Chris Waller, the elite trainer, intends to sidestep Gosford with his $2.7 million colt St Gotthard for a stakes tilt at the Gold Coast, while preserving a robust entry in the two-year-old race on the dedicated program.

Successful on debut in midweek action at Warwick Farm last month, St Gotthard is bound for the Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) this Saturday in Queensland, rated a $3.80 chance.

Previously the choice in betting for the Win $100K @ The Coast Raceday 2YO Handicap (1200m) at Gosford’s Central Coast layout, Waller opts for stakes exposure with the full brother to Group 1 hero Switzerland.

“At this stage, St Gotthard is going to go to the Gold Coast,” Waller said.

“He’s a nice horse and he’s gone the right way since winning.”

The stable musters four juveniles sans St Gotthard at Gosford – Zynaro, Quarterback, Whitehall and Air Of Solace.

Marking his NSW introduction, Zynaro was third across 1000m at Mornington after holding form, with Quarterback off a placing at Kensington.

Debuts yielded no placings for Whitehall or Air Of Solace, but improved performances are on Waller’s mind.

“Zynardo is coming up from Melbourne. He’s been here for a week or so and has settled in really well. He ran a good placing in his only Melbourne run,” Waller said.

“Whitehall has drawn a bit wide. He’s a good horse but he just needs a bit of experience, while Quarterback ran well on debut and will appreciate the extra distance.

“Air Of Solace, he blew the start at Hawkesbury on debut, but he has been back to the trials since and he trialled well.

“They are all nice, progressive horses.”

Annabel and Rob Archibald’s Priory Park emerges as the new favourite absent St Gotthard, fresh from maiden honours in the Star Kingdom Stakes (1000m) at Muswellbrook.

I Am Dirty out of Bjorn Baker’s camp holds strong prospects post a resilient midfield run from afar behind Bangkok Hottie at Randwick in his debut.

Head to betting sites for competitive odds on the Gosford juvenile handicap.