Growing Empire likely to kick-off Autumn campaign in Black Caviar Lightning Stakes

Growing Empire began his autumn campaign quietly with a relaxed jumpout at Cranbourne on Monday morning.

The Ciaron Maher-trained colt stayed towards the back during the 800-metre workout, cruising to the line around five lengths behind the winner, Exuberance. This session served as an initial stepping stone, with a more intense preparation planned in the coming weeks ahead of his first race of the campaign, which will focus on capturing a maiden Group 1 victory.

Despite a third-place finish in The Everest, Australia's premier sprint race, and a narrow loss in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes, Growing Empire has yet to secure a win above Group 3 level. Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull emphasized the importance of breaking through at the highest level this season.

"His number one aim is to win a Group 1," Turnbull said.

"He's been placed by a nose, but we need to get that victory, so we will be going where we think is most suitable given form and where he needs to be."

The Black Caviar Lightning, a 1000-metre weight-for-age Group 1 event at Flemington on February 15, is the likely starting point for the campaign. Alternatively, the team may consider the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 22.

The colt's second outing is expected to be in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8. Growing Empire’s strong performance at Flemington in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, where he placed third, and his dominant Listed Poseidon Stakes (1100m) win solidify his credentials for Victoria’s top autumn sprints.

"His straight form is great. He won that Listed race very dominantly, and then after a pretty long prep and travel off the back of The Everest, he ran an admirable race in the Coolmore," Turnbull said.

"We know he’s proven at Headquarters down the straight."

Another potential contender for the Lightning and Newmarket Handicaps, Maharba, also impressed on Monday morning. The Winterbottom Stakes runner-up made a strong statement with a commanding win in an earlier 800-metre trial at Cranbourne.