Coolmore-owned colt Wodeton has surged into Golden Slipper favoritism after an electrifying debut win at Rosehill. This performance has led James McDonald to favorably compare him to Switzerland at the same point in their careers.
Bookmakers swiftly adjusted their odds following Wodeton’s dominant victory in Saturday’s Chandon Handicap (1100m). The colt moved from $13 to a clear $5 favorite with betting sites for the prestigious juvenile event.
McDonald remarked that Wodeton displayed abilities comparable to those of his stablemate Switzerland, a Group 1-winning colt who won his first three starts last year before finishing eighth to Lady Of Camelot in the Golden Slipper.
“At the same stage, he is equally as good as Switzerland,” McDonald said.
“He’s strong and big; he’s just got everything going for him. He has done everything so professionally at home and has never come off the bridle. Like I’ve said to everyone, if he finds a length off the bridle, it’s going to be over. He exceeded expectations.”
By the exciting first-season sire Wootton Bassett, Wodeton was a $1.6 million Magic Millions purchase. He had already drawn attention with two promising barrier trial performances.
Sent out as the $1.60 favorite, McDonald secured a trailing position three-deep with cover. When he allowed Wodeton to stride at the top of the straight, the colt surged clear, winning by four lengths over The Magic Man ($7). Sanctified ($12) finished third, 3-1/4 lengths further back.
Did we just see the Golden Slipper winner?! 😮
Wodeton wins brilliantly at Rosehill for @cwallerracing and @mcacajamez!
@aus_turf_club | @CoolmoreAus pic.twitter.com/ZlCFYR68WS
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 18, 2025
Charlie Duckworth, standing in for trainer Chris Waller, acknowledged that the stable had reservations about running Wodeton on a soft 7 track. However, they prioritized having McDonald in the saddle since he will be unavailable next Saturday due to overseas riding commitments.
“If it was in the heavy range, we might have waited a week, but James won’t be here. We wanted to have James on, and we are fortunate to be racing on a soft deck today,” Duckworth explained.
“Chris will plot a path to the Golden Slipper 2025. There is the Canonbury Stakes coming up in a fortnight, but we will see how he comes through this race.”
The event was delayed for over five minutes after debutante Miss Fleetwood dislodged jockey Tom Sherry on the way to the starting stalls. She proved difficult for officials to catch but was eventually secured unharmed. Sherry also emerged from the incident without injury.
