Apocalyptic shines in Rosehill barrier trials ahead of spring carnival

Three‑year‑old filly Apocalyptic, trained by Michael Freedman, won a 900‑metre barrier trial at Rosehill Gardens, edging Chilly Girl by a half‑length in a tight finish. The filly completed the heat in 55.57 seconds with a final 600‑metre split of 33.41 seconds, showing she has regained the form that earned her Group 2 Furious and Tea Rose Stakes wins and a Group 1 Flight Stakes victory last season.

Freedman said he was "really happy" with Apocalyptic’s condition and confirmed her next target is the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100 m) at Royal Randwick on 22 August. Other notable performers in the trial were Headwall, who finished third and is being readied for the Group 3 Concorde Stakes, and the veteran nine‑year‑old Private Eye, who placed fourth and will defend his Group 2 Lawrence Stakes title at Caulfield on 15 August. Chilly Girl, a Widden Stakes winner, also impressed by holding her own against older horses.