The Trials Report - Six of the Best

These six horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week 13/2/2025 they head back to the racetrack.

Mighty Flying Lou (4g Sweet Lou – Fleets Pocket) Tr. M White

Went to the Pukekohe workouts 5/2/25 and showed gate speed to lead, stayed on strongly to stay in front. MR:2:05.1, 800m in 59.4, 400m in 28.0. This was a strong heat which included Ohoka Connor and Greased Lightning. Hasn’t started since an unplaced effort at Addington late November 2024 but his prior form was more than useful, winning two from just 11 starts. In the meantime, his owners have decided to change stables and he makes his northern debut in Race 4 at Auckland from a handy draw. Words, a debut winner at his only start, justifying his strong favouritism on that occasion after solid trial form, was hard held in behind at the finish of the above workout. She is a big threat in the same race at Auckland (Race 4)

Frisco Bay (4g Downbytheseaside – Idealistic) Tr. Green / Delaney

Freshened after racing without a lot of luck New Year's Eve then won a three horse workout 23/1/25 beating race rival/stablemate Debbie Lincoln narrowly after leading. MR:2:02.4, 800m in 56.6, 27.4. Raced at Auckland 7/2/25 and finished on resolutely for fourth after racing at the rear of a seven horse field. Going again this Friday at Auckland in Race 7 and Zachary Butcher hops on. Stable has three in the race and Frisco Bay has a handy draw to help his cause in extending his wining record which currently stands at three wins.

Just Us Two (2c Art Major – Dancing Diamonds) Tr. M & N Purdon

On debut from top strike rate stable and has had three trials to prepare him for Race 6 at Addington on Friday night. The last of those trials at Ashburton 5/2/25 where he led three rivals, didn’t flinch when his rivals came up to him and although nosed out on the line, not knocked about over the final stages. MR:2:01.2, 800m in 58.4, 400m in 28.0. Bred to be good, dam won nine and $343k and has already left six winners including the likes of millionaire pacer Princess Tiffany (25 wins and 1:49.9) and the ‘colours’ deserve the utmost respect.

Lochdarragh (4g Lochaburn – Rock Me Gently) Tr. K Chapman

Ran on from a long way back at the Rangiora trials 23/1/25 for 3rd behind Riptide. MR:2:01.8, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 28.8. Freshened since last racing in mid December 2024, placing five times in just 7 starts, often plagued by bad draws. Has shown enough at certain times to certainly win a maiden pace and gets his big chance this Friday at Addington in Race 10 where Sheree Tomlinson will take the drive. Dam a half to open class pacer Beach Ball.

Rakavenom (3f Rock N Roll Heaven – Rakaporsche) Tr. A Stratford

Impressed at the Wyndham workouts 8/2/25, settling fourth of 7 before improving sharply at the 500m to take issue, led on straightening, ran clear final stages. MR:2:04.2, 800m in 57.8, 400m in 29.1. Had two starts as a 2YO including a Group 3 race but her manners let her down and turned out, not seen since March 2024. Has had a stable change since then and resumes for her new trainer at Gore in Race 2 this Sunday. Not sure about the grass and cops a bad draw but obviously has a motor.

Classee (5m Betterthancheddar – Zeonly Survivor) Tr. W Adams

A close up third at the Winton workouts (24/1/25) where the closing sectionals were 800m 57.3/ 400m in 28.5 was followed up by a brave third to Bondi Lustre at Wairio (11/2/25) when resuming on race day. On that occasion, she improved three wide with cover over the last lap before running home strongly over the final 150m to get within 1L of the winner (at big odds 12/12). That was her first run at the races since late March of 2024 and one would expect that natural improvement in her fitness should make her even better again at Gore this Sunday in Race 11. Four attempts on the grass previously haven’t resulted in much and does have a second line draw to contend with so the odds might be quite juicy again.