Via Sistina is progressing well according to Chris Waller, and a track gallop at Randwick on Saturday has sharpened the Cox Plate-winning mare for her return next weekend. Via Sistina will be joined by stablemates Fangirl and Atishu in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) back at Randwick this Saturday.

“If there is a chink in Via Sistina’s armour, it could be first-up over 1400 metres,” Waller said. “Today was just as good for me and the staff as well as the horses to get into the groove. The win in the Cox Plate and breaking the track record the way she did was fantastic, but it is now business as usual.”

Via Sistina looked as strong and tall as ever as she walked through the Randwick tunnel for the outing. She was not pressed too hard by James McDonald over the 1000-metre gallop but quickened slightly over the final furlong to the line. “She has acclimatised better after the first prep where she was just off the plane,” Waller said. “Her coat didn’t come right until after the Cox Plate, and now that she is in our weather pattern, she is in the right season as she should be. She is relaxed and happy, and she’s had two trials going into this, so she is well prepared.”

Via Sistina’s Group 1 campaign has a Sydney focus, with her return run followed by the Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m), then either the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) or the George Ryder Stakes (1500m), en route to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

Fangirl also galloped at Randwick alongside Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) winner Atishu. Fangirl’s performance against Via Sistina will determine her autumn campaign, with a potential trip back to Flemington over 1600 metres on the cards. “The All-Star Mile being a Group 1 is a bit of a drawcard for me and would enable me to keep Fangirl and Via Sistina apart,” Waller said.