Saturday, 18 August 2012: The shock loss of spring contender Said Com dampened a bumper day for Sydney's premier trainer Chris Waller at Rosehill on Saturday when his team won four of the eight races.
Velrosso completed the quartet of wins for Waller in the final race after earlier wins by stablemates Stout Hearted, Nocturnelle and Mon Soleil.
However the day had a downside for Waller as Said Com could finish only third as the $1.45 favourite in the Spring Preview Handicap.
Waller admitted he was disappointed by Said Com's performance after he raced in the first three from the start but said he will learn from it going forward to the four-year-old's major spring targets.
"I think we learned he can't be ridden on the speed," Waller said.
"And in fairness to the horse I have always said I think he is a preparation away.He's a bit soft and he still needs to mature."
Velrosso's win was a boost for the stable as it marked the first win for Kiwi apprentice Jason Collett since his recent return to Sydney to rejoin the Rosehill team.
"It was a cool ride, he never panicked," Waller commented after Collett brought Velrosso steaming home from last with a charge down the outside in the straight.
Collett enjoyed a successful stint with Waller last year and said he pleased to get on the board in Sydney again.
"It's good to get the monkey off my back," he said.
"It was the win of a good horse."
Waller says Velrosso was a better horse now he has been gelded.
