A simple jump-out lifted trainer Chris Waller’s spirits as Wodeton triumphed against Newmarket Handicap challengers at Flemington.
On Friday morning, Wodeton and barnmate Angel Capital, both nominated for the Group 1 1200m showdown at Flemington Saturday, trialed together, the former scraping home first.
Waller rarely prioritizes jump-out wins, but welcomes the boost for Wodeton’s mindset en route to claiming a vital Group 1 addition to his achievements.
“I don’t like winning jump-outs, but he needs a bit of confidence.,” Waller said.
“He’s just been running into a couple that are better in races that haven’t been run to suit, but it was a good confidence booster.
“He’s a colt bred to be a stallion, but he’s run second, narrowly, in the Golden Slipper and ran second in the Golden Rose and he just needs to tick that Group 1 box.
“Down the straight also opens up options of going overseas if you manage to win the Newmarket.”
Representing late Wootton Bassett, Wodeton emerges as a stallion prospect contingent on Group 1 victory.
The trainer anticipates Wodeton’s stud career commencing after the present campaign.
“He’s a son of Wootton Bassett and we’ve lost him unfortunately and it’s important he steps up and that’s the challenge,” Waller said.
“Heading overseas is part of that challenge, especially if he’s going to be retired at the end of his three-year-old year.
“We all love winning races in Australia, but if you can do that and then head over to Ascot, it makes the big difference.”
Angel Capital shares Wodeton’s quest for Group 1 glory.
Settled at the rear under control, Angel Capital’s trial contrasted Wodeton’s.
“We just wanted him to get a good look at the track, have a nice easy time and keep him well contained,” Waller said.
“His first-up run in Sydney was very good and he’s come through it well and hopefully the straight 1200 metres will really suit him.
“Being a Group 1 race, it will tick the box that needs to be ticked.
“Everyone knows he has the ability, but he’s got to win that Group 1 race, and it also opens up so many options if he’s performing well up the straight.”
Waller plans the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield March 21 as the likely follow-up for each.
“Angel Capital loves Caulfield,” Waller said.
“It’s a two-week break, so it would be there or we could get them back up to Sydney for the T J Smith Stakes, but we have a leaning towards the William Reid.”
For the Newmarket Handicap, punters should check sports betting platforms for the keenest betting markets for the race.