The Trials Report – Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (26/2/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Stumblin In (3g Always B Miki – Gladamare) Tr. R Todd

Placed in two 2YO starts behind top dog Jumal and good enough to win his only other start in a 1:56.8MR at Addington way back in September. Has trialed twice in February, the last a winning turn at Rangiora (11/2/26) where he showed gate speed to lead and stayed on too well for his eight rivals. MR:1:59.7, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 28.4. The half brother to Five Crowns heads to Winton this Thursday (Race 5) where he starts from the outside of the gate in a Southern Supremacy heat against five rivals, three of which are non winners. Blair Orange, who drove him in the trial, sticks with him and he looks ready to rumble.

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Signman (3g Lazarus – Le Girl) Tr. A Donnelly

Justified favouritism on debut back in October winning in a 1:58MR as a 2YO then put aside. Back at the Pukekohe workouts during February and after working to the lead (17/2/26) just bombed late by Crippa Max (a winner at Manawatu last night) but not duly pushed by raceday driver David Butcher MR:2:03.0, 800m in 58.4, 400m in 27.4. Down to resume at Auckland this Friday night in Race 1 where he clashes with Ms Collins and some other handy types. Drawn out a shade but the half brother to Le Major is highly thought of by the stable and punters likely to see a stronger version this time in.

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Mako (5g Downbytheseaside – Lincoln’s Delight) Tr. A Donnelly

Smart pacer on the comeback after suffering an atrial fibrillation back in the middle of November. Two workouts at Pukekohe during February, the most significant of these on 10/2/26 where he placed second behind the very handy Midnight Miki where he led and fought strongly to the line. MR:2:06.3, 800m in 59.1, 400m in 27.2. One of last season’s top 3YOs Rubira finished behind him on this occasion. Resumes at Auckland this Friday night (Race 9) and has drawn handily in a six-horse field. Has won four races from just 14 starts with another 5 minor placings. Obviously going to improve with racing under his belt but is as good as any in this line up.

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Sacetas (4g Bettor’s Delight – Scorcha) Tr. R & J Dunn

Stable change since last racing way back in June but did show good promise in that campaign winning twice in 16 starts for high profile ownership group. Put plenty of dash into his finish behind the very smart The Lazarus Effect making up many lengths in the final 200m to claim second. MR:2:02.1, 800m in 57.1, 400m in 27.6. Down to resume at Addington this Friday night in Race 5 where he meets some promising opposition. Draw no help but definitely looks one to follow in the coming weeks. Dam was smart winning four from just 12 starts and comes from a very commercial family.

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Stranger Things (3f Tall Dark Stranger – Arden Caviar) Tr. K & J Price

Two starts for two placings as a 2YO, the last behind Seeking Clarity in a 1:54MR (16/11/25). Two wins at the Winton workouts during February, the last on 19/2/26 where he led out before trailing then having no trouble popping out on the home turn and running on by for a comfortable win. MR:2:02.9, 800m in 58.6, 400m in 29.5. Resumes this Sunday at Invercargill in Race 3 and looks a strong chance to feature. Half sister to the well performed Ruby Roe (8 wins to date) and stock of sire starting to fire. Why Not Me, on debut in the same race caught the eye in the same trial running on late for third. The ace draw with Blair Orange aboard makes her dangerous.

River (3f Bettor’s Wish – Lady Gilpin) Tr. B Butt

Formerly with Purdon racing and a last start fourth in the Group 1 Sires Stakes 2YO filly final back in Cup week, November 2025. Highly impressive at Rangiora trials (20/2/26) where she blazed to the front then proceeded to street rivals by some 10L final stages. MR:1:58.6, 800m in 58.3, 400m in 29.3. Still a maiden after 10 starts but started against the best of her age as a 2YO. Resumes on Sunday on the grass (1st attempt) at Rangiora in Race 3 where she has drawn the inside of the second line. Will need an ounce of luck from there but obviously thriving in her new environment for her new ownership group and certainly one to follow no matter whatever happens this Sunday.