The Trials ‘Report Card’

What was worth noting from all over the country for the week ending 12/9/2024

Tytate (3f American Ideal – Caribbean Blue) Tr. M White

Pukekohe (5/9/24 In this four horse qualifier, the White trained filly out best before taking a trail, popped out at the 400m to take control and result never in doubt from that point, some 7 secs under the required time. Last 800m in 58.6, 400m in 28.2. Half sister to Magic Four (6 wins + $193k) and from the immediate family of Elsu & Revonez, ticks several boxes going forwards.

Classic Elegance (3f Art Major – Sloane Square) Tr. T Hopkins

Did some work first 700m from wide draw before eventually taking over, stayed on too well for 5 rivals for a good win. MR:2:02.7, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 28.5. Last start winner back in June (2 wins from 9 starts) back for another campaign and ready to build upon her promising career to date. Big run from Tyson who sat last until the 300m, came very wide around final turn and did well to snare second, 1 1/2L from winner.

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

Straight to the front over two rivals, kept up to stay in front of stablemate The Surfer (trail). MR:1:58.4, 800m in 56.3, 400m in 27.0. Le Major looks to have come back in top order after a long break, last raced back in February, and now ready to take on the best of his age group again. The Surfer a last start winner back in April (3 wins from just 10 starts) and by no means a second stringer for the stable, deserves respect wherever he goes in the coming weeks

Father Barry (3g Father Patrick – Great Getaway) Tr. J Dickie

Trailed in this three horse trot, challenged on straightening and proved too good over the final 100m. MR:2:07.5, 800m in 58.0, 400m in 28.4. Last start eighth in Group 1 back in May but form before that very good and has show enough to be given a competitive chance against the best of his age group. Bravehearthighlander raced third throughout but caught the eye getting home late for a closing third, has won the two from 12 and now in the north after racing in the south for its entire career to date, one to follow from the country’s leading stable.

The Big Lebowski (7g Mach 3 – Cool Maiden) Tr. R Green

Straight to the front and always going well, skipped away 200m, held strongly to win. MR:2:02.5, 800m in 57.3, 400m in 27.1. Hasn’t started since June 2023 and would improve immensely with this run under his belt, six wins to date and his presence would be greatly welcomed back in the northern open class ranks. Some good runs in behind. Jolimont sat fourth of 4 until moving up at the 300m, not extended to snare second. Spring Cup bound? Stablemate Little Spike raced in third spot, last turning in, sped between runners last 200m before running out of room late, officially only fourth but close up. Has won four of just 6 starts and fourth in a Group 1, promising type for sure.

Mallory Maguire (3f Art Major – Miranda Maguire) Tr. A Black

Winton (6/9/24) Trailed out in field of six before popping out at the 1200m to take over, stayed on too well for her rivals. MR:2:06.1, 800m in 57.0, 400m in 28.0. Only the three race day starts but placed as a 2YO in 1:55.3 behind Ruby Roe and not disgraced in the other two against quality opposition. Last raced back in December 2023, a better version again should resume this time in. 2YO Flashpoint came strongly from fourth last 150m to snare second, the debut is eagerly awaited for the son of Captain Crunch

Jayar Mac (4g Art Major – Leah Mac) Tr. K Green

Wyndham (7/9/24) Led out before trailing after 400m, used passing lane to get home comfortably albeit narrowly, last 800m in 60.1, 400m in 30.0. Yet to race but did qualify way back in October 2023, dam won three and race timed in 1:55. Connections have obviously thought the wait was worth it. Rise Up N Dance (2 wins from 8 starts), a last start winner at Gore in August, sat fifth of 5 until the home turn, roared home with little encouragement needed, got within a neck of the winner and was in front just past the post.

Katy’s Shadow (2f Captain Crunch – Katy Perry) Tr. J Gameson

Ashburton (10/9/24) Gate speed to lead from the outside of the gate after 200m, stayed on strongly to stay ahead of her four rivals. Last 800m in 59.3, 400m in 27.1. Bred in the purple being a half sister to Major Perry (8 wins) and of course her dam won 23 races + $550k, qualified back in April and likely to now get her chance against the best of her age group at some point. Monkee Major (Art Major – Sheza Monkee) finished attractively from fourth last 200m to make up many lengths of the winner, in third, dam a half to the great Monkey King.

Renaldo (2g Bettor’s Delight – Georgia Brooke) Tr. W Stapleton

Headed to the front from the outside of gate, still there turning in, caught right on the line by Mystery Beach who settled last of the 6 before securing a 1x1 sit last 800m, the latter ran on very solidly. MR:2:00.3, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 27.6. Renaldo previously at the Purdon stable (3 starts for a win & a placing) and fifth in the Sapling Stakes behind Marketplace, recent change of ownership and stable with the new trainer having a share. Not sighted since mid June but the trainer has an uncanny ability to get unsound horses back on track, full brother to Bollinger and Madrid not to be taken lightly. Folliejon Star (2g Sky Major) ran on well for fourth, one to paste away.

