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.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...