The Trials Report - Six of the Best

These six horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (6/2/2025) they head back to the racetrack.

Hillbilly Blues (4g What The Hill – Experiment) Tr. Wallis & Hackett

Impressively led up then cleared out from his opposition in a Pukekohe workout 23/1/25 by some 4L.  MR:2:09.0, 800m in 59.2, 400m in 28.8. Only had the four starts for a smart win on debut and a placing but not sighted since April 2024. Change of stable in the meantime and the in-form Crystal Hackett gets aboard in Race 3 at Auckland this Friday. Trotted boldly in the above workout and looks primed for a grand resumption.

Always Flyin (4g Always B Miki – Falcon’s Flybye) Tr. G Rogerson

Smart horse being patiently handled and to date has won four from 7 but has not started since August 2024. Led and won a workout narrowly at Pukekohe back on January 10. MR:2:00.7, 800m in 55.1, 400m in 27.3. Has been back to the workouts (30/1/25) and ran fourth of 5 and just ok. Maurice McKendry to drive in Race 5 at Auckland where one would expect southern visitor Rubira to be all the rage but hard to ignore those sectionals from Jan 10 and the Rogerson runner does have a draw advantage over the likely favourite

Here Comes Marty (3g Terror To Love – Lucie Boshier) Tr. A Stuart

Only qualified on 23/1/25 but it was some effort, improving in the open last 1000m before going to the front last 600m and winning comfortably. MR:2:01.3, 800m in 56.2, 400m in 28.4. Dam won 11 and $138k and won in 1:54 and has already left a couple of handy performers for the same connections. Has chosen to debut at Addington on Friday night in Race 7 and based on the trial effort, a winning debut a real possibility.

Ready To Dream (3g Bettor’s Delight – Follow The Dream) Tr. H & A Cullen

Knocked over last start when going to be a threat final 200m (won by Crunch Time). That was a debut result following a promising trial behind the same runner/stablemate at Rangiora (15/1/25) beaten 3/4L. MR:1:58.0, 800m in 55.5, 400m in 27.9. As long as that experience hasn’t taken a toll on his confidence, he should go very close in a small field (Addington, Race 2) where he has beaten many of these already at the trials.

Chicago Sky (3f Bettor’s Delight – Chicago Blues) Tr. K & J Price

Finished on terms with subsequent winner Secret Agent Man (24/1/25) at the Winton workouts. MR:2:03.6, 800m in 56.3, 400m in 27.1. Promising filly with plenty of breeding to support her claims as a race horse. Nice win on debut before running fourth (her only other race) back in December, freshened with some big goals on the horizon. Meets a handy field at Wairio this weekend in Race 3 but drawn to get a soft trip and a big run expected.

Jaccka Elvis (3g Captain Crunch – Elva Jaccka) Tr. B Gray

Multiple positives at recent Southland workouts, the latest a dead-heat at Winton (24/1/25) where he impressed running MR:2:02.8, 800m in 56.7, 400m in 27.5. Cops a very nice draw for his debut at Wairio in Race 6 against some handy maidens. Dam won 5 and this fellow is her second foal with the first foal already a winner (Jaccka Evan). Brent Barclay sticks with him.