Aeliana's spring campaign unaffected by barrier trial issue

Champion mare Aeliana is still set for a significant spring campaign, even after a hiccup during a barrier trial. The incident has brought the Memsie Stakes into stronger consideration for her first-up race.

The mare, a multiple Group 1 victor, became entangled behind the barriers before the opening heat at Warwick Farm on Tuesday. She trapped a hind leg in the starting stalls, necessitating her withdrawal.

Trainer Chris Waller has indicated that the initial signs are encouraging. The mare is receiving intensive treatment, and the stable is closely monitoring her condition over the coming days.

"Minimal swelling and she's sound," Waller reported. "We, of course, gave her anti-inflammatories after it so that's masking a little bit of swelling, and masking a little bit of pain. I'd say by Friday we'll be able to say we're in the clear. You just never know what bruising could be there, but every sign you can see so far is fantastic."

Currently, Aeliana is on anti-inflammatory treatment and undergoes ice hosing four times daily. Waller remains hopeful that there is no lasting detriment from the incident.

While she will skip this week's Rosehill barrier trials, she is expected to trial at Randwick next Friday. Following this, a decision will be made regarding her comeback run.

The mare had been heavily favoured to make her return in the Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 22. However, Waller noted that the extra week available before the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield has altered the situation considerably.

"Where it would have been eighty-twenty before, it's probably fifty-fifty now," he said. "We're very confident we'll still be on track."

Aeliana is anticipated to be one of the stars of the forthcoming spring carnival and is already featuring prominently in early markets for the Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup, and Cox Plate. The latest spring carnival markets can be compared with Australia's leading Top 10 Betting Apps.