The Trials ‘Report Card’

What was worth noting from all over the country for the week ending 20/7/2024

Miki Mirage (3f Always B Miki – Pocket Miss) Tr. P & V Blanchard

Pukekohe (11/7/24) Out quickly to lead in this qualifier, stretched out nicely at the business end to be comfortably clear of two rivals and 4 secs under the required time. MR:2:04.6, 800m in 60.2, 400m in 29.8. Starred last week in a learners' pace and looks a progressive type who should continue to get better with time. Dam a half sister to some very handy types.

Delightful Chic (3f Bettor’s Delight – Rock Chic) Tr. S & A Telfer

Trailed throughout, got an inside run turning in and sprinted sharply to easily account for three rivals. Last 800m in 60.8, 400m in 29.1. Freshened since disappointing back in February. Only the three race day runs and might be back a bit stronger this time in. Half sister to the smart Music Mistress (2 wins from 3 starts) and it is a family that Stonewall Stud has raced for a long time.

Love On Line (6m Love You – Scusi Boyz) Tr. D & C McGowan

Soon in front, always going well, untroubled to stay clear of three rivals final 200m. Last 800m in 60.5, 400m in 28.6. Hasn’t raced since September 2023 but did a nice job last campaign winning two and has won three from only 15 lifetime starts. Half-sister to five other winners including Adelle (20 wins + $250k + 1:56.4). Being a Love You and a bit older, she should be in the prime of her life, one to follow.

Medina Magic (4g Downbytheseaside – Grace Way) Tr. S & A Telfer

Straight to the front over three rivals, applied the screws 500m, clear final turn, far too good at the finish, last 800m in 58.6, 400m in 28.5. The winner of two but hasn’t flattered in two runs back in fresh campaign, fitness on the improve and could be ready to turn form around. Stablemate Secrets Abound, a last start winner at Manawatu back in February (1 win from 2 starts), raced fourth of 4, finished solidly last 200m to be a closing second.

Upstage (3g Sweet Lou – Steel The Light) Tr. S & A Telfer

Soon in front of four rivals, still there final turn, not extended to win this heat. Last 800m in 59.8, 400m in 29.8. Qualified back in December but still unraced at this time. Half brother to Jett Star (22 wins + $277k + 1:53.4) & Lady Of The Light (11 wins + $247k). Ticks a few boxes going forward.

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

Rangiora (16/7/24) Stepped nicely to trail but elected to lead after 500m, stretched out nicely last 400m, far too good & untouched to win by 5L but it could have been more. Last 800m in 62.4, 400m in 30.1. Nearly 7 secs under the qualifying standard on a cold & dreary Canterbury day. Stable has already had success with this family through half sister Styx Jewel (4 wins to date). Looking better than a maiden.

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

Settled fourth of 4, improved sharply 600m out to lead, did enough to hold out early pacemaker Five Crowns by a nose. Last 800m in 57.3, 400m in 28.5. Got a mention last week as an unqualified pacer after going 5 secs under the required time, deserves to be followed with confidence. 2YO Five Crowns far from disgraced, led until handing up inside final 600m, came again strongly in straight without being extended. His group of high profile owners should have some fun with him

Viva La Vida (2g Love You – Quite A Moment) Tr. G & N Hope

Easily led two rivals from the mobile start, always going well, had little trouble staying in front. Last 800m in 63.1, 400m in 31.4. Dam won 16 + $428k and this boy looks full of promise. Only the second foal of the mare, stable has had major successes with the stock of Love You. Senior Constable Liz, a filly by Marcoola, did well to get within 3L of the winner after being several lengths off the gate at the start

Adored Dreamer (3f Always B Miki – Adore To Our Dreams) Tr. S & A Telfer

Trailed 3 deep mostly, worked into 1x1 600m out, not pulled out until inside final 100m, rushed home late in impressive fashion to nab pacemaker Arden’s Memory. Last 800m in 58.5, 400m in 28.2. Placed once in three race day runs and last started at Group 1 level back in December 2023. That maiden win wouldn’t be far away. Although only fourth, much to like about the run of Burnham Girl coming from well back and running on strongly last 200m.

Always Bee Gee (3g Always B Miki – Tory Franco) Tr. C McDowell

Gate speed to lead, still there at the finish but very close the first three home. Last 800m in 57.3, 400m in 28.2. Both The Con Artist (trail, 2nd) & Jay Pee Shenay (3 deep before sitting parked last 600m, 3rd) right there on swift last 800m. Bryson Dechambeau driven quietly back in field, made ground along inner 700m, not asked for any real effort final 200m in fourth. Treasure Cove, a 2yo by Captaintreacherous, came from even further back and was noted running on strongly for fifth, final 400m would have been sub 28!

It's Tough (3g Bettor’s Delight - Cullen’s Mercy) Tr. R & J Dunn

Trailed early then popped out to lead at the 1600m, stayed strong over the final 200m to hold rivals at bay, MR:2:01.2, 800m in 57.1, 400m in 27.6. Won the time-honoured NZ Welcome Stakes for Katie Cox and now thriving on the Woodend Beach with the country’s leading stable. Only had the five starts, the latest back in December 2023 and looks very ready to go again. Some notable runs in behind. Anything Goes sped out to lead then got to trail, hard held in behind the winner at the line. Milou trailed three deep, challenged 400m & stuck on well for second, less than 1L away, has won just the one from 11 starts. Fernetti put in a sustained run from the rear from the 600m and ran home solidly for fifth (has won 3 from 11) ahead of cup class pacer Beach Ball who was not knocked around in sixth but looked in need of a good blowout.

Smoke On The Water (4g Art Major – Left In The Dark) Tr. M Purvis

Started 30m behind three rivals, looped field to lead 1600m, always going well thereafter, cruised down to the line for an easy win, last 800m in 56.0, 400m in 27.8. Has won seven to date with over $109k in the bank (from only 30 starts) which is not to be sneezed at. On this run, his record could get even better.

Son E (3g Sundon – Duchess Diedre) Tr. M Williamson

Oamaru (16/7/24) Distanced two rivals for 'hot' stable when qualifying nearly 8 secs under the required time, MR:2:11.4, 800m in 63.8. Dam won five and already has left Hurricane Jill (8 wins). Son E is her third foal. Closely related to a stack of good trotters. Would this be the last crop of the mighty Sundon ?

Mind Philly (3f Art Major – Rona Lorraine) Tr. M Williamson

Did best to hold out stablemate Huzuni with a fast last 800m (57.8) MR:2:04.4 with the other two rivals beaten off. Bred in the ‘purple’ from a Group-winning dam who won $122k, most as a 2yo. ‘Philly’ is the eighth & last foal, with six of the older progeny winners. This is the family of Venus Serena and her owners will be hoping that she can do well on the track to add to her considerable residual value as a potential broodmare.

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