Twelve months ago the racing career of No Wine No Song was at the crossroads when he suffered his second tendon injury in as many years.At seven, such a setback would usually spell retirement and that was exactly what owner Joe O'Gara thought.But trainer Kevin Moses had other ideas and at Rosehill on Saturday No Wine No Song will make his return in the Group Two Apollo Stakes (1400m)."The owner wanted to retire him so I asked the owner if I could have him and give him half of whatever I earned w

Twelve months ago the racing career of No Wine No Song was at the crossroads when he suffered his second tendon injury in as many years.

At seven, such a setback would usually spell retirement and that was exactly what owner Joe O'Gara thought.

But trainer Kevin Moses had other ideas and at Rosehill on Saturday No Wine No Song will make his return in the Group Two Apollo Stakes (1400m).

"The owner wanted to retire him so I asked the owner if I could have him and give him half of whatever I earned with him," Moses said.

"The owner rang me a few days later and decided to keep him and he looked after the horse himself while he was injured.

"He's not an old eight-year-old, he hasn't been hammered."

But Moses' reasoning for pressing on with No Wine No Song was about more than just potential prizemoney earnings.

The gelding had become a favourite around the stable and that was the environment in which he seemed happiest.

The 2008 Sydney Cup winner loved racing and competing and Moses wanted to give him that for as long as possible.

"I think he just loves racing and he'd rather be in work than in the paddock," Moses said.

"When he comes back from the paddock he doesn't look as good.

"He enjoys being around people, he's a friendly horse and all the kids used to learn to ride on him."

The Apollo has attracted a top field headed by multiple Group One winner Theseo, reigning Doncaster Mile hero Vision And Power, AJC Australian Derby winner Roman Emperor and up-and-coming staying star Alcopop.

Moses isn't expecting a miracle - No Wine No Song has never even finished in the top half of the field in eight first-up runs.

The Apollo was the race he suffered his second tendon injury in last year and Moses will just be happy to see him come through the feature sound.

"I just want him to go around, enjoy himself and come through the race with no problems," he said.

The Sydney Cup is the ultimate aim and No Wine No Song will follow a traditional path via races like the Chairman's Handicap which he won in 2007 and 2008.

If he does get to the 3200-metre staying feature it will be the fourth Sydney Cup he contests in five years having finished sixth in 2006, third in 2007 and breaking through for a win a year later.

The Sydney Cup is at Randwick on April 24.