Waller cautious ahead of Wodeton’s 2025 San Domenico Stakes return
Chris Waller will kick off Wodeton’s spring campaign in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m), using the race as a launching pad towards his major goal, the Golden Rose (1400m).
The Golden Slipper placegetter faces a stiff task resuming over Rosehill’s specialist sprint trip, and Waller admits he is more focused on fitness and progression than on securing a first-up win.
Last year, Waller’s Golden Rose ambitions with Switzerland were derailed after the colt was injured in The Run To The Rose, forcing a change of course towards the Roman Consul and Coolmore Stud Stakes.
“If you just use The Run To The Rose as your lead-up race to the Golden Rose and you miss that you’re in trouble,” Waller said.
“It has happened a bit the last couple of years and we’ve been on the back foot and it is really hard to catch up.
“I’m sort of reluctant to be running over 1100 but I think it’s an important race for him towards the Golden Rose.”
On Thursday, Wodeton was rated a $2.90 chance in the San Domenico, second in the market to Raging Force at $2.30. Waller said the colt would need everything to fall his way if he was to win fresh.
“Rosehill is an 1100-metre specialist distance and we’re trying to set up his preparation so I want to do things properly and see him finishing off,” Waller said.
“For him to win, they’d have to overdo it in front.
“It’s like a 100-metre race. You can’t just come in behind them and get cover and then run down Usain Bolt.”
Stable newcomer Beiwacht, formerly with James Cummings, will also resume in the San Domenico. Winner of the Silver Slipper, he will be partnered by Adam Hyeronimus, who has ridden him in four of his five career starts and all recent trials.
“Although he is an 1100-metre, Group Two winner he is still a long way away from his big target,” Waller said.
“We will learn a bit more about him and that’s why we have kept Adam (Hyeronimus) on. Rather than bring in a new jockey, new trainer, we’ve just gone with the new trainer.”
Those looking to back Wodeton or Beiwacht in the San Domenico Stakes can find the latest betting options through trusted betting sites.
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