The Trials ‘Report Card’

What was worth noting from the trials from all over the country for the week ending 9/5/2024

Hammer Down (2c Always B Miki – Operative Asset) Tr. N Williamson

Invercargill (3/5/24) Only a two horse heat, the Williamson runner trailed before attacking his rival at the 400m, led on straightening, kept up to his work for a nice win, 4 secs under the required time Last 800m in 57.6, 400m in 28.3. Dam qualified but didn’t race. That didn’t stop her leaving seven winners including Belkmyster (11 wins + $124k)

Always B Paulie (3g Always B Miki – Bubba Ho Hep) Tr. C Ferguson

Another qualifier always going well leading throughout and untouched to get his ‘ticket’ 5 secs better than the required time Last 800m in 58.4, 400m in 28.7. Dam was handy winning four and has already left a couple of good winners in Australia. Stable to respect when he makes the raceday debut

Its Nae Or Never (3f Art Major – Juice Brogden) Tr. N Chilcott

Cambridge (4/5/24) Settled fifth of six, improved in open last 1000m, eyeballed pacemaker final turn, did enough to just beat that runner (Truckin On).
Last 800m in 59.8, 400m in 28.5. Only had the three starts (1 win/1 placing) and freshened since last start eighth against the best of her age back in February. A big strong type with breeding to boot who lines up at Cambridge tonight (Thursday - May 9).

Mako (3g Downbytheseaside – Lincoln’s Delight) Tr. A Donnelly

Secured nice trail, elected to come out at the 500m to challenge pacemaker, didn’t have too much trouble getting to the front early in the run home and maintaining that advantage. Last 800m in 59.4, 400m in 29.6. Qualified back in June of last year as a 2YO but astute trainer has been patient and likely to repay this policy sooner than later. Debut looming.

Highview Rockn Roll (9m Rock n Roll Heaven – Highview Diamond) Tr. D Cossey

Stepped cleanly to enjoy good trail, out to attack 400m, not extended in run home to come clear of three rivals Last 800m in 58.7, 400m in 28.7. Didn’t start racing until she was six but has managed to win 7 and $75k in stakes.

Precious Bet (3g Bettor’s Delight – Precious Rose) Tr. S & A Telfer

Pukekohe (4/5/24) Showed gate speed to lead, attacked by stablemate Twista with 300m to run, did enough to hold that runner at bay, latter came from three deep. Last 800m in 58.6, 400m in 27.4. Has only won the one from 12 starts but has been thereabouts in all of his runs. Good enough to win again at short notice. Busload Of Faith settled back in six-horse field, giving leader 5L with 300m to run, much to like about his finish final stages to get within 1L.

Joca’s Hill (4g What The Hill – Jocasta) Tr. S & A Telfer

Started off 30m against four rivals and content to sit fifth of five, broke with 800m to run losing contact with bunch, must have been 15L off the leader at the 600m, rushed home late down outer to get third within 2L of the winner Bangkok Betty (parked last 800m), last 400m time would have been huge. Last 800m for leaders 61.0. Has won three from 10 and looked good on occasions, manners have let him down from a stand last couple and currently stood down, ability to go further.

Always B Stunning (4m Always B Miki – Simply Stunning) Tr. P & V Blanchard

Away smartly to lead then trailed two and three deep, smart finish through the middle last 200m to outscore four rivals, Last 800m in 57.9, 400m in 28.3.
Has won three in a short career to date but not sighted on a racetrack since the beginning of the year. Outpointed some handy sorts in this heat and could be ‘stunning’ in the right company when she resumes.

***Aussie visitor Speak The Truth, the day after running 7th in the Messenger, lined up here for some standing start practice driven by Scott Phelan and ‘passed’ the test, pulled out of the heat after 200m.

Aldebaran Allblack (5g Trixton – Big O E) Tr. Wallis/Hackett

Slow to go and settled fifth of five, carted up by the 1x1 sit inside final 500m, brought wide and swooped up to grab rivals close to the line, not extended in doing so. Last 800m in 60.7, 400m in 29.7. Has won just the one from 14 starts but hasn’t raced since July of 2023. A big boy with time likely to be his friend. One to watch when his connections decide to relaunch his career.

