A start in the Epsom Handicap remains possible for Waterford, but Chris Waller is more inclined to follow through with his plan of targeting the Alan Brown Stakes.

Waterford’s emphatic success in the Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday booked him a penalty-free spot in next weekend’s Epsom (1600m). Waller said owners, including Richard Callander, would help decide the next move.

“There are some pretty influential owners in the horse who like to have their say and I respect their say. They know what they’re talking about,” Waller said. “So we will see what they’ve got to say, otherwise it’s back here for the Alan Brown in a couple of weeks, which is a good prizemoney race too.”

Although Waterford has won at a mile, Waller feels the Randwick circuit may be a tough ask, especially up against hot favourite Autumn Glow, who remains unbeaten heading into the Epsom.

The trainer also highlighted the gelding’s near-misses in feature races, including the 2023 Theo Marks, Scone Cup and Alan Brown.

“He has been beaten small margins in some good races like the Alan Brown and Theo Marks when he hasn’t had things go his way,” Waller said.

Waterford ($7) was dominant this time, unleashing a strong run to defeat Rise At Dawn ($2 fav) by 2-1/4 lengths, with Osipenko ($16) just behind them in third.

James McDonald, who guided him home, said: “He travelled really kindly throughout and just needed a bit of luck at the top of the straight. We got that and he showed a good turn of foot and he was never really in doubt.”