A rejuvenated Selino (GB) returned to the winner's circle for the first time in one hundred and twelve weeks when outgunning the 2019 Victoria Derby her Warning in Saturday's Group II Brisbane Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm.
Few would begrudge Selino that one (image Grant Courtney)
Ridden by Nash Rawiller for Chris Waller, Selino (GB) (Champs Elysees) gradually wore down the gallant Warning (Declaration Of War) by a half-length with True Marvel (FR) (Masked Marvel) two and three-quarter lengths back in third.
In seventeen starts in Australia, Selino (GB) has won the Group 1 Sydney Cup and Group II Brisbane Cup, both at two miles and failed to run a place in the other fifteen.
The 7yo son of Champs Elysees arrived in Australia with a consistent record of two wins and seven placings from 10 starts, including a second in the Group II Doncaster Cup for trainer James Fanshawe.
The OTI Racing colourbearer was off the scene for over thirteen months after sustaining a tendon injury when eight behind Verry Elleegant in the 2021 Melbourne Cup.
With his second stakes success Selino advances his record to four wins, five seconds, and two thirds with earnings of $1,909,470.
"He won the Sydney Cup, then he had a setback, Waller said.
"It has been a long story, and a lot of friends involved in the ownership as well.
"He's a genuine two-miler and illustrated that. He ran in a Sydney Cup, he ran well in a Melbourne Cup, and his run in the Sydney Cup this year was good.
"It has just been trying to find races to get fit for a Brisbane Cup, so he has been from Melbourne and back.
"Nash can pull something out, can't he?"
He wins the ones that count (image Grant Courtney)
Nash Rawiller said he has had a long association with the owners.
"We got back a fair while, so this is pretty special," Rawiller confided.
"I've been keen to ride him a few times where he's run super races, but he hasn't got my weight, so I don't know, he might make the Melbourne Cup now.
"He was the best stayer and the best turned out in the race, and he's got the job done. One thing is for sure it does keep the dream of the Melbourne Cup alive.
"It has been a while since he's won. It's not like he does it the easy way. He makes you work every bit of the two miles. I was really happy to see him show that fight that he showed late. Full credit to the team, and he's obviously a special horse to everyone."
Selino (GB) is the best of seven winners from ten to race for the unraced Red Ransom mare Air Kiss who is a half-sister to Group 1 Prix du Cadran winner Ivermark (Machiavellian), Group II Princess of Wales's Stakes winner Craigsteel (Suave Dancer) and the Group III winner Inchrory (Midyan).
"Selino (GB) is one of 42 stakes-winner for the Danehill stallion Champs Elysees, who died of a heart attack in 2018 at the age of 15.
