<h2>Emerging Contenders Set to Threaten Via Sistina’s Reign at the Top – Trifecta Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Via Sistina ranks as Australia's top weight-for-age horse in 2025 but experts predict her reign will end during the 2026 Autumn Racing Carnival.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Racing analysts believe emerging talent will eclipse the 12-time Group 1 winner's current form ratings.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Sir Delius and Autumn Glow emerge as leading contenders to claim the crown in Australian horse racing's most competitive division.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Via Sistina's Current Standing Under Threat</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The seven-year-old mare currently holds the coveted position as Australia's number one weight-for-age horse. With 12 Group 1 victories to her name, Via Sistina has established herself as a true champion of Australian horse racing.</p> <p>However, expert form analyst Nick Noonan believes the mare's current ratings present an opportunity for emerging talent to claim the top spot.</p> <p>"I would say there is a huge chance that someone could come and get her this autumn and eclipse her level," Noonan explained. "Because it's not that high."</p> <p>The assessment reflects a shift in perspective regarding Via Sistina's recent performances.</p> <p>While her Champions Stakes victory demonstrated continued ability, the strength of opposition in that particular race has drawn scrutiny from racing analysts.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>2026 Autumn Racing Carnival Predictions</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Noonan brothers have compiled their predictions for Australian horse racing's top performers in 2026, with Via Sistina notably absent from Trav Noonan's top five entirely.</p> <p>This dramatic shift in expectations highlights the competitive nature of weight-for-age racing.</p> <p>Nick Noonan's 2026 rankings place Sir Delius at number one, followed by Autumn Glow and Ceolwulf, with Via Sistina dropping to fourth position.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Trav Noonan elevates Autumn Glow to the summit, suggesting this horse represents the strongest challenge to current hierarchies.</p> <p>"I don't know if she will regress, but I would be shocked to say she would be getting back to her absolute best ratings,"</p> <p>Nick Noonan stated regarding Via Sistina's prospects. This assessment suggests the champion mare may have reached a plateau in her career trajectory.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Emerging Contenders in Weight-for-Age Division</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The predictions highlight several horses positioned to capitalise on any decline in Via Sistina's form. Sir Delius appears prominently on both analysts' lists, while Autumn Glow receives particular attention as a potential new leader in Australian horse racing.</p> <p>Ceolwulf features consistently across both rankings, suggesting this horse represents another serious contender for supremacy.</p> <p>Additionally, Evaporate earns recognition in Trav Noonan's assessment, indicating depth of quality throughout the weight-for-age division.</p> <p>Treasurethe Moment rounds out both top five lists, demonstrating the competitive landscape facing Via Sistina during the upcoming carnival season. These emerging talents represent the next generation of Australian horse racing excellence.</p> <p>The analysis reflects the cyclical nature of horse racing, where established champions eventually yield to rising stars. Via Sistina's potential displacement would mark a significant shift in Australian racing dynamics, particularly given her sustained period of dominance.</p> <p>As the 2026 Autumn Racing Carnival approaches, racing enthusiasts can anticipate compelling battles between established excellence and emerging talent across Australia's premier racing circuits.</p>