The Trials Report - Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (6/11/25), they head back to the racetrack.

Nazare (2g Downbytheseaside – Amazon Lily) Tr. A Donnelly

Multiple trials/workouts winner, the latest at Pukekohe (29/10/25) where he worked to the lead in a four-horse heat, set his own terms then cleared out from the 400m to distance rivals. MR:2:05.1, 800m in 58.0, 400m in 28.4. Set for his debut this Friday at Auckland (Race 3) where he gets a nice draw against only four rivals. Dam won 6 and race timed in 1:52 and by a sire kicking big goals currently. There is a lot to like about his credentials going into this debut.

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Harriets Moment (4m Volstead – Stay A Moment) Tr. P Williamson

Beaten favourite at Addington (1/8/25) behind Birdy when 3rd, 1.4L away. Freshened and back at her local trials during October and November, the last a solid third (1/11/25) in a 7 horse heat running on under her own steam. MR:2:09.4, 800m in 60.0. Back on her local track this Thursday (Race 4) and looks a solid E/W prospect albeit drawn the second line. The 2600m should suit and from a breed that gets better with a bit of time. Has won just the one from 9 starts but has been all around the placings in most of the others.

Franco Lomu (2g Bettor’s Delight – The Legend) Tr. R Todd

Looked big and strong at a recent Rangiora trial (29/10/25) where he settled third of the 6 runners before easing to sit parked last 650m, challenged in the straight and too strong for Transonic with more left in the tank. MR:2:04.3, 800m in 57.0, 400m in 27.2. Found top 2YO Jumal too tough back in early October but was tidy enough on debut behind Freeze Frame in a 1:59MR. Third career start at Addington this Friday (Race 9). Drawn out due to the 2YO fillies getting preferential treatment in the draw but has enough going for him to be considered a strong prospect here.

Transonic (3g Bettor’s Delight – Supersonic Miss) Tr. S & A Telfer

On debut this Friday night in Race 11 at Addington. Only qualified mid October and very good behind Franco Lomu (above) at Rangiora in preparation for this start to his career. Stable has a quiet rap on the expensive sales purchase but there have been some challenges along the way. Dam was supersonic winning 17 (13 of 15 in Australia) of her 31 starts and some $388k in stakes. Transonic her first live foal to race and has copped the widest draw but still likely to be very competitive in this line up. One to follow.

Miki Brown (4g Always B Miki – Paddy Brown) Tr. K Butt

Won a three-horse trial at Ashburton late September in a 2:07.1MR, last 800m in 57.3. Subsequent debut run and second career start both had merit after making mistakes at the start and noticeably making ground wide out over the final stages. Trainer persisting with standing starts and goes to Addington this Friday in Race 2. Small field would suggest plenty of room to begin safely. Dam won 5 and was a handy racehorse. Plenty of breeding behind Miki Brown to suggest he can crack maidens at short notice.

Stranger Things (2f Tall Dark Stranger – Arden Caviar) Tr. K & J Price

Half sister to Ruby Roe on debut at Winton on Sunday (Race 2) where she has drawn the pole over the mile. Very nice trial on the same track (17/10/25) where she raced fourth of 4 before coming wide around final turn and closed stylishly to get with a length of winner Treacherous Me. MR:2:05.6, 800m in 60.6, 400m in 27.1. First of stallion’s offspring to race in NZ so much interest on that level. Stable has had a great run of success in recent times. Will obviously benefit from the outing but bred to be better than a non winner.