This weekend is set to feature the return to racing of our Sydney Cup winner Selino, who has accepted to make his comeback in the 1900m Listed Parramatta Cup at Rosehill on Saturday for trainer Chris Waller and connections.
Originally from the UK, Selino joined the Waller stable in October 2020 on the back of 10 career starts in Europe, bringing with him a race record of 2 wins, 5 seconds and 2 thirds. One of those 2nd placings was in the G2 Doncaster Cup.
Clearly a quality staying horse, Chris Waller continued to test Selino exclusively at black-type level and aimed the gelding towards the Group 1 Sydney Cup in April 2021, which he won in very good style.
He again ran in multiple Group races, including the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup, in his second preparation for Waller over the 2021 spring. In prepartion for his autumn ’22 campaign however, he sustained a tendon injury and has since undertaken a rehabilitation program at Warrnambool under the supervision of Waller, Matt Williams and Dr Andrew Cust.
Having competed against some of the best, including Verry Ellegant, Incentivise and Think It Over, the hope for Selino to return in his best form never dissipated. After two trials and an exhibition gallop at Randwick last weekend, the now 7yo is set to make his return. Clearly an improver over further distance, the 1900m race should be an ideal kick-off for his campaign.
“The 1900m distance I think is a good starting point and will be a little bit short for him in terms of winning, but is just a good race to get him back into the routine of racing. He is obviously a horse who gets quite keen and is not the easiest of rides, so just seeing him do the little things right is what we want to see in his first-up run. If he could beat a couple home that would be great and he will then steadily improve as we step his distances up.”, says trainer Chris Waller in the lead-up to Saturday’s race.
Selino will start in a field of 12, jumping from barrier 7 and carrying top-weight.
See the full field and all race details here.
We wish everyone involved the best of luck for his return.