2014 Golden Slipper winner Mossfun moved one step closer to a return to racing when she finished second in a barrier trial at Warwick Farm this morning.
Mossfun has not been seen at the races since she recorded an impressive victory in the 2014 Golden Slipper. Photo by: Steve Hart
Mossfun contested the fifth barrier trial of the morning over 808 metres on a heavy track at Warwick Farm and she showed good early speed to take up the running from stablemate Maastricht in the early stages of the trial.
Jockey Tommy Berry kept Mossfun under a heavy hold throughout the trial and she was challenged for the lead by Memorial when the field turned for home, but she was still able to hold on to finish second in a strong effort.
Mossfun has not been seen at the races since her memorable win in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) in April of last year after she missed the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival after contracting a virus, but she is set to return to racing at the highest level in the autumn and races like the Oakleigh Plate (1100m), Newmarket Handicap (1200m), William Reid Stakes (1200m), The Galaxy (1100m) and the T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) are all potential targets for the Mossman filly.
Memorial has not been seen at the races since she finished at the tail of the field in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick in September last year, but she looks on track to return to racing following the impressive barrier trial.
Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller had four runners in the star-studded barrier trial and the most impressive was clearly Delectation, who made up good ground late to finish a close third.
Delectation was having his second barrier trial start since he finished second in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day and he is expected to return to racing in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on February 7.
Brazen Beau was making his first public appearance since he took out the Coolmore Stud Stakes and he finished towards the tail of the field after being untested by jockey Hugh Bowman, while 2014 Victoria Derby winner Preferment was slightly outpaced and he was at the tail of the field throughout.
Rounding out the Waller-trained horses in the trial was the talented Kermadec and the Carbine Club Stakes winner made up good ground under a heavy hold in what was an eye-catching display.
