The Trials ‘Report Card’

What was worth noting from the trials all over the country for the week ending 5/4/2024

Boss Kenny (7g Majestic Son – One Up Kenny) Tr. Z Meredith

Cambridge (30/3/24) Three-win trotter formerly with Tony Barron and hasn’t started since Feb 2023, in new (lease) ownership and with a new trainer, stepped nicely here to lead and always going well, came away from two rivals (both maidens) in final 200m, officially 8L at the line MR:2:04.4, 800m in 59.5, 400m in 29.5. New owners obviously thought he was worth another go and from a wonderful trotting family, deserving on respect when he resumes.

Numbercruncher (2c Captain Crunch – Jumpforjoy) Tr. C Barron

Wyndham (30/3/24) on an easy track, the Barron runner trailed throughout, came out at the 400m to take over and did enough to hold out Atalanta by a neck.
Last 800m in 61.7, 400m in 30.0. Dam won seven in a short career and this is a family that has done well for the trainer previously. Atalanta raced third of four most of the way and was doing some good work final 200m without being pressured. Her grand dam is none other than Imagine Me (9 wins) from the broodmare gem Scuse Me and arguably the hottest family in NZ today.

The Bruiser (2g Majestic Son – Mass Invasion) Tr. C Barron

Stablemate of the above, slow to go, without breaking, but soon in front as other three rivals made several mistakes along the way, left well clear throughout, won by a wide margin, last 800m in 64.2, 400m in 32.7. Not yet qualified but a full brother to the promising Bring On The Muscle (2 wins/3 placings from 8 starts) who won on debut last season as a 2yo and placed at Addington in Group 1 company.

Ted (3c Sweet Lou – Claire Bear) Tr. M Brown

Settled last of six in indian file, carted up last 1000m but three wide in open from the 700m, no bother, led on straightening then came clear business end by 3L at the line. Last 800m in 60.2, 400m in 29.8. Qualified back in February and looks a strong chance to quit maidens sooner than later. Woodlands Stud still own a share in him.

Ahthemightytrumpet (3c Fear The Dragon – Satire Franco) Tr. B Shirley

Not yet qualified but soon in front in the heat and always going well, scooted away in straight to win untouched by 4L, last 800m in 61.1, 400m in 30.4.
Half brother to seven winners including Costa Del Magnifico (12 wins + $129k) and this is the family of Smarty Pants with plenty of top horses in between. Definitely one to look out for when he gets to the races.

Nobilo (2c Southwind Frank – Focus On Me) Tr. G & J Dunn

Rangiora (2/4/24), two well bred trotters (only starters) going toe to toe but with one far superior on the day with the half to smart 3yo Highgrove leading and eventually clearing out by 7L at the line, last 800m in 60.6, 400m in 30.8. Queen Kizen is a half to the very good Queen Elida (34 wins + $836k) but on this occasion, the filly had no answers to the colt

Malakai (2c Captain Crunch – Chieko) Tr. R & J Dunn

Out well to take a trail then out at the 400m to take control, kept up strong run to hold off stablemate Bruntwood Brigade (half to Classie Brigade) who had tracked it throughout. MR:2:01.3, 800m in 57.4, 400m in 27.9. Malakai down to debut at Cheviot meeting on Sunday. Marketplace caught the eye running on late to make up good ground on the first two home, snaring third. All three looked promising.

Solar Neigh (3 Art Major – The Fascinator) Tr. T Bagrie

Raced in midfield, giving the leaders a fair start at the 500m, ran on stylishly forthird, this run full of merit, closing sectionals off the front 57.8, 400m in 28.5 so his times would have been quicker again. Had one start as a 2yo back in September 2023 and connections have been patient. Looks a promising type and certainly one to follow.

God Of Thunder (4g Rock n Roll Heaven – Hanover Glory) Tr. G Smith

In front after 400m, put the ‘handlebars down’ inside final 800m and proved far too good over final stages MR:1:59.6, 800m in 56.5, 400m in 28.9. Has won two from 15 starts but has proven to be an ‘in or out’ type. Would be dangerous if able to reproduce this kind of effort. Eyecatching effort from Sophia’s Dream who raced fourth of 9 but was some 15L from the charging pacemaker/winner at the 400m, ran on with real purpose in straight to get up for second. Only only had the three starts for 1 win/1 placing and would be very competitive against similar F & M of the same rating band.

Shepherd’s Delight (4g Sky Major – Delightful) Tr. I Court

Only had the two rivals but stepped quickly to lead, skipped away at the 500m, kept going strongly to win with impressive sectionals, last 800m in 55.9, 400m in 28.4. Two wins from just 9 starts and freshened since last racing back in December 2023, looks capable of going further on this run. Seven-win Deny Everything (from only 26 starts) gave the winner 20m start and raced third throughout until coming on attractively in the straight, just 2L from the winner.

Dawn To Dark (2g Sweet Lou – Hard Days Night) Tr. M Jones

Only a 2yo learners heat but in front throughout and too good for his four rivals, solid professional effort, last 800m in 59.1, 400m in 29.0. Half brother to Back Page News (10 wins) and from the family of Back In The USSR. The breeding suggestive of a promising career ahead, one to paste away.

Blazing Tart (3f Sweet Lou – Sassy Tart) Tr. R Anderson

Tardy behind the mobile gate and settled back fifth in six horse field, three deep with 400m to run then zipped through between runners ahead to score in impressive fashion. Last 800m in 61.2, 400m in 30.2. Dam a half to the very promising Miraculous (Tr. Nathan Williamson) who has won three from 4 raceday starts and this fellow rated a nice horse by his trainer.