The autumn carnival continued to gather momentum at Warwick Farm on Thursday with several high-profile gallopers stepping out in trials, headlined by Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica.
The classy mare took out her 900m heat in Heavy 8 conditions, finishing off strongly to defeat Verona Rose, with Angel Capital (fourth), Attica (sixth) and Caulfield Cup runner-up River Of Stars (eighth) also lining up in the same trial.
Willaidow was the standout performer of the morning, producing the quickest time across the trials when narrowly defeating Oh Diamond Lil, the pair clearing out by more than eight lengths.
Top-class sprinter Joliestar finished best of the chasers in third, with stablemate Autumn Boy close behind in fourth.
The latter was making his first appearance since claiming the Caulfield Guineas and is being aimed toward a Sydney autumn campaign.
“Autumn Boy has come back really well. James (McDonald) rode him on Monday morning and was really impressed with how he has come back,” Waller said.
“The Hobartville (Stakes), Randwick Guineas and then we see whether we go George Ryder or if we need to go down the three-year-old path.”
Waller also confirmed Joliestar is likely to stay in Sydney, targeting the Canterbury Stakes and T J Smith Stakes before a possible overseas campaign.
“She will have a run before the Canterbury Stakes, which will be her first Group One of the prep, and then most likely the T J,” Waller said.
“We are very keen to see her in form because if she is, the connections are pretty keen to take her to Ascot.”
Angel Capital is expected to resume in the Expressway Stakes on February 14, with the Newmarket Handicap earmarked as his major autumn target.
Those keen to follow the key autumn contenders can find early markets and odds through leading Australian betting sites.
The post Watch 📺 Stars on show at Warwick Farm trials first appeared on Just Horse Racing.