The Trials ‘Report Card’

What was worth noting from all over the country for the week ending 11/12/2024

Wicked Wanda (4m Sweet Lou – Bettor Be A Lady) Tr. G Rogerson

Pukekohe (5/12/24) Sped to lead over three rivals, skipped away 400m, far too good over final stages. MR:2:01.3, 800m in 56.0, 400m in 27.3. Not herself when well beaten behind Jolimont in 1:52 mile back in October when last produced but back to back wins prior and has fashioned a handy record nevertheless. Good enough to bounce back and improve upon the five win record.

Matai Phil (3g Washington VC – Matai Katie) Tr. P & P Blanchard

Settled fourth of 6 in single file, first to improve inside final 800m, parked, there to challenge final 200m, got the better of pacemaker Colonel Lincoln final 100m. Last 800m in 57.2, 400m in 27.9. Has won two from just 5 starts but with some mixed efforts in between. Comes from a tough Southland family and this effort suggested he is ready to show some form again

Lou Will (4g Sweet Lou – Rock And Roll) Tr. T Hopkins

Gate speed to lead three rivals clearly early stages, did enough to hold out Cheer The Captain by 1/2L. MR:2:03.7, 800m in 58.6, 400m in 29.1. Important stable change since last racing in late September, three runs in the south didn’t produce anything of note but does have some breeding to recommend. Half brother to Airpark Flyer (7 wins). Cheer The Captain (2c Captaintreacherous – Cheer The Lady) sat fourth of 4 before putting in a sustained sprint around field final 300m, big run from a well bred colt not yet qualified.

Mick Konstantin (3c Downbytheseaside – Hunua Belle) Tr. J Abernethy

Got to trail in four horse heat, round to challenge pacemaker Big Wheels final turn, kept up strong run to do best final 50m. MR:2:10.0, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 29.0. Only a learners pace so not yet qualified but looks to have the game to take the next step. ‘Mick’ is a big boy so time has been his friend plus there is some solid breeding in his pedigree to support his cause to be a racehorse. First foal of his dam.

Rakero Ace (3g Father Patrick – Margaritaville) Tr. T Bamford

Rangiora (5/12/24) In this qualifier, the Bamford runner stepped nicely to lead two rivals, upped the ante final 600m and eventually clear by some 13L at the line, 3 secs under the required time. Last 800m in 61.2, 400m in 31.7. The mare has already left four handy horses but not surprising considering her breeding. Should be more than competitive in a maiden to start with.

Glengarry Star (3f Sweet Lou – Glengarry Lass) Tr. S & A Telfer

Settled fourth of 6 in single file, improved sharply inside final 500m to challenge pacemaker Banksy, led on straightening, kept up strong run to edge the latter. MR:2:02.6, 800m in 58.5, 400m in 29.5. Fourth foal of the mare and all previous Glengarrys have been winners, recent qualifier who will be looking to build upon the family record. Banksy (Art Major – On The Town) didn’t flinch in the run to the line. Half to Anything Goes (8 wins) and did qualify in this heat in a 2:02.6 MR.

Lakelsa (4m Captaintreacherous – Oh Tara) Tr. R Todd

Straight to the front over two rivals, always going well, strong run to stay in front of Spicey Crunch who ran on bravely from last MR:2:01.9, 800m in 56.7, 400m in 28.2. Lightly raced mare doing a good job having won two and placed in another five of her 11 starts. Shaping as a horse to follow especially in any mares specials, stable having a great season.

Caught The Eye (2f Captain Crunch – Spicey Delight) Tr. S & A Telfer

Trailed early, out bell to take over, waved goodbye on straightening and officially 7 1/2L at the line, impressive stuff. MR:2:02.2, 800m in 56.7, 400m in 28.2. Not the first time this filly has rated a mention in this forum. Let's remember still a maiden but fourth in Group 2 company when last produced back in May. She should catch the eye of a number of track watchers and her pending race resumption should be worth waiting for.

The Present Maker (5g The Pres – Make My Night) Tr. A & J Best

Stepped nicely to trail in field of 3, left in front after 800m when pacemaker off stride got away 500m and eventually cleared out by 22L at the line. Last 800m in 59.2, 400m in 30.5. Looked full of promise winning two of 6 starts but has not raced for nearly 12 months. If he can get himself fit, he should be a horse to follow especially over the Nelson/Blenheim New Year circuit which is a likely target.

Kasarani (3f Sweet Lou – Mashika) Tr. R Todd

Only a learners pace, stepped to lead four rivals, clicked up the pace inside final 800m, ran away final stages for impressive win. Last 800m in 57.8, 400m in 29.2. Fifth foal of a two-win mare whose first 4 foals have all been winners so the odds of this filly becoming a successful racehorse actually quite short and this effort confirmed her promise.

Party Up Denario (2f Lather Up – Fancy Dress) Tr. B Gray

Invercargill (6/12/24) Easily led two rivals from behind the mobile, turned up the heat 400m, nicely clear final 200m. MR:2:04.6, 800m in 59.5, 400m in 28.7. The filly is the first foal of a daughter of We Love To Party so she has plenty of breeding to support a race career. Nearly 5 secs under the required time here without being fully extended.

