Beiwacht to launch campaign in Lightning Stakes 2026
Godolphin and trainer Chris Waller have taken Beiwacht to Melbourne in a bid to familiarise the colt with straight-track racing ahead of potential international targets.
Beiwacht is set to contest Saturday’s Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington, where he will meet stablemate Tentyris, the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained three-year-old.
Both colts also hold nominations for the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 7 as connections consider mid-year overseas options, including Royal Ascot.
The pair previously met on the Flemington straight when Tentyris captured the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) in November, with Beiwacht finishing fourth.
Earlier in his campaign, Beiwacht claimed the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill.
Waller reported the colt was in strong order following a recent Flemington gallop, with Ben Melham to retain the ride.
“Darren (Beadman) went down to watch it, and he gave us a glowing report,” Waller said.
“Everyone is happy.”
The Flemington runs are part of a broader plan to have the colt race-fit while adapting to straight racing conditions.
“We need him in form and we need him used to straight racing,” Waller said.
“We will let him run his race, not worry too much about other things. We will get him into a good rhythm and let him find his pace he’s comfortable with.
“I think that’s what we have to do with him, he showed that in the Golden Rose. Let him use his speed but harness that speed, a little bit like Nature Strip.
“He’s not as free going, but we’ve just got to get it right.”
Waller said the approach mirrored the preparation used with Home Affairs, who completed the Coolmore Stud Stakes-Lightning Stakes double.
Home Affairs later finished ninth in the 2022 Newmarket Handicap under 56kg before placing midfield in the Group 1 Platinum Jubilee (1200m) at Royal Ascot.
“To get him ready for the Newmarket, they need to have a run first so it might as well be up the straight,” Waller said.
“It could have been in the Eskimo Prince Stakes in Sydney, but he’s won his Group 1, so I’ll keep him there and give him a chance to learn about straight racing.”
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