The Trials Report – Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (11/12/25) they head back to the racetrack.

Aunty Rose (3f Always B Miki – Ava Rose) Tr. Hollis/ Robertson

Ten-race maiden who went some nice races last campaign behind some nice types who have gone on to win multiple times. Turned out back in late June and like a number of Mikis, time will have been her friend. Went to the Auckland trials (28/11/25) and trailed race rival and stablemate Its Not Kathy until the 500m where she challenged and proved too good for that runner and three others. MR:2:01.4, 800m in 56.7, 400m in 27.4. Resumes this Friday at Auckland in Race 3 and although drawn out, she is still expected to be competitive. Should see a stronger version this time in and not likely to be a maiden for too much longer.

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Cyclone Rebel (2g Bettors Delight – Cyclone Kate) Tr. T Hopkins

Impressive winner in a 1:56MR back in November and kept up to the mark by going to the Pukekohe workouts (2/12/25) where he showed gate speed to lead and gave nothing else a chance from that point on. Not out of second gear as he cruised away from six rivals. MR:2:01.1, 800m in 57.7, 400m in 26.6. Goes back to Auckland this Friday night (Race 4) and really should have too much class for this field. Punters won’t get rich but the half brother to Cyclone Jordy looks to be on his way to a much higher grade. Not surprising when we see that his dam won 21 races and banked $360k with a best winning MR of 1:50.3.

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Captains Mistress (3f Captaintreacherous – Imaginary Bet) Tr. N Williamson

Classy filly who faded late into fourth in the NZ Oaks behind Arafura after having an interrupted preparation into that event. A lack of race fitness definitely an issue on that occasion. Went to the Wyndham workouts (6/12/25) and ran third behind stablemate and race rival Ruby Roe but never pulled out from the 1x1 sit and was fair bolting at the line. MR:2:05.2, 800m in 57.4, 400m in 28.4. Her trainer has gone on record as saying he thinks he has the best 3YO filly in the country and her eight wins from 17 starts and $450k in the bank is hard to argue with. Attempting to back up his opinion, he has sent her up to Auckland this Friday (Race 6) for the Group 1 Queen Of Hearts against a star lineup. She has secured a great draw to help her cause. We will all be much wiser after the event!

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Down A Hundy (3g Downbytheseaside – Star In The Future) Tr. G & B Hope

On debut at Addington this Friday (Race 10) where he has drawn the outside of the front line. Went to the Rangiora trials (2/12/25) and after sitting back in the rear of the field, loomed up around final turned and just went whoosh at the 200m, winning by 4L and looking as though he could have gone faster. MR:2:08.8, 800m in 60.3, 400m in 28.9. Qualified back in June and the connections have been patient but the trainers think a bit of him. He is a half brother to Slip The Hundy who won three races here before winning another 27 in Australia and America where he won in 1:50.8. The Hope runner will be all the better for this experience but he is certainly one to follow in the coming weeks.

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Mor Moonlight (3f One Over Da Moon – Leithe Ellen) Tr. K Green

Connections thought she deserved a trip to Addington to start in the Trotting Oaks and not disgraced in finishing seventh behind Dash Dosh. Freshened and back at the Invercargill workouts (5/12/25) where she trailed before challenging around final turn, not asked for a serious effort in getting to the line first. MR:2:11.9, 800m in 62.5, 400m in 30.9. Goes to Winton this Sunday in Race 5 and has shown herself to be above average in ability. On the unruly with four others but did step away cleanly in the latest workout. 

Ebonezy (2f Tall Dark Stranger – Holmezy) Tr. D Baynes

Just the one raceday start back in April where her debut resulted in a creditable fifth. Has been active at recent Southern trials and workouts including two winning turns, the last at Invercargill (5/12/25) where she raced third of 3 before challenging around final turn, sprinted solidly to get over the top of pacemaker Skinny Dippin (race rival) in what was really just a sprint home. MR:2:07.9, 800m in 60.1, 400m in 27.9. Goes to Winton this Sunday for her second start (Race 7) and has a sweet draw to play with. Meets a handy field but her trainer knows something about preparing a smart youngster.