Beiwacht, a triple Group 1 victor trained by Chris Waller, had its initial exposure to Sandown on Tuesday morning. However, it wasn’t solely the horse that benefited from a familiarisation with the track.
Champion jockey James McDonald made his first visit to the expansive venue in eight years, partnering Beiwacht in a course proper track gallop in preparation for Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m).
This race historically called the track home from 1966 to 1996 before relocating to Caulfield.
Saturday’s racing program also includes the Group 2 Zipping Classic. McDonald’s last ride at Sandown was on Zipping Classic Day in 2018, where he rode three unplaced horses, including Who Shot Thebarman in the main event.
He had guided that stayer to victory in the Zipping Classic three years prior, marking the 34-year-old’s second and most recent win at Sandown.
“I looked pretty baby-faced then,” McDonald remarked on Tuesday morning when reminiscing about his Zipping Classic triumph. “It’s good to be back. It’s obviously a fantastic racecourse and got so much room. It’s nice to be here.”
Should McDonald steer Beiwacht to a fourth Group 1 triumph over 1400 metres, Sandown would become the 20th venue where he has achieved a win at the sport’s highest level.
Beiwacht secured last year’s Group 1 Golden Rose under Adam Hyeronimus, while Nash Rawiller was on board for his All Aged Stakes and Memsie Stakes victories.
The Orr Stakes marks the first occasion McDonald will partner the son of Bivouac in a race, hence his willingness to participate in the gallop four days before the feature event.
“I’ve ridden him in trackwork a little bit, but this will be my first sit on him under pressure and I’m looking forward to it,” he stated. “Obviously he’s a very good horse, it looks a strong race, but he’s definitely up to that. He’s got a new challenge here with Sandown, but I’m sure he’ll cope pretty well.”
McDonald is also set for another attempt at Zipping Classic glory this Saturday, partnering Travolta in the $750,000 feature over 2400 metres. He is also scheduled to ride Consulate in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) and Chayan in the $1 million Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m).
For those keen to get involved, explore the latest Australian betting sites for competitive racing odds.
