The Trials Report - Six of the Best

These six horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week 20/2/2025 they head back to the racetrack.

Lincoln Linda (2f Bettor’s Delight – High Society Gal) Tr. R Green

After three winning runs (unbeaten) at the Pukekohe trials/workouts, the Ray Green-trained filly was made a warm favourite on debut at The Park (7/2/25) and was going to lead on her ear from the outside gate but jumped a shadow after 250m and was looked after thereafter by driver Maurice McKendry, eventually finishing fifth of 6, some 2.4L from the winner, stablemate Angelic Copy whom she had beaten fair and square at the workouts prior. The latter is not a race rival this Friday in Race 8 at Auckland where the stable is providing all five runners and as long as the experience hasn’t made a negative impression, one could expect Linda to make amends

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Iron Heart (3f Captain Crunch – Princess Arts) Tr. S & A Telfer

Has had plenty of practice at northern workouts for her race day debut including a winning turn at Pukekohe (23/1/25) where she led and proved too good for her rivals. MR:2:02.4, 800m in 58.0, 400m in 28.4. Recent winner Roy Kent was some 11L away in fourth in that heat. Debuts in Race 4 at Auckland this Friday night where she has drawn sweetly in No 1. This is a handy maiden field where a number of this field should go on to better things but she is a half sister to Alta Wiseguy (10 wins and $225k) & her dam won seven times. 

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Demon Blue (3g Art Major – Flying Mrs Williams Tr. M & N Purdon

Smart 2YO from last season warming up for a 3YO campaign which is likely to tackle the major classic races on the calendar. Had a typical Purdon trial at Ashburton (12/2/25) where he got back then ran on solidly just in behind the placegetters without being pushed hard. MR:2:03.6, 800m in 56.5, 400m in 26.6. Straight on the plane to Auckland with stablemate Without You (who won trial) and resuming at Auckland this Friday in Race 6 where he has drawn outside of the gate. As a horse who got close to Marketplace in a Group 1 at the end of November last year, the draw shouldn’t be too much of an obstacle.

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Quinn (4g Downbytheseaside – Vengeance) Tr. B Negus

Won at the Mount Hutt workouts (15/2/25), running on best from three deep to score. MR:2:13.2, 800m in 60.5 (grass track).Has always had a reputation with his trainer who has been patient with the big son of Downbytheseaside. Only the 12 runs to date for two wins and the recent form line suggests another win not too far away. Sneaks down to the grass at Cromwell this Friday and looks a live chance in Race 7.

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Selsey Anne (3f Lather Up – Ariadne Lavra) Tr. M Jones

Officially only fifth of 7 in Ashburton trial (12/2/25) but strong late run when heat all but over on fast sectionals (leader last 800m in 56.5) behind impressive winner Without You, definitely caught the eye. Only had the two runs for an impressive debut at Kaikoura then faded to seventh at Invercargill after having a tough trip in transit. Looks to have a motor and resumes at Ashburton this Saturday in Race 8. Draw could work out for her (inside of second line) over the sprint distance and looks capable of upsetting the favoured runners

Hail Mary (4m Bacardi Lindy – Juliana) Tr. N Williamson

On debut at Cromwell (Race 2) this weekend but has been well schooled in southern workouts including a winning turn at Winton (14/2/25). MR:2:13.3, 800m in 60.6 where she led and stayed on determinedly in the hands of her race day driver Ollie Kite. Rates as a half/full sister to 7 good winners including Dark Horse (14 wins), Monty Python (15 wins) & Hidden Talent (9 wins). Looks a very suitable race to begin her racing career.

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