Group 1 races the goal for smart colt Growing Empire during autumn campaign

Growing Empire started his autumn campaign with a quiet jumpout but securing his stud future with a Group 1 win is the sole objective for the Ciaron Maher-trained sprinter.

Growing Empire will start his autumn campaign in either the Group 1 Lightning Stakes or Oakleigh Plate next month. Picture: Getty Images

A quiet Cranbourne jumpout was the first step on Growing Empire’s bid to secure a vital Group 1 in his upcoming autumn campaign.

Growing Empire emerged as one of the nation’s top sprinters during his spring three-year-old season, going down narrowly in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes and running third in The Everest.

The three-year-old finished third in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington at his last outing during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

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The Ciaron Maher-trained Growing Empire stepped out publicly for the first time in 2025 in an 800m jumpout at Cranbourne on Monday.

The colt was restrained to the rear but not asked for much in the straight before finishing sixth behind the Mark Walker-trained Exuberance.

Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said Growing Empire would have another jumpout before his first-up start, which will be at Group 1 level in February.

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Turnbull said Growing Empire’s stud value required a discussion between Maher and the Zoustar colt’s owners Yulong Investments to decide his autumn program.

“We have time for two (jumpouts), which will have us ready for the Lightning (Stakes), which I’d say is favourable,” Turnbull said.

“We’ve got the Oakleigh (Plate) a week after but there will be a discussion with Sam (Fairgray) and Vin (cox) and Ciaron and they’ll make a final call.

“His number one aim is to win a Group 1,” Turnbull said.

Smart three-year-old Growing Empire will chase a vital Group 1 win during his autumn campaign. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s placed in one by a nose but we need to get that victory so we will be going where we think it is most suitable for him to perform to be a stallion.

“He’ll be ready for either one of the two.”

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The $1m Lightning Stakes will be held at Flemington on February 15 with the Oakleigh Plate, which carries $750,000 to be run over 1100m at Caulfield on Blue Diamond Stakes day.

Turnbull said Growing Empire’s straight track form made the Lightning Stakes and possibly the Newmarket Handicap ideal targets for the exciting sprinter.

“His straight form is great,” Turnbull said.

“He won a Listed race and was very dominant then after a pretty long prep and travelling on the back of The Everest, he ran an admirable race in the Coolmore.

“We know he’s proven at headquarters down the straight so it (the Lightning Stakes) looks a really nice option.”

Growing Empire is an equal $6 chance behind the $4 favourite behind Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland in early Lightning Stakes betting.

The pair also tops the Newmarket Handicap market with Switzerland the $6 top pick ahead of Growing Empire at $7.

Originally published as Group 1 races the goal for smart colt Growing Empire during autumn campaign