Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising will draw plenty of attention at the Randwick barrier trials, but Group One winner Linebacker will also be closely watched as he builds toward a spring return.

The four-year-old missed a planned start in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) after a minor ankle sprain ruled him out of the Epsom Handicap (1600m).

“In simple terms, he sprained an ankle. It just meant being on the easy list for a week or so,” co-trainer Tom Charlton said.

“Once he missed that run we were never going to the Epsom half-prepared.”

Now back in work, Linebacker will trial over 1050m at Randwick on Tuesday before likely heading to the Group 3 Silver Eagle (1300m) on October 18, ahead of the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) two weeks later.

“It might work out for the best,” Charlton said. “The 1300 of the Silver Eagle should be good for him and keep him on the fresh side.”

The trial session also features an elite 1000m heat for contenders of The Everest (1200m) and King Charles III Stakes (1600m).