Guineas hope Shalabiya cruises in Ellerslie trial

Byerley Park training partners Danny Walker and Arron Tata are preparing to step up the spring campaigns of talented stablemates Shalabiya and Crocetti, with both set for important assignments in the coming weeks.

Shalabiya (NZ) (Brazen Beau) was given an easy time when finishing third in an 1100m trial at Ellerslie on Tuesday, with Walker using the hit-out to bridge the gap between races.

The three-year-old filly has not raced for almost a month and is likely to make her next appearance in a three-year-old 1200m event at Te Rapa next Friday.

“She trialled very well. We just took her to Ellerslie for a day out and to keep her up to the mark,” Walker said.

“She has been nearly a month without a run, so the trial went to plan.

“She is most likely going to go to Te Rapa next Friday for the three-year-old 1200m. If she gets through that well enough, we will continue on to the Soliloquy and then the 1000 Guineas.”

The Gr.2 Windsor Park Stud Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on October 17 will provide an important lead-up towards the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November.

Meanwhile, Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) has pleased Walker since his latest appearance in the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) where he finished sixth behind star mare Well Written, with connections hoping the gelding gains a start in the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m).

Crocetti currently sits 17th in the order of entry, leaving the Byerley Park stable waiting to see whether he makes the field.

“He has come through his Proisir Plate run great and we are just sweating on getting a run in the Howden Mile,” Walker said.

“He’s currently 17th in the order, so he is close to getting in.

“We will have to play it by ear, but if he doesn’t get in, we will most likely look at the Kaimai Stakes at Matamata the following weekend.”