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VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Sircconi will step up his spring preparation with a barrier trial at Cranbourne on Tuesday.

Trainer Peter Morgan is preparing Sirconni for his return to racing in the Listed Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on August 26 26.

Sircconi raced only four times last season, ending his program with a fourth to Invader in the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes) (1400m) at Randwick in April.

Sircconi is in the first of two high class 1000m trials on Tuesday. His heat includes Blue Diamond Stakes winner Catchy and her Lindsay Park stablemates Tulip, Formality, Muraahib and Eshtiraak.

The second 1000m trial was to feature G1 winner I Am Star against the Lindsay Park-trained Seaburge and David Brideoake’s Hardham.

However trainer Shane Nichols now intends to work the mare at Mornington ahead of her intended return to racing at Flemington on Saturday in the G3 Aurie’s Star Handicap where she is set to meet Australian Guineas winner Hey Doc.

The winner of the G1 Myer Classic last spring, I Am A Star has not raced since finishing third in the G1 Ubet Classic at Morphettville on May 6.

The final heat at Cranbourne on Tuesday is over 1200 metres and will feature former European G1 winner Ventura Storm stepping out for the Hayes Dabernig stable.

The winner of the G1 Premio Jockey Club in Italy and second in the G1 St Leger at Doncaster had his first Australian start in May, finishing fifth behind Extra Zero over 2000m at Flemington.