The Trials Report – Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (24/12/25) they head back to the racetrack.

Crippa Max (2g Captaintreacherous – Elle Mac) Tr. M & N Purdon

Royally-bred 2YO who has been to the fore in recent northern workouts. The latest at Pukekohe (19/12/25) where he sat fourth of 4 before sweeping around wide at the 400m and powering down outer to win impressively. MR:2:08.8, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 27.6. Goes to Cambridge today (Xmas Eve) to make his debut in Race 4 where he has drawn sweetly against six rivals who are non- winners. Dam won 12 and $607k and this boy her third foal. The colours likely to have him favourite but where there is smoke ... 

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Special Edition (4m Sportwriter – Special Ops) Tr. K Cameron

Solid trial at Rangiora (26/11/25) behind Tidy Kiwi in a 2:03.3MR and two subsequent efforts have shown she is on the improve, the latest being a close up third on the grass at Rangiora (14/12/25) behind Rockoutray. Goes to the West Coast (Westport) on Boxing Day for career start No 5 and has scored a very handy draw in Race 3 behind the mobile. Not likely to be good as her mum (12 wins and $276k) but the signs are suggesting that this looks ideal for her. Trainer has two in the race and Robbie Close gets the call up.

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Stanley’s Rule (6g Sportswriter – Sara’s Rule) Tr. J Reedy

Local Westport pacer trained on the track and all three of his wins have been on his home course (Grass). Resumes at Westport in Race 5 but has been primed by a recent trial where he finished second of 3 MR:2:20.5, 800m in 63.0. The Boxing day race will be his first since March but at the same time last year he was pushing hard against the likes of Sideshow Bruce and Evangalist at these local meetings. Will have been set for this meeting and odds really should be rather juicy. One to follow on the circuit. Sarah O’Reilly picks up the drive.

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Cinderella Franco (3f Ultimate Machete – Crystal Slipper) Tr. S McRae

Winning trial form at Rangiora (26/11/25) where she trailed third of 5 in single file, came wide out last 150m and far too good for rivals. MR:2:02.2, 800m in 58.6, 400m in 28.7, winning with plenty in hand. Sneaks down to Gore to debut this Saturday in Race 2 and has drawn midfield of the front line against a handy maiden field but stable to be respected when they make the trip south. Junior driver Gemma Thornley has been entrusted with the responsibility on track.

Clonakilty (5g Downbytheseaside – In Hollywood) Tr. B & T White

Freshened since last racing in late October but primed by two workouts on the grass at Methven, the last on 13/12/25 where he sat third of 6 before issuing a challenge in the straight, just failed to pick up pacemaker but appeared to be cruising last bit. Times deceiving as racing several carts out from the running line MR 2:18.8, 800m in 61.8. Goes to Gore on Saturday in Race 9 where he has a nice draw to help his cause. Carter Dalgety in the bike another reason to like his chances on this occasion.

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

Has run a couple of slashers since winning a three-horse workout in early December. Has run time and in good company and now is third up at Gore this Saturday in Race 4 where she has a tricky second line draw to contend with against some promising opposition. But she does have the services of the country’s leading reinsman and looks far better than a maiden as shown in her three career starts to date. Dam was a good mare winning seven. Unprecedented third week in a row where she has made this forum so wouldn’t it be nice to reward those that stay loyal.