If Chris Waller is ruffled by Wodeton’s outside barrier in the Silver Slipper, he isn’t showing it.

The champion trainer was circumspect when the Golden Slipper 2025 favourite came up with gate 11 for Saturday’s 1100m race, immediately to the outside of one of the other major fancies in North England.

“There’s a lot of speed in the race,” Waller said.

“He is a pretty sensible horse and he’s got enough speed to get himself out of trouble if he needs to.”

Wodeton overcame an awkward draw to score an explosive debut win last month, immediately earning himself top billing for the Golden Slipper (1200m).

He subsequently spent a week rejuvenating at the property of owners Coolmore before Waller opted to keep him ticking over with a quiet but eye-catching barrier trial.

“He had a week back at Coolmore then steady work to the trial, keeping him fresh at the same time as making sure he’s not getting away from us,” Waller said.

“He has always shown us talent from day one. We thought he would be hard to beat first-up but not win in the manner that he did.”

The Silver Slipper (1100m) is shaping as a defining race from a Golden Slipper perspective with four of the top seven horses in betting for the $5 million showpiece set to clash.

Along with Wodeton and North England, Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci and Golden Gift runner-up West Of Swindon will also line up on Saturday and all are marked at $17 and under for next month’s Group 1.

Waller admits he is looking forward to being part of it all as Sydney racing begins to heat up in the rundown to the autumn majors.

“There is some big racing coming up in the next few weeks. Last Saturday we got a taste of it and the next few weeks is fireworks,” he said.

Wodeton is the betting sites $2.15 Silver Slipper favourite despite his outside draw, ahead of Bel Merci ($4), North England ($5.50) and West Of Swindon ($6).