Cox Plate champion Via Sistina showed her class on a wet Randwick track, while Ciaron Maher’s quartet of Group 1 stars impressed in separate trials at Gosford on Thursday.
Via Sistina finished runner-up to Vauban in a 1000m hit-out under a strong hold from jockey James McDonald, with stablemate Fangirl running on well for fourth place.
Both mares are on track for a return in the Winx Stakes (1400m) on August 23. Stablemates Lady Shenandoah and Aeliana also impressed, finishing third and fourth respectively in a separate trial at the session.
Vauban, who shares Melbourne Cup favouritism in early markets, was having his first public appearance of the prep and is being targeted at the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) in September.
“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.”
Other Randwick performers included Autumn Glow and Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker, who both looked comfortable in an 850m trial. Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica finished just behind the leaders in her heat.
Meanwhile, Maher’s stable showcased top talent at Gosford with Gringotts, Another Wil, and Light Infantry Man all taking part in separate 1000m trials. The Everest contender Jimmysstar was a strong closer for third in his 800m hit-out.
Warwick Farm trials are scheduled for Friday, with Ceolwulf expected to feature prominently. Private Eye may also trial depending on whether Joe Pride chooses to avoid the heavy conditions forecast for Saturday’s Missile Stakes (1200m).