The latest from the trials - November 20

Pukekohe Workouts Saturday 18th November
Weather Raining Track Slushy

Simply Sam (4g American Ideal – Simply Stunning)

The Green trained runner set a leisurely pace in wet conditions then sprinted sharply last 400m to hold out open class pacer Allamericanlover who gave him 20m start. MR:2:09.2, 800m in 57.7, 400m in 27.2. Looked to be holding his more accomplished rival comfortably over final stages, the winner of seven already looks more than capable of breaking through the $100k in stakes barrier in the coming weeks

Beaudiene Rocknroll (3g A Rocknroll Dance - Beaudiene Babe)

Another from the Ray Green stable and soon in front then kept going strongly to comfortably hold out his 3 rivals at bay. MR:2:04.9, 800m in 60.9, 400m in 28.4.
Formline a rather mixed bag but freshened since last racing in early September and bred to be above average, likely improver.

Bangkok Betty (5m Majestic Son – Roxie Heart)

The Brownlee trained winner of 4 (from 20 starts) gave 2 maiden rivals 40m start and after sitting 3rd most of the way, improved from the 600m and gathered in pacemaker Own The Moment inside the final 50m. MR:2:13.3, 800m in 63.0, 400m in 29.8. The mare did break at her last start over a mile when looking likely to run a place but has generally been a model of consistency throughout her career and looks a place punter’s friend at the very least.

I Didn’t Know That (2c Vincent – Serena’s Whisper)

The Hughes trained youngster, still unqualified, was quite green against his one rival but the best part of his trial was the last 200m where he strode up purposefully to outfinish that runner in the straight. MR:2:12.5, 800m in 63.2, 400m in 29.0. His dam is a daughter of class mare Alta Serena (21 wins), making him a half brother to Mr Yips (9 wins) and Whispering Artist (6 wins to date) so plenty of good blood to help him become a successful racehorse.

Invercargill Workouts Thursday 16th November
Weather Overcast Track Good

Ramblin Rover (3g Net Ten Eom – Niftey Franco)

The Gray trained 3yo sat back in rear of six before improving around field to lead at the bell, applied the pressure from the 500m and cleared out in the final stages to win impressively, officially by 6L. MR:2:01.2, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 27.9. A last start winner back in September (from only three starts), this effort suggested more in store for the Butterworth owners.

Xerion (3g Majestic Son – Loxi Clairborne)

The Larsen trained trotter got his qualifying ticket here by beginning well enough to trail mostly, improved inside 800m to lead then ran away in straight from its only real rival. MR:2:12.8, 800m in 60.1, 400m in 28.9. The official margin was 17L and while the other two runners didn’t flatter, the last 800m suggested a worthy consideration when lining up against other maiden trotters in the deep south

Franklin Delano (2g Fear The Dragon -Eleanor Roosevelt)

Another from the Kirk Larsen team, he came out running from behind the mobile to lead and kept up a strong run to hold out Opportunity and Pounamu, both who have been mentioned in this forum in recent weeks. MR:2:02.5, 800m in 58.4, 400m in 27.6. Won his qualifier back in September and his dam won six and has already left a 1:51 horse so plenty to like about the debut that cant be far away

Wyndham Workouts Saturday 18th November
Weather Fine Track Fast

Port Pegasus (5g Pegasus Spur - Delcola)

The winner of five trained by Brian Norman gave his ‘non winner rivals (3) a fair start (supposedly 30m but it looked more) and sat back until starting the final 800m, went around to lead and cleared out from that point, officially 12L at the line. MR:2:23.5, 800m in 61.0, 400m in 30.6. Not quick overall but hasn’t started since March on raceday so building into a new campaign and a likely improver in the coming weeks. His record is handy enough in the right company.

Always B Elvis (2c Always B Miki – Tupelo Mississippi)

The Lee trained but yet unqualified pacer went straight to the front and kept going nicely to beat his 3 rivals without being fully extended MR:2:11.3, 800m in 60.6, 400m in 29.5. He is a half to the promising Treacherous Miss and his dam is a daughter of Tupelo Rose, a very smart filly here before going overseas. In all, she won 35 races over three continents

Motukarara Workouts Saturday 18th November
Weather Fine Track Good (Grass)

Franco Tim (4g Sportswriter – Thatcher Franco)

The Thornley trained runner looked to have trained on from a luckless last start at Methven when he did best over 6 rivals in a handy time. MR:2:04.3, 800m in 61.0, 400m in 28.0

Now 3 runs back from a good spell, those ‘loyal to the cause’ might be about to receive some reward especially on a grass surface. He has dropped back in the ratings which also should be noted

Franco Norton (5g A Rocknroll Dance – Navarra Franco)

The McRae trained pacer again showed his liking for the grass overcoming the handy Franco Marek in a sharp sprint over the last 400m. MR:2:19.3, 800m in 60.0, 400m in 27.5. The winner of 10 from just 23 starts, the lightly raced gelding started last in the Hannon Memorial but didn’t flatter on a slushy track and after making an early mistake. His grass track record is excellent so must be accorded much respect wherever he is placed over the summer months.