Chris Waller is keeping a level head when it comes to Wodeton’s Golden Slipper preparation despite the Todman Stakes being a do-or-die assignment for the young colt.
The Coolmore-owned juvenile remains at the head of markets for the Slipper in spite of his last-start defeat in a lead-up at Rosehill where he finished third after being caught wide and worse than midfield from an outside draw.
While it wasn’t the result connections hoped for in the Silver Slipper (1100m), there was plenty of merit in the effort and Waller has already turned the tough run into a positive.
“Whether he won or not, it was experience,” Waller said.
“He was exposed, he was three-deep, he was out of his comfort zone covering extra ground on a tight-turning track and that’s what you’ll get in a Slipper.
“It’s just about seasoning him for the Golden Slipper.”
Wodeton sits just outside the Slipper field in the order of entry and with a number of two-year-old lead-ups still to be run, he needs a top two finish in Saturday’s Todman Stakes (1200m) to secure his spot.
The pressure might be on, but Waller is circumspect and says the horse realistically needs to perform to that level anyway to prove himself a worthy contender for the March 22 showpiece.
“If he doesn’t win or run second, he wouldn’t be going to a Golden Slipper,” he said.
“I’m not running him to qualify him. I’m running him to prepare him for the Golden Slipper.”
The Todman has attracted a smart field which includes Wodeton’s last start conqueror Beiwacht, Golden Gift winner North England along with Blue Diamond Stakes placegetters Tentyris and Tycoon Star, who will both be making their Sydney debuts.
A field of 12 will contest the Reisling Stakes (1200m) for the fillies led by Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci and Godolphin’s Tempted.
The winners of both two-year-old races will be exempt from a 2025 Golden Slipper ballot.
