The Trials ‘Report Card’

What was worth noting from all over the country for the week ending 6/7/2024

Armed Jaffa (5g Auckland Reactor – Pomis Arms) Tr. B Ellis

Cambridge (29/6/24) Galloped shortly after mobile pulled away and settled last of five, looped around after 600m to take over, stuck on gamely to keep Shonny Lou (lead/trail) at bay, looked to have more in the tank. Last 800m in 57.1, 400m in 28.0. Qualified over a year ago but still unraced. Although unraced, his dam had eight of her 11 foals good enough to get to the races, the best arguably being a full brother in Armed Reactor. It’s a fair hike to come from New Plymouth to trial so let's hope the patient connections get some due reward in the very near future.

Triple G (4g Downbytheseaside – Lislass) Tr. R & J Dunn

Fourth of 6 mostly in Indian file, carted up in the 1x1 last 800m, three wide and challenging turning in, had little trouble getting over the top of his rivals in the final 100m. MR:2:02.6, 800m in 57.0, 400m in 27.2. Has always had a stable reputation when racing out of the Woodend Beach stable and
now in the northern arm of NZ’s leading stable and ready to build upon his five wins (from 19 starts) and close to $100k in stakes. Freshened since last start sixth at Addington back in late March.

Del Shannon (6g Muscle Hill – Hot Chocolate Tart) Tr. N Chilcott

Stepped better than two rivals to lead, still there final turn, did enough to keep those runners at bay, last 800m in 59.3, 400m in 28.8. The winner of six and $64k (from 33 starts) has been freshened since last start third at Cambridge back in April and looked in need of this outing. First foal from a mare that won nine and over $100k so the best might yet be to come.

Sea Of Love (4m Downbytheseaside – Highly Regal) Tr. D & C McGowan

Settled fourth of 4 in Indian file, still there a lap out, improved inside final 800m, not extended to be too good in home straight MR:2:02.8, 800m in 58.4, 28.2. Hasn’t raced since March but not for the first time, has impressed at the local workouts. Placed in two of 10 starts but has shown enough to warrant respect in a F&M maiden field. Latefordinner finished attractively final 200m to take ground out of the winner. Debuted last week after some solid trials form but failed to flatter, too soon to drop him just yet.

Tilly Dunnage (3f Fear The Dragon – Zeonly Survivor) Tr. W Adams

Winton (29/6/24) All on her lonesome but the filly still managed to run 5 secs under the required time in this qualifying effort. Last 800m in 59.8, 400m in 28.7. Comes from a good family tracing directly back to Elsu and three of her half siblings have race timed in better than 1:56 (MR). Likely to be competitive in a F&M maiden in the deep south if her connections decide to press on.

Delta Kilo (4g Sweet Lou – Star Of Heaven) Tr. M House

Rangiora (3/7/24) Straight to the front over five rivals, had them ‘off the bit’ at the 400m, cruised down to the line for easy win. MR:2:03.7, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 28.6. Recent qualifier behind the impressive Irish Dream who debuted last week in a 1:56MR and got within 1/2L in qualifier. Dam has had 9 foals and all 9 have qualified to race and Ideal Star (1:49.4) would be the best of them.

Louretta (4m Sweet Lou – Falcon’s Flybye) Tr. R Todd

Trailed two and three deep, improved 400m to challenge, led on straightening, wanted to knock off, shaken up to stay in front. Last 800m in 59.4, 400m in 29.3. Has shown promise in her five raceday starts, going closest last start when second at Wyndham late March. Freshened and doesn’t need to improve much to get into the winner’s circle for the first time. Trotter Beat the Covid (2 wins) ran on well close up for third. Not sighted since February and now in a new stable. Looked promising last campaign.

Evangalist (6m Shadyshark Hanover – Pretty Dollybird) Tr. J & I Thomas

Stepped strongly from the unruly to soon be in front, always going well, came clear final 100m for a comfortable win over four rivals, Last 800m in 56.7, 400m in 27.7. The winner of 8 + $109k in stakes not sighted since mid February.

Father Time (3g Father Patrick – Firenze) Tr. K Townley

Away slowly but safely, settled fifth of 6, last 600m as Ruakaka improved from rear, tracked that runner up in 1x1 sit last 500m, only pulled out with 150m left, strong late run to get in deciding strides. MR:2:06.6, 800m in 59.7, 400m in 29.7. Has established a handy record in a short time and looks well capable to improving upon that in the near future. Astute trotting trainer must think he is worth it as he begins to cut back stable numbers.

Lilac Luxury (3f Downbytheseaside – Lilac Splash) Tr. D Taylor

For the second time in as many weeks, the Taylor-trained runner impressed, trailed three deep amongst six rivals, sprinted up sharply at the 400m to take issue, had little trouble getting over the top of her rivals, last 800m in 59.8, 400m in 28.7. Looks primed for a strong resumption when it comes along.

Sweet Willow (3g Sweet Lou – Willow) Tr. M House

Trailed throughout, angled out 250m, finished under his own steam, just nutted by Captain Christian who used passing lane from three deep, 800m in 59.7, 400m in 28.8. Third foal from a Bettors mare that won 13 & $314k in just 36 starts. First two foals both winners. This boy qualified over a year ago but still unraced. One to follow.

Ruby Tuesday (3f Courage Under Fire – Gwendoline Ruby) Tr. R Todd

Only a learner’s pace and still to qualify, straight to the front over two rivals, clicked up 600m, came clear untouched over final stages, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 28.8. Breeder Graham Pearson has had this family for a long time and it's been a great source of winners for him. This filly’s dam is a full sister to the mother of champion filly Millwood Nike (17 starts for 17 wins). Her progress will be watched with much interest.

Its Quite Easy (3f Quite Easy – Roydon’s Jewel) Tr. M House

A learner’s trot, stepped well to lead, took a trail at the bell as Major Cyclone improved from three deep to lead, used passing lane to easily account for that runner last 200m, last 800m in 62.5, 400m in 31.0. Third foal of the mare, first two being Roydon Muscle (5 wins) & Styx Jewel (4 wins). With natural improvement, looks a strong chance to become a successful racehorse.

Ultimate Challenge (4m Bettor’s Delight – Ultimate Reality) Tr. A Hoffman

Oamaru (3/7/24) Too slick for two rivals with impressive last 800m in 57.1. Has won two from five starts but spread over three seasons, winning 2YO debut back in 2022. Only the third foal from the mare who has already left Ultimate Bird (12 wins + $102k + 1:51.1) and she is also a half sister to top horses in Ultimate Sniper & Machete, the latter making a good job of being a stallion. Any improvement in the record of ‘Challenge’ will add considerable value to her progeny when its time to be a broodmare.

Passchendaele (3g Betterthancheddar – Passion Flower) Tr. R Wilson

A qualifying heat & the Wilson runner sprinted sharply to get the better of just one rival. MR:2:02.0, 800m in 57.2. Trained locally on the track and qualified way back in December 2023 but still unraced. Would be competitive in a maiden field judging by this effort. Ultimate Mach not disgraced running second on such a quick sprint home, qualifying in the process. Like the name suggests, he is by Ultimate Machete.