Via Sistina down for Randwick trial ahead of return in 2025 Winx Stakes

Chris Waller is set to unleash his stable stars in trials this week, with champion mare Via Sistina leading a high-profile contingent heading toward major spring targets in Sydney and Melbourne.

Via Sistina will step out in Tuesday’s opening 850m trial at Randwick’s Kensington track, joined by stablemates Fangirl, Tom Kitten and Zardozi in a field packed with spring hopefuls. It will be her first public outing this preparation.

Waller has pencilled in the Winx Stakes (1400m) on August 23 at Randwick as Via Sistina’s first-up target, followed by a potential tilt at the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 13.

The mare’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of dominant. After a fifth in the Makybe Diva, she strung together three Group 1 victories in Melbourne, adding the Turnbull Stakes, the Cox Plate and the Champion Stakes to her resume. She then returned to Sydney in the autumn and added another three Group 1s to her haul.

“She’s come back better and stronger,” Waller said. “She’s acclimated fully now after 18 months in Australia. I don’t think it makes her faster, but she’s healthier and more relaxed.”

Waller said campaign plans would be discussed with owners Yulong, particularly in light of their broader team which may include Treasurethe Moment and others in contention for the same races.

“The George Main Stakes being replaced by the King Charles III at The Everest meeting changes things. The Makybe Diva is looking like a strong option,” he said.

Fangirl may follow a similar campaign with the Makybe Diva and King Charles also likely targets. “She’s a top-class miler and we’ll see where she peaks,” Waller added.

Tuesday’s trial will be a soft return for both mares. “They’ll just cruise around and get their fitness up. They know what it’s about,” Waller said.

Punters can find odds and betting promotions for the upcoming spring features at leading Australian betting sites.