Chris Waller remains composed about Wodeton’s Golden Slipper journey, even as the Todman Stakes presents a critical hurdle for the young colt.

The Coolmore-owned two-year-old continues to be a top contender for the Slipper, despite finishing third at Rosehill in his last outing. Caught wide and positioned unfavorably from a challenging draw, he was unable to secure a better result.

While the Silver Slipper (1100m) didn’t go as planned, Waller sees the effort as a valuable learning experience that will serve the colt well.

“Whether he won or not, it was experience,” Waller said.

“He was exposed, he was three-deep, he was out of his comfort zone covering extra ground on a tight-turning track and that’s what you’ll get in a Slipper.

“It’s just about seasoning him for the Golden Slipper.”

Wodeton is currently just outside the Golden Slipper field in entry rankings, meaning he must finish in the top two in Saturday’s Todman Stakes (1200m) to secure his position.

Despite the high stakes, Waller remains practical, noting that Wodeton needs to reach that level of performance anyway to justify his inclusion in the March 22 showdown.

“If he doesn’t win or run second, he wouldn’t be going to a Golden Slipper,” he said.

“I’m not running him to qualify him. I’m running him to prepare him for the Golden Slipper.”

The Todman Stakes has assembled a high-caliber field, including Wodeton’s previous conqueror Beiwacht, Golden Gift winner North England, and Blue Diamond Stakes placegetters Tentyris and Tycoon Star, both making their Sydney debuts.

Meanwhile, a competitive lineup of 12 fillies is set for the Reisling Stakes (1200m), featuring Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci and Godolphin’s Tempted.

The winners of both two-year-old races will be granted automatic entry into the 2025 Golden Slipper.