Schwarz smashes rivals in G2 Australia Stakes

An example of ‘owning’ a sprint race was exactly what Blake Shinn and Schwarz demonstrated with their emphatic victory in the Group 2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley, kicking off an exciting long weekend of racing.

The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained sprinter built on two sharp trials in Sydney to deliver a commanding performance in the 1200-metre feature. Under the lights, Schwarz surged to a two-length victory over the improving Steparty ($5) and Apache Song ($10), the latter trained by Michael Trotter, who finished a close third.

“He’s always been a horse we’ve liked with ability and class,” said co-trainer Tom Charlton. “There were a couple of runs where he’s got it wrong, but when he gets in a rhythm, he killed them halfway through the race and looked in control the whole way.

“It is a pleasing first-up run, and I dare say he can improve on that.”

Looking ahead, Charlton has set his sights on Group 1 targets over distances beyond 1200 metres.

“It is now time to tick off a Group 1,” Charlton added. “We definitely think he’ll handle 1400 metres, so there is the Canterbury Stakes in Sydney and the Futurity at Caulfield.”

The 1400-metre trip of the Orr Stakes or the Canterbury Stakes poses no concern for the son of sprinting star Zoustar. Schwarz has already proven his ability over the distance, having claimed the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas and the Listed Amanda Elliott Stakes at Flemington (1400m) among his five wins from 10 starts to date.

“He dominated that race,” jockey Blake Shinn said. “The horse took me where he wanted to be, and he did it from start to finish.

“He cantered to the barriers like an old open handicapper, and I think if he can get a Group 1 on his CV, then he might be a valuable horse.

“If they decide to go to the Orr, then he’ll be a hard, fit horse second-up.”

Schwarz is currently rated an $8 chance with betting sites, sitting behind Mr Brightside at $2.80 for the Orr Stakes on February 8. He’s also listed as a $15 chance for the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick four weeks later.