Team Hawkes will start the path to spring for several of its team in the first heat of the morning, where Messene, Entirely Platinum and Angel Bee take on carnival types from the Chris Waller yard, including dual Doncaster winner Sacred Falls, Boban and Foreteller.

"It is great to see these horses back and it is an exciting time," Hawkes said. "Messene is on a Epsom path after a great autumn, while Entirely Platinum could be a Caulfield Cup type, but it is all in front of them.

"This is the starting point but it is always an exciting time of year when these come back into the stable."

Messene emerged in the autumn and had strung seven on end, including the National Sprint and Ajax Stakes, before running seventh in the Doncaster as favourite.

"The Doncaster was one of his best efforts because it was on a bog track that he has never handled," Hawkes said. "He is one of those horses that you are proud of because you watch them from the time they win their maiden and think they will get to that level and they do. It would great to see him win one at the top level."

Lightly raced stayer Entirely Platinum might be ready to follow the lead of Messene and fulfil his potential this spring. Team Hawkes always likes to give horses time and Entirely Platinum, although he won the Sky High Stakes in the autumn, was always considered six months away from showing his best.

Gai Waterhouse started to roll out her spring guns at Randwick's barrier trials on Friday and it is the Rosehill trainers' turn on Monday. The strength of Waller is clear, including new acquisitions Whittington, Law, Kencella and Who Shot The Barman, while Sydney Cup runner-up Opinion is also among those on show on Monday.

David Payne will give Australian Derby winner Criterion his first trial before heading to Melbourne for a Cox Plate campaign. He also has rising four-year-old Rock Hero and Craven Plate winner Honorius having their first serious hit-outs for their spring campaigns.