The Trials Report – Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (8/1/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Prince Lincoln (3c Always B Miki – Cullen’s Princess) Tr. R Green

Placed second in a trial in early December behind the very promising Cyclone Rebel where they ran some time. MR:2:01.1, last 800m in 57.7. Has had three  race day starts back in December in a new campaign for three placings and far from disgraced against some handy opposition. Last start third behind Buddy Good, finishing on strongly to get within 1.4L of the winner in a 1:58.4MR. Goes to Cambridge this Friday (Race 2) where he has drawn the second line but that could work out for him. Genuine type with breeding to suggest that he can add to his winning tally this week.

Soundshell (3g Downbytheseaside – Letstalk) Tr. Hollis/Robertson

Only qualified at Pukekohe 16/12/25 but did come off the back of debut winner Little Lily (defeated Lincoln Downs at Cambridge 24/12/25 in a 1:58.9MR) and just edged her out. MR:2:04.5, 800m in 58.3, 400m in 28.5. Goes to Cambridge this Friday (Race 8) to make his debut from a handy front line draw. Stable has two in the race with Hey Miki drawn the pole and if he were to hold up, wouldn’t be surprised to see Soundshell make the lead. Comes from a very productive family bred by the Cummings family of Central Otago. Half brother Machtu won three from 5 before being sold and has race times in 1:50 in America.

Hawk Touie Louie (3g Sweet Lou – Delightful Clare) Tr. B Butt

Very promising debut back in early August behind Zeus Lightning when placed third and has since changed ownership and stables. Trial winner 23/12/25 then placed in most recent Rangiora two-horse trial (1/1/26) behind stablemate Prophet with a head between them at the line, track was slushy on this occasion. MR:2:11.6, 800m in 59.8, 400m in 29.6. Heads to the Nelson circuit this Friday for start No 2 in Race 3 and looking to give a quick return to the new owner. Looks a strong chance to feature. Closely related to Sir Lincoln (21 wins and $661k).

Candy Cane (4m Sweet Lou – Cmeerock) Tr. R & J Dunn

Placed second at the Rangiora trials 23/12/25 behind stablemate Gone Surfin in a 1:59.3MR, last 800m in 56.9 then backed that effort up with a solid second at Rangiora (1/1/26) when favourite behind Kowhai Star on a slushy track, coming from well back starting final 400m. Part of the Dunn team trekking north to Nelson for the ‘circuit’ and should strip an even fitter version in Race 11 although does have a wide draw to contend with. The veteran of only six race day starts with two wins and two placings to her credit and looms as one to definitely follow over the coming starts.

Luca (4g Carlton – The Earth Moved) Tr. G & B Hope

Maiden trotter who placed second in a Rangiora trial (23/12/25) after trailing Nobilo throughout. MR:2:08.4, 800m in 60.7, 400m in 30.4. Sent out favourite at Reefton a week later and far from disgraced when second to Highly Rated. That was only her third race day start and her first since early June last year. Goes to Nelson this Friday and has struck the inside draw against only five rivals in Race 2. Sure to be improved and as long as she brings her manners, should prove tough to roll. Half brother to Mr Love (11 wins) and three other good winners so has a bit to live up to. Dam won 6 as well and closely related to Monbet.

Shanky’s Shot (3c Downbytheseaside – Moving Money) Tr. T Trathen

Trialled 16/12/25 at Ashburton and placed second behind Typhoon Tere after stepping nicely and in lead/trail for much of the contest. Backed that effort up with a strong second in the 2YO race at Banks Peninsula (29/12/25) behind the promising Captain Tyron albeit 5L away and now boasts 2 placings from just 3 race day starts. Secures a nice draw on Friday at Nelson in Race 5 and would not need to improve much to collect the lion's share of the spoils. Dam won two in a brief career and is a half to the promising Henry Winkler (3 wins to date).