D-day for 2025 Golden Slipper favourite at Randwick
Chris Waller is keeping a calm approach to Wodeton’s Golden Slipper campaign, knowing that the Todman Stakes will be a decisive race for the young colt.
The Coolmore-owned two-year-old remains a strong favorite for the Slipper despite a third-place finish at Rosehill in his last race. From a wide draw, he was caught deep and had to settle for a spot worse than midfield.
Although the Silver Slipper (1100m) result wasn’t ideal, Waller believes it was a valuable test that will prepare Wodeton for future challenges.
“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.”
Currently just outside the Golden Slipper field in order of entry, Wodeton will need a top-two finish in Saturday’s Todman Stakes (1200m) to confirm his place.
Despite the stakes, Waller remains pragmatic, stating that the colt must prove himself at that level to justify a spot in the March 22 feature.
“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 Stakes boasts a competitive lineup, featuring Wodeton’s last-race victor Beiwacht, Golden Gift champion North England, and Blue Diamond Stakes placegetters Tentyris and Tycoon Star, both making their Sydney racing debuts.
The Reisling Stakes (1200m) will also see a strong field of 12 fillies, including Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci and Godolphin’s Tempted.
The winners of both two-year-old races will gain automatic entry into the 2025 Golden Slipper.
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