Chris Waller gave racing fans an early glimpse of several of his spring stars at Randwick on Monday, with a number of Group 1 performers stepping out in barrier trials.
The opening three 900-metre heats on the course proper were dominated by Waller’s stable after Friday’s scheduled session was postponed due to wet weather.
Among the headline runners was Autumn Glow, who finished third behind the impressive Napoleonic, while Aeliana was fourth in the following heat, which was won by stablemate Barnavara.
The trials were conducted more than a month ahead of the horses’ expected race returns, with Autumn Glow on track to resume in the Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 22.
Ridden by James McDonald, Autumn Glow began well before being restrained to settle second last, with only stablemate Autumn Boy behind her in the early stages.
The daughter of The Autumn Sun remained towards the rear until the closing stages before being allowed to stride home over the final 200 metres, edging out Lady Shenandoah to finish third.
McDonald was also aboard Aeliana, who travelled comfortably throughout her heat before finishing four-and-a-quarter lengths behind Barnavara.
Barnavara was having only her second Australian appearance after finishing fourth in the Neville Sellwood Stakes over 2000 metres at her local debut.
Waller’s spring squad will continue their preparations on Tuesday, with Angel Capital, Beiwacht, Campione D’Italia and Fireball all scheduled to trial over 900 metres at Warwick Farm.