Former French galloper Wotton Verni didn’t quite measure up to market expectation at his Australian debut but he will be given another chance to impress in the $500,000 The Coast at Gosford.
A Group 3 winner over 2100m in Europe, Wotton Verni was backed into favouritism in a benchmark 100 race won by Punch Lane at Randwick on April 26 but after travelling wide throughout from an awkward draw he finished a well-beaten seventh.
Trainer Chris Waller felt the horse’s form in France, rather than what he had been showing in his trials and trackwork, was the reason for his betting market support first-up.
But that doesn’t mean his opinion of the four-year-old isn’t healthy.
“He had shown us that he’s got ability but his overseas form was very good so I’d say that’s where the support came from first-up,” Waller said.
“But we do think he will make the grade in some good races here.
“This will be his last run and hopefully we will bring him back for a race like the Epsom (Handicap).”
Jay Ford has the ride on Wootton Verni, who has come into barrier seven following four early scratchings.
Waller anticipates a significantly improved run and Wootton Verni has won second-up overseas.
“It was a tricky track that day (at Randwick). The rail was out a long way, it was very soft and he will definitely improve,” he said.
“He did most things right and he did have a good blow.”
Wootton Verni will be joined in The Coast (1600m) by barn mate Mare Of Mt Buller, who hasn’t raced since taking out the Epona Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill in March.
The mare will have to overcome a wide gate and being a backmarker, the tight-turning Gosford track may also present a challenge.
“She just needs a bit of luck from the draw but she is racing well and its great prizemoney for a horse like he,” Waller said.
