Chris Waller excited about Golden Slipper clash between Switzerland and Storm Boy

Chris Waller believes the Golden Slipper is going to be a special race and the chances don’t end with his colt Switzerland and favourite Storm Boy.

Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller disputed suggestions of a two-horse race but agreed the Golden Slipper showdown between unbeaten colts Switzerland and Storm Boy has a special feel to it.

“This Golden Slipper is building into one of those great races,’’ Waller said.

“It is like a grand final or a Superbowl. There are horses from different states and different formlines coming together.

“Switzerland and Storm Boy have never raced before and this is what people want to see to find out who is the best two-year-old.

“But it’s a top field with a lot of chances, I wouldn’t dare think it is a two-horse race but this Golden Slipper does feel like it could be a special race.’’

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Waller made these comments after watching his unbeaten colt Switzerland complete his preparation for the $5m TAB Golden Slipper with a gallop on the Rosehill course proper on Thursday morning.

Switzerland, with race jockey James McDonald in the saddle, wasn’t out to make time with the purpose of the exercise to “keep him ticking over” ahead of Saturday’s big race.

“He has had a good preparation,’’ Waller said.

“From his first win on debut, he has continued to take the right steps forward.

“We gave him a bit of a gap from his first win to his second start where he sat outside the leader and won well.

“Then it was a big jump in grade to the Todman Stakes, it was a genuine semi-final for the Golden Slipper with a lot of the better horses in the race.

“He did everything right, he executed well and it gave us confidence going to the Golden Slipper.’’

Switzerland firmed slightly from $5 to $4.80 while Storm Boy eased from $2.10 out to $2.30 in latest TAB betting for the Golden Slipper.

But the two unbeaten Coolmore colts still dominate betting on the world’s richest juvenile race although the big firmer since Tuesday’s barrier draw is Lady Of Camelot who was $11 into $7.50.

Waller, who is chasing a second successive Golden Slipper after his triumph with Shinzo last year, said Switzerland has the attributes to run very well on Saturday.

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“Switzerland and Shinzo are both by Snitzel which is testament to that stallion,’’ Waller said.

“Snitzel continues to produce good horses with the right temperament to cope with a Golden Slipper preparation.

“You could see that with Switzerland this morning, he walked around like he owned the yard. He is coping well and will deal with the atmosphere that comes with Golden Slipper day.’’

Waller has a powerful team entered for the Golden Slipper meeting including crack colt Militarize and Kovalica in the Group 1 $1m George Ryder Stakes (1500m).

The Everest winner Think About It is early Ryder favourite at $4 but Militarize is pressing at $5.

Waller also had Militarize in the Group 1 $750,000 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) but decided on the Ryder.

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“We had no hesitation running Militarize against the older horses,’’ Waller said.

“He’s an exceptional colt and has won three Group 1 races at two and three. This is a tough field but he is the right colt to be very competitive.’’

Golden Slipper fancy Switzerland goes through his paces at Rosehill on Thursday morning. Picture: David Swift

Kovalica has drawn the outside barrier in the 19-horse Ryder field but Waller hinted the four-year-old will run a competitive race.

“I’m sure he will be charging to the line but if he doesn’t finish top three it is not the end of the world,’’ he said.

“The Doncaster (Mile) and Queen Elizabeth (Stakes) are on the horizon.’’

Waller’s imports Buckaroo ($3.90) and Via Sistina ($3.60) loom as the main chances to evergreen Think It Over ($2.90 favourite) in the Group 1 $1m Ranvet Stakes (2000m).

“Buckaroo has been here for six months and adjusted really well,’’ Waller said.

“His first run behind Fangirl was exceptional and it was only 1400m. He goes into the race fit and is over a more suitable 2000m.

“Via Sistina really is something special. Her formlines are among the best (imported horses) that has been out here in recent years.

“Since she has been in our care she has continued to take the right steps forward and obviously we are hoping she brings her best overseas form to the Ranvet.’’

Riff Rocket ($2.50 favourite) and Cap Ferrat ($23) give the Waller stable a strong presence in the Rosehill Guineas.

“The (Victoria) Derby winner Riff Rocket was brilliant first-up then unlucky in the (Australia) Guineas,’’ the trainer said.

“He is ready to peak on Saturday.

“Cap Ferrat is a genuine 2000m horse who was placed at Group 1 level in the Spring Champion Stakes earlier in the season. He has had the right preparation and is a talented horse.’’

Originally published as Chris Waller excited about Golden Slipper clash between Switzerland and Storm Boy