Stars on show at Warwick Farm trials

Some of Australia’s leading gallopers were on display at Warwick Farm on Thursday as the autumn build-up continued, with Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica headlining the session.

The mare claimed her 900m trial in testing conditions, holding off Verona Rose with Angel Capital, Attica and Caulfield Cup runner-up River Of Stars also involved.

Willaidow stole the show later in the morning, stopping the clock more than a second quicker than the earlier heat when edging past Oh Diamond Lil in a fast-finishing trial.

Joliestar made ground late to finish third, while Autumn Boy was close up behind in his first outing since winning the Caulfield Guineas.

Chris Waller was pleased with the return of both runners.

“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 added that Joliestar would likely stay in Sydney for the Group 1 double of the Canterbury Stakes and T J Smith Stakes.

“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,” he 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 scheduled to kick off in the Expressway Stakes, with the Newmarket Handicap firmly on the radar.

Early markets for the autumn features are already live across major Australian wagering sites.

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