The Rosehill trials on Tuesday morning saw the first real look at some of the spring big guns with the first three heats seeing eight Group One winners go around.
Heat One over 1000m saw an impressive win for Snitzel’s three-time stakes winner Williamsburg for the Ryan/Alexiou partnership but the most notable entrant was Group One winning mare Via Sistina.
A 2.7mil guineas buy for Yulong Stud last year, she was sent to Chris Waller for her first Australian campaign and made an immediate impression winning the G1 Ranvet Stakes at first outing.
It was enough to see her start an odds-on favourite in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes next time when second behind the stunning performance of Pride Of Jenni.
Given an easy time by James McDonald in the trial, she looked to find the line nicely enough.
Heat Two saw Thousand Guineas winner Joliestar and dual Derby winner Riff Rocket having their first spring looks.
Joliestar was particularly impressive going straight to the front and maintaining an easy gallop to win over Caballus.
The latter created a big impression when bought online by Darby Racing and switched to Bjorn Baker last campaign and would harbour some ambitions for an Everest slot.
As expected, Riff Rocket was set no sort of task, taken to the rear by Kerrin McEvoy and passing one runner under his own steam down the straight.
Heat Three saw five Gorup One winning filles and mares including the return of Fangirl whose campaign was cut short by injury when the ruling Queen Elizabeth favourite earlier in the year.
She was set no task early, going to the rear under James McDonald and did look to find the line with some enthusiasm to finish 6th.
Prized Icon’s dual Group One winning filly Tropical Squall looked like she’s coming up well for the spring, winning the heat for Tim Clark.
The Waterhouse/Bott trained filly won the G1 Flight Stakes last spring and followed up with the G1 Surround Stakes in the autumn.
She beat the Bjorn Baker duo Amor Victorious and Thunderlips with Zougotcha fourth.
A last start winner of the G1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes, Zougotcha would have pleased the Waller stable going to line with plenty in reserve for Tommy Berry.
Group One winning Hinged also would have pleased with her comfortable 5th while the other Group One winner in the heat, Atishu was never asked for an effort, finishing 8th.
