Sydney’s premier trainer Chris Waller is expecting better things from Boban when he lines-up in Saturday’s Group 2 $250,000 Apollo Stakes (1400m). “First-up he raced a little bit below what we had expected, but perhaps we were underestimating good horses, like Appearance,” Waller told Racing Network.

“He wasn’t screwed down when he resumed. You would think the 1400 metres (of the Apollo Stakes) will suit a bit better and he’ll be a bit fitter too."

Boban started the $2.40 favourite first-up when fifth of 11 in the Group 2 $200,000 Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on February 8.

Perhaps Waller’s biggest fear is the potential for the Royal Randwick track to be rain affected.

The track at Warwick Farm yesterday turned into a ‘heavy 9’ after continuous rain throughout the day, and Waller said he was hoping Royal Randwick was no worse than slow.

“He doesn’t really perform when it gets too wet so that’s something we’ll keep a close eye on,” he said, referring to the track conditions.

On Thursday morning the Randwick track was rated a ‘heavy 8’.

Waller said the sun was out in Sydney this morning and he was expecting the track would improve.