The Warwick Stakes is shaping as a defining race for many of Chris Waller's carnival contenders, with most on show at Monday's Rosehill barrier trials.

The Group Two Warwick Stakes (1400m) on August 24 is a traditional starting point for the spring weight-for-age hopefuls and Waller expects to have between four and six runners headed by Shoot Out.

Sydney's premier trainer for the past three seasons, Waller was also the country's leading Group One trainer in 2012-13 but most of those came in the autumn and winter.

This year he plans to attack the spring carnivals in Sydney and Melbourne.

Foreteller, Hawkspur, Sacred Falls and Shoot Out will be joined by fellow Group One winner Metal Bender in a 900m trial on Monday.

A tendon injury has kept Metal Bender off the scene since his George Ryder Stakes win in April last year but he has already had one conditioning trial.

"Everything with Metal Bender is now a bonus," Waller said.

"He is coming back from a serious injury but is doing well.

"Shoot Out is the benchmark for these horses. He is also doing well and enjoying a bit of dressage as part of his training.

"A lot of my horses will start in the Warwick Stakes and we'll go on from there."

Waller said the Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington looked the ideal race for Ranvet Stakes winner Foreteller while Queensland Derby winner Hawkspur would be aimed at the Caulfield Cup.

Damien Oliver will come to Sydney on Monday to ride in the trials for Waller and his Rosehill neighbour Gerald Ryan.

"Damien will ride Shoot Out in the trial," Waller said.

"I don't have any jockeys locked in for the spring and we'll sort it out as the races get closer."

Doncaster winner Sacred Falls will be aimed at the George Main Stakes which is also an aim for last year's winner Shoot Out.

Australian Oaks winner Royal Descent also runs in a 900m trial and will kick off her campaign in the Toy Show Quality (1300m) for fillies and mares on Warwick Stakes day.

Brisbane Cup winner Moriarty has had a shorter spell than some of his stablemates but is also down to trial.

"He will also go to the Warwick Stakes," Waller said.

"Kelinni may also go there. He won't run in the Metropolitan this year. He will start in the Craven Plate on the same day and take the easiest path we can find to the Melbourne Cup."

Kelinni ran second in last year's Metropolitan and two starts later finished fourth in the Melbourne Cup.