NZ 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 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.

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

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