In an unusual situation at Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Saturday, most interest was on the barrier trial at Wagga as Front Page stepped out and rounded our her preparation for The Kosciuszko at Randwick on October 17.

Front Page did not disappoint, winning the barrier trial by one and a quarter lengths in a slick time of 57.53 seconds for the 1000 metre trial. The final 600m was recorded in 32.76.

The Chris Heywood-trained Blitzar provided a good contest for Front Page, with the pair gapping the rest of the field by 10 lengths.

Corowa trainer Geoff Duryea said it was full steam ahead to Randwick after the Wagga hit-out.

"I was very happy with his trial," Duryea said.

"He's pulled up good. He pulled up fine after the trial and I was really happy with his effort.

"Hopefully things go according to plan and his next start will be in the Kosciuszko."

Front Page will represent the 650-strong William Farrer Hotel's Super Punters Club (SPC) slot in the Kosciuszko.

After securing a listed win at Flemington as his final run as a three-year-old, Front Page returned with a second placing in open company at Caulfield first-up.

Duryea is happy with Front Page heading into the assignment, but acknowledges it will not be an easy task.

"We're looking forward to it," he said.

"He's obviously the baby of the field, only having the seven starts but of the seven, he's won four and two seconds.

"I was happy with his trial and hopefully his next start will be in Sydney at the Kosciuszko."

Jordan Mallyon piloted Front Page in the barrier trial, with James McDonald booked to ride at Randwick.

Blitzar, who ran second in the trial, is bound for the $100,000 Class Three Highway Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on the same day.

Meantime, Albury sprinter Lord Von Costa finished last, beaten 10 lengths behind Libertini, in the group two Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.

The Donna Scott-trained galloper will also head straight to the Kosciuszko on the back of that performance.

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