Chris Waller has emerged as a major Golden Slipper contender after his exciting colt Switzerland powered to victory in the Todman Stakes at Randwick.
2024 Todman Stakes winner Switzerland heads into the $4.92 Golden Slipper undefeated. Photo: Steve Hart.
This win puts jockey James McDonald in a difficult position, as he must choose between Switzerland and Storm Boy, the winner of last week’s Skyline Stakes, for the $4.92 million Group 1 in a fortnight at Rosehill Gardens.
Switzerland, a son of Snitzel, remained undefeated with a flawless display in his first attempt at Group company.
Ridden perfectly by McDonald in the Todman Stakes over 1200m, he stalked the leader Straight Charge before surging past the beaten favourite in the final stages.
“It makes things a bit easier knowing you’re on target,” said Waller after the race.
“He improved from his last run and relished the step up in distance.
“This was a strong field, and hopefully it translates into good form for the Slipper in two weeks.”
Switzerland’s victory has seen him shorten significantly in all-in Golden Slipper betting, moving into second favouritism at $6 through Ladbrokes.
However, Storm Boy remains the clear pre-field favourite at $2.40.
Following the race, McDonald hinted that he might favour Switzerland on Slipper Day.
“He’s a proper little racehorse,” he said.
“He surprised me today with his authority in the finish. He’s definitely the one to beat in the Slipper.”
The Golden Slipper promises to be an exciting race, with Waller boasting a strong chance at back-to-back victories after his 2023 victory with Shinzo.
Only Farnan (2020) has achieved the Todman Stakes – Golden Slipper double in recent years, and the racing world will be watching closely to see if Switzerland can emulate that feat.
2024 Todman Stakes Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Penalty | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | SWITZERLAND | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 4 | 55.5kg | $3.60 | |||
| 2 | 3 | STRAIGHT CHARGE | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 0.91L | 1 | 55.5kg | $2.80F | ||
| 3 | 1 | SHANGRI LA EXPRESS | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Regan Bayliss | 2.12L | 2 | 55.5kg | $14 | ||
| 4 | 4 | BODYGUARD | Peter & Paul Snowden | Tommy Berry | 2.7L | 7 | 55.5kg | $8.50 | ||
| 5 | 5 | ESPIONAGE | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Nash Rawiller | 3.68L | 8 | 55.5kg (cd 56kg) | $4 | ||
| 6 | 8 | GETAFIX | John O’Shea | Jason Collett | 8.82L | 5 | 55.5kg | $19 | ||
| 7 | 10 | VERLANDER | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Jordan Childs | 9.07L | 3 | 55.5kg | $81 | ||
| 8 | 7 | ALL INCLUSIVE | David Vandyke | Ryan Maloney | 13.26L | 6 | 55.5kg | $26 | ||
| 2 | ODINSON | Ciaron Maher | Tom Marquand | 0 | ||||||
| 9 | FULL METAL JACKET | Gary Portelli | Zac Lloyd (a) | 0 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
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