Chris Waller-trained Waterford booked himself exemption from next week’s Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) with a commanding victory in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.

Ridden patiently by James McDonald, Waterford ($7) surged clear in the straight to defeat favourite Rise At Dawn ($2) by 2¼ lengths, with Osipenko ($16) close behind in third.

While Saturday’s win secures a ballot-free Epsom start, Waller indicated the gelding may instead target the lucrative Alan Brown Stakes (1400m). “There are some pretty influential owners in the horse … so we will see what they’ve got to say,” Waller said.

The trainer noted the Randwick mile might stretch Waterford, particularly against stablemate and odds-on Epsom favourite Autumn Glow. Still, he believes the gelding can add another feature to his record after several narrow defeats in races like the Theo Marks and last year’s Alan Brown.

McDonald said the win was never in doubt: “He travelled really kindly … he showed a good turn of foot.”