Growing Empire will kick off his campaign in Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington, but his performance will shape the direction of his preparation.
Trainer Ciaron Maher is determined to secure a maiden Group 1 victory for the son of Zoustar.
The three-year-old was narrowly defeated in last October’s Manikato Stakes, losing to stablemate Southport Tycoon in the final stride, and also placed in both the Everest and Coolmore Stud Stakes. However, the coveted elite-level win that owner Yulong desires has eluded him.
Maher plans to target the Newmarket Handicap and William Reid Stakes after the 1000-metre Lightning, but he’s eager to secure that Group 1 win early to open up further options, including the possibility of an overseas trip.
“It all depends on what he does, hopefully he wins first time out and then he’s got options to do whatever you want,” Maher said.
Growing Empire is one of the key contenders in the $1 million Black Caviar Lightning, alongside fellow colts Switzerland, Traffic Warden, and Espionage, as well as Benedetta and stablemate I Am Me.
This race has been Growing Empire’s goal since the Coolmore Stud Stakes, where he dead-heated for third with Lady Of Camelot, though three lengths behind Switzerland. Maher believes the winner of four of his eight starts still has significant room to improve.
“He’s only going to keep improving, he’s a raw horse, and he still did little things a little bit wrong last time around so he’s still going to keep furnishing mentally and physically,” Maher said.
The Black Caviar Lightning will also be I Am Me’s first start since finishing towards the rear in the $3m Russell Balding Stakes in early November. However, the daughter of I Am Invincible previously won the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) and Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) earlier in the campaign.
I Am Me has completed two 800m trials at Cranbourne, finishing fifth and fourth in unhurried performances, and Maher is confident she is ready to perform well fresh.
“She was very good early last preparation, 1000 metres suits and she has come up really well,” Maher said.
“Her trial the other day was great and she can mix it when she’s right.”
The Black Caviar Lightning headlines Saturday’s Flemington card, which also features the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes, with Goldrush Guru, Henlein, and Feroce among the entries.