The Trials Report - Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (30/10/25), they head back to the racetrack

Enzo (3g Terror To Love – Smooth Empress) Tr. Z Butcher

Won a trial at Pukekohe (8/10/25) by showing gate speed to lead then ran away from four rivals last 200m to score easily by 5L. MR:2:04.4, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 28.6. Backed that effort up with a bold placing at Auckland (24/10/25) when resuming in a fresh campaign, just a neck away from winner Tight Lines. Second up at Cambridge this Thursday (Race 1) with a very handy draw against some long term maidens. Odds won’t be anything fancy but looks a good thing to get that first win on the board.

Abitibi (3f Sweet Lou – Utmost Delight) Tr. G Rogerson

Looked the part in a recent Cambridge workout (23/10/25) where she got to the front and proved far too good for four rivals. MR:2:03.1, 800m in 58.1, 400m in 28.1. Finished last campaign in style with her maiden win at Cambridge back in July and resumes this Thursday on the same track in Race 6. Looks stronger this time in and someone has possibly reminded her of her ‘blue blood’ breeding. After all, dam won 10 of only 29 starts and $258k. This filly can go on to better things.

Carrera Hombre (3g Captain Crunch – Real Courage) Tr. B & G Hughes

Hasn’t raced since May but primed by a couple of Pukekohe workouts through October. The last effort (21/10/25) saw him charge home from well back to just miss catching race rival Delightful Chic (pacemaker) MR:2:04.3, 800m in 58.5, 400m in 28.0. Did a creditable job last campaign against some quality opposition and resumes at Auckland this Friday in Race 1 against six rivals. On her trials effort Delightful Chic looks hardest to beat. Carrera Hombre has won two of just nine starts with another four placings and expecting him to progress further up the ratings ladder this time in.

Scotlynn Crunch (3f Captain Crunch – Scotlynn Jan) Tr. D Taylor

Hasn’t started on race day since running second behind Christie’s Art (now 4 wins) back in June but has been primed by recent trials and workouts. Won a workout at Methven on the grass (18/10/25) against two rivals and no great time as racing several meters wide of the running line MR:2:19.3, 800m in 64.3. Resumes at Kaikoura on Sunday (Race 4) and has scored a nice draw against fellow non win fillies/mares where there is only a front line so should get an economic trip from there. Driver John Morrison knows her well. Strong top 2 hope.

Tyron’s Strapping Lad (3g Muscle Mass – Trips On Me) Tr. R & J Dunn

Won a seven horse trial at Rangiora (2/10/25) stepping nicely to lead and coming clear of his rivals final stages. MR:2:08.9, 800m in 58.1, 400m in 29.0.
Two subsequent starts in a fresh campaign have been close enough (4th and 5th respectively) and goes to Kaikoura on Sunday for his third. Only had the 8 starts for one win and two minor placings but looks to have some class advantage over some of his rivals in Race 3. The track can trip a few up but he does look a very competitive horse in this line up.

Franco Harlem (2g Captain Crunch – Haiti Franco) Tr. R & J Dunn

On debut at Kaikoura on the Monday in Race 1 but has had plenty of schooling at Rangiora trials/workouts. The latest effort (16/10/25) had him third of 5 in single file before taking off at the 600m and turned the heat into a procession from that point, finishing 5L clear of race rival Blaze Craze MR:2:04.0, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 28.0. If he handles the occasion (many horses don’t), he looks the main danger to the likely favourite in All Of Me. Dam won two and is a half to six good winners.