Waterhouse & Bott Aim for Golden Slipper Glory with Straight Charge, Espionage

[Wandering Eyes]

The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott stable dominated the 2024 Silver Slipper Stakes, showcasing their Golden Slipper contenders with a one-two finish.

2024 Silver Slipper Stakes winner Straight Charge is into single figures to win the Group 1 Golden Slipper on March 23. Photo: Steve Hart.

Straight Charge, ridden by Tim Clark, emerged victorious in a thrilling battle with stablemate Espionage. This win solidifies his position as a leading contender for the Group 1 $4.92 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) back at the track on March 23rd shortening his odds to $9 through Ladbrokes.

“Excellent. He is a very talented colt,” Adrian Bott told the media speaking of their Silver Slipper winner.

“I was heartbroken we didn’t get to see him go up to the Magic Millions, he’s such a great talent. But he’s back here today to showcase it and it was a very impressive win.

“He has been a natural two-year-old all the way through, from the minute we did anything with him he has shown that natural brilliance. That great early speed and good, sustained speed.

“He has been very impressive today and that’s what we have seen all the way through.

“He took the running up early and it was very difficult because he had a good colt (stablemate Espionage) chasing him.

“I think he enjoyed the conditions and there is still a bit of improvement to come.”

Espionage, ridden by Nash Rawiller, chased valiantly but ultimately fell short by a length. He remains a strong contender in the Golden Slipper picture, currently priced at $11 in all-in markets.

“He was excellent. He hasn’t raced since the Breeders’ (Plate) and ultimately, that may have been the difference,” Bott said of Espionage. 

“That extra grounding and the campaign that Straight Charge had in between, that may have been the difference today.

“I do think the ground was also slightly against Espionage.

“He’s got a lot of natural brilliance and he may not have been able to pick his feet up initially at the top of the straight. Back on top of the ground I think we’ll see further improvement.”

Waterhouse, aiming for her eighth Golden Slipper win, has a powerful contingent in contention.

Straight Charge looks to follow in the footsteps of Farnan (2020), the last horse to complete the Silver Slipper – Golden Slipper double also hailing from the Waterhouse/Bott stable.

Fellow Tulloch Lodge contender, Magic Millions 2YO Classic winning colt Storm Boy ($3), remains the pre-field favourite for the Golden Slipper 2024, but Straight Charge’s impressive win has shaken up the market.

This race sets the stage for an exciting Golden Slipper contest, with Waterhouse & Bott’s two-year-olds poised for a strong showing.

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