Warwick Farm trials to feature spring’s finest, including Lady Shenandoah and Ceolwulf

Warwick Farm is set to host a stellar line-up of spring racing luminaries, including Lady Shenandoah and Ceolwulf, at Friday’s barrier trials.

Boom filly Lady Shenandoah, King Charles III Stakes victor Ceolwulf, two-time The Everest placegetter Private Eye and gun stayer Alalcance are just a few of the spring stars set to step out at Warwick Farm on Friday morning.

The big names - including horse of the year in-waiting Via Sistina – have been out in force this week tuning up for the spring with the next lot of stars to have barrier trials in Sydney’s west.

Lady Shenandoah, Chris Waller’s winner of three Group 1s this season, will contest a 900m Group trial on the course prosper alongside Joseph Pride’s stars Ceolwulf and Private Eye.

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Alalcance steps out in a 1000m Group trial on the course proper with Adam Hyeronimus aboard in her first appearance since her run of three straight autumn victories came to an end abruptly in the Sydney Cup.

Highly-promising stablemate Sir Delius is in the same heat with Doncaster Mile placegetter Encap.

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Champion trainer Chris Waller’s move into Godolphin’s Carbine Lodge base at Flemington has opened the door for father-son duo Tony and Calvin McEvoy to open up a base at the track.

Waller announced this week he would be relocating his Melbourne team to iconic Flemington complex, which boasts 50 boxes at the premier racing venue.

Tony (right) and Calvin McEvoy will set up a base at Flemington. Picture: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images

His 31-box stable came up for grabs as a result with the McEvoys taking the opportunity to have another location.

The McEvoys will continue to operate their main base out of Ballarat.

Meanwhile, Godolphin’s prized properties of Crown Lodge at Warwick Farm and Osborne Park at Agnes Banks are yet to be snapped up.

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Punters shouldn’t expect to see Golden Eagle runner-up Lazzat running in the $20 million The Everest – at least not this year.

The star galloper Lazzat is an $8 chance in betting for the richest race on turf but a second trip to Australia isn’t likely this spring.

Trainer Jerome Reynier revealed plans to keep Lazzat’s focus in Europe this carnival with an eye on returning to Australia in the future.

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“Maybe next year The Everest for him if six furlongs is really his trip,” Reynier told Nick Luck Daily.

“You never know. This year we want to make him the best European sprinter and needs to win a couple more Group 1s races at that level.”

Lazzat highlighted his quality with victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes during the Royal Ascot carnival.

Only four horses have been locked in for this year’s The Everest after Jimmysstar was announced as the TAB’s runner for 2025 earlier this week.

The world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising remains a firm $1.80 favourite.

Originally published as Warwick Farm trials to feature spring’s finest, including Lady Shenandoah and Ceolwulf