Some interesting runners at the Rosehill trials on Friday morning included a couple of Everest hopefuls and some classy three year-olds tuning up for Group I goals this spring.
The first heat was won by the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton trained Shalaa (IRE) sprinter Roselyn’s Star, who has won his past two starts and looks like he can pick up where he left off if placed to advantage.
G1 Golden Slipper and Galaxy winner Marhoona was having her second trial and looked in great shape, while comeback sprinter Headwall is also on track for his return.
Last spring he was out to make an Everest statement early when winning the Group III ATC Concorde Stakes (1000m) beating Lady Shenandoah, but not long after his trainer Matt Smith announced he had gone amiss.
Headwall has not raced since then, but this was his fourth trial back this prep and connections are obviously hoping to get him back into the Everest picture this year so he will be ready to fire when he steps out.
Super interesting three year-olds ran the trifecta here with Southend leading all the way to win and $5.6million I Am Invincible filly Chayan asked to do more in her second trial back showing a good response. Diameter also good in his second trial back.
First three - Southend, Chayan and Diameter were all stakes-winners last season, so expectations will be high and particularly for Chayan.
The quickest of the 900m heats was won by Extreme Choice colt Paradoxium, who was also a stakes-winner last season and this was his second trial back.
Paradoxium ended his autumn with unplaced runs in the Golden Slipper and Sires Produce Stakes when he drew terribly both times and it won’t be a surprise if he bounces back quickly this spring.
Click here for all the trial results at Breednet with Sale Mail and at Racing NSW with video.
