Traffic Warden heads Rosehill trial fields

Golden Rose runner-up Traffic Warden is set to make his first public appearance of the year, headlining a key set of barrier trials at Rosehill.

The Godolphin colt, who narrowly finished second behind stablemate Broadsiding in the Group 1 race, will participate in a 900m heat on the course proper this Thursday. This marks his first outing since his underwhelming performance in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington in November.

Zac Lloyd, who steered Traffic Warden to victory in The Run To The Rose last spring, is eager to reunite with the talented three-year-old and assess his progress.

“He gave me a nice win in The Run To The Rose, so it will be good to see how he has matured this time in,” Lloyd said.

“He has been close to a Group One, and hopefully this preparation he can get his Group One.

“He will probably only have a day out tomorrow being his first trial back. I presume he won’t be out to do too much, but it’s good to see how they’re moving.”

Chris Waller will also showcase several of his carnival contenders at the trials, including accomplished mares Joliestar and Olentia, who will face off against 2023 Rosehill Guineas winner Lindermann in the opening 900m heat.

Similar to Traffic Warden, Waller’s trio is returning for their initial trials of the preparation and is expected to have quiet hit-outs.

Meanwhile, Waller’s $1.75 million yearling United States is entered for a 2YO Open Trial (900m). However, with a favorable draw in barrier two for Saturday’s The Agency Real Estate Handicap (1000m) at Randwick, the colt is expected to make his highly anticipated race debut instead.