The Trials ‘Report Card’

What was worth noting from the trials from all over the country for the week ending 19/4/2024

Follow Your Dream (3f Better’s Delight – Just A Dream) Tr. R & J Dunn

Rangiora (10/4/24) Soon in front and waved goodbye on straightening for impressive win, last 800m in 58.2, 400m in 28.5. Freshened since campaigning unsuccessfully at Auckland but to be fair didn’t have a lot of luck. Ran against the best of her age group last season without too much reward. Way better than a maiden on this effort

Blazing Reactor (4g Auckland Reactor – Elsom Rocs) Tr. R Holmes

Straight to the front in 10 horse field, skipped away on straightening, impressive sectionals MR: 2:00.5, 800m in 57.1, 400m in 27.3. Has only won the one race but this effort suggested he can improve upon that stat. Some good runs in behind. Sophia’s Dream came on stylishly from well back for second, Munroe’s Mate parked throughout, close up fourth. Dave Duley came from last at the 500m for a closing fifth.

Miki Bennett (4g Always B Miki – Lady Dancer) Tr. S & A Telfer

Raced third of four before improving in open last 600m, led 400m, kept up strong run to hold out Who’s Delight (8 wins) who tracked it throughout. Last 800m in 56.4, 400m in 27.3. Has only won the one race and hasn’t started since October of last year. Overall time nothing flash but sprinted sharply closing 400m. One to follow in his own rating band.

Bet N Win (4g What The Hill – Factor The Odds) Tr. D & S White

Away well from unruly to soon be in front, came clear in impressive fashion closing stages. Last 800m in 57.1, 400m in 28.2. Hasn’t started since an impressive 9L win at Auckland back in late December (then with Bob Butt), has won three of 10 all up and when on his best behaviour looks quite a talent. Not 100% bombproof but to be respected wherever he goes in the coming weeks. Mr Love, 5 wins from just 11 starts including his last three (last start Dec.1) trailed but no match for winner, still a likely quick improver.

Escape Artist (3c Art Major – American Tart) Tr. Purdon & Phelan

Pukekohe (11/4/24) Settled last of eight, still there a lap out and must have been giving stablemate/pacemaker Duchess Megxit 15L start, improved in the open last 800m, got within a neck at the line on a sizzling last 400m (26.5) and looked comforatable doing it. The Purdon/Phelan pair were 9L clear of their 7 rivals. Won three as a 2yo but not at his best when taking on the best 3YOs back in February. Stable have always liked him and the freshen up is maybe what he needed to reproduce his best form.

I Got Chills (2g Art Major – Agree With Me) Tr. Purdon / Phelan

Happy to sit last of four in 2YO heat, worked a tad closer 600m but still fourth turning in, put plenty of dash into his finish down the outer to pull in his three rivals. Last 800m in 61.6, 400m in 27.8. Close up in two raceday starts to date and with natural improvement, should be close to securing his first win.

The Moonstone (3f Monkey Bones – Landora’s Jewel) Tr. N Chilcott

Much interest in the return of the very promising trotter from last season (2 wins + two seconds in just 4 starts), started against four 2YO pacers and settled last of five from outside of gate, improved in open last 800m, led on straightening and just failed to hold out a fast finishing Youretheonethatiwant (impressive winner on debut). Last 800m in 59.9, 400m in 27.4. The Chilcott runner has not started since September last year but her ability was clear to see. Good enough to test the best of her age group.

Taketheplunge (3c Downbytheseaside – Winter Rose) Tr. S Reid

Not rushed early in a field of four, third mostly in Indian file, improved sharply at the 400m to take issue and good enough to come clear in the home straight. Last 800m in 62.4, 400m in 29.1. Owned by John Curtin, one takes notice when the horse belongs to some serious winners and Group 1 performers (Bettor’s Strike, Rocknroll Arden & Arden’s Choice to name a few). Qualified middle of last year, and one to watch out for when that raceday debut comes around.

