Group 1 stars set to kick off campaign at Warwick Farm trials
Group 1 winners Fangirl and Militarize feature among a strong team of Chris Waller-trained runners who are set to take part in the trials at Warwick Farm on Tuesday.
Sydney’s champion trainer could supply as many as seven of the 12 runners in the opening two trials for Listed and Group-class horses over 900 metres, with the likes of Group 1 Champion Stakes (2000m) winner Atishu, as well as the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) winner Riff Rocket, in line to commence their campaigns.
Ciaron Maher and David Eustace are also set to unveil Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) winner Griff in the second trial.
In the same trial will be the Annabel Neasham-trained filly Learning To Fly, who has not been seen in action since a fall in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) when she parted company with her rider Chad Schofield.
The trials tomorrow will witness the return of the classy Think It Over, a prominent figure under the training of Kerry Parker, who is harbouring ambitions for a second triumph in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) with the eight-year-old.
Parker shared his insights, stating, “It’s just his first trial back; he’ll be there for a little day out and a canter around.
“Just get the little adrenaline pump from going to the trials.
“The plan is to give him another one in a couple of weeks, but all in all, he’s ticking along good and going about his business well.”
After clinching victory in the 2022 edition of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Think It Over faced a career-threatening tendon injury, sidelining him for 16 months.
However, the resilient performer made a triumphant return by securing the $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) in the spring.
“It’s always a query when they’re on their way back from an injury like that,” Parker said.
“But for him to come back and do what he did winning the 7 Stakes, it was quite easy to look after him and bring him back for another preparation.
“He thoroughly enjoys being in work, and all the attention is about him.
“The Queen Elizabeth will be his main aim.”