he maintains a strong tempo over 1000 meters.
“Once they go on, he knows it’s time to perform.
“He’s a gifted horse—just a slight signal, and he accelerates instantly.”
Turnbull also emphasized not to overlook I Am Me, who boasts an impressive first-up record, winning four of her six fresh runs and placing in the other two.
Despite lacking a Group 1 win, she has multiple placings at the elite level.
“She won two $1 million races last prep, the Concorde and The Shorts,” Turnbull said.
“She’s won a heap of races, she’s brilliant fresh, and she’s drawn ideally.
“Hopefully, both horses deliver strong performances. Their jump-outs have been solid, and we’re very pleased with how they’re shaping up physically.”