The autumn carnival countdown will continue this week when a number of hopefuls step up their preparations in barrier trials.Demerit will be the star attraction at the Rosehill session on Tuesday when he is scheduled to contest a 900 metre heat.The colt relegated subsequent Group One winner Starspangledbanner to fourth in the Guineas Prelude last spring before missing a place for the first time in his four-start career when sixth in Headway's Coolmore Stud Stakes.He has been entered for the Aust
The autumn carnival countdown will continue this week when a number of hopefuls step up their preparations in barrier trials.
Demerit will be the star attraction at the Rosehill session on Tuesday when he is scheduled to contest a 900 metre heat.
The colt relegated subsequent Group One winner Starspangledbanner to fourth in the Guineas Prelude last spring before missing a place for the first time in his four-start career when sixth in Headway's Coolmore Stud Stakes.
He has been entered for the Australian Guineas and Doncaster Mile, both over 1600 metres, along with the Group One Newmarket Handicap (1200m) next month.
The Hawkes team's O'Lonhro has been nominated for a 900m Open Trial but he is also among entries for the Group One CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said they had not yet decided whether the Chelmsford Stakes winner would head to Rosehill or take on a star-studded field at Flemington.
O'Lonhro has been given a freshen-up since failing to handle the tight Gold Coast circuit when unplaced in the Magic Millions Cup on January 9.
Also down to trial at Rosehill are the Chris Waller-trained European import Warringah, an inglorious last at his only Australian start in Shocking's Melbourne Cup, and talented mare Gold Water from the Gai Waterhouse stable.
Gerald Ryan will also send around blue-blooded two-year-old Hinchinbrook in a 900 metre juvenile heat.
By emerging sire Fastnet Rock out of Snippets' Lass, Hinchinbrook is a three-quarter brother to Ryan's Group One winner Snitzel who is now the leading first season sire.
Flight Stakes placegetter Hurtle Myrtle and promising Queensland filly Sweepstaking will also step up their carnival build ups on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Geelong Classic winner Southern Skye indicated he was nearing a return with a close second in an 800m heat at Newcastle on Monday.
The Paul Perry-trained gelding has not raced since the Victoria Derby in October when he was fourth to Monaco Consul.