Once considered one of Australia’s most promising three-year-olds, Elliptical has returned home and joined the powerful Chris Waller stable after an underwhelming stint in Hong Kong.
Previously trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Elliptical claimed his most significant win in the Group 3 C.S. Hayes Stakes in early 2023. He also came heartbreakingly close to Group 1 success in 2022, finishing second in both the Caulfield Guineas and the Spring Champion Stakes.
Following a sixth-place finish in the 2023 ATC Derby, the colt was sold to Hong Kong interests. However, in eight starts at Sha Tin, he failed to register a single placing, prompting his return to Australian soil.
His comeback comes at a time when the talent flow typically moves in the opposite direction. Earlier this week, a shipment of 18 Australian-trained horses, including Alister Clark Stakes winner Shanwah, arrived in Hong Kong to begin new racing campaigns.
In related news, Hong Kong sprint star Ka Ying Rising is preparing for a return of his own — but this time heading the other way. The David Hayes-trained speedster is scheduled for his first barrier trial this Friday as he gears up for a tilt at the $20 million Everest on October 18 in Sydney.
Elliptical’s future targets under Waller remain to be confirmed, but his return adds depth to an already elite stable, and hopes remain that he can rediscover the form that once had him touted as a Group 1 winner in waiting.
