Via Sistina is the star attraction for Chris Waller’s stable at Thursday’s barrier trials, with the champion trainer set to showcase seven elite-level contenders at Warwick Farm.
The seven-year-old mare, who last raced when claiming the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 9, will trial in the second heat of the morning over 900 metres against five stablemates.
Waller is preparing Via Sistina for a shot at a seventh Group 1 win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in April, where she will be looking to improve on last year’s second-place finish behind Pride Of Jenni.
Joining Via Sistina in the second heat are Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner Asterix, making his first appearance for Waller, along with Birdman, Declichy Boulevard, Lady Shenandoah, and Manzoice.
In the opening heat over 900 metres, Group 1-winning trio Atishu, Private Life, and Switzerland will go head-to-head.
Meanwhile, three-time Group 1 winner Fangirl features in the third heat, where she will face stablemates Francesco Guardi, Gatsby’s, Kinesiology, and Valiant King.
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