The jump-out might have been low-key, but Chris Waller was pleased with Wodeton beating Newmarket Handicap foes around Flemington.

Stablemates Wodeton and Angel Capital, both set for Saturday’s Group 1 1200m feature at Flemington, went through their paces Friday morning, Wodeton holding a slim advantage at the finish line.

Trials victories are rare for Waller, though he sees this as a vital psychological edge for Wodeton in pursuit of a career-defining Group 1 score.

“I don’t like winning jump-outs, but he needs a bit of confidence.,” Waller said.

“He’s just been running into a couple that are better in races that haven’t been run to suit, but it was a good confidence booster.

“He’s a colt bred to be a stallion, but he’s run second, narrowly, in the Golden Slipper and ran second in the Golden Rose and he just needs to tick that Group 1 box.

“Down the straight also opens up options of going overseas if you manage to win the Newmarket.”

Wodeton, by deceased sire Wootton Bassett, stands as a prospective heir if Group 1 glory comes his way.

Waller expects the colt to transition to stud post-season.

“He’s a son of Wootton Bassett and we’ve lost him unfortunately and it’s important he steps up and that’s the challenge,” Waller said.

“Heading overseas is part of that challenge, especially if he’s going to be retired at the end of his three-year-old year.

“We all love winning races in Australia, but if you can do that and then head over to Ascot, it makes the big difference.”

Angel Capital also hunts his initial Group 1 success.

Positioned last and tightly held, Angel Capital differed markedly from Wodeton’s effort.

“We just wanted him to get a good look at the track, have a nice easy time and keep him well contained,” Waller said.

“His first-up run in Sydney was very good and he’s come through it well and hopefully the straight 1200 metres will really suit him.

“Being a Group 1 race, it will tick the box that needs to be ticked.

“Everyone knows he has the ability, but he’s got to win that Group 1 race, and it also opens up so many options if he’s performing well up the straight.”

For their next outing, Waller favors the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) on March 21 at Caulfield.

“Angel Capital loves Caulfield,” Waller said.

“It’s a two-week break, so it would be there or we could get them back up to Sydney for the T J Smith Stakes, but we have a leaning towards the William Reid.”

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