Via Sistina has commenced her spring campaign with a quiet barrier trial at Randwick as trainer Chris Waller prepares the star mare for a return in the Group 1 Winx Stakes on August 23.

In a low-key effort, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner cruised home at the tail of her 850-metre heat on the Kensington track alongside stablemate Fangirl. The trial was won by The Novelist, with More Territories second and Full Count Felicia third. Tom Kitten and Zardozi finished midfield, while the Waller-trained pair were not asked to do much.

Waller is aiming both Via Sistina and Fangirl at early Group 1 assignments, while Derby winner Aeliana and the exciting filly Lady Shenandoah are also being considered for the Winx Stakes. Aeliana also trialled quietly on Tuesday, finishing at the back in a heat claimed by Palmetto. Autumn Glow was third and Wodeton, another promising Waller runner, was sixth.

Waller confirmed Wodeton is being aimed at the Golden Rose (1400m), with the colt shaping up well as he transitions into his three-year-old season. “It’s exciting for the two-year-olds turning into three,” Waller said. “He looks like he has come back really well and he’ll go towards a Golden Rose. I think 1400 will suit him.”

Wodeton enjoyed a consistent two-year-old campaign, winning on debut and placing three times before finishing fourth in the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) in April. His spring kick-off is still to be finalised but is expected next month.

Keep an eye on trial performances and market shifts via trusted betting sites ahead of the spring carnival.