Group 1 stars including Cox Plate winner Via Sistina and Melbourne Cup fancy Vauban stepped out in key barrier trials at Randwick and Gosford on Thursday, with both camps pleased by what they saw.

Via Sistina finished second behind Vauban in her 1000m trial, cruising under James McDonald, while fellow Waller-trained mare Fangirl was not far behind in fourth. Both horses are building towards first-up runs in the Winx Stakes (1400m) later this month.

Lady Shenandoah and Aeliana also made appearances at the trials, finishing third and fourth respectively in another heat, continuing their steady preparations for the spring.

Vauban, fresh from a spell and sharing top billing in early Melbourne Cup markets, was having his first trial of the prep and is set to resume in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) in September.

“He seems in good shape. He will have a couple of trials and then we’ll see him resume most likely in a race like the Chelmsford,” co-trainer Adrian Bott explained.

“I feel he’s in for a good campaign. He’s had that bit longer to acclimatise down here. He’s in off the back of a nice break and he had a positive racing campaign last time in and has improved nicely for it.”

Autumn Glow and Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker were also among the triallists, both hitting the line with intent. Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica finished fourth behind Manaal in her heat.

Meanwhile at Gosford, Maher-trained runners were out in force, with Gringotts, Another Wil and Light Infantry Man working over 1000m. Everest hopeful Jimmysstar closed late to run third in his 800m trial, pleasing connections.

Friday’s Warwick Farm trials promise more action, with Ceolwulf the headline name. Private Eye may also trial, depending on whether he runs in Saturday’s Missile Stakes (1200m) or not due to track conditions.