After a below-par Australian debut, imported stayer Wootton Verni will get another shot at redemption in the $500,000 The Coast (1600m) at Gosford this Saturday.

The Chris Waller-trained galloper was favoured by punters in a Benchmark 100 at Randwick on April 26, but after covering extra ground from a tough barrier, he finished well back in seventh behind Punch Lane.

Despite the result, Waller remains upbeat about the four-year-old’s prospects and is confident the best is yet to come.

“He had shown us that he’s got ability but his overseas form was very good so I’d say that’s where the support came from first-up,” Waller said.

“But we do think he will make the grade in some good races here.

This will be his last run and hopefully we will bring him back for a race like the Epsom Handicap.”

Jay Ford takes the ride on Wootton Verni, who will jump from gate seven after benefiting from several early withdrawals.

“It was a tricky track that day. The rail was out a long way, it was very soft and he will definitely improve,” Waller added.

Stablemate Mare Of Mt Buller will also line up in The Coast, returning from a brief break after capturing the Epona Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill in March.

“She just needs a bit of luck from the draw but she is racing well and it’s great prizemoney for a horse like her,” Waller said.