The Trials ‘Report Card’

What was worth noting from the trials from all over the country for the week ending 18/12/2024

Roy Kent (2g Captain Crunch – Snooki) Tr. A Herlihy

Pukekohe (12/12/24) Settled third of 4 in single file, got to trail 700m as one rival forced to pull out, up to challenge 300m, led on straightening, too good for Ororo Munroe who ran on solidly from last to snare second. MR:2:01.4, 800m in 59.2, 400m in 29.1. ‘Roy’ showed promise in first campaign early in 2024 (1 placing in 3 starts) but then tossed out to mature. Third foal of mare that won 9 in a short career and her first two foals both winners. Strong contender to win a maiden in the north.

Clouding Over (4m Sky Major – Miss Lisa) Tr. J Cole

Showed gate speed to lead, still in front 200m out, kept up strong run to hold out Bar Louie who ran on nicely from third line. MR:2:00.5, 800m in 57.6, 400m in 27.6. Has only won the one race in 39 starts but generally consistent throughout the season and this run suggested another win a real possibility. Bar Louie back from unsuccessful trip to Addington where he found the likes of top 2YO Marketplace too good, still has won three of 7 race day starts and  due respect wherever he goes in the coming weeks.

Reet Petite (2f Ultimate Machete – Breeanna Rose) Tr. A Matthews

Out smartly to lead two rivals in a learners pace, still there 400m but drifted off the rails shortly after, did enough to hold out Miss Waiuku (2f Always B Miki – Uandmebabe) who tangled just before final turn when looking to come along the inside of pacemaker, recovered well to keep second, 1/2L from winner, still unqualified. MR:2:07.9, 800m in 60.6, 400m in 29.3. Reet Petite qualified way back in March and has some good breeding to recommend.

Shuffle Up (4g Washington VC – Pass The Sugar) Tr. L Pearson

Winton (13/12/24) Got to trail in field of five in single file, shuffled back to fourth 800m out when back runners improved to change the race dramatically, swept up three wide around final turn and was impressive coming clear final 200m. MR:2:03.9, 800m in 57.0, 400m in 29.3. Showed promise in three maiden starts but that was way back in February of 2024, qualified even further back in early 2023 so there obviously has been challenges along the way, let's hope the journey delivers for the very patient owners.

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

Settled back in seven horse heat, 7L off pace 600m, improved with late 1x1 cover, challenged on straightening, showed class over final 200m to win impressively. MR:2:02.0, 800m in 56.2, 400m in 28.7. Form has slipped after unsuccessful trip to Addington over Cup week but still the winner of 10 races from 31 starts + $144k in stakes. Getting ready for Group racing at Invercargill. Sodoyahavtime trailed and zipped through via passing lane to dispute finish although no chance with winner. In context, has only had the three starts for a win and one placing, into a new campaign after being spelled since winning in May and far from disgraced here.

Atalanta (2f Lather Up – Delightful Image) Tr. B McIntyre

In front and  kept going in a strong manner to clearly outpoint two rivals. MR:2:02.9, 800m in 58.4, 400m in 28.8. Showed promise in first campaign when placed twice in just three starts. Traces directly to broodmare gem Scuse Me so whatever she does on the track will embellish her value as a broodmare later in her life. In the meantime, she looks on track to record her maiden win down south. Another of the progeny of her sire making a big impression.

The Little General (3c Bettors Delight – Garden Rose) Tr. T Bagrie

Motukarara (14/12/24) Stepped nicely to lead, still there 400m out, did enough to hold out Sky Naturally who enjoyed a good trail Last 800m in 59.0, 400m in 28.0. Dam a half to a stack of good horses from her dam Winter Rose but she hasn’t had a lot of luck at stud herself. Only a learners pace here but this 'little fella' could be the one who might bring her pedigree page a change of fortune.

She’s A Major Act (3f Art Major – A Christian Act) Tr. T Bagrie

Settled last of five in single file, giving the leaders some 7L at the 400m, swept up wide around final turn and powered away from her rivals over the final stages, impressive. MR:2:12.7, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 29.0 (Grass track and out several cart widths from the inside running line). Shade disappointing in four starts earlier in the year but every chance she is stronger this time in, plenty of time yet to repay the faith shown by her large group of owners.

Comic Lustre (3f Sky Major – Atomic Lustre) Tr. I Court

Soon in front of two rivals, challenged on straightening but had no difficulty staying in front, untouched. MR:2:11.2, 800m in 58.0, 400m in 28.0 (Grass Track). Has already shown a liking for the grass surface winning at just her second start at Methven. (3 starts in total). Trainer has done well with the stock of Sky Major and this filly looks promising.

Eyes To Heaven (5m Sportwriter – Nga Mihi Nui) Tr. N Chilcott

Cambridge (14/12/24) In front after 400m, turned up the heat just before final turn then impressively came clear in the straight, officially by 4L over 3 rivals. MR:2:01.4, 800m in 57.4, 400m in 27.7. Important stable change since last racing in the Canterbury region back in May, this effort would suggest she has taken a liking to life in the North Island. Just the one win in 20 starts in the south (no other placings).

Ya Eejit Ya (2g Majestic Son – One Night Stand) Tr. S McCaffrey

Led out before trailing in three horse heat, left in front final turn when pacemaker off stride, didn’t put a foot wrong throughout (note this heat run the Auckland way of going). MR:2:02.0, 800m in 58.6, 400m in 29.7. You can't do any better than win and with three wins from 3 starts, this young trotter is looking the goods to keep the picket fence form line going. That’s good news for the trainer who is also the owner. Stablemate Hillbilly sat third of 3 throughout, made up good ground final 400m to run the winner to 1L. Has placed three out of 4 times to the races and gives the trainer a strong hand in the 2YO specials coming up at The Park.

