Last seen effortlessly claiming the Group 3 Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on April 27, the Ciaron Maher-trained Growing Empire is set to make his much-anticipated return in Saturday’s Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
A potential target for the colt during the Melbourne Cup Carnival is Flemington’s Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m).
Growing Empire also secured victory in the Listed St Albans Stakes (1200m) at The Valley in March.
“Certainly, he was a brilliant two-year-old and I think he’s made the step as a three-year-old,” Maher told Racing.com.
“And I’m really looking forward to stepping him out on Saturday.”
Mark Zahra, who guided the Zoustar colt to his Morphettville triumph, will once again take the reins in the 1200-metre race.
“I hope he wins and then he can go to the Poseidon, the Danehill, and the Coolmore,” concluded Maher.
Growing Empire is currently a $13 chance for the Coolmore Stud Stakes with horse racing bookmakers.
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