The Chris Waller trained Kalino scored an impressive debut win as racing returned to Sydney on a Heavy 8 Kensington track.
It was more about the way that the son of Pierro stuck to his task than any margin of victory as Kalino had to chase in the home straight and had to remain committed all the way to the line in what turned out to be a very pressurised finish which saw less than a length cover the first five horses across the line.
“He did a good job to win today. He did everything right,” said Chris Waller.
“Tommy (Berry) didn’t panic from the draw. There was a bit of speed and he was able to take a sit. It was a tough run up the straight and it was good to see him get the upper hand late.
“I think every Sydney two-year-old race is very strong, so to win a midweek two-year-old race is suggesting he is at least a Saturday class horse.
“We have taken out time with him. He has always had ability, for sure. We have always had to keep on top of his manners and the staff has done a great job with that.
“He paraded perfectly and raced accordingly.”
“I thought he was very good today,” said Tommy Berry. “I was very taken by his trial … but in both of his trials he has wanted to get the job done very quickly.
“I mentioned to Chris a cross-over nose-band might suit a horse like him. Chris put it on the next day and I was really happy with the way he switched off today.
“He got a bit lost in the centre of the track. It is a big effort for a horse having his first start to race that far off the rail. He was always going to get a bit lost, but he was strong late.
“He has got a bright future.”
Chris Waller saddles up two horses in this weekends Golden Slipper with Shaquero and Home Affairs to represent the stable.
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