Major Medley (3g Art Major – Elite Medley) Tr. A Hoffman

Wyndham (14/4/24) Settled fourth of six in this qualifying heat, 1x1 drag into race 400m out, spirited finish in home straight to race away from rivals in impressive fashion. MR:2:03.8, 800m in 58.3, 400m in 28.7. Comes from a strong Southland family and was a $50k purchase for Graeme Anderson at the 2022 yearling sales in Christchurch. Looks a handy type.

Reset The Bar (3g Sweet Lou – Mantis Denario) Tr. A Stratford

Given time to find his feet and happy to sit fourth of five in his qualifier, took off at the bell to scoot around three wide to lead, applied the pressure 500m out, good enough to come clear final stages. MR:2:04.2, 800m in 57.3, 400m in 28.6. Another purchase by that man Anderson at the above 2022 sale but this one only cost him $20k. Has had tremendous success with the stock of Sweet Lou and this boy a very close relation to top 3yo Cold Chisel.

Northview Ocean (4m Downbytheseaside – Galleons Respect) Tr. T Dewe

Sat fourth of four in his heat before rushing around at the 400m to lead, went to the line under double wraps and way too good for her rivals on this occasion. Last 800m in 59.0, 400m in 28.1. Qualified back in December but unraced to date. Has some breeding to recommend as a racing proposition as well.

Foxing Easton (3g Washington VC – Easton Foxy Lady) Tr. B Norman

With Nathan Williamson doing the driving, soon in front and always going well, far too good for five rivals. Best Sectionals of the day Last 800m in 57.2, 400m in 28.1. Qualified way back in October of last year and a full brother to three previous winners (from just four foals from the 2 win dam). Worthy of respect when on debut based upon this workout effort.

Kairaki Spur (3c What The Hill – Madam Spur) Tr. R & J Dunn

Rangiora (17/4/24) Only two in this qualifying heat but the Dunn runner always in front (the other runner broke with a lap to run) and kept going strongly to qualify more than 8 Secs under required time last 800m in 59.3, 400m in 29.0. Second foal from a five win daughter of champion Merinai (19 wins) and this effort suggested maidens at least would hold no fears

Tayrona (2f Captain Crunch – Tallulah Bromac) Tr. S & A Telfer

Settled fifth of seven in Indian file, three deep and looking for space 400m, denied room along passing lane final stages, officially fourth. Last 800m in 58.1, 400m in 28.8. Allowed to run on late after the post and no doubt would have got closer had a run presented itself. Has breeding on her side to make a racehorse, 1/2 to Tennyson Bromac (15 wins) and stable on a roll at the moment, worth a look when she debuts.

Gigi Hadid (3f Art Major – Elle Mac) Tr. M & N Purdon

Happy to sit third of four mostly, came around three wide on final turn and without too much effort got up over the top to win narrowly but well, last 800m in 58.2, 400m in 29.1. Has much to live up to as the first foal of a Group 1 winning filly who won 12 of 32 and over $600k from the same All Stars stable. Sure to have a following wherever she decides to line up in the coming weeks.

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

Not for the first time, the Dunn runner impressed, going straight to the front and kept up a strong run to keep his three rivals at bay, last 800m in 57.1, 400m in 27.9. Wasn’t disgraced when fourth on debut behind stablemate Got The Chocolates recently, should be better for the experience and natural improvement expected. Another stablemate Bruntwood Brigade caught the eye coming from last of the four to make up ground on the winner last 200m.

Sofia Rose (3f Sportswriter – All Time Glory) Tr. B & T White

Soon in front but then elected to take a trail, out to take issue final bend then ran clear of rivals in impressive fashion MR:2:00.6, 800m in 58.2, 400m in 28.3. Placed twice as a 2yo against the best of her age, spelled since November 2023 and now back for another crack, looks way better than a maiden, keep safe for sure.

Shards Matrix (3g Sweet Lou – Lady Gaga) Tr. B & T White

For the second week in a row the White runner impressed, settled fifth of seven on 2:00 speed, still well back turning in, sharp late burst to collar a brave pacemaker The Craic. Last 800m in 58.1, 400m in 29.6. Looks ready to win at short notice!