Racing
Stars don’t disappoint at barrier trials
A Melbourne Cup fancy has been among the big names to shine across two key trial sessions.
A heavy track hasn't stopped Cox Plate heroine Via Sistina from impressing at a crucial set of barrier trials at Randwick, while a quartet of Group One winners from the Ciaron Maher stable have also strutted their stuff at Gosford.
Via Sistina finished second to Vauban in her 1000m course proper heat on Thursday, striding out fluidly under a strong hold from regular jockey James Mcdonald with stablemate Fangirl also hitting the line nicely for fourth.
Both mares are being prepared for a first-up tilt at the Winx Stakes (1400m) on August 23, along with younger barn mates Lady Shenandoah and Aeliana, who were third and fourth respectively in a separate 1000m hit-out at the session.
While the Chris Waller-trained foursome were all stepping out for their second trials, Vauban was making his first public appearance of the season.
Equal favourite for the Melbourne Cup in early markets, Vauban is being geared towards a September return in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
"He seems in good shape. He will have a couple of trials and then we'll see him resume most likely in a race like the Chelmsford," co-trainer Adrian Bott said.
"I feel he's in for a good campaign.
"He's had that bit longer to acclimatise down here. He's in off the back of a nice break and he had a positive racing campaign last time in and has improved nicely for it."
Also in action at Randwick were unbeaten mare Autumn Glow and Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker, who both trialled well under their own steam in the same 850m heat, while Doncaster Mile victor Stefi Magnetica finished a close fourth to Manaal in the last of the four Group trials.
Maher elected to take his stars to Gosford with Gringotts, Another Wil and Light Infantry Man all given hit-outs in separate 1000m assignments, while the Everest-bound Jimmysstar was a closing third in his 800m trial.
Another bumper set of heats are scheduled for Warwick Farm on Friday with Ceolwulf the headline act, while stablemate Private Eye could also step out if trainer Joe Pride elects not to run him on a heavy track in the Missile Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.
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