Six to Watch: Trial stars ready to step up this week

by Rob Courtney

These 6 horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week 17/7/25 they head back to the racetrack.

Our Harmony (3f Bettor’s Delight – Our Melody)  Tr. G Rogerson

Showed very good gate speed to lead in her Pukekohe trial (8/7/25) then cleared out from her rivals 500m out, kept up to the mark to score easily over the promising Captain Moonlight. 2:02.5MR, 800m in 59.1

Goes to Cambridge this week for her race debut (Race 2) and has a handy draw in an even line up. Qualified way back in November 2024 alongside the handy Roy Kent and does have some breeding to support her track aspirations. Owned outright by Woodlands Stud.

Kiss And Run (5m What The Hill – Yagunnakissmeornot)  Tr. D & J Ferguson

5 win mare who has run 2 nice placings in a fresh campaign. That form followed 2 workout wins through June, the last of those at Cambridge (14/6/25) where she trailed then finished too well for Dragonstone MR:2:03.6, 800m in 60.3

Back at Auckland this Friday in Race 6 and looks sure to be competitive with expected natural improvement. Starts from unruly but generally has great manners and her record of a further 18 placings (+ $122k in earnings) suggests she hardly knows how to run a poor race.

Captain Moonlight (3c Always B Miki – Miss Moonlite Shadow) Tr.S & A Telfer

Won a workout at Pukekohe (20/5/25) & subsequently sent out favourite for his Auckland resumption (20/6/25) which didn’t go to plan after an early check, officially last of 8.  Vet check revealed no abnormalities.

Seen back at Pukekohe workouts (8/7/25) and really caught the eye coming from well off the pace at the 400m to get up for 2nd behind a flying Our Harmony.

Goes back to Auckland this Friday in Race 7 in a small field (drawn 6 of 6) and his galloping owners will be hoping that he can redeem himself. Only had the 4 lifetime race starts and looks better than a maiden for sure.

Keep Smiling (3f Sweet Lou – Playa Vista)  Tr. B Butt

Solid debut when 4th at Addington (also favourite) after leading. Prior to that was a multiple trial winner at Rangiora, the last of those wins (25/6/25) where she trailed then outfinished 2 rivals  MR:2:05.3, 800m in 57.7, 400m in 27.4

Goes again at Addington this Friday in Race 3 and gets a top draw to use against other fillies & mares. Regular driver might be in Australia so potential driver change could be on the cards and meets some handy sorts but should be better for her debut experience.

Riptide (3g Art Major – Bettor Think Twice)  Tr. S & A Telfer

Very tidy on debut for a strong 2nd (4/7/25) behind the impressive Berrettini in a 1:59.7MR after filling a similar placing behind the same horse at the Rangiora trials (18/6/25). Draws the outside of 7 in a standing start maiden this Friday at Addington (Race 4) and with expected fitness levels on show, should be a big chance. Leading stable kicking plenty of goals and well related to some older siblings who have proven more than handy. Standing start shouldn’t be an issue from that draw.

Brandi Snapp (4m Betterthancheddar – Crystal Bromac)  Tr. J Curtin

Just have to go again after throwing her in last week and for all the same reasons.

Sat parked after working early & didn’t throw it away at the business end, just 2.5L from the winner in 4th on a 58.1 last 800m. There was a winning trial at Rangiora before this campaign started.

Gets a major upgrade in the draw for Addington on Sunday (Race 8) and now deserving of getting the major slice of the pie. Odds won’t be fancy but supporters should get the ‘cream’ with their Brandi Snapp.