The Trials Report - Six of the Best

These six horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week 21/8/25 they head back to the racetrack.

Onedarknight (3g Bettor’s Delight – Luna Danza) Tr. S & A Telfer

On debut for top stable on Thursday night at Cambridge (Race 6) where he has drawn the ‘pole’ over 2200m. Went to the Pukekohe workouts (12/8/25) and caught the eye putting plenty of dash into his finish from well back in a six-horse heat to deadheat for third behind Seaside Boss. MR:2:05.4, 800m in 58.9, 400m in 28.8. Not disgraced at the same venue (5/8/25) in a much stronger heat that included The Night Agent and Milford, running on late for fifth. Should get a cosy trip from the draw and a positive result would not surprise. Certainly one to follow over the coming weeks.

Nymbal (2g Lazarus – Glenferrie EJ) Tr. B & G Hughes

Starts in Race 2 at Auckland on Friday night in a ‘hot’ 2YO field but has the assistance of the inside barrier. Put aside after his debut second (22/5/25) then back at the Pukekohe trials (12/8/25) where he showed explosive speed to pop out of the trail to run away from his rivals over the final 200m. MR:2:05.1, 800m in 58.9, 400m in 27.9. Let's remember he had been unbeaten in four public outings before his debut run and although the field includes no less than three from the Mark and Nathan Purdon stable, when one throws in promising sorts like Prince Lincoln and No More Dreaming (full brother to Don’t Stop Dreaming), this race should be a great form race going forward. That might make Nymbal’s odds somewhat appealing on this occasion.

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Midnight Miki (3g Always B Miki – Weownthenight) Tr. M & N Purdon

Good horse resuming this Friday at Auckland in Race 6. Last seen as the best of Marketplace’s rivals in the Great Northern Derby back in April and has had only the one trial at Pukekohe (12/8/25) where he finished a close up fourth without being asked for a serious effort. MR:2:05.1, 800m in 57.9, 400m in 27.3. Likely to have some big assignments against the best of his age group later in the season and Friday’s trip over the sprint distance well short of his best. Not going to be ‘screwed down’ just yet. Nevertheless, he has copped a nice draw and his class should make him competitive. Mark Purdon down to drive!

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Duchess Of Kent (3f Art Major – Galleon’s Honour) Tr. L Pearson

Very smart 3YO filly going for four in a row this Friday at Addington in Race 5. Has been placed in the care of Bob Butt at Woodend Beach for some time and showed her class with a bold win at the Rangiora trials (13/8/25). On that occasion, she sat last of six until passing the 600m where she quickly improved to take control and was far too good for her rivals. MR:2:01.2, 800m in 57.0, 400m in 27.2. Against a strong group of fillies in a Nevele R heat but has won six of her 6 starts and is a half sister to some very good pacers. Should be warmly supported by the punters.

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Candy Cane (3f Sweet Lou – Ceemerock) Tr. R & J Dunn

Starts her race career this Friday night at Addington in Race 11 where she has drawn the ‘pole’. Has won both her public outings, the last effort a winning turn at the Rangiora trials (13/8/25) where she showed gate speed to lead before trailing then utilised the passing lane to finish best MR:2:04.5, 800m in 58.0, 400m in 28.1. Has had the better of her stablemate Scrunch (also on debut) in both trials and drawn beside her. She has chosen a small field not overly strong in exposed form and based on her trials efforts, should be right in commission in this debut.

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

Three starts for 3 minor placings thus far in her racing career. Sandwiched in between, she did win a workout at Winton (25/7/25) where she beat race rival Ginerva after trailing and using the passing lane to finish best. MR:2:04.0, 800m in 57.6, 400m in 27.8. Back at the races this Sunday in a Southern Surge final at Gore (Race 6) where she has gained a major swing in her draw and she should give a good account of herself. Nathan Williamson sticks with her and so should those who have followed her so far.