The Trials Report – Best of the Week

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (2/7/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Friday - Cambridge 

No More Dreaming (3c Bettor’s Delight – Start Dreaming) Tr. Purdon/Phelan

Won a four-horse workout at Pukekohe (23/6/26) by leading throughout and comfortably holding his rivals at bay including race rival Pepinyastep MR:2:03.2, 800m in 58.4, 400m in 27.7. In a prior workout in early June he placed third behind subsequent winner and stablemate War Party (1.5L away) on a 55.4 last 800m. Goes to Cambridge this Friday (Race 5) for his much anticipated resumption where he has drawn 2 on the 2nd line but that might be a blessing. Has a bit to live up to being a full brother to millionaire pacer Don’t Stop Dreaming (18 wins and $1.3M) and Always Dreaming (9 wins to date and $168k). Has had just the one start back in August against a quality field in a 1:57.2MR but four workouts should have him ready and expecting to see a stronger version this time in. Hardest to beat - Franco Seth, a blackbooker fourth at Cambridge (19/6/26).

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Black Beauty (3f Bettor’s Delight – Classy Beach) Tr. M White

Also a trial winner (23/6/26) at Pukekohe where she trailed in a two-horse heat before hooking out to challenge the pacemaker at the 400m, ran away in the straight for easy 4.5L win MR:2:08.5, 800m in 59.7, 400m in 27.4. Freshened since last start third at Auckland (1/5/26) behind Social Distancing (1.4L away) on a 1:58.8MR and now back to Cambridge this Friday (Race 7) where she has placed twice in two attempts on the track. The veteran of just 8 starts for one win and five placings and although drawn out a bit on the front line, this field looks well within her capabilities. Stable firing and plenty of positives to support her cause.

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Friday - Addington 

Mumsdawitch (3f Royal Aspirations – Madam Sass) Tr. M Williamson

Placed in an Oamaru trial (27/5/26) behind Mister in a 2:08.9MR, last 800m in 63.0 and her two runs back in a new campaign have been very solid, both at Addington. Back at the ‘home’ of harness racing this Friday night (Race 4) and has the outside of the gate as the most highly-rated horse in the field.  Has had only the five starts to date for just the one win (rival Buffy Northstains has won 21!) but definitely good enough to win some more races and confident she can overcome that draw. That win was as a 2YO in a 2:03MR. Trainer making a habit of bringing a team up to Canterbury and being highly competitive.

Ringleader (3g Always B Miki – Delightful Kas) Tr. K Barron

Full brother to the well-performed Rubira (11 wins and $432k) who had three ‘fair’ runs as a 2YO then put aside. Back at the Rangiora trials (24/6/26) and showed gate speed to lead and not unduly pressured to stay in front MR:2:01.3, 800m in 57.7, 400m in 28.9. Race rival Delightful Galleon third in that trial but 3L away at the line. Back at Addington this Friday night (Race 6) and has drawn out at seven for this resumption. Expecting a better version this time around and like many of the stock of his sire, should keep improving as the season progresses. Certainly one to follow, no matter this result.

Bettors Anvil (4g Bettor’s Delight – Isabella Anvil) Tr. S & A Telfer

Arguably the third best 3YO in the country last season behind Got The Chocolates and Marketplace and after being gelded since last racing, resumes this Friday night at Addington in Race 8. Has only won the 5 races but with so many placings in big races, he has earned some $225k in stakes. Went to the Rangiora trials last week (24/6/26) and started off 30m in a four-horse heat. After settling back, driver Tim Williams improved to lead with a lap to run and there was a noticeable increase in the heat tempo. Not pushed to run his last 800m in 57.1, 400m in 28.2 but obviously wanting a good ‘blowout’ as part of his preparation. Drawn the outside of the gate (preferential draw) and will lack the race fitness of some including stablemate Tact Teva (2 wins on end) but class is permanent and it would not surprise to see him get over the top of his rivals. All things being equal, he should be in for rewarding winter campaign.