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By Ray Hickson

Trainer Chris Waller will have a clearer picture of where both Switzerland and the unbeaten Emirate stand in the Golden Rose picture when the colts get their spring underway at Rosehill on Saturday.

Trainer Chris Waller (Pic: Bradley Photos)

Waller had earmarked the Group 2 $300,000 James Squire Run To The Rose (1200m) for Switzerland’s season debut while he said it’s time to roll the dice with Emirate after two impressive winter wins.

Switzerland, with Jason Collett taking the ride, won his first three starts including the Group 2 Todman Stakes before finishing midfield in the Golden Slipper.

He’s since undergone surgery to remove a bone chip in his fetlock and Waller said he’s developed into a more imposing horse as a three-year-old than he was at two.

“I’m really happy with how he looks,’’ Waller said.

“He is about a 20kg heavier animal, strengthened up all round and grown taller, too. It’s exciting to have him back.

“His only defeat was the Golden Slipper where he pulled up with a niggle but we have got that sorted now and he has come back well.

“He has had two trials and an exhibition gallop.”

That gallop was at Warwick Farm last week to top him off following his trials at Rosehill on Auguat 6 and 20 where he finished fourth on both occasions.

The Coolmore colt is an $11 chance in the $1 million Golden Rose (1400m) and was $7 with TAB on Wednesday for his resumption.

Waller said Emirate, $18 in the Golden Rose and $11 on Wednesday for his first-up run, was impressive in his two wins at Warwick Farm and Rosehill during the winter and would like to see him be competitive with the gun three-year-olds.

“Emirate has come back well. It is hard to gauge mid-winter form, where he was dominant, against these topliners,’’ he said.

“He will improve with the run. Hopefully he can run top four and we will press on to the Golden Rose.”

Does Joliestar lock up a TAB Everest slot by backing up her dominant first-up win in Saturday’s Group 2 $300,000 Irresistible Pools Sheraco Stakes (1200m)?

Given Chris Waller Racing has an Everest slot, and the fact she’s $5 equal favourite with TAB, gives her a good head start and the champion trainer said it’s vital the mare backs up her most recent performance.

The race also sees the return of Sunshine In Paris who is also being aimed at the Everest.

“At that level, it is not just about one run it is about consistently racing well at that level,’’ he said.

“She was very impressive first-up, she trained on well and it looks like she has gone to a new level again. She has come through her first-up run really well.

“I think if she ran well they will be knocking the door down (for the Everest).”

Switzerland runs fourth in a Rosehill trialon August 20

With James McDonald riding interstate this weekend, Kerrin McEvoy is reunited with Joliestar in the Sheraco. The three-time Everest winning jockey partnered the mare to her debut win back in June last year.

“He has had great success for Cambridge Stud and the Lindsays,’’ Waller said.

“I think that is always a big thing when you are hopping on a horse with her profile. Firstly you need and an experienced jockey which is Kerrin, then it is great for the jockey to have a relationship with the owners – it’s a big deal.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Rosehill meeting