The Trials ‘Report Card’

What was worth noting from the trials from all over the country for the week ending 2/5/2024

She’s A Jewel (3f Sweet Lou – Ballroom Jewel) Tr M Williamson

Oamaru (24/4/24) The locally trained filly was ultra impressive in this qualifying heat, leaving her three rivals some distance behind and running her last 800m in 56.3. Second foal from unraced dam but further digging shows she traces directly back to Port Medley who left some very handy types for Tony Barron. Has a large group of owners and they could be in for some fun times judging by this run.

Flying Bird (4m Bettor’s Delight – Who’s The Bird) Tr M Williamson

Stablemate of the above filly, only had the one rival but set tongues wagging with a blistering 54.8 for her final 800m, winning officially by 5L (2:00 MR). Has done a good job winning two from 17 starts with a further nine placings, freshened since last start second down south and any further wins would add value to her prospects as a broodmare. She is a half/full sister to eight winners and six of those have gone sub 1:56. Certainly one to follow in the coming weeks.

Mad Jack (5g Love You – Sporting Ella) Tr. A Hoffman

Only had the two rivals but showed a clean pair of heels when it mattered, officially 5L at the line. MR:2:10.2, 800m in 60.1. Not sighted since October 2023 but compiled a handy record when winning four from 17. From a breed that should get better with time and interestingly Brent Barclay ventured up from the south to take the drive in the trial. Worth more than a second glance when resuming.

Aldebaran D B (3g Muscle Mass – Dream Belle) Tr. Wallis/Hackett

Cambridge (26/4/24) All on his lonesome but still managed to qualify 6 secs under the required time. MR:2:10.6, 800m in 60.0, 400m in 30.0. Dam qualified but unraced and is a half sister to the very good Prime Power (16 wins). Likely to be very competitive in at least a maiden field on this effort.

Cyamate (2c Always B Miki – Cyathea) Tr. S & A Telfer

Trailed fourth of four in the pacing qualifying heat, tracked up stablemate (and winner of heat) Bar Louie at the 500m, loomed wide on straightening and was going to be right there at the business end only to shy badly 100m out and lose all chance. Winner’s time nearly 7 secs under time required and very professional in his effort. Cyamate didn’t get his race ticket due to his indiscretion but is a half to some handy types including Cyamach (10 NZ wins) and getting to the races shouldn’t be a problem for the colt.

The Older Brother (8g Washington VC – Abararka) Tr. J Douglas

Invercargill (27/4/24) Raced fourth of four and still there with 400m to run, ran on strongly without threatening first two home (leader + trailer) to snare third on fast sectionals. Leaders ran their last 800m in 56.7, 400m in 27.8 off the front and he would have been giving them 7L at the 400m. Hasn’t started since October 2022 and didn’t start racing until a 5YO but did show ability winning two from 23 starts with another seven placings. Obviously has had issues along the way but someone thinks he has the ability to keep going. Dam has left seven winners!

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

Not for the first time the well bred filly impressed at the southern trials, trailed Moon Light Terror on this occasion in field of four, took over inside last 200m and came clear under her own steam. Last 800m in 58.2, 400m in 29.7. The first two home distanced the other two runners from the 800m and the Barron trained filly was very professional in all that she did. Her debut can be eagerly awaited.

Pacific Arc (3c Washington VC – Pacific Kiwi) Tr. N Williamson

Took the eye last week in an unqualified pace and this week sat last of six in a qualifying heat, still there 400m out, driven for luck, strong finish between runners to get third, making up plenty in final 100m, closing quickly. MR:2:05.9, 800m in 58.7, 400m in 29.4. Likely to be well supported when that race debut comes around as he looks better than a maiden on these recent efforts.

Confederate (2g Bettor’s Delight – Hartofdixie) Tr. Purdon/Phelan

Pukekohe (27/4/24) Came across from the outside draw (5) to lead, always going well, sprinted sharply and far too good for his rivals, last 800m in 59.9, 400m in 27.9. Has looked the part right from start one, a winning debut, then not disgraced when second at his only other start. No doubt he is going to be very competitive in the northern 2YO specials coming up.

