Via Sistina remains the headline act of Australian racing, but trainer Chris Waller believes stablemate Aeliana could be her eventual successor.

The pair will meet for the first time in Saturday’s Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, with Via Sistina the $2.30 favourite and Aeliana ($7.50) stepping into open company for the first time.

“She is the unknown,” Waller said of Aeliana. “I think she will measure up being a multiple Group One winner… She is probably next year’s queen if she keeps making the rapid rise like she has done.”

Aeliana’s test comes not just in the jump from three-year-old company but in showing speed after her ATC Derby triumph over 2400m. She is also yet to face heavy ground.

Randwick is forecast to be testing, posing questions for both mares. Via Sistina was unplaced on a heavy track in last year’s Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), though Waller insists her English form shows she can handle genuine wet ground.

Lindermann, Fangirl and Full Count Felicia complete Waller’s five-strong Winx Stakes team.