Classy Switzerland shows Golden Slipper 2024 potential

Almost a year to the day since Golden Slipper winner Shinzo made his debut, Chris Waller and owners Coolmore have unveiled another son of Snitzel who they hope can head down a similar path.

Switzerland ($2.70 fav) lived up to the promise he had shown at the trials with an authoritative victory in the Join ATC Membership Handicap (1000m) at Randwick on Saturday, overcoming a slow start to muster speed and camp behind the leaders before shouldering through a narrow gap and bursting clear to score.

It was a soft performance in the end, the colt winning by 2-3/4 lengths over roughies Castanya ($26) and Bella Khadijah ($151).

Shinzo kicked off his career on January 28 last year, finishing third in the Canonbury Stakes before going on to claim the Pago Pago Stakes and Golden Slipper at his third and fourth runs.

The Slipper is also front of mind with Switzerland, who like Shinzo is by Snitzel and races in Coolmore’s navy blue colours.

Speaking from New Zealand where he has travelled for the Karaka sales, Waller was keeping a lid on expectations for the youngster but said it was a promising start to his career.

“I think it is well documented we don’t ask too much of our babies and honestly, we have not let this colt off the bridle at home,” Waller said.

“But we start to get a bit of a feel for how our two-year-olds are going from our good track riders, and they have been telling me for a while now that this colt is very talented.

“He’s a lovely, strong horse, very well bred and the complete package, but there’s a long way to go before the Golden Slipper.

“It is important with our horses to see how they pull up after a race, but that was exciting to see him win so well.”

Switzerland sold for $1.5 million at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and was partnered on Saturday by Kerrin Mcevoy, who like his mount, had a bit to live up to.

McEvoy’s sons Rhys and Jake won the pony races at Warwick Farm on Australia Day and they put the pressure on Dad to follow suite at Randwick.

“They said I’d need to ride a winner today,” McEvoy said.

The in-form jockey was also upbeat about Switzerland, who he believes has the scope to continue to progress through the ranks.

“He did a good job because he was galloped on behind and reacted to that a little around the corner,” McEvoy said.

“But once he got into the clear, he accelerated well. He’s not overly big but he has a good attitude.

“There’s no doubt he has good ability and typical of Chris’s, he will keep improving. There is no ceiling yet, he’s an exciting horse.”

Switzerland firmed from $26 into $11 with popular betting sites for the Golden Slipper 2024 following his win.

Waller also confirmed Shinzo was back in work at Rosehill but his autumn program was yet to be finalised.