Akatea (3f Art Major – Better B Amazed) Tr. S & A Telfer

Only a three horse trial but certainly eventful. Two-time race winner Akatea in front and fought strongly to hold out the three-win Better Knuckle Up who trailed and threatened to run past at the 150m, a neck apart at the line, last 800m in 57.9, 400m in 27.9. Neither horse extended too heavily in the run home. Top filly All You Need Is Me began on terms then eased up after only 200m and obviously wasn’t going to take any part in the heat, had an equine ‘meltdown’ shortly after and broke badly and pulled up by driver Carter Dalgety.

The Real McCoy (4g Bettor’s Delight – The Burning Question) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Rangiora (30/4/24) Did best in a blanket finish, coming with the last say to get his nose in front. Last 800m in 56.9, 400m in 28.0. Form has really lifted since joing the new stable with a win and a second from just three starts. Freshened again and ready to add to that new lease of life.

Ragazzo Major (3g Art Major – Ragazza Bromac) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Hammer down and kept up strong run to keep six rivals well contained. MR:1:59.5, 800m in 56.2, 28.2. Only had the three race day runs and last started in Group 1 company as a 2YO back in Dec, but has obviously has shown the top stable some potential. Rates as a half to Cast No Shadow (17 wins + 1:48.8) & Ragazzo Mach (11 wins + $151k). Looks a strong chance to win sooner than later.

Sacetas (2g Bettor’s Delight - Scorcha) Tr. T Bagrie

Only a learners heat and not a big margin in it (a neck to Its Flash Harry) but went to the line in style to finish best (7 horse heat) MR:2:01.9, 800m in 57.1, 400m in 28.5. First foal of a four win mare (from only 12 starts) and has plenty of breeding to suggest he is a nice horse in the making. Interestingly, second foal sold for $100k at the latest yearling sales in Christchurch.

Bronski (3g Bettor’s Delight – Return To Gold) Tr. D Williamson

Ashburton (30/4/24) Overall time nothing to write home about but after working to front, did sprint sharply when popped the question to clearly outfinish six rivals. Last 800m in 57.6, 400m in 27.4. Only a learners heat but a half brother to good filly Spellbound (14 wins + $398k) amongst others and that grabbed our attention

Melton Enforcer (4g A Rocknroll Dance – Shards Echo) Tr. K Barron

Another learner but very professional in what he did, led early before trailing 1000m out, sprinted sharply last 200m to put his four rivals away, impressive. Last 800m in 58.4, 400m in 27.0. Has taken his time to come to the racing mindset but astute trainer must think he is worth perservering with and comes from a long line of performing ‘Shards’. Qualifying, at least, shouldn’t be a problem.

Stella Rouge (2f Bettor’s Delight – Lady Gilpin) Tr. S & A Telfer

Only a two horse trial but the filly again showed her potential by leading off the gate and proving far too strong for Captain Joan, officially by 5 1/2L at the line. MR:1:59.8, 800m in 55.8, 400m in 26.6. Likely to be a key contender when the 2YO filly specials heat up, based upon this effort, highly regarded by top stable.

Wanna Play A Game (3f Tactical Landing – Wanna Play) Tr. M Jones

Stepped nicely to lead, easily accounted for five rivals going under necessary qualifying time by 5½ secs. Last 800m in 61.0, 400m in 29.4. Sire starting to make a real impression with small selective crops. Third foal of a five win mare that won $90k (including 2 at 2) and the first two foals already winning, not likely to let the family down once on the racetrack.

Radha (3g Always B Miki - Reklaw) Tr. C & A Edmonds

Addington (1/5/24) In this qualifier, the Edmonds runner trailed third of four in indian file, asked to improve 500m and quickly up to challenge, led on straightening, untouched to score nicely, 5 secs under the required time MR:2:01.5, 800m in 57.9, 400m in 27.5. Dam won one of only two starts then her first two foals both good enough to pace in 1:50. Plenty to like about this trial effort.