The Trials ‘Report Card’

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

Merlin (4h Art Major – Imaginary Bet) Tr. Purdon / Phelan

Pukekohe (29/8/24). Three horse heat all from the same stable and a tame affair until the final 400m, Merlin sat in the trail behind Sooner The Bettor with Mach Shard back in third, Merlin up to take issue 300m out and got his head in front soon after, not pushed to outpoint the pacemaker with Mach Shard right there on a fast closing sectional. MR:2:06.8, 800m in 57.2, 400m in 26.4. Merlin a millionaire pacer having won 18 of 28, that’s an outstanding record in any land and sure to heading towards the big prize in November. The stablemates still good enough to feature in any race with the runs to suit

Le Major (3g Art Major – Le Girl) Tr. A Donnelly

Another three horse heat but with plenty of class on show, Le Major trailed The Surfer with top filly Duchess Megxit back in third, stayed that way until Le Major came out at the 300m to take issue, soon got better of the pacemaker then withstood a late burst by the filly along the inner last 150m. The Surfer right there but in third. MR:2:05.1, 800m in 57.9, 400m in 26.6. Le Major not sighted since way back in February and given a good spell. Was right up there with the best 3YOs until form fell away last couple of runs when obviously not at his best. Deserves much respect when that resumption comes around. ‘Duchess’ is a class filly and will be a major player in all the big filly rumbles.
The Surfer could be a forgotten runner amongst a very strong 3yo crop, last start winner back in April, has won 3 of 10, one to consider.

Hadmeablast (2f Art Major – Youshallnotpass) Tr. Purdon / Phelan

Trailed out in a field of five but elected to pop out and lead after 500m, always going well after, clear turning in, not extended to stay in front although Tyron’s Connoisseur finished quickly from last on the home turn to close the gap considerably. MR:2:05.3, 800m in 59.8, 400m in 28.5. The winner not yet qualified but that looks a formality. The latter has had four unplaced starts in the Canterbury region, two in Group company, but likely to be a better version this time in, worth following.

Bounce N Beyond (3g Majestic Son – Dead Cat Bounce) Tr. R & J Dunn

Stepped quickly and got to enjoy a nice trail, extricated turning in and quickly put the result beyond doubt with an impressive spurt. Last 800m in 59.7, 400m in 28.9. The winner of two races already and a last start sixth in Group 1 company back in May. This effort suggested he has come back in great order and sure to build upon his resume. Much interest in the run of Courmayeur (20m), one of five sent over by Yabby Dam farms to race under NZ conditions, raced fifth of 6 and still well back starting last 400m, rushed home late and wide out to snare second. Has won eight races from 33 starts ($77k) and sure to generate much interest when race day comes around.

Sugar Ray Lincoln (2c American Ideal – Lively Nights) Tr. R Green

The full brother to Copy That trailed three deep before improving to sit parked last 600m, challenged, got in the deciding strides final 50m over Captain Sampson (trail) & Its Electrifying (pacemaker) with less than a neck between the first three home. Last 800m in 57.7, 400m in 26.5.
Winner already a winner from nine starts, freshened since racing in the winter and likely to be improved again. Captain Sampson one start, one placing back in May behind the talented Bar Louie and one not to be underestimated wherever he goes.

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

Winton (30/8/24) Trailed third of six in Indian file, moved up 400m to take issue, led on straightening, fought strongly when Foxing Easton threatened to run past at the 150m. Too good albeit narrowly MR:2:02.6, 800m in 58.2, 400m in 27.7. Winner qualified late June but yet to race debut, looks full of promise and should be competitive especially in a F&M maiden in the deep south
Fiery Bandito (T) who has won six of 15 starts (5 of last 7) and last seen back in April, led for most of this trip, headed final turn but stuck on for third.

Flashpoint (2g Captain Crunch – Joanne’s A Delight) Tr. B Gray

Led only rival (stablemate Shezabettorgirl) right from the start, just did enough to stay ahead of the filly. MR:2:05.5, 800m in 62.1, 400m in 29.2. Qualified early February but yet to start on race day, he is a big boy who looks like time will be his friend. Dam was a smart filly winning five + $203k. This is the family that the late Jack Smolenski had so much success with. Shezabettorgirl also qualified, back in March and her dam won six and placed in 1:53, not very big but also her second dam the very handy Chloe Hanover (11 wins)

Misty Blue (3f Sweet Lou – Nicky’s Power) Tr. Ford/Tomlinson

Methven on the grass track, racing several cart widths out from the running line all day (30/8/24) Stepped best to lead, still there 400m out, came clear final stages for nice win. MR:2:16.8, 800m in 62.5, 400m in 31.5. Started in a DB fillies heat at Addington 23/8 and ran eighth behind Arden’s Memory in her first run in a new campaign for nearly six months, would have improved with that run under her belt and she proved a class above her opposition here. Has placed in four of her other 6 race day starts including a 1:56.5 at Nelson back in January. Definitely looks better than a maiden.
Melton Magnate ran on solidly from well back to dispute the placings, has been thereabouts in all her career starts to date, worth following.

