Chris Waller-trained spring carnival contenders Foreteller, Metal Bender and Moriarty were all given quiet trials over 800 metres at Warwick Farm this morning.
Foreteller was one of several potential spring stars that competed in a barrier trial at Warwick Farm this morning. Photo by: Steve Hart
In a very slowly run trial, Joseph Pride-trained Brave Soul was one of the only horses asked for an effort and scored a clear victory from Riva De Lago and Toydini.
Moriarty was the most impressive of the classy Waller trio and picked up ground late to finish fourth.
The five-year-old gelding recorded his first Group victory in the Brisbane Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm in June and has performed consistently since being imported from the stable of leading English trainer Richard Hannon at the end of 2011.
Moriarty has been nominated for both the Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Cox Plate (2040m) with the handicap event likely to be a better fit for the tough son of Clodovil.
Four-time Group 1 winner Metal Bender produced a promising effort as he continues his return from injury that has kept him away from the races since his victory in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) over sixteen months ago.
Trainer Chris Waller is hopeful that the eight-year-old can return to his best form and be a Caulfield Cup or Cox Plate contender but is taking it one step at a time with the injury-plagued galloper.
Foreteller is resuming following a spell in the paddock after his breakout campaign during the 2013 Autumn Racing Carnival.
The six-year-old recorded his first Group 1 victory in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill in March and was an unlucky second in both the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast and the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) in Brisbane.
The Dansili gelding will have a chance to add another Group 1 victory to his racing resume in the spring with the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m), Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) all on his agenda.
Shoot Out was expected to take part in the barrier trial this morning but was a late scratching.
