Guy Walter has been confirmed as the new trainer for European import Basaltico who will add his presence to the major races in Sydney this autumn.The six-year-old was brought to Australia by Luca Cumani for last year's Melbourne Cup in which he finished unplaced to Shocking after running seventh to Leica Ding in the Geelong Cup.A two-time winner over 2400 metres in Europe, Basaltico is expected to arrive at Walter's Warwick Farm stables this week."(Managing owner) Terry Henderson rang me the oth

Guy Walter has been confirmed as the new trainer for European import Basaltico who will add his presence to the major races in Sydney this autumn.

The six-year-old was brought to Australia by Luca Cumani for last year's Melbourne Cup in which he finished unplaced to Shocking after running seventh to Leica Ding in the Geelong Cup.

A two-time winner over 2400 metres in Europe, Basaltico is expected to arrive at Walter's Warwick Farm stables this week.

"(Managing owner) Terry Henderson rang me the other day from Melbourne and asked if I was interested in taking the horse," Walter said.

"I'm delighted to have him here obviously."

Walter confirmed the horse's owners, the Oti Racing syndicate managed by Henderson and Simon O'Donnell, were keen to target some of the better races over the Sydney autumn carnival before again giving Basaltico a shot at the Melbourne Cup.

Walter has enjoyed success with Oti Racing in the past having trained their former smart mare Perfect Drop who was twice Group One placed.

He has also proven a deft hand at getting the best out of imported stayers having prepared the likes of the Darley-owned Itemise who won the 2004 Listed Winter Cup and went on to finish runner-up to County Tyrone in that year's Group One Metropolitan Handicap.

While Basaltico is set to spearhead Walter's team for the autumn, he also has high hopes for Bernicia.

The two-time stakes winner, who has not started since finishing fifth in the Hawkesbury Cup in November, was runner-up to Amberino in last year's Group Two Emancipation Stakes and Walter hopes she can go one better this year.

"She's back and she'll be aimed at the Emancipation Stakes," Walter said.

"She does look quite well."

The astute horseman spent Monday morning at the Hawkesbury barrier trials where Hood, a half-brother to Walter's outstanding multiple Group One winner Tie The Knot, finished second in his heat.

While the three-year-old is showing ability Walter is in no rush with him and Hood is set to make a low-key debut later this month.

"I think he'll probably start in the country," Walter said.

"I'm looking at running him in a Goulburn maiden on the 29th (of January)."

Hood is by Shamardal, the sire of Crown Oaks winner Faint Perfume and Norman Robinson Stakes winner Shamoline Warrior, out of Group One winner Whisked.