Festus Haggen (4g Shadow Play – Ultimate Angel) Tr. L O’Reilly

Began brilliantly to lead clearly, still there turning in, kept up strong run to hold out Fun To Come who trailed throughout. MR:2:13.0, 800m in 62.4, 400m in 31.5. Resumed in late July after placing in half of his first 10 starts (all seconds) and wouldn’t need to improve much more to secure a maiden win. Fun To Come has placed in one of only 2 race day starts at Addington and solid at trials before that debut, looks promising enough to suggest there is more to come.

Torvi (4m Love You – The Earth Moved) Tr. G & N Hope

Settled fifth of 6 in Indian file, worked into 1x1 midrace, brought wide on straightening, too strong over final stages. MR:2:22.1, 800m in 63.3, 400m in 31.5. Full sister to Mr Love (8 wins) & Crazy N Love (4 wins) back for another campaign having last raced back in March where form was starting to struggle. Combine the skills of the trainers and her pedigree and one would think she would be capable of adding to her current one win record. Sebastian Coe led for most of the trip but broke at the 200m when still in contention.

Eurostyle (5m Orlando Vici – Sunny Kash) Tr. D & A Jones

Safely away from 20m to race third of four, around 1100m to lead, always going well after that move and had no trouble staying in front. MR:2:22.3, 800m in 62.3, 400m in 31.2. Freya (1/2 sister to Torvi) led out after getting a head start from the other three3, shied at winning post a lap out and put back to 3rd, came again strongly last 200m to dispute placings, has won the 2 from 8 showing all the family ability. Group winner Walkinonsunshine made a mess of the start and settled 100m behind his three rivals, caught the pack a lap out then made a sharp move at the 500m to get outside the leader, huge effort to be 2L from the winner at the line, not sighted on race day since 12th in Sunny Sister’s NZ Oaks back in December 2023, has won the four from 13 but will need to bring her manners to improve upon that record, no doubting the ability though.

Kiss The Girls (7g Terror To Love – Duarunner) Tr. D & A Jones

Settled fourth of 5 before improving midrace to lead, never in doubt final 300m to comfortably hold Clonakilty (lead/trail). MR2:21.3, 800m in 60.8, 400m in 29.3. Has won the six races and back for a new campaign, last racing mid March, a country cups type horse capable of upsetting with a trip to suit. Jimmy James Maguire (10m) had a quiet trial at the back of the field and was never asked for a serious effort

Franco Chaplin (3g Ultimate Machete – Cracker Anvil) Tr. B Waldron

No gate speed and as a consequence settled seventh of 10 in a strung out field, still well back turning in, put in a sustained run along inner to clearly outscore rivals, impressive. MR:2:10.1, 800m in 63.3, 400m in 32.8. Hasn’t debuted yet but did qualify behind subsequent Addington winner Teddy The Terror back in June and after this run the track spies will be waiting at the ‘windows’. Stablemate Georgie Zukov (9g Auckland Reactor – Lillybrook) equally impressive in the next heat, racing fourth of 4 before taking off at the 800m to assume control, not in doubt from that point MR:2:15.7, 800m in 62.7, 400m in 31.3. ‘Georgie’ has won the six but hasn’t been over-raced despite his growing years and does seem to like the grass tracks.

Shakira (3f Bettor’s Delight – Tania Tandias) Tr. B Hill

Gate speed to lead and always going strongly, gave nothing else a chance in leading throughout MR:2:12.2, 800m in 62.9, 400m in 31.3. Freshened since last racing back in June and has done a nice job in four career starts to date (1 win/2 placings), comes from a good family and a half to the likes of Tommy Lincoln (16 wins + $220k), there looks more in store for this filly. Mighty Flying Lou got to trail and got closest without busting a gut. The others were some 8L away. The latter a last start winner back in July and another who has more left to achieve.

Da Vinci (4g Art Major – Rockin Cullen) Tr. C Ferguson

Wyndham (1/9/24) Got to trail, out to attack 400m, led on straightening, too strong over the final stages MR:2:06.7, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 26.9. All on track for race day resumption and must be respected on his race record to date. Smart filly Louies Girl tracked the winner throughout (third of 5) and didn’t pull off his back until very late, very pleasing effort. Formline impeccable and has won the five of 10, last placed in Group 2 level back in April, expecting her to be very competitive when the 3YO specials come around against the best of her age group.

