The Trials Report - Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (16/10/25), they head back to the racetrack

Proposition Joe (2g Always B Miki – Motu Time To Shine) Tr. B Gray

Two workout wins at Winton in October in preparation for his debut this week at Invercargill in Race 1 where he has drawn sweetly off the front at two. The last effort had him settle three then four deep with a lead change, worked into a nice 1x1 sit final stages and good enough to get over the top of his rivals with something left in the tank at the end. MR:2:02.0, 800m in 58.7, 400m in 28.1. Full brother to Franco Motu who won both his two starts here in NZ before being on-sold to Australia where his record now stands at six wins from just eight starts. Dam won three in a short career and well related to other good winners. Looks a sound prospect this Thursday.

Justaweesip (2f Rock N Roll Heaven – Justasip) Tr. P Hunter

Won a workout at Wyndham (6/9/25) before going on to debut on the same track (2/10/25) where she sat parked mostly and fought strongly to place second behind Surreal Moran in a 1:56.9MR, narrowly beaten a half head when well supported. Second up at Invercargill this Thursday (Race 4) where she has drawn the middle of the front line against other maiden fillies/mares. Half sister to Justalittlesip who is doing a grand job in Australia currently and as long as the debut run hasn’t set her back, she does not need to go much better to claim the lion’s share this week.

Sweet Raine (4m Sweet Lou – Black Raine) Tr. L O’Reilly

Two trial wins through September, the last at Ashburton (30/9/25) where she settled third but improved sharply to lead mid race, stayed on strongly under her own steam to keep out Elektra King. Race rival Thor some lengths away. MR:2:01.6, 800m in 55.5. Went to Addington (10/10/25) for her resumption and after getting buried back on inner, never found racing room over the final stages, hence her ninth of 14 but less than 5L from the winner JT Boe. Back at Addington this Friday (Race 1) where she hasn’t been favoured by a wide draw but judging by her trials form, has come back in fine fettle. Two-win race winner taking on mostly one-win rivals. Odds could be attractive.

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Rogue Hero (3g Marcoola – Glenferrie Slipper) Tr. Ford / Tomlinson

Untapped young trotter diving into the deep end this Friday night at Addington (Race 7) against the ‘guns’ of his age group. Two trial wins of late to prepare him for his big challenge coming up. The latest effort at Rangiora (9/10/25) where he trailed then popped out around final turn and too good for Very Majestic. MR:2:11.5, 800m in 60.2, 400m in 28.6. Has won three of his six career starts and the manners were excellent in the latest trial where he had plenty in reserve as he crossed the line. Friday night another level again and likely to benefit immensely from the outing. That said, he may prove to be a real threat to the likely favourites. Fortune favours the brave.

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Molly Maeve Estelle (3f Art Major – Twilight Rascal) Tr. B & T White

Half sister to Beach Ball and full sister to Heroes Square (3 wins from 4 starts and 1:55.3) who disappointed in her first brief campaign before spelling but has been to a recent Methven workout where she placed nicely behind She’s A Lady who subsequently placed on debut last week. Time in the workout not overly fast on the grass but reported to have come back stronger this time in. Goes to Oamaru on Sunday (Race 1) and has drawn the pole in a 10 horse line up including three debutantes. Not a lot of disclosed form and should get a cosy trip from the draw. Certainly one to follow in her coming assignments.

Utah Blaze (2c Bettor’s Delight – Rockabilly Blues) Tr. S & A Telfer

Won a trial at Rangiora (2/10/25) where he came from midfield to get over the top of his rivals late in the piece. MR:2:01.4, 800m in 58.0, 400m in 28.8. 
Then went to Addington last Friday night, up against the best 2YO colts and geldings including the unbeaten Jumal and caught the eye running on wide out from the rear in a 1:56MR to place seventh of 13, 6.7L from a very smart one indeed. Has the luxury of dropping into a maiden pace at Oamaru this Sunday (Race 5) where he has drawn the inside of the second line. Five debutantes in an 11 horse field. Just needs racing luck for the country’s leading stable to be very competitive in this line up.