Wagner tuned up for Caulfield Guineas trial

The G1 Caulfield Guineas prospects of in-form colt Wagner are expected to be made clear after he runs in Sunday’s G3 Guineas Prelude at Caulfield.

After showing plenty of promise with three placings in the three runs of his first preparation, Wagner (Craig Williams) has returned in sparkling form with two wins at Canterbury from his only two starts.

The son of Bernardini is joined on the Caulfield program by Multaja (Glyn Schofield) in the G2 Thousand Guineas Prelude and Trekking (Kerrin McEvoy), who is in rare form ahead of his engagement in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes.

Wagner steps up from midweek class to Group company here, but trainer James Cummings is satisfied he deserves to.

“He’s been on an upward spiral this campaign,” Cummings said.

“He finds himself in a good race here to lay down his credentials as a Guineas colt.”

In the corresponding race for fillies, Multaja will be required to turn her form around, but Cummings is content to give her that opportunity.

“Not much went right for Multaja last time up the straight at Flemington,” the trainer said.

“She steps out to 1400m on Sunday and if she can see the distance out then a few more opportunities will open up for her. But we need to see a positive run from her this time.”

Trekking had shown plenty of promise in his earlier preparations and has lived up to it since resuming.

“He‘s been absolutely flying this preparation and has really rewarded our patience,” Cummings said.

“This is another step up, but he proved he could run out the six furlongs last time.”

“He’s trained on like a horse who can’t help but run well.”

Trekking has won twice and been runner-up at his only other start since resuming and at his latest outing carried 59kg to a comfortable win in restricted company.

He drops to 55kg under the set weights here.