While the Melbourne carnival stepped up another gear at Caulfield, the Chris Waller-trained Rangirangdoo signalled his autumn intentions with victory in the Expressway Stakes in Sydney.The Group Two Expressway (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday is the traditional autumn launching pad for middle-distance contenders heading to races like the Doncaster.Although rain played a major hand with three scratchings due to the heavy (9) track, the five horses left put on an enthralling contest.It was Rangiran

While the Melbourne carnival stepped up another gear at Caulfield, the Chris Waller-trained Rangirangdoo signalled his autumn intentions with victory in the Expressway Stakes in Sydney.

The Group Two Expressway (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday is the traditional autumn launching pad for middle-distance contenders heading to races like the Doncaster.

Although rain played a major hand with three scratchings due to the heavy (9) track, the five horses left put on an enthralling contest.

It was Rangirangdoo ($4.40) who prevailed by a long head over Dao Dao ($6) with early leader McClintock ($3.80 fav) a half-neck away third.

Centennial Park beat Rangirangdoo's stablemate Danleigh for fourth with just 1-1/2 lengths covering the field.

"He has come back in great order and beaten a good field," Waller said of Rangirangdoo.

"It's the first time he's won fresh and he will improve again once he gets to 1400 metres.

"Better tracks will help him and he looks like he's got a good preparation ahead."

Waller was not disappointed with dual Group One winner Danleigh who has four wins on slow tracks but none on heavy.

"Once it gets to heavy he just doesn't go as well," he said.

"You could see from the 800 to the 400 metres, Tim (Clark) was niggling at him."

Stewards questioned winning rider Corey Brown over a shift near the line when Dao Dao's rider Rod Quinn lost his whip but took no action.

"There's no doubt he got out but he was getting tired," Brown said.

Dao Dao's co-trainer Michael Hawkes said it was a pleasing effort in the conditions.

"He was in the worst part of the track and was only just beaten," he said.

Likewise Mark De Montfort was satisfied with McClintock who worked hard in front.

"They didn't beat him by much today," he said.

"He's 80 per cent fit and his run was terrific."

Trainer David Payne said Centennial Park wasn't at home on the wet track but he would clash with the other four in the Apollo Stakes (1400m) in two weeks.

"Up in distance and on a better surface I think he can do better," Payne said.

Waller has the Doncaster in mind for both Rangirangdoo and Danleigh.

"We always have the option with Danleigh of dropping him back in distance if he shows he can't handle it," Waller said.

"We plan to step Rangirangdoo up to 1600 then 2000 metres."

A close runner-up in the Epsom Handicap last year, Rangirangdoo travelled to Melbourne where he won the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley before running seventh in the Mackinnon Stakes at his first attempt at 2000 metres.

Waller said he had come to the end of his preparation in that race and he was confident he would handle it better this time around.

"He's got a few little chinks and we are still learning about him," he said.

"But he is a serious horse."