Chris Waller believes that Wootton Verni has the capabilities to eventually measure up to high-level spring features in Melbourne, but the master trainer is in no rush to force the lightly-raced import forward too quickly.

Instead, Waller has found an ideal target for now, sending the gelding to this Saturday’s Rosehill Gold Cup, which will be run at Randwick this year.

The son of Wootton Bassett will be chasing consecutive victories this preparation after breaking through in the Group 3 Coongy Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on October 15.

Waller said the $750,000 purse was the key factor in returning to Sydney rather than continuing on the Melbourne path at this stage.

“There are 750,000 reasons why,” Waller said when asked of the move.

“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’s Coongy Cup win was his first victory since arriving in Australia, and it was also his first attempt over 2000m locally. The four-year-old (Northern Hemisphere) now holds a record of six wins from 15 starts.

Before joining Waller’s stable, his best European performance came in the Group 3 Prix Greffulhe (2100m) at Saint Cloud, where he also finished second in the Group 2 Prix Eugene Adam (2000m) before being shipped to Australia.

Waller said the gelding is still developing and learning how to pace himself, but the Caulfield performance was a pleasing sign of progress.

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

Damian Lane rode Wootton Verni to his Coongy Cup success, but this weekend sees James McDonald take the reins.

Wootton Verni, the $3 favourite, heads a four-pronged Waller attack, with Imperialist ($9) to be partnered by Rachael King, while Mutasalem (Jason Collett) and Scarlet Oak (Zac Lloyd) are at longer odds.

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