Despite a setback during a barrier trial, the champion mare Aeliana is still on track for a significant spring campaign. This incident has led to the Memsie Stakes being considered more seriously as her initial race.
The multiple Group 1 winner experienced an issue before the first heat at Warwick Farm on Tuesday, getting caught behind the barriers. This resulted in a hind leg becoming trapped in the starting stalls, leading to her withdrawal from the trial.
Trainer Chris Waller reported that the initial indications are promising, with the mare receiving intensive treatment. The stable is closely monitoring her progress over the next few days.
“Minimal swelling and she’s sound,” Waller stated. “We, of course, gave her anti-inflammatories after it so that’s masking a little bit of swelling, and masking a little bit of pain. I’d say by Friday we’ll be able to say we’re in the clear. You just never know what bruising could be there, but every sign you can see so far is fantastic.”
Aeliana is currently undergoing treatment with anti-inflammatories and receiving ice hosing four times daily. Waller remains optimistic that no long-term damage has occurred.
She will not participate in this week’s Rosehill barrier trials but is scheduled to trial at Randwick next Friday. A decision regarding her return will be made after this trial.
The mare was widely anticipated to resume in the Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 22. However, Waller indicated that the extra week available before the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield has significantly shifted the outlook.
“Where it would have been eighty-twenty before, it’s probably fifty-fifty now,” he commented. “We’re very confident we’ll still be on track.”
Aeliana is poised to be a standout performer in the upcoming spring carnival and is already a prominent contender in early markets for the Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup, and Cox Plate. Compare the latest spring carnival markets with Australia’s leading Top 10 Betting Apps.