By Scott Bailey
Wodeton was one of the most popular two-year-olds of last season. From his debut run through to his brave second in the Golden Slipper, the colt established himself not only as one of the fastest youngsters of his crop, but also as a fan favourite for the way he fought in every race. This Saturday at Rosehill, he returns in the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) with history and expectation riding alongside him.
The Golden Slipper is always a defining race for a two-year-old, and Wodeton’s runner-up finish confirmed his quality on the biggest stage. His performance was a testament to both his natural speed and his ability to absorb pressure against the very best of his generation. In a year brimming with talent, Wodeton stamped himself as a colt capable of measuring up to the highest company.
But for all the glory of the Slipper, the true test comes at three. The question is no longer simply how fast they were at two, but whether they can carry that brilliance into another season. Many have tried, and not all have succeeded yet history is full of examples where a Golden Slipper placing became the launching pad for genuine stardom.
Anamoe finished second in the 2021 Golden Slipper before turning into a powerhouse at three, winning the Caulfield Guineas, Rosehill Guineas, and nearly the Cox Plate before going on to dominate as a four-year-old.
Pierro, the 2012 Slipper winner, was unstoppable at three, capturing the Hobartville Stakes, Canterbury Stakes, and George Ryder Stakes, while running bold placings in both the Caulfield Guineas and Cox Plate.
Sunlight, who ran third in 2018, became Australia’s Champion Three-Year-Old Filly the following season, with Group 1 triumphs in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, Newmarket Handicap, and William Reid Stakes.
Even Sweet Idea, third in 2013, used her Slipper placing as a springboard to claim Magic Millions titles and Group victories against older mares the following year.
That honour roll illustrates the point: Slipper placegetters often grow into the stars of the following season. Wodeton has already shown he belongs in that class, and the San Domenico represents his chance to prove it on the track.
Trainer and connections have prepared him with an eye on versatility. In the space of a month, Wodeton has trialled three times on soft, heavy, and artificial tracks giving him a rounded preparation and sharpening him for whatever conditions race day might present. Each hit-out has built fitness while reminding observers of his professional attitude.
It is a plan that mirrors his two-year-old season, where adaptability became his trademark. Whether racing on firm summer ground or slogging through testing autumn tracks, Wodeton was always there in the finish. That resilience will be invaluable as the spring program unfolds.
The San Domenico Stakes has long been a launching pad for future Group 1 performers. The likes of Astern, Anders, and Pariah have all made their mark in the race before stepping on to bigger assignments. Wodeton arrives with a profile every bit as strong as those names and perhaps stronger, given his Slipper credentials.
A first-up victory here would not only underline his class but also open doors to the rich three-year-old features of the spring such as the sire making Group 1 Caulfield Guineas. More importantly, it would confirm that Wodeton, like Anamoe and Pierro before him, is a colt who has taken the giant step from precocious juvenile to genuine top-liner.
For all the excitement of a two-year-old star, racing fans know the real measure of a colt comes at three. Wodeton now faces that moment. With a loyal following already behind him, a searching trial campaign under his belt, and the weight of history suggesting Slipper placegetters thrive at three, he steps into the San Domenico Stakes not just as a contender, but as one of the springs big players should he step up first up.
