The Trials Report - Six Of The Best

These six horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week 8/5/24 they head back to the racetrack.

Mallory Maguire (4m Art Major – Miranda Maguire) Tr. A Black

Hasn’t started in a race for over a year but primed by recent southern workouts, the last (2/5/25) where she defeated two rivals under a hold at Invercargill (including a race rival High Return). Last 800m in 59.1, 400m in 28.1. Resumes at Winton this Thursday in Race 2. Showed plenty of promise in three starts as a 3YO including a 1:55.3 placing on debut behind the smart Ruby Roe. Only the third foal from a well bred mare with the first two foals already winners including Lewey Maguire (5 wins to date). Mallory is better than a maiden.

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Trump Card (4g Rock N Roll Heaven – Capture My Heart) Tr. H & A Cullen

Resumed in some style (25/4/25) when second behind the impressive Arthur Shelby in a 1:56MR, last 800m in 58.5. This was his first race start since October 2024 but had been going well at the Rangiora trials (3). The last of these (17/4/25) had him easily beating Action Major in a 2:04.4MR, last 800m in 56.5, 400m in 28.4. Second up this Friday at Addington in Race 2 and although drawn the inside of the second line, should strip fitter again for this assignment. Stable on fire in recent weeks.

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Galleon’s Ambassador (7m Love You – Galleon’s Royale) Tr. J Morrison

Not seen at the races since October 2024 but trucked down to the Oamaru trials (29/4/25) and easily accounted for two rivals including Florence The Machine after leading. MR:2:02.6, 800m in 57.6. Has fashioned a good horse’s record winning six from 41 starts and $79k in stakes. Down to resume at Addington this Friday in Race 7 and off 10m in a very open field. Course and distance stats read well and could offer real value.

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Always Be Mattie (4g Always B Miki – Diamonds & Dust) Tr. T Hopkins

Showed his readiness for a resumption by winning at the Alex Park workouts (2/5/25) when leading and staying on strongly to beat two rivals, including the promising Sadhaka. MR:2:00.9, 800m in 57.7, 400m in 28.5. Two other workouts before that in March have helped get him into race trim. Last seen on a track in October 2024 where he placed behind Invisible (7 wins and $105k). Begins a new campaign this Friday at Auckland in Race 3 where he has drawn the outside of the second line due to him being the highest rated horse in the field. Won two from 6 starts last campaign in a very promising start to his race career.

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South Side Story (3g Always B Miki – Supremacy) Tr. Purdon / Phelan

Only the one race day start way back in June 2024 but on fire at recent Pukekohe workouts, the latest (3/5/25) where he led and proved too strong for three rivals including stablemate Blackjack. MR:2:03.3, 800m in 57.9, 400m in 27.0.  Zach Butcher drove in the workout and likely to stick with him in Race 5 at Auckland this Friday night. By a sire who’s progeny just seem to get better and better with time and the top trainers have certainly been patient. Dam won 9 and $100K+ but has been a shy breeder and this bloke is only her second foal since 2014. That foal, Bounty Lady, went on to pace 1:51 in America. Supremacy is from the mighty Victor Supreme (17 wins and $247k).

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Jesse Owens (4g Bettor’s Delight – The Princess) Tr. J Morrison

Another of the stable taken down to the Oamaru trials (29/4/24) and good enough to beat one rival in a comfortable 2:07.4MR, last 800m in 57.7 winning by some 6L. Prior to that run, had won a four horse heat at Ashburton in a faster time with a similar last 800m. Half brother to Princess Meritaten (7 wins from 15 starts and $155k) and owned by the same connections including the O’Mearas. Qualified back in August of last year beating the likes of Elektra King who was a winner at Rangiora last weekend. Long-awaited debut at Ashburton this Sunday in Race 4. Would be embarrassing if he couldn’t run fast with that name.