Top jockey James McDonald will be absent from Saturday’s Silver Slipper Stakes, but his eyes will be firmly fixed on Wodeton’s performance as the colt continues his journey toward the Golden Slipper.
McDonald partnered the Chris Waller-trained colt to a stunning debut victory at Rosehill on January 18. However, due to his prior commitment to Romantic Warrior in the Saudi Cup, McEvoy will take over riding duties for Wodeton in the $300,000 Group 2 event at Rosehill.
Wodeton is set to face a competitive field of 16, including key rivals North England and Bel Merci.
“Out of the top four in the (Golden Slipper) market, three of them are going to be there, so it will be good,” McDonald said. “But he (Wodeton) is really well. He’s had a month between runs, had a mid-prep tick-over trial, so he’s nice and spot on.”
During a recent 790m trial at Warwick Farm, McDonald rode Wodeton to a fourth-place finish, ensuring the colt remains in peak condition heading into Saturday’s race.
Wodeton is currently the $3.20 betting apps favorite for the Golden Slipper, with North England and Bel Merci priced at $11 alongside Apocalyptic.
Bel Merci, who claimed victory in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1000m), has been off the track since but recently dominated a Kembla Grange trial, winning by an impressive 8-1/4 lengths. Golden Gift winner North England, meanwhile, has kept sharp with a 3-1/2 length trial victory over Bel Merci.
The Silver Slipper field also includes West Of Swindon, who finished a close second to North England in the Golden Gift, along with Beiwacht, Devil Night, and Gambler, the latter impressing since being gelded.
Saturday’s card also features the Hobartville Stakes (1400m), where Broadsiding returns to the track to take on Public Attention, Linebacker, Aeliana, and the in-form Point And Shoot.
With McDonald unavailable, rising star Zac Lloyd will take the reins on Broadsiding in the $400,000 Group 2 event.
