The Trials ‘Report Card’

What was worth noting from the trials all over the country for the week ending 23/5/2024

Carbon (3g Bettor’s Delight – Diamond Lace) Tr. S & A Telfer

Pukekohe (18/5/24) Led out before taking a trail 800m out, there to challenge final turn, had little trouble sweeping past his four rivals, 800m in 60.2, 400m in 29.6. Only the four starts but minor placings in all of them, freshened since last racing back in January and looks to have benefited from his spell, good chance to break maiden ranks in the coming weeks.

Mach Shard (9g Mach Three – Sly Shard) Tr. Purdon/Phelan

Fresh from his Group 1 double at Auckland recently, the Purdon/Phelan runner trailed stablemate Artisan throughout after beginning nicely from the stand, not extended to get the better of his much lesser performed rival in the final 200m. Last 800m in 58.2, 400m in 27.7. Will get his chance to make it three in a row this week in the Auckland Cup and the ‘old fella’ seems to be in a good place, deserves the utmost respect again

Next Level (3g Bettor’s Delight – Unforgiving) Tr. S Reid

Back on settling before improving to sit parked last 1200m, eyeballed pacemaker around final turn and led late, bombed by Treacherous Love (2 wins) who had enjoyed a one-one sit on his back, half a head the margin, last 800m in 58.2, 400m in 28.4. Good enough to win on debut and freshened since only other run back in February. Dam won five and her first three foals have all been handy winners. This run suggested more in store when he decides to return to raceday.

Ajustabull (4g Raging Bull – Justa Charm) Tr. K Green

Winton (17/5/24) ‘Justa’ qualifying heat but more than 7 secs under the required time, sped to the lead over his one rival, always well clear, kept going strongly to be 10L clear at the line MR:2:03.2, 800m in 60.0, 400m in 29.3. Has been simmering at his recent workouts and has caught the eye on more than one occasion. Has some very interesting breeding with his dam being by Magic Rule (10 wins) who is a son of Starship (16 wins).

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

Highly impressive for the second week in a row, raced last of five over a mile, swept up wide around final turn and sprinted too sharply under his own steam for the win. Last 800m in 58.6, 400m in 29.4. Will be well worth following when the stable decides to launch his race career.

Joy Jaccka (4m Creatine – Janine Jaccka) Tr. B Gray

Solo trial, running home in 62.1, last 400m in 28.7. Good enough to win on debut and then just missed at her last start (5 starts in total). Dam unraced but has left another seven winners including good types in Jaccka Jack (14 wins) and Jaccka Justy (13 wins). Good enough to improve the family record and her current rating should see her prominent in the coming starts in the deep south

Blue Star Hima (3c Sweet Lou – Emeli Maguire) Tr. K Larsen

Settled fifth of 7, rushed up at the 600m and led 200m later, kept going strongly to win with something in hand. Last 800m in 61.3, 400m in 27.7. Only had the two starts, the last back in December 2023. Full brother to some handy horses and definitely a likely contender in maidens at least. Major Sweetheart caught the eye finishing attractively from last to snare second. Considering the front runners broke 28 secs for the last 400m, her finish had plenty of merit. Interestingly, now six, she was retired to the broodmare paddock after winning once from three starts as a 3yo but missed getting in foal last season. She is a full sister to Street Art who won five from just 7 starts and belongs to the ‘Guest’ family so successfully developed by the late Jack Smolenski.

Beach Day (4m Sunshine Beach – Cool Delight) Tr. G Hunter

Trailed pacemaker Cormac Leo throughout then used passing lane to dispute finish, judge could not separate them, deadheat. Last 800m in 57.4, 400m in 26.6. Has won two from just the 9 starts, the last being an unplaced effort in mid March. Freshened since and latest trial form suggests she is ready to resume on a high note. Cormac Leo is no easybeat and she took a length out of him in the final 200m on a very smart quarter.