The Trials Report : Six of the Best

These six  horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (7/8/25) they head back to the racetrack.

Georgie Best (2c Bettor’s Delight – Georgia’s Belle) Tr. M & N Purdon

Won a workout at Pukekohe (22/7/25) where he worked to the front for Mark Purdon after 500m, didn’t appear to steer that well at times during the run and headed briefly in the run home by stablemate / race rival River but once balanced up, showed a touch of class to win quite comfortably in the end. MR:2:04.0, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 27.6. Named after the famous Irish footballer who starred for Man United in the 60s, the equine version has been seen at the trials since the beginning of this year and has chosen this Friday at Auckland (Race 2) to make his debut. Tote likely to tell a story but a couple of his rivals look above average. The ‘boss’ stays with him.

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Akuta (6g Bettor’s Delight – Adore To Our Dreams) Tr. T Shaw

Millionaire pacer and former ‘buzz’ horse who has won 16 of his 31 starts but due to injury has not started on race day since December 2023. Did have an official workout (20/5/25) where he ran third of 3 in a 1:59.9MR, 800m in 56.5, 400m in 26.6. Allowed to sit in behind stablemates Rubira and Chase A Dream in the final stages of that heat. His resumption at Auckland this Friday in Race 5 will generate much interest, on both sides of the Tasman. Connections will be hoping that he gets around safely over the 1700m where he has drawn the outside but he is nearly twice the rating of five of his 6 rivals and his class cannot be ignored. Somewhat of a ‘ratings special’.

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Trump Card (4g Rock N Roll Heaven – Capture My Heart) Tr. H & A Cullen

Had a quiet trial behind Bar Louie (30/7/25) when fifth of 7 at Addington trials. MR:2:05.8, 800m in 57.4. Began best from the stand on this occasion then trailed mostly, not pulled out in the straight. Last race run resulted in a solid second behind I’m Rockin (4/7/25) albeit 4.5L from that winner. Highest rated horse in Race 2 Addington this Friday where half the field (including the Cullen runner) off 10m behind over 2600m. Has won the 3 from 14 but this will be his first standing start under race conditions. Looks a sensible type and should prove very competitive.

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Smokin Ashes (3g Captain Crunch – Ashes To Wings) Tr. R & J Dunn

Nothing went right last week but not his fault and after one false start and a second attempt where driver Riley Harrison got tipped out of the cart by a breaking rival, connections elected to stand down and wait for another day. Gets another chance in Race 10 at Addington this Friday and has drawn the outside of a small six-horse field over 1980m. Previous form good enough to suggest that the first win was not far away and so thinking that his ‘fan club’ should stay loyal. More than likely to settle back but can come with the last run to get up ‘over the top’ of his rivals.

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Mariana Trench (4m Downbytheseaside – Isabella Anvil) Tr. G Burgess

Has trialed twice during July in preparation for a resumption, the latest effort a closing fourth of 8 at Addington (30/7/25) after trailing three deep mostly, did give her driver a hard time around the final turn by handing badly but once into open spaces, caught the eye finishing strongly. MR:2:05.0, 800m in 59.0. Last race back in February when second (again), 4 starts have yielded 4 seconds so looking to get that elusive win. Gets her chance at Ashburton on Sunday in Race 4 where she has drawn sweetly at two over 1700m. Bred to be better than a maiden. 

Party Up Denario (3f Lather Up – Fancy Dress) Tr. B Gray

Won a four-horse workout at Winton (25/7/25) then well supported from a wide draw over a mile at Winton, did well to keep fourth after getting posted wide with 800m to run, finishing 2.5L from winner Blazing Knuckles in a 1:57.8MR. That was her first run back this campaign after placing as a 2yo in late December. Goes second up at Invercargill this Sunday in Race 7 and has drawn the second line but expected to be improved again from her first run and has shown enough at local trials to be accorded a good chance here. Nathan Williamson sticks with her.