While the focus might be on Victoria Derby Day, the sprint race for three-year-olds is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated contests of the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
The Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington this Saturday promises a strong field of colts and fillies aiming to enhance their pedigrees for potential stud careers.
A seven-horse jump-out at Flemington on Friday offered a glimpse into some of the contenders for Saturday’s 1200m dash down the renowned Flemington straight.
The Next Episode, Paradoxium, St Gotthard, Natural Fling, and Under Focus all participated in the 800m jump-out, with Paradoxium comfortably outpacing his rivals.
Champion trainer Chris Waller, whose colt St Gotthard finished third, was not concerned with finishing positions.
“Experience, that is what it was all about,” Waller stated. “St Gotthard is a relatively lightly raced horse. It was a really good run in the Golden Rose and since then he’s been set for this race.”
“He’s had a quiet trial in Sydney and then the jump-out and it’s all systems go for the big one next week. This is the real pinnacle for a three-year-old colt that hopefully can really stamp themselves as a stallion, and that is what the Coolmore team is all about. He started his two-year-old career late and made an impact straight away. He’s come back really well at three and he’s ready to peak here on Derby Day.”
Waller boasts an impressive record in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, having won it six times, with Switzerland being his most recent victor in 2024.
From the beginning, Waller has been impressed by St Gotthard’s inherent quality.
“He’s got speed and talent, and James McDonald has been impressed with him right from day one,” Waller remarked. “That tells me he’s got the ability and it’s just about bringing it all together and making sure he’s ready to peak.”
Ciaron Maher, aiming for his inaugural Coolmore Stud Stakes victory, saw The Next Episode finish fifth, grouped with others, behind the runaway winner Paradoxium.
The Next Episode has been targeted for the Group 1 sprint since his May victory on the Gold Coast and followed that with a first-up win in the Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on October 3.
Similar to Waller, Maher brought The Next Episode to Flemington to gain additional experience before next Saturday’s race.
“It’s been his aim all the way along,” Maher commented. “He was great here the other day and he had a look down the straight before that. It’s a month between runs and he had a nice (on) bridle hit out, and he should present pretty close to spot on.”
Those looking to back a winner can find the best Australian betting sites for this exciting race.
