Rising stayer Without A Trace is headed to the Nationals after a stunning trial at Sale on Friday, easing any concerns trainer Peter Presutto had following her last start.

The daughter of Houdini Boy and My Reflection clocked a sharp 28.57 seconds over 510 metres, with an eye-catching 10.97 second run home.

“I was extremely happy with her trial at Sale,” Presutto said.

It was a welcome return to form after an uncharacteristic last-place finish in the Group 3 Fireball at The Meadows, where she was the pre-race favourite and came in unbeaten from her previous two starts.

“She didn’t pull up like she usually does after the Fireball,” Presutto explained. “But within a couple of days she was back to herself.”

A vet check and blood tests revealed some minor niggles, which were addressed ahead of Friday’s trial.

“She can’t win everything, and while it’s disappointing when things don’t go to plan, she’s on the right track,” Presutto said.

She had her final hit-out at Healesville today before nominations close for Saturday night’s National Distance heats at The Meadows.

“Her last two trials have given us the confidence she’s ready to line up in the National Distance heats.”

The National Sprint heats will also be held on Saturday, with state finals scheduled for the following Wednesday. Fields will be released tomorrow.