Switzerland topples Golden Slipper fancies in Todman Stakes win
Switzerland (+260) has taken out the Group 2 Todman Stakes to remain undefeated after claiming victory in the main lead-up race for colts for the Golden Slipper, giving James McDonald two live chances in the prestigious two-year-old race in a few weeks.
The Chris Waller-trained colt made it three wins from as many starts and after jumping as the second favourite with online bookmakers, behind only Straight Charge (+180), the son of Snitzel proved too strong at the end of 1200m.
Straight Charge led the field at a good clip and set the race up for a runner to run on strong from midfield, and that is exactly what the winner did, thanks to a calm and perfectly timed ride from McDonald.
The leader was able to hold on for second place and Shangri La Express (+1200) got into clear air late to run home into third place behind the top two.
After McDonald rode Storm Boy to victory last weekend, we wait to see who Coolmore chooses to ride their undefeated runners in the Golden Slipper, as their leading rider, Ryan Moore, will make the trip to Australia to ride one of the two colts.
2024 Todman Stakes Replay – Switzerland
Chris Waller was on course to speak about the win post-race.
“It makes the next two weeks that little bit easier to know you’re on target. For a coach, it makes it a little bit easier,” Waller said.
“If you’re running second and thirds you’re scratching your head and wondering, what do I have to do to get a bit of improvement out of a horse.
“What I will be doing for the next two weeks is keeping things simple.
“Today’s field was as good a field as I’ve seen leading into a Slipper for a while and hopefully the form stacks up in two weeks’ time.
“He has kept improving with each run and putting on a bit of weight, strengthening up nicely and enjoying himself, which is the most important thing for any horse.
“I’m very lucky to be training for so many great owners, including Coomore. The beauty of that is they’re well organised and they’ll make their decision.”
James McDonald was very complimentary of the winner and he believes Switzerland is the one to beat in a few weeks.
“He’s a proper little racehorse. He just turns up and does his job,” McDonald said of the winner.
“There’s no riff-raff with him. He’s so economical, he’s got the best attitude and that takes him a long way.
“He surprised me today. I thought that was an extremely good field and he won with a bit of authority in the end.
“I felt like I was really building to my top level right at the end, so he sustained a great gallop. And he’s definitely the one to beat in the Slipper.”
He just keeps turning up. The other one (Storm Boy) is completely different.
“He’s a big beast of a colt and he’s got so much character and enthusiasm about everything.
“This one, he’s a racehorse. He gets out there and does it.”
Switzerland is a +500 chance in futures markets for the Golden Slipper with online horse racing sites.