The transition from Spring into Autumn is looking increasingly seamless, with a host of top-class horses set to resume at Randwick trials on Thursday.

Among those preparing to step out on the Kensington circuit are Via Sistina, Sir Delius, Autumn Glow and Aeliana, all beginning their Autumn preparations.

Autumn Glow, regarded by many as the standout horse in the country, will line up in the opening 850-metre heat alongside Wodeton, Flight Stakes winner Apocalyptic and Turnbull Stakes victor Sir Delius.

James McDonald has been booked to ride Autumn Glow and Via Sistina, with the latter contesting the third heat over 850 metres against stablemates Aeliana and Lindermann, as well as Golden Slipper winner Marhoona.

Although Waller’s team will attract attention, significant focus will fall on Sir Delius for the Waterhouse and Bott stable following his late spring setback.

Sir Delius was scratched from both the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate after failing veterinary scans, despite being pre-post favourite for the features.

The ruling prevented the gelding from racing in Victoria for the remainder of the Spring Carnival, with a stewards’ embargo applied.

While the embargo remains, it does not automatically extend to New South Wales, where local authorities have allowed Sir Delius to resume via the trials.

With Autumn feature markets beginning to take shape at major online bookmakers, attention is turning to how the returning stars will measure up.

Co-trainer Adrian Bott said the focus for Sir Delius would be on a steady build-up rather than immediate performance.

“He’s going to the trials on Thursday,” Bott said.

“He won’t be asked much, he’s just going for a quiet sort of trial.

“He’ll be out on a few occasions before we see him step out to the races, sort of fitting in line with what we saw from him last prep.

“But he seems to be back in good order.”

The post Sir Delius down to trial first appeared on Just Horse Racing.