Major Medley (3g Art Major – Elite Medley) Tr. A Hoffman

Settled third of 4, brought three wide final turn to make his run, comfortably over the top of his rivals last 100m, did tangle right on the winning line and Brent Barclay's reaction suggested the horse lost concentration briefly, last 800m in 57.9, 400m in 28.2. Only had the three starts but punters might remember the debut run when he was going to win for fun coming down the outer only to tangle 100m out and was disqualified from third when favourite. Got his act together last start (25/5) and no doubting the motor but maybe the head still a work in progress

Valyrian (3g Volstead – Arya) Tr. R Todd

Rangiora (4/9/24) Settled fourth of 6 in this qualifying effort, secured late 1x1 cover, doing best work last 200m to get within 3/4L of winner Tioga Pass, 4 secs under the required time (track sticky after overnight rain). Last 800m in 61.3, 400m in 30.5 Plenty of breeding to suggest a successful racetrack career ahead, dam won 15 + $302k and is a half to millionaire trotter Stent. This is her first live foal.

Carrera Bandido (2g Captaintreacherous – Smiley Sophie) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Showed gate speed to lead three rivals, did enough to stay in front but only just, 5 secs under the qualifying time. MR:2:01.9, 800m in 58.5, 400m in 28.9. Both stablemate Captain Commodore (3 deep trail) and Dawn To Dark (trail) went around in pleasing style getting within a 1/2L of the winner. Dam of the winner only won one race in a short career but did place at Group 1 level. The Dalgety runner was a $100k purchase at the 2023 yearling sales.

Ohoka Cobra (2c Bettor’s Delight – Idolise) Tr. S Dolan

Midfield in a field of eight, up three wide around final turn, over the top of his rivals to win nicely. MR 2:01.6, 800m in 58.5, 400m in 28.9. Qualified back in February and a half to NZ Cup contender Ohoka Connor as well as 1:49 mare Braeview Kelly. Debut eagerly awaited. Stablemates Captain Christian & Stella Rouge both ran home strongly from well back for minor placings and are worth following. Coba Charged settled last from the outside gate, tended to overrace but still had enough to run on from the rear without being really pushed late, another who looks better than a maiden.

Irish Dream (2g Downbytheseaside - Splendid Bet) Tr. B Negus

Trailed fourth in field of 9, three deep around final bend and looking for room, strong late run once clear to snare fourth behind winner/pacemaker Five Crowns (led last 1500m). Winning time 2:30.8, MR:2:01.3, 800m in 58.3, 400m in 28.6. Irish Dream won on debut from only start to date in late June, freshened and looks a progressive type, bred in the purple which also gets a big tick. Demon Blue did more work than most over final 800m and fought well to snare third.

Trump Card (3g Rock N Roll Heaven – Capture My Heart) Tr. H Cullen

Led out then trailed in a quality heat, finished solidly along inner to have his nose in front at the line. MR:1:58.7, 800m in 57.2, 400m in 27.5. Promising type who has won two of his 4 race day starts (the last 2), freshened since last appearing back in mid July and needs to be respected when coming back to the track. Vessem handy enough, improved via the 1x1 last 600m, loomed large at the 200m down outer, just missed, coming to hand nicely. All You Need Is Me did some work first 500m to assume control from a wide draw, under siege 200m, kept going nicely. We Walk By Faith raced in midfield, tracked up Vessem at the 600m, not pushed to land fourth, another going smoothly towards a race day resumption.

Frazzled (2f What The Hill – Flashman) Tr. R & J Dunn

Gate speed to get across from wide draw to lead stablemate Ya Rite Darl, always going well, strong in keeping the latter at bay and they were well clear of the six others. MR:2:03.6, 800m in 59.6, 400m in 29.8. Nothing Frazzled about this effort, last start winner back in May and looking to build upon that this time in. Ya Rite Darl, as the winner of two of her 3 starts is naturally going to be a force in the 2YO specials coming up. John Spartan put in a spirited finish wide out to claim third.

Kyvalley Hotspur (6h What The Hill – Love Ya Doosie) Tr. B Butt

The Aussie visitor (14 wins + $230k already) sat last of eight after starting off 30m behind along with Highgrove, followed that runner around field at the 1000m then parked when the Dunn runner took over at the 700m, didn’t flinch and got his nose in front right on the line. MR:2:07.6, 800m in 57.1, 400m in 28.4. Last start won the Bendigo Trotters Cup back in April and looks a classy type, going to add another dimension to the trotting races coming up. Highgrove (11 wins + $231k) hasn’t started since running third in Group 1 company way back in December 2022 and this day must have been very pleasing for his connections, stretched out stylishly final 250m, the ability has never been in doubt.

Always Impressive (2f Always B Miki – Miss Elsie) Tr. C & J DeFilippi

Trailed mostly, out at the 600m to sit parked, challenged final turn and proved too strong for nine rivals final 200m. Last 800m in 56.8, 400m in 28.5. Yet another quality horse from Miss Elsie who looks an early winner in waiting. Last start fourth to Irish Dream late June and likely to be improved again this time in. Of the others, Colin McBride (Diamond Racing) caught the eye, running on solidly from past midfield to snare third, yet to debut but qualified back in March, dam won six and was also trained by the Dunns.

To see previous Trials Reports click here