Chris Waller prominent as Group 1 stars shine at Warwick Farm trials

The likes of Fangirl, Think It Over and Militarize clashed in the opening heat at Warwick Farm on Tuesday while comeback galloper Learning To Fly impressed in her second trial since returning.

Fangirl trialled at Warwick Farm on Tuesday morning.

The autumn carnival is edging closer and there was a sense of that at Warwick Farm on Tuesday morning as a handful of Group 1 stars stepped out at the trials.

The star gallopers weren’t asked for much of an effort as Fangirl, Think It Over and Militarize hit the line under a good hold.

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace’s filly Tiz Invincible won the heat and ran 55.50 over the 900m journey on a heavy (8) surface. The margin was a long head with Chris Waller’s import Buckaroo running second.

1⃣ Tiz Invincible
2⃣ Buckaroo
3⃣ Lazzago

Tiz Invincible, trained by @cmaherracing, wins a trial at Warwick Farm on Tuesday, beating Buckaroo and Lazzago. Returning Group 1 winners Think It Over, Fangirl and Militarize all had quiet hit-outs. @tabcomaupic.twitter.com/bP602vqV4o

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) January 15, 2024

Meanwhile, star mares Atishu and Espiona in the second heat of the morning.

Learning To Fly, who hasn’t raced since last year’s Golden Slipper, won the heat ahead of Caulfield Guineas winner and Gary Portelli’s galloper Encap.

She clocked 55.53 over the 900m, with the margin a neck to Griff and four lengths back to Encap in third.

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It was Learning To Fly’s second trial ahead of her return, which is likely to be in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes on February 17.

“She’s A1, she’s 100 per cent,” trainer Annabel Neasham said.

“The injury happened in the Slipper, a minor injury in the pastern, but it’s completely fixed now.

“She just needed time and she’s such a valuable filly and the spring was always going to be a tight struggle to get her there.

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“She’s grown three or four inches and filled out, she could be the most exciting horse in the stable I reckon.”

Waller’s brigade of Atishu, Espiona and Riff Rocket weren’t asked for much of an effort as they cruised to the line under a firm grip.

"Good to see her back."

Exciting galloper Learning To Fly, wins a trial at Warwick Farm on Tuesday, beating Group 1 winner Griff and Encap. @tabcomaupic.twitter.com/1aweYKR3tz

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) January 15, 2024

Originally published as Chris Waller prominent as Group 1 stars shine at Warwick Farm trials