Champion trainer Chris Waller was rapt with his Rosehill barrier trial team including Verry Elleegant, Nature Stip, Kolding and September Run

Promising was the word on trainer Chris Waller’s lips when reviewing Friday’s all star line up at Rosehill barrier trials as the leading stable begin to ramp up preparations for the autumn.

Waller unleashed an impressive list of autumn contenders on his home track with most stepping out for the first time in 2021.

Caulfield Cup winner Verry Elleegant, sprinting star Nature Strip and dual Group 1 victor Kolding were just a few of the big names to feature in a 900m trial.

And it was the talented three-year-old Hungry Heart that got the edge on her rivals in the hit out, narrowly nosing out star sprinter Nature Strip, which was ridden quietly with a sit.

What a line-up! Check out the @cwallerracing stars, most in their first trial of 2021 – Funstar, Hungry Heart (wins), Kolding, Madam Rouge, Nature Strip, September Run, Star Of The Seas, Subpoenaed, Toffee Tongue & Verry Elleegant. @tabcomau @7horseracing pic.twitter.com/bI1YJkJ9yE

That result mattered little to Waller, who was more impressed by what he saw from all of his team during and after the hit out.

“The whole trial was terrific,” Waller said.

“I was surprised there weren’t more horses there (from other stables) but I can only worry about my horses.

“I went through it all with Charlie (Duckworth) and basically second guessed when there was only one that left a quarter of feed and that was Verry Elleegant.

“And that was outstanding, she usually leaves a lot more.

“That showed me they were well prepared for the trial and secondly they’ve come through it well.”

Tim Clark on Nature Strip (centre, yellow and red cap) and Kerrin McEvoy on Verry Elleegant (red/blue armbands) compete in the all Chris Waller field. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Most of the horses that lined up in the heat are still a month away from racing, other than Doncaster runner-up Star Of The Seas and Kolding.

Both of those horses will headline Waller’s assault of the Group 2 Expressway Stakes on January 30.

“Most of them are 30 days away from racing so whether it is Nature Strip or Funstar or Hungry Heart,” Waller said.

“They are all nice horses and are heading towards the autumn with a nice build up.

“There is a long time to go yet and sure they didn’t break any records but they are 30 days from racing.

“It’s promising. It’s the first step of a 20 rung ladder to get towards their main targets.”

Originally published asPromising signs after Waller’s all star trial

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