Always B Bootie (2g Always B Miki – Bootie Bromac) Tr. L Pearson

Led out 7 rivals, still there 400m, kept up strong run to stay clear of his rivals. MR:2:04.5, 800m in 58.2, 400m in 28.2. Qualified back in May but as yet unraced. Third foal of a mare that won 6 races and her first foal already a winner. Looks a good type and one to paste away.

Xerion (4g Majestic Son – Loxi Clairborne) Tr. L Veint

Stepped nicely to lead only rival Dignify, ran away from that rival last 500m, officially 24L at the line. MR:2:08.2, 800m in 60.1, 400m in 29.8. Has had the two wins already from just 9 starts and looks a trotter of promise. Should be competitive in his current grade.

Ted (3g Sweet Lou – Claire Bear) Tr. M Brown

Got to trail in eight-horse field, challenged 300m, led 100m out, nabbed on the line by Beach Day who came from midfield with a big run four wide around final turn to just get up over the top of Ted. MR:2:02.5, 800m in 57.8, 400m in 28.4. Beach Day (4 wins) a solid fifth recently when resuming in first race day run in 6 months and a likely big improver again. Ted has only had the three runs at the races but has won two of them and is another who should come on nicely with this run under his belt.

Showtym Girl (3f Sweet Lou – Hayley Nicole) Tr. N Chilcott

Cambridge (7/12/24) Trailed in a three horse field, came out around final bend to finish best with petrol left in the tank. MR:2:03.8, 800m in 58.8, 400m in 28.6. Thereabouts in five starts for former trainer Bob Butt (Woodend Beach), the last of those back in early August but has now been leased out to clients of the Chilcott stable. Good enough to feature in a maiden in her new home in the Waikato. New York Hustler tangled in behind gate before recovering to race third of 3, improved in open from the 500m, did well to run winner to 1/2L. No form to recommend in 7 starts but there was merit in this trials effort.

Randel Huston P (5g Peak – Rocket) Tr. B & T White

Methven (grass) (8/12/24) Too strong for three rivals coming clear final 150m, officially by 3 1/2L at the line. MR:2:19.8, 800m in 63.8. Has become more solid with time and this season has been his most successful as a 5YO. Last start winner back in August and ready to improve on the three race wins so far. With good manners, has always looked above average.

Clonakilty (4g Downbytheseaside – In Hollywood) Tr. B & T White

Dominant win over five rivals by some 6L and looked really good doing it. MR:2:15.6, 800m in 62.7. Had just the four starts and won the first 3 before hitting the wall back in early October on the Methven track. The win prior had him getting the better of Smoke On The Water (9 wins + $150k) and that bodes well for upcoming assignments. Big respect.

Selsey Anne (2f Lather Up – Ariadne Lavra) Tr. M Jones

Ashburton (9/12/24) Easily led out from behind mobile over three rivals, clear mostly, kept going strongly MR:1:58.5, 800m in 56.5, 400m in 26.7. The word was out when she debuted at Kaikoura and she did not disappoint, her only race day performance. These sectionals, allowing for Ashburton being a fast track, suggest she is ready to go again. Bettor Go Vinnie (2g Vincent – Delightful Dale) sat back fourth of 4, giving the winner some 8L at the 600m, big effort to get within a neck of winner, last 400m would have been exceptional. Has had two placings in 3 starts, definitely a maiden to follow.

Father Mike (3g Father Patrick – Iditarod) Tr. L McCormick

Stepped nicely to lead, got clear 1000m out and his three rivals couldn’t keep up from that point. MR:2:12.0, 800m in 61.6, 400m in 29.4. Only a qualifier but 3secs under required time and he did win by some 14L. Further study showed he has some quality bloodlines behind him, one to paste away.

Black Billie Jean (3g Fear The Dragon – Billie Jean) Tr. B & T White

Caught wide in open first 400m before securing a rails run fourth of 5 in single file, off at the 400m to challenge leaders, slight check when pacemaker Delightful Peg off stride at the 150m, came quickly once balanced up to nab Emma Swan who had enjoyed a good trail. MR:2:04.2, 800m in 59.2, 400m in 27.8. Patiently handled by the stable and has looked promising in his six race day starts. First foal from mare who ranks as a half sister to NZ Oaks winner Aardiebytheseaside. Has the one win on the current CV but will come as no surprise to see him improve on this record. Has a nice way of moving.

Francent (3f Vincent – Mary Niven) Tr. R Higgins

Westport (9/12/24) No video to watch but did outpoint three rivals, winning by 1L. MR:2:11.4, 800m in 59.9. Interestingly, qualified at Rangiora way back in April of 2023 so likely to have had some challenges along the way because as yet unraced. Fifth foal from unraced mare but the first four foals all winners including Queenofdance (13 wins + $131k) and Songbird (6 wins + $77k). Things look on track for Xmas time at Westport/Reefton.

To see previous Trials Reports click here