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

Settled well back in eighth in a strung out 10-horse field, worked into the running line 800m out but three back on outer, carted up around final turn then finished over the top of the front runners to win impressively. MR:2:04.2, 800m in 58.3, 400m in 26.7. Not for the first time, the unbeaten son of Downbytheseaside (1 start for 1 win) has impressed at the Canterbury trials and beating a fair field in the process. The trainer has a big wrap on the horse and he is going to be a major threat in the upcoming 2yo specials. Tact McLeod deliberately kept off the gate by 5L at the start, stayed back before getting on to the back of the winner at the 800m, strong finish for second without being pulled out in the run home.

Nila Maree (2f Art Major – Kacie Cullen) Tr. G Payne

The Payne trained filly parked early before getting across to lead, back in the trail with 1700m to run only to be left in front 1000m when the pacemaker Sabi Sands off stride and losing all chance, still in front turning in, collared last 50m by Yaldhurst Folly who sat back in fourth of 4. Last 800m in 57.2, 400m in 26.7. Found the older horse better on this occasion but the others 7L away in this qualifier. Dam a half to the smart Buster Brady (16 wins + 1:50) and while the overall time nothing special, her closing sectionals got our attention.

Sweet Mama (3f Sweet Lou – Pistol Packing Mama) Tr. R Anderson

Stepped well to be in front after 200m, skipped clear 400m, far too good over the final stages with Maxed Out making late ground for second, officially 3L at the line. Last 800m in 57.4, 400m in 26.8. Qualified back in April and beginning to see a stronger version this time in, plenty of breeding to suggest she has every chance of being a successful racehorse

Didn’t Di (3g Majestic Son – Madison Jane) Tr. P Williamson

Oamaru (10/9/24) Recent qualifier back at the trials against two rivals, moderate overall time but sprinted home in 59.0, clearing out by some 3L.
First foal from a dam that won six and belongs to the highly successful ‘Pat’ trotting family. The trainer trained the mother and is the owner/breeder of this gelding. Sure to be competitive in a maiden trot at least going forward

Kenny’s Charm (4m Muscle Mass – Nice One Kenny) Tr. P Williamson

Back on a new campaign after form fell away earlier in the year, too strong for three rivals in a moderate time but home in 60.5 narrowly over Line A Love. Also owned by the Williamson family and who was good enough early on in her career to warrant starting in the NZ Trotting Oaks (10th) behind Sunnys Sister. Closely related to a stack of good winners and could yet build upon that two win resume. Astute barn must think she is worth persevering with.

Sheza Gift (6m Father Patrick – Jasmyn’s Gift) Tr. P Williamson

Winter form didn’t eventuate but lightly raced and she still has time to turn things around. Got the better of Aveross Majesty in this trot (field of 4) sizzling home in 57 secs for her last 800m. Has won three from 19, the last being at Winton way back in January and the stable will be hoping for a better version this time in. Dam was a top mare (17 wins) and the matron’s paddock might look like a better option come November if she hasn’t put her best foot forward.

Vintage Miki (3g Always B Miki – Howfarnow) Tr. A Black

Invercargill (12/9/25) Settled fifth of 7 in Indian file in this qualifier, first to go at the 600m but in the open, kept up strong run to clearly outfinish the pacemaker Sweet Sue, 5 secs under the required time on an easy track, last 800m in 58.4, 400m in 27.7. Dam didn’t race but has already left the very handy Vintage Cheddar (21 wins + $292k + 1:50) and her dam the good mare Whanau (10 wins + $137k) who in turn was from an even better mare in Lento (15 wins + $272k), should only get better.

The Bruiser (2g Majestic Son – Mass Invasion) Tr. C Barron

Trailed out in a field of three, left clearly in front a lap out when the pacemaker off stride, kept going in a professional manner to stay 15L ahead of those two rivals, more than 6 secs under the required qualifying time, last 800m in 62.9, 400m in 31.1. Full brother to Bring On The Muscle (4 wins to date) and looks to have inherited the family ability (dam won 7), trips to Addington not out of the question. Born To Rock showed any amount of lick during the running after stepping best but unfortunately also had a couple of gallops along the way.

