 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
On Saturday at Randwick, the dynamic duo of 3YO colts trained by Chris Waller, Shinzo and Militarize, showcased their impressive galloping skills between races. These talented colts are currently gearing up for their exciting spring campaigns and left spectators in awe with their thrilling performance. With their sights set on upcoming Group One races, Shinzo and Militarize are undoubtedly ones to watch in the racing world.
During their training session, Shinzo and Militarize showcased their impressive abilities over a distance of 1000m. Under the guidance of James McDonald, Shinzo took the lead, closely followed by Militarize under Kerrin McEvoy's direction. The pace remained consistent throughout the early sectionals, ensuring a steady rhythm.
As they approached the finish line, Shinzo managed to edge past Militarize, winning by a narrow margin of a long head. Trainer Chris Waller emphasized that the margin should not be overanalyzed, reminding everyone not to read too much into it.
Shinzo, a colt sired by Snitzel, had already made a name for himself by triumphing in the prestigious Gr.1 Golden Slipper at Rosehill over a distance of 1200m back in March. On the other hand, Militarize, a descendant of Dundeel, achieved an impressive double by conquering both the Group One ATC Sires' Produce over 1400m and the Champagne Stakes over 1600m in April.
These young talents have proven their worth in the racing world, showcasing their exceptional skills and potential for future victories.
Waller mentioned that he would engage in discussions with the respective ownership groups, but his preference was to maintain the separation of the colts. However, there was a possibility of them competing against each other in the prestigious $1 million, Gr.1 Golden Rose (1400m) race at Rosehill on September 23rd.
High Stakes racing: The Everest vs. Caulfield Guineas
After this event, their paths could diverge, with Shinzo making his way to the highly anticipated A$20 million, The Everest (1200m) race at Randwick on October 14th, while Militarize would be directed towards the $3 million, Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) race at Caulfield on the same day.
“That is his race. He will give them a shock in the Golden Rose but once he gets to that Caulfield Guineas, it will be game on,” said Waller.
“You will see him nominated for it (The Run For The Rose) but there is a chance he could run in the Theo Marks (Stakes).
“I am not a big fan of set weights and penalties races.
“I just think Theo Marks, 1300, might be a little bit better than a 1200 carrying a big weight.
“The way I am thinking at the moment – and do not read into it too much, I have got to speak to Coolmore and I have got to speak to Newgate and their shareholders, they will tell me where they’re running – but I would have a slight leaning to Shinzo going straight to the Golden Rose because then I am keeping him fresh and then I can go to The Everest.
“But they are both lovely colts and having a good day out. I was particularly happy to see how they coped with the day. That was the whole idea of the exercise, to make sure they are ready for game day and still cool, calm and collected.
“Militarize has actually strengthened up and Shinzo was always going to be that 3YO type, what he did as a two-year-old was just on raw ability.”
Both Waller and part-owners Coolmore have secured slots for The Everest.
“I have got to speak to the owners, but I think he is that type of horse. If we want to be serious about an Everest, and he is good enough to be there, keep him fresh, don’t over-race him, keep him sharp,” he said.