After purchasing the Justify (USA) colt Storm Boy, Coolmore took a stranglehold on the Golden Slipper after the professional performance from exquisite Snitzel colt Switzerland in Saturday’s Pierro Plate (II00m) at Randwick.
Given a confident ride by James McDonald, the Chris Waller-trained colt kept the top-class Alabama Express colt Shangri La Express honest in the early stages.
Typical of the stable, the previously undefeated Shangri La Express did not give in without a fight. However, Switzerland always had his measure and was strong to the line for a three-quarter length win.
The Extreme Choice filly Extreme Diva was a length back in third.
A nearly three-length debut winner at Randwick, the Coolmore colourbearer was promoted to second favourite for the Golden Slipper behind Storm Boy.
Coolmore won the Golden Slipper last year with the homebred Snitzel colt Shinzo.
“It was a new learning curve for him. We made use of him from the barrier; he had to do a bit of work,” Waller said.
“He does most of his work behind horses and pretty much stays there.
“It’s early days; he is still a baby. The second horse is no slouch, and everyone knows how well FGai and Adrian’s 2-year-olds are going. It made him work the last 100m.
“I think the penny will drop now as we get deeper into our plans.
“I can guarantee he hasn’t been wound down yet. We are still four or five weeks from the grand final.
“I don’t know what’s there yet; I want to see it on Golden Slipper day.”
A $1,500,000 purchase for Tom Magnier from the Arrowfield Stud draft at the 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Switzerland, is the first foal of the high-class Blame (USA) mare Ms Bad Behavior (CAN), a US$600,000 buy for Freyer Bloodstock at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton November Sale.
A 3-time winner and placed in eight of her 14 starts while banking over $500,000, Ms Bad Behavior (CAN) was a Grade III winner at Kentucky Downs, and all eight placings came in stakes races.
After foaling her third consecutive Snitzel colt on October 1, Ms Bad Behavior (CAN) revisited the champion son of Redoude’s Choice.
