Speedy gelding Heart Testa upstaged a number of Group 1 winners to win a barrier trial over 800 metres at Warwick Farm this morning.

Heart Testa was very impressive in a barrier trial over 800 metres at Warwick Farm this morning. Photo by: Steve Hart

The Chris Waller-trained four-year-old had too much speed for the rest of the field over the short distance and recorded a comfortable victory from Malavio and Dear Demi.

Heart Testa won the first four races of his career at the end of 2012 and was consistent at Listed level during the 2013 Sydney Autumn Carnival with an unlucky second place finish in the Listed Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Warwick Farm the highlight of his autumn campaign.

Apart from the winner, Dear Demi was the clear standout of the trial finishing strongly under a very hold in her first public appearance since finishing seventh in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2400m).

The daughter of Dehere is working towards the Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Melbourne Cup (3200m) but trainer Clarry Connors has also included a nomination for the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m).

The 2012 Crown Oaks (2500m) winner had a lengthy autumn campaign that was highlighted by victories in the Group 2 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm in March and the Group 3 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben in May.

The John Singleton-owner mare was unable to add another Group 1 victory to her racing resume but was placed behind classy stayer Royal Descent in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick.

 Doomben Cup (2000m) winner Beaten Up was kept under a heavy hold but was still able to finish well in his second barrier trial effort of his preparation.

The imported gelding has been nominated for both the Caulfield Cup and the Cox Plate with Waller indicating after Beaten Up’s first trial that the Caulfield Cup could be his major target

Triple Group 1 winner Appearance was given another quiet trial as was Queensland Derby (2400m) winner Hawkspur.