
The only achievement missing from Schwarz’s impressive resume is a Group 1 victory, something his trainers, John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, are hoping to achieve as early as this Saturday.
While Schwarz has yet to face Group 1 competition, he will have his chance in the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
So far, Schwarz has raced 10 times, securing five wins, including four in Stakes races, two of which were Group 2 events.
His most recent success came in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on January 24. The Orr Stakes is one of three Group 1 races that could fit into Schwarz’s program, with the others being the Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 22 and the Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on March 8.
“He’s only had 10 runs, won four Stakes races, two Group 2’s, and he’s always promised a lot,” said Charlton.
“First-up was the first time we really saw an effort that could secure him a Group 1 in the coming weeks.”
“We think he’s improving and getting better. He’s a lovely-natured horse, physically great to look at, and we have confidence that a Group 1 win is coming soon.”
Charlton made a trip to Melbourne to watch Schwarz’s work at Caulfield on Tuesday, marking the horse’s first visit to the track.
“He seemed to handle things beautifully,” Charlton said.
“Ellie, his work rider, was happy with how he moved around the track, and visually, it looked great.”
“He’s pulled up well, and we’re very happy heading into Saturday.”
Charlton mentioned that Schwarz had flourished in Melbourne since his first-up win at Moonee Valley. He said the entire had not left any feed behind and had gained weight, which boosts the stable’s confidence that he is ready to tackle the 1400m distance.
However, Charlton doesn’t want to see Schwarz driven forward as aggressively as he was in the Australia Stakes.
“We’ll have to see how the race unfolds, but based on nominations, it doesn’t appear to be a race with the likes of Pride Of Jenni or Buffalo River,” Charlton explained.
“We would like to see him show a little less intent to ensure he can finish strong over the 1400 metres.”
“He was fresh and well leading into that first-up run, so I’d expect that performance will allow him to come back a little, but we’d like to see him find a good rhythm, similar to what he had first-up.”