First Light (3f Sportswriter – Twilight Franco) Tr. G Hunter

Wyndham (15/12/24) Settled third of 3, around to lead 1200m, always going well in front, had no bother to stay in front, last 800m in 57.5, 400m in 27.6. 
Right out of luck last time out when forced to retire with flat tyre, a good winner before that at Invercargill. Only the 12 race starts to date and has finished top three in 7 of them. Should prove very competitive in her current grade.

Adamas (3g Betting Line – Crazy Diamond) Tr. N Williamson

Secured soft trail three deep, able to improve and come three wide around final bend, good finish to get up over the top of his rivals without maximum effort. MR:2:03.8, 800m in 58.7, 400m in 28.6. Qualified all the way back in April but as yet unraced, one to follow when top southern stable ignites his race career. It’s a Pleasure caught the eye coming home in style to snare third (and closing), another to have petrol left in the tank.

Racingmissgracie (6m Shadow Play – Delightful Blue) Tr. M Pash

Nelson (16/12/24) Still a maiden after 20 starts (just 2 placings) but did win this heat by some 17L over three rivals. MR:2:03.1, 800m in 58.8, 400m in 28.6. Important stable change since last racing way back in February and has now won three trials in a row for the new stable going faster than anytime previously. Punter alert if she heads to the Coast for Xmas.

Sarasota Sunset (5m Sunshine Beach – Crystal Bromac) Tr. T Walsh

Only the one rival but comfortable enough and running some time in the process. MR:2:01.6, 800m in 57.9, 400m in 29.3. Resumed at Kaikoura after being off the scene for six months. Has won the three races including winning at Addington and another likely to be heading to the Coast circuit (his home track) followed by a campaign at the top of the south.

Miki Bennett (4g Always B Miki – Lady Dancer) Tr. S & A Telfer

Ashburton (16/12/24) Secured early trail behind Givemewhatineed, first two got away from the rest (4) with 600m to run, got up underneath pacemaker to win nicely. MR:2:03.2, 800m in 58.1, 400m in 28.4. On the way back after getting refreshed from Cup Week where he blew two winning chances by galloping inside the final 200m. Has still won the four races but obviously good enough to extend this winning record if he can hold himself together. Note, heads to Invercargill this week for premier racing.

Route Sixty Six (2g American Ideal – Ultimate Desire) Tr. M House

Trailed third of 5 in single file, shuffled back to last around final turn as back runners improved, stuck to the inside and finished attractively to outfinish rivals last 100m. MR:2:02.0, 800m in 60.8, 400m in 31.2. Not yet qualified - $25k yearling sales purchase for high profile owners, dam was very handy winning 7 and running a 1:52 mile so expectations naturally positive.

Aunty Rose (2f Always B Miki – Ava Rose) Tr. Hollis / Robertson

Pukekohe (18/12/24) Led easily from the pole over three rivals, clear 400m, didn’t flinch when Reet Petite threatened to run past, too strong final 100m.
Overall time nothing flash but last 800m in 57.3, 400m in 26.9. Qualified back in July but as yet unraced. Dam didn’t win in nine race day starts but second dam Waitfornoone won 11 + $200k, race debut now eagerly awaited.

Blazing Louie (5g Sweet Lou – Secret Love ) Tr. N Chilcott

Stepped nicely from unruly to lead three rivals, still there final turn but under attack, just got his nose in front but to be fair looked to have petrol left. Modest time but home in 57.1, 400m in 27.1. Freshened since last racing in September, not overly raced ( wins/5 placings in 17 starts over 3 seasons) but has always looked a horse with above average ability. Stablemates Rock Band (3 deep) and Double Jeopardy both ran on purposefully to fill the minor placings. The latter in particular did well to get within a length of the winner after missing away.

Captain Cool (2c Captain Crunch – Dreaminthemaking) Tr. K Newman

Addington (18/12/24) Raced in fourth (of 7) in single file until the 400m, improved three wide around final turn, strong kick to come away by 4 1/2L at the line, impressive. MR:2:02.4, 800m in 58.1, 400m in 29.1. Dam an unraced Christian Cullen daughter of top filly One Dream (18 wins + $900k). Four secs under qualifying time here and looking full of promise.

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

Stepped nicely to lead out three rivals, nicely clear 600m, said goodbye in the straight. MR:2:05.2, 800m in 58.2, 400m in 28.9. Dam was a race winner and her first four foals all race winners, this filly is foal number 5. Over 8 secs under required time in this qualifier and out by 6 1/2L at the line got our attention, maiden filly but for how much longer?

Rockingood (3g A Rocknroll Dance – Good Girl Becqui) Tr. B Hill

Restrained to third of 6 in single file, eased to outside 500m out, challenged on straightening, too strong over final stages. MR:2:04.4, 800m in 59.2, 400m in 29.9. Qualified as a 2YO but took him another 12 months to get to the races, debuting recently at Addington (when favourite). Had a gallop midrace which pretty much ended his chances. Burnt punters should stick with him as he is related to some handy types, “where there is smoke, there is fire."

Ohoka Connor (4g Sunshine Beach – Idolise) Tr. S & A Telfer

Only the one rival, stablemate Built For Glory, trailed that runner until final turn, up and around 250m, no trouble getting on top MR:2:01.9, 800m in 56.9, 400m in 28.6. Not sighted since placing on Cup day, as the winner of 10 from just 19 starts, his ability has never been in doubt but it's been proven on numerous occasions that he has a problem with standing starts, big respect wherever he goes next as long as it is a mobile.

**** Merry Xmas to one and all

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