God’s Window has seen considerable early backing in the all-in betting for this Saturday’s Shannon Stakes at Rosehill. However, trainer Chris Waller would prefer to steer the imported galloper clear of the race if possible, not due to a lack of confidence in its chances, but rather because he believes a bigger prize awaits the horse second-up.

Waller has his sights set on the following week’s lucrative $1.5 million Group 1 Epsom Handicap with the gelding, and ideally, he’d like to aim God’s Window directly for that 1600-metre feature. Yet, with a light weight of just 50kg and a low position in the ballot order, a start in the Epsom is not guaranteed. This scenario might force Waller to pursue the ballot exemption on offer for winning Saturday’s 1500m event.

The son of Dubawi, who previously contested the Group 1 Derby (2414m) at Epsom as a three-year-old, has recorded his sole Australian victory over 1600 metres. Waller suspects this distance might be where the horse performs best.

“It’s funny, some of those English horses, you think they’re going to get 2000 metres,” Waller commented. “Some of them find some speed in Australia as well, and he certainly has. His best form has been over shorter.”

The six-year-old gelding commenced his campaign with a fifth-place finish in the Group 2 Theo Marks Quality (1300m), marking his first appearance since a third in the McKell Cup (2000m) on June 27. Prior to that, his two starts resulted in a win and a second over the same course as the Epsom Handicap at Randwick.

Currently priced at $51 for the Epsom, God’s Window is one of three Shannon Stakes contenders for Waller, alongside Ahha Ahha and Kovalica. The Shannon Stakes favourite is Skyhook, trained by Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, who achieved a first-up victory in the Group 3 Theo Marks Quality.

For those keen on the Shannon Stakes, consider exploring the latest Australian betting sites for the best odds.