Star mare Via Sistina has made her first public appearance of the campaign in a Randwick barrier trial as she warms up for a return in the Group One Winx Stakes.
As expected, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner was given a quiet hitout, finishing at the back of the field along with high-profile stablemate Fangirl.
Trainer Chris Waller is preparing both mares for a return in the opening major of the Sydney season on August 23, while his Australian Derby winner Aeliana and top filly Lady Shenandoah, who is set to barrier trial at Warwick Farm on Friday, could also resume there.
Tuesday’s 850m heat was taken out by The Novelist with Godolphin pair Tom Kitten and Zardozi finishing fifth and sixth respectively.
Aeliana was given an easy time in her heat, finishing at the tail of the second Group Trial taken out by Palmetto, with the former’s stablemate Autumn Glow third and Golden Slipper runner-up Wodeton sixth.
1⃣ The Novelist
2⃣ More Territories
3⃣ Full Count FeliciaThe @GaiWaterhouse1 & Adrian Bott gelding too speedy in an 850m Kensington trial on Tuesday – behind them were Extractor, Zardozi, Tom Kitten, Fangirl and Via Sistina. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/9xzNV0QUuK
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) July 21, 2025
Waller is looking forward to seeing the progression Wodeton can make into his three-year-old season and has earmarked the Golden Rose (1400m) as a likely target for the Coolmore 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 had five starts as a juvenile, scoring at Rosehill on debut in January and placing at his next three starts before rounding out his preparation with a fourth in the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) in April.
Waller has still to settle on where Wodeton will run first-up but anticipates he will be ready to resume next month.
