Headline colt Anamoe is set to make his first public appearance since the autumn when he steps out at a rejigged barrier trial session at Warwick Farm.
The Cox Plate runner-up is among a trio of Group 1 winners nominated for Friday’s heats, along with his Godolphin stablemate Cascadian and Spring Champion Stakes winner Profondo.
A 900m heat for the Group-performed horses was scheduled to be held on the course proper but all trials were shifted to the Polytrack on Thursday due to Sydney’s wet weather and fresh nominations taken.
Anamoe will now go around in a 3YO Open Trial over 740m, while Cascadian and Profondo clash in a separate 740m heat.
A luckless second to State Of Rest in last year’s Cox Plate, Anamoe is an $8 chance to go one better this spring and is on the second line of Golden Eagle odds at $11 despite being listed as a doubtful starter.
Surround Stakes placegetter Espiona and inaugural The Invitation winner Icebath were originally down to trial on Friday, but neither was among the Polytrack entries.
However, Espiona’s trainer Chris Waller reported earlier this week that he was rapt with the filly’s progression.
“Espiona has returned in terrific shape after her winter break and we can’t wait to see what she has to offer this prep as a four-year-old,” Waller tweeted this week.
Icebath’s trainer Brad Widdup will also wait for another day to trial his mare, who has the Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 1 at the centrepiece of her campaign as she chases an elusive Group 1 win.
