Trainer Chris Waller is taking a patient approach with promising import Wootton Verni, convinced the gelding has the talent to eventually contest races at the elite level in Melbourne — just not this year.

For now, Waller has found a lucrative stepping stone in the form of Saturday’s Rosehill Gold Cup, held at Randwick and worth $750,000.

Fresh off his breakthrough Australian win in the Group 3 Coongy Cup (2000m) at Caulfield, Wootton Verni steps back to Sydney in search of back-to-back victories.

When asked why he deviated from the Melbourne carnival path, Waller was concise.

“There are 750,000 reasons why,” he said.

“He’s found form, but he’s still a year away from Melbourne Cups and things like that, so that was the reason.”

Wootton Verni arrived from France with strong credentials, including a Group 3 win in the Prix Greffulhe and a Group 2 placing in the Prix Eugene Adam. Since joining Waller, the team has focused on maturity and settling in his races.

“Last start was certainly much better, but he’s still quite keen and aggressive,” Waller said.

The gelding was partnered by Damian Lane at Caulfield but will have James McDonald aboard in Saturday’s feature.

Waller holds a strong hand in the race with four runners — Wootton Verni at $3, Imperialist ($9), and stablemates Mutasalem and Scarlet Oak sitting at longer odds.

If you’re backing the Rosehill Gold Cup, make sure to compare offers at Australia’s best betting sites before you bet.