Il Paradiso Has Kheir & Waller Cup Dreaming

The high-class stayer Il Paradiso (Galileo-Famous, by Danehill Dancer) is finally back on track after his bad tendon injury and a couple of other niggles that had kept him away from competition for a long period. Having shown what he is capable of when running a slashing third in 2019’s Gr1 Melbourne Cup, Il Paradiso appears to have returned in terrific order. Before Friday's trial at Rosehill in Sydney, where he finished third behind Kukeracha, his previous public hit-out was in a trial in February 2020. After this endless period of wait and see agony, part-owner Ozzie Kheir revealed to racing.com that connections and trainer Chris Waller are hopeful of being rewarded for their patience with the 6YO ($51) come Melbourne Cup Day: "Hopefully he gets to the races and can bring some joy to the ownership group. He's an outright stayer, he's very lightly raced.” For all the exuberance, Kheir conceded, “He's got to get in and pass the ballot clauses to get into the (Melbourne Cup). That's the challenge. The Melbourne Cup, you've got to be in it to have a go, and I think if he gets back to his form, I don't think he would be favourite but I also don't think he will fill up the numbers.” Connections will be holding thumbs his return to raceday proceeds as planned.