Trainer Chris Waller is sticking to the plan that nearly gave Wodeton a Golden Slipper victory, keeping the gear change and a conservative ride.
With winkers on for the first time, the colt charged home, just missing out behind Marhoona.
Waller will have Wodeton ridden quietly again, with internationally renowned jockey Ryan Moore stepping in for James McDonald, who is committed to Romantic Warrior in Dubai. Moore’s victory with Shinzo in the 2023 Golden Slipper further boosts confidence for his new role.
Despite the challenge of managing a two-year-old after a peak run, Waller believes Wodeton has handled it well.
“You don’t have to overtrain them after their grand final,” Waller said. “He’s thriving… He has come through the Slipper really well and the 1400 will be no problem.”
Moore will also ride Switzerland in the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) and Desert Hero in the Chairman’s Quality (2600m).
The Sires’ Produce Stakes also sees trainers David Brideoake and Matt Laurie clash with their respective horses, Prestige Forever and Vinrock. Both are well-credentialled, with Prestige Forever winning at Moonee Valley and Vinrock taking Flemington’s equivalent of the Sires’.
Bookmakers rate Vinrock at $4.60 and Prestige Forever at $11, with Brideoake confident his horse is improving.
“I’ve got a gut feeling he is a really good horse,” Brideoake said. “The way he keeps improving post-race, he is a promising horse.”