The first wave of spring stars are returning to action, but one of the most anticipated three-year-olds, Nepotism, is still two weeks away from stepping out.

The son of Brutal, who captured last season’s Group 1 Champagne Stakes, will resume in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill on September 13. A quiet trial at Canterbury last week confirmed to Michael Hawkes that his star colt is right on track.

“He’ll run in the Run To The Rose first-up,” Hawkes said. “His trial was great, we can’t fault him and he’s looking well. The Run To The Rose looks ideal for him and he’s going really good.”

Nepotism is the early favourite for both the $1 million Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) on September 27 and the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) two weeks later. He shares a famous bloodline with Ole Kirk, another son of Helsinge who won both races in 2020, and the stable is hoping he can emulate that feat.

Meanwhile, stablemate Briasa made a statement at the trials with a strong 900m hit-out. The T J Smith Stakes winner hasn’t been seen since finishing fourth in the All Aged Stakes but looks on track for a spring return in the The Shorts on September 20.

“We haven’t really made a plan with him yet, I know there’s only limited races he can run in, but he he’ll be cherry ripe by the time The Everest comes around,” Hawkes said. “His trial was super for his first one, he went really good, and we’re very happy. He’s matured, he’s grown and he looks great.”

Briasa sits as an $8 chance in betting for The Everest, where Ka Ying Rising ($1.80) and Private Harry ($6) currently head markets.