Theseo ready for Chelmsford

Thu 2 Sep

Impressive second-up statistics and the home track advantage have leading jockey Nash Rawiller bullish about weight-for-age star Theseo's Chelmsford Stakes prospects.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained warhorse ran his usual genuine race in the Warwick Stakes, finishing fifth as Metal Bender led in a Chris Waller trifecta.

Theseo has proven in the past that he's a much tougher proposition at his second run back, winning the Group One Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) and Group Two St George Stakes (1800m) at his past two second-up appearances.

With that in mind, Rawiller senses his favourite horse is ready to produce another supreme effort in the Group Two Chelmsford (1600m) at Randwick where the Waller-trained Metal Bender and Triple Honour loom as the main challengers.

"I was over the moon with Theseo first-up, he's come back really well," Rawiller said.

"He always seems to take a run first-up and generally second-up he is a lot better."

Theseo was in his customary role at Warwick Farm and led the field into the straight.

After being headed turning for home, the five-time Group One winner clawed his way back on level terms momentarily, prompting Rawiller to entertain the thought of an against-the-odds first-up victory.

"I did, just for a fleeting moment, think `he's going to get up and do it again here'," Rawiller said. - aap

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