Waller rolls out stars at Randwick trials
Group 1-winning mare Via Sistina has made her seasonal debut with a soft trial at Randwick as preparations ramp up for a spring return in the Winx Stakes (1400m) next month.
Trainer Chris Waller sent the Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner around in Tuesday’s opening 850m heat on the Kensington track, where she eased to the line alongside stablemate Fangirl. The trial was won by The Novelist, while Tom Kitten and Zardozi also featured.
Waller confirmed Via Sistina and Fangirl are on track for first-up runs on August 23. Aeliana, who won the Australian Derby in autumn, and exciting filly Lady Shenandoah could also resume in the same race. Aeliana had an easy time in her trial, finishing at the back in a heat claimed by Palmetto, while Autumn Glow and Wodeton ran third and sixth respectively.
Waller spoke highly of Wodeton’s development and confirmed the Golden Rose (1400m) is the target for the three-year-old colt. “It’s exciting for the two-year-olds turning into three,” Waller said. “He looks like he has come back really well and he’ll go towards a Golden Rose. I think 1400 will suit him.”
Wodeton won on debut at Rosehill in January and closed out his juvenile campaign with a fourth-place finish in the Sires’ Produce Stakes. His return race is yet to be confirmed but is expected to come in August.
Punters can follow the early spring trial form and odds updates by checking leading Australian betting sites.
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