Switzerland unlikely for 2024 Golden Rose

Switzerland is unlikely to take his place in the Group 1 Golden Rose with trainer Chris Waller leaning towards re-routing his spring path towards the Roman Consul Stakes.

The Group winner disappointed first-up when failing to beat a rival home in the Run To The Rose (1200m) won by Godolphin’s Traffic Warden and was subsequently found to have suffered a leg cut that required suturing.

While the wound has all but healed, Waller says Switzerland will almost certainly bypass next Saturday’s Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill.

“It’s unlikely. He got a pretty decent cut last start, so it’s likely he will go to the Roman Consul and then to the Coolmore (Stud Stakes) after that,” Waller said.

“It needed a couple of staples. It has healed now, the staples come out Monday and he will be galloping Monday, but I’d rather give him a bit more confidence before taking on the big guns.

“I think the Roman Consul fits well.”

Waller believed the cut on Switzerland’s leg, combined with the fact he settled close to the speed in The Run To The Rose, contributed to his below par performance.

“We were too positive on him in the run,” he said.

“He was far too close and never had a chance to have a breather.”

Waller will still be represented in Saturday’s three-year-old feature, confirming the lightly-raced Emirate is on track to take his place.

He made late ground to finish fifth to Traffic Warden at what was his first black-type test and Waller believes he is open to further improvement.

“He was fantastic,” he said.

“He has to improve, but we’re hoping stepping up to 1400 and second-up that he can improve.”

Godolphin’s top colts Broadsiding and Traffic Warden head betting on the Golden Rose, the former holding slight market sway as a $3.50 favourite with betting sites, just ahead of Traffic Warden at $4, while Emirate is a $15 chance.