Fernleigh Cash (6g Bettor’s Delight – New Revenue) Tr. S & A Telfer

Pukekohe (12/9/24) Stepped quickly to lead five rivals then sprinted sharply to keep those rivals at bay. Last 800m in 55.2, 400m in 27.0. Has fashioned a good horse’s record with nine wins from 31 starts. The step up to the best class will be interesting. Some interesting runs in behind. The Big Lebowski made a mess of the standing start and never recovered. Open class trotter Oscar Bonavena raced fourth of 6 but blew apart at the 300m when the pace went on. Lady Of The Light trailed third, moved up to challenge turning in and wasn’t pushed to snare a close up third, likely quick improver. Jolimont settled sixth, caught the eye running on very late for a closing fourth without being extended, sectionals would have been very pleasing

Little Spike (3g Terror To Love – Key Operator) Tr. A Donnelly

Straight to the front and always going well in this three horse heat, didn’t flinch when Cold Chisel came alongside at the 400m, looked good, 800m in 57.0, 400m in 26.7. The winner of four from only 6 starts and not to be underestimated in any 3YO specials. Cold Chisel raced third of 3 before improving at the 500m to take issue, loomed large at the top of the straight, fought on without looking to get past the winner, will naturally improve with the run under his belt. Skipper trailed & finished on close up.

Billy The Kid (3c Bettor’s Delight – First Western) Tr. J Young

Gate speed to lead four rivals, stayed on too well for those behind but Bazooka did get close. MR:2:01.9, 800m in 58.3, 400m in 27.8. Back on the campaign trail after last racing back in May, has shown enough to suggest that his winning record (1 win to date) can be added to sooner than later. Bazooka trailed in third before moving up to take issue 400m out, kept coming final 200m to just miss. Breeding alone suggests a bright future, already a winner from just two race day starts, last start winner late July at the Park.

Princess Meritaten (5m A Rocknroll Dance – The Princess) Tr. B Butt

Rangiora (12/9/24) In a hot field of five, the mare in front and took no prisoners winning officially by 4L. MR:1:57.8, 800m in 56.6, 400m in 27.4. Only once worse than second in 8 lifetime starts and could be a real threat in the good mares races later in the season, this was impressive. Plenty of gaps to the others headed by Hadron Collider who came home under his own steam. Group 1-winning 3YO Chase A Dream (9 wins from 14 starts + $370k) settled back on a hot tempo and was not asked to take issue at any point.

Stella Rouge (2f Bettor’s Delight – Lady Gilpin) Tr. S & A Telfer

Settled fifth of 6, still there 500m out, brought wide around final turn and stormed home to pick up rivals with ease, impressive, last 800m in 56.7, 400m in 27.1. Placed at Group 2 level in only start back in May and looks a filly of huge ability, sure to be competitive in the big 2YO fillies races coming up, get on! General Jen last mostly and tracked winner into the contest but clearly outpointed on this occasion, still her two race record (1 win/1 placing) due strong respect, last start back in early April and will continue to improve with her fitness.

Got The Chocolates (2g Art Major – Kate Black) Tr. R & J Dunn

Settled last of five before improving sharply 1400m to lead, sprinted sharply business end to clearly outfinish rivals. MR:2:00.3, 800m in 56.6, 400m in 26.9. Already has a good horse’s record (3 wins/3 placings from just 6 starts) and could be the benchmark 2YO in what is shaping as a very strong crop.
Some good runs in behind but some lengths away at the line. Stablemate Malakai trailed three and four deep, up to challenge final turn, producing a strong finish for second. Ukraine three deep when the winner took over a lap out, fought on for third without being really pushed. Sapling Stakes winner Marketplace last starting last 800m, caught the eye doing good work late out wide for fourth, sure to get better with increased fitness

Old Town Road (6g Bettor’s Delight – Lucy’s Way) Tr. B Butt

Heat of six with three off the front and three off 40m and early on a race of two divisions, Old Town Road led the 40m runners up to make contact 1600m, swept up final turn and got over the top of the leading division in the shadows of the post. MR:2:02.9, 800m in 56.8, 400m in 27.6. Hasn’t started since running fourth in the Auckland Cup in May but his best efforts are well known and he will add an extra layer to the lead up races to the biggest race on the harness calendar, the beach training seems to be working. Alta Meteor (also 40m) got on to the back of the winner but never pulled out in the run home and went to the line under a big hold (a big hold !). Aussie import Rock N Roll Doo, (40m) now with the Dalgetys, stepped ok but settled last in a strung out field, still there bell but looked keen to go faster, still last turning in, had little chance to feature from so far back but did run on and sure to be improved with this run under his belt

Justyouwait (2f Captaintreacherous – Goodlookingirl) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Impressive in dealing to six 2yo rivals from the front end, kicked clear in straight. MR:1:59.4, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 27.2. Placed in three attempts so far (all in the north) back in March/April and very much an improved article this time in, adds to the puzzle of who might be queen amongst the 2YO fillies, her breeding alone certainly warrants respect. Catchafire and winner's stablemate Captain Commodore got closest from handy sits but clearly outpointed by the filly.

To see previous trials reports click here