"Rangirangdoo and Shoot Out were top and second top weight in the [2012] Epsom and they raced like they were carrying 65 kilos," said Waller, who has Boban and Royal Descent in the one and two saddlecloths this year.

"It was a big weight. They just couldn't quite pick them up and I've always got that in my memory. Those weights have stood the test of time.

"There's an Epsom run every year and the topweight hasn't won for a long time and rarely do they win. You can say this year is not [as strong], but I'm sure there's others as well. They were good horses."

So as bookmakers juggle markets to suggest Waller has a stranglehold on this year's Epsom - especially after pre-post favourite Rock Sturdy went amiss on Wednesday morning - Sydney's leading trainer is cautiously confident about the burdens allotted to Boban and Royal Descent.

Royal Descent has vaulted to $4.40 favouritism with Ladbrokes, shadowed by He's Your Man as a $6 second pick. Only Hawkes Racing's Toydini ($6) stops Waller from a complete mortgage on Epsom betting with defending champion Boban at $7 after drawing barrier one.

"That [Boban] is the horse I'm most happy about from the draw," Waller said. "You can't get away from the fact he needs to settle in his races and that will help Glyn [Schofield] settle him.

"Yes, he'll need to get out - it's a simple as that. If he doesn't get out at least we know he's settled, he'll be finishing off and we'll have a horse left. If he draws 15 he's three wide pulling with a big weight then he's no chance.

"To some degree you'd see Boban with 58 kilos and barrier one, well straight straight away in my eyes it brings his weight down to 56. He's going to save ground."

Waller admitted the least favoured of his Epsom quartet, Lucky Chappy ($41), would be a "two lengths" better horse after coming up with the ideal four alley.

Joe Pride remains optimistic about Rock Sturdy's racing career despite being forced to miss the Epsom with  a near-fore suspensory injury.

"We got a scan back and it's very encouraging and he could be back next autumn," he said. "He's had six runs this campaign and I think it's time for a break."

Singapore-based Corey Brown was booked for the ride on Rock Sturdy, but will switch to stablemate and fellow Gooree product Laser Hawk.

Ladbrokes' Paul Di Cioccio said money had arrived for Royal Descent after she came up with barrier 11, a gate outside of He's Your Man.

"Royal Descent has been heavily backed since the barrier draw from $4.80 into $4.40, however Boban has been easy from $5 to $7," Di Cioccio said. "He's Your Man ($6) is nasty in pre-post and all-up betting."

Waller has five of the 16 acceptors in The Metropolitan - Junoob, Bagman, Opinion, Brigantin and Our Voodoo Prince - which doubles as the staying feature of the spring.

"There's been no real interest since the barrier draw with Spillway leading the way at $4.40," Di Cioccio said. "Wish Come True and Opinion are the worst results in pre-post betting for us at huge odds."