The Trials Report – Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (22/1/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Soundshell (3g Downbytheseaside – Letatalk) Tr. Hollis/Robertson

Did well on debut at Cambridge when doing some work then fighting on for a close up third in a 2:00.5MR, last 800m in 58.6 behind Hey Miki. Had won a three-horse trial at Pukekohe prior to that debut (16/12/25) so the race day effort was not totally unexpected. Has reportedly trained on very nicely and now goes to Auckland for his second career start this Friday night in Race 2 in a handy maiden field. Drawn out a shade but looks promising enough to snare a maiden victory at short notice.

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Showstopper (3f Downbytheseaside – Hear The Cheers) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Didn’t disappoint on debut when favourite back in June in a 1:58.3MR and after a spell has been prominent at recent Rangiora workouts/trials in preparation for a new campaign. The latest of those when she quietly ran fourth of 6 behind Captain Lawless (14/1/26). MR:2:03.0, 800m in 57.6. Resumes at Addington this Friday night in Race 1 where she has scored a nice marble behind the mobile and all things being equal, she looks a grand chance to maintain her unbeaten race record.

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Prophet (3g Bettor’s Delight – Special Rose) Tr. B Butt

One race day start, unplaced in the Sapling Stakes back in June 2025 in a 1:53.5MR. ‘Chucked out’ for a spell and has come back in fine fettle winning two trials at Rangiora in early Jan, the last on 6/1/26 coming from well off the pace to round up 6 rivals. MR:2:03.6, 800m in 57.3, 400m in 28.3. Second up at Addington this Friday (Race 10) and looks a strong chance to get the lion's share of the stake. Plenty of breeding to support the career as a racehorse with several smart relations including Dynasty (7 wins to date). Main rival Captain Lawless has also been in good form at recent trials but did finish behind Prophet in their last meeting but does have the advantage of the inside draw.

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Scotlynn Fortress (5g Sunshine Beach – Scotlynn Made) Tr. D Taylor

After solid trials and workouts to prepare for a new campaign, the now 5YO has recorded four very sound race day efforts through December and January to be on the verge of his maiden win. Beaten into third when favoured to win at Ashburton (13/1/26) and had his chance to be fair but they did record a 1:56.7MR, 800m in 57.7. Goes to Methven on Sunday (Race 3) and has drawn the second line but that could work out for him in a race short on disclosed form. With respect, no champion but that maiden win would be well deserved on this occasion.

Arista (4g Bettor’s Delight – Adore To Our Dreams) Tr. B Shirley

Solid third when resuming at Invercargill (15/1/26) where he trailed, looked to be travelling at the 400m only to battle last bit. MR:2:01.2, 800m in 59.8 behind Our Twinkle. That was his first run back since June 2025 and only had the one trial prior to prepare. Goes To Riverton on Sunday (on the grass) and has drawn the pole in Race 2.  Shergar who nudged him for second at Invercargill drawn directly outside him and looks the biggest threat again. Arista is a full brother to Akuta and with his race fitness likely to be much improved, he looks hard to hold out.

Dame West (4m Sky Major – Dame Legacy) Tr. G Johnstone

Won a 7 horse trial on the grass at Balfour (30/11/25) MR:2:08.1, 800m in 59.2 coming from a handy sit to outpoint her rivals over the final stages. Since resuming mid December has run three very solid placings in a fresh campaign. The latest of those behind Our Wish where she came on stoutly over the final 200m to just miss picking up the winner (15/1/26) in a 1:57.6MR. Back on the grass this Sunday at Riverton in Race 4 and richly deserves to break through for her maiden win. Won’t need to go as quick on the green surface.