Waterford gives connections an 2025 Epsom Handicap decision

Chris Waller has indicated the Alan Brown Stakes remains the preferred spring target for Waterford, even after the gelding secured a golden ticket into the Epsom Handicap with his victory in the Shannon Stakes.

Waterford’s powerful win in Saturday’s Shannon Stakes (1500m) gave him exemption from ballot and penalty for next week’s Epsom (1600m). But Waller, while open to the idea, says discussions with his ownership group, led by Richard Callander, will guide the decision.

“There are some pretty influential owners in the horse who like to have their say and I respect their say. They know what they’re talking about,” Waller said. “So we will see what they’ve got to say, otherwise it’s back here for the Alan Brown in a couple of weeks, which is a good prizemoney race too.”

The trainer acknowledged that while Waterford has a win at a mile, Randwick’s testing 1600m might be a stretch, particularly against unbeaten stable star Autumn Glow, who dominates Epsom betting.

He also pointed to the gelding’s consistency, referencing narrow defeats in the Theo Marks, Scone Cup and last year’s Alan Brown.

“He has been beaten small margins in some good races like the Alan Brown and Theo Marks when he hasn’t had things go his way,” Waller said.

On this occasion Waterford ($7) left no doubt, hitting the front early in the straight and pulling clear to win by 2-1/4 lengths over Rise At Dawn ($2 fav), with Osipenko ($16) a narrow third.

Jockey James McDonald said the result was clear-cut once the gap appeared. “He travelled really kindly throughout and just needed a bit of luck at the top of the straight,” McDonald said. “We got that and he showed a good turn of foot and he was never really in doubt.”