Ciaron Maher’s stable is eagerly anticipating the return clash between their talented three-year-old Growing Empire and the colt from NSW, Switzerland.

The two colts faced off in the spring, with Switzerland taking out the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington, leaving Growing Empire to finish third.

This Saturday, both colts are resuming in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington. Switzerland is an easing favourite, while Growing Empire has firmed into second elect, with Maher’s I Am Me also in the mix.

Jack Turnbull, assistant trainer at Cranbourne, is excited for the rematch between the two colts.

“I’m excited,” Turnbull said. “Growing Empire meets him fresh, and they’re both first-up this time, whereas last time we were fifth-up and travelling.”

Growing Empire has raced eight times and never missed a place, though he is still without a Group 1 win. He was narrowly defeated by stablemate Southport Tycoon in the Manikato Stakes before finishing third in both The Everest and the Coolmore Stud Stakes.

To help secure that elusive win, the Maher team has added blinkers to Growing Empire’s gear.

“He’s got a few quirks, and although he doesn’t need them, he’s sharper and more responsive with them on,” Turnbull explained. “He’s drawn in the middle of the track, just inside Switzerland, and with the blinkers, we’re ensuring he runs a genuine 1000 metres.”

Turnbull also highlighted I Am Me, who has won four of her six first-up runs and been placed in her other two starts.

“I Am Me won two $1 million races last prep, and she fires fresh,” Turnbull said. “We’re very happy with both horses and hope they hit the ground running.”