Dynasty (3f Rocknroll Hanover – Special Rose) Tr. B Butt

Rangiora (7/5/24) Straight to the front in a two-horse heat and simply left that rival behind from the 700m, officially 50L at the line and 10 secs under the qualifying standard. Last 800m in 56.5, 400m in 28.8. Owned by Bob’s grandparents (Robin and Jackie Butt) this is a family that they have had much success with over the years. Half brother Prestonpans won five here quickly before going to Australia and winning in 1:50.8

Very Majestic (3f Majestic Son – Very Persuasive) Tr. R & J Dunn

Fractious at the start (drawn 1) and ended up going to unruly, began well to trail third in Indian file, up to attack 400m, strode on strongly last 150m to win with some authority. Last 800m in 59.8, 400m in 29.2. Dam won six and is a half to The Hulk (8 wins + $92k). Stable having a great run with its young trotters and this filly looks set to carry on that trend.

Captain Kobe (3c Captaintreacherous – Millwood Minisota) Tr. S Dolan

Worked to lead soon after the start, applied the ‘screws’ inside the final 800m and went clear, well clear turning in, eased down final stages to keep Shakira at bay. Last 800m in 55.8, 400m in 28.7. Has only had the one raceday start when sixth at Addington way back in June of last year. Owned by John Curtin and a half to Ohoka Punter (17 wins + $664k) amongst others. Sure to attract attention when deciding to resume back on the track. Shakira (3f Bettor’s Delight – Tania Tandias) ran on solidly from three deep to get close to the winner. Qualified in December and is a half to Tommy Lincoln (16 wins)

Bannockburn (3g Lochaburn – Twilight Rascal) Tr. K Chapman

The half brother to Beach Ball stepped nicely to lead, always going sweetly, ran clear final stages, officially by 5 3/4L at the line. Last 800m in 59.9, 400m in 31.4. Just a learners pace and not a great mile rate but looks to have inherited some of the family ability. Qualifying comes next and this fella is a great advert for his colonial sire as he tries to attract greater numbers in the breeding barn. Close relation Lochdarragh (3g Lochaburn – Rock Me Gently) beaten a head in the other learner’s pace with faster sectionals.

Watching Brief (He’s Watching – Sue Me) Tr. J Morrison

Ashburton (7/5/24) A learner’s pace from the stand, stepped away nicely and led after 200m, always going well, confidently driven and not extended to stay in front of rivals, last 800m in 58.3, 400m in 27.3. No great time and not yet qualified but very professional in this effort and positive signs that he will be a handy maiden at least.

Heaven’s Mark (5m Rock N Roll Heaven – Armadoctara) Tr. J Morrison

Only a learner’s pace (mob), given time to settle out of the gate but left a four deep/indian file run after just 600m to loop around to lead, sprinted sharply last 200m to come clear of rivals in impressive fashion, last 800m in 59.2, 400m in 27.2. Good sized mare that has been given plenty of time by her connections to grow into her frame. Getting her raceday ticket shouldn’t be a problem on this run.

Tact Teena (3f Bettor’s Delight – Tact Lizzie) Tr. M Jones

Led out in handicap pace but soon trailed, strong finish along passing lane to outfinish 8 win Maren Franco who started 30m behind. last 800m in 56.8, 400m in 27.3. Teena hasn’t started since October 2023 where she had a crack at the best of her 2yo rivals (three starts) but found going too tough. Time has been her friend.

Bettor Go Vinnie (2c Vincent – Delightful Dale) Tr. B & T White

2YO qualifier where the Vincent colt was restrained to rear in five horse field, still there home turn, took short way home and powered up passing lane to just miss picking up stablemate/pacemaker One For Jay by a nose, last 800m in 58.3, 400m in 27.5. Half brother to some pretty smart horses including Shandale (14 wins + $305k) and I’llavabubbles, currently performing so well in Australia. Eighth foal from the mare and the first seven have all been winners so plenty of ticks in plenty of boxes here.