The Trials Report : Six Of The Best

These six horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week 27/2/2025 they head back to the racetrack.

Ohoka Connor (5g Sunshine Beach – Idolise) Tr. S & A Telfer

Went solo at the Pukekohe workouts (12/2/25) running his last 800m in 56.2, 400m in 27.1 over 2050m. Has a very good horse’s record winning 10 of 19 race day starts and proven at Group level. Found standing starts not to his liking in the south so allowed to bypass the NZ Cup and hasn’t started since running second equal at Group 3 level during Cup week 2024 but now in the northern arm of the Stonewall operation and lines up in a small field at Auckland this Friday (Race 7). More than 20 rating points higher than any other runner so has the widest draw and although pitted against some very promising 3YOs, his class should take him a long way in this assignment. Regular pilot Tim Williams making the trip north to stay in the sulky.

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Eyre I Will (5g What The Hill – Landora’s Special) Tr. J Young

Workout winner at Pukekohe (20/2/25) where he sat fourth of 6 before improving in open last 600m to take issue, proved too strong over the final stages. MR:2:08.9, 800m in 59.7, defeating a number of his rivals who line up in Race 4 at Auckland this Friday. Came very solid last campaign culminating in a top win at Auckland on New Year’s Eve (last race day start), freshened and generally steps well which will be an asset over the sprint journey. Now the winner of 5 races and has the breeding to go a wee bit further yet.

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Dynasty (4m Rocknroll Hanover – Special Rose) Tr. B Butt

Well-bred mare who looked quite promising as a pacer winning two from just 8 starts and held in enough regard to start in the NZ Oaks, unplaced behind Duchess Megxit, her last race day appearance back in November 2024. But much has changed in the interim and recently qualified as a trotter (13/2/25). On that occasion, her manners were faultless and after trailing throughout, finished best over four rivals without being overly extended. MR:2:07.2, 800m in 60.4, 400m in 29.6. Debuts in her new gait at Addington this Friday in Race 3 and if she can reproduce her trial form, then she looks a strong chance to score win number three. 

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Captain Commodore (3g Captain Crunch – Kensington Kate) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Half brother to top mare Duchess Megxit who has had only the one race day start back in October 2024 (unplaced behind The Lazarus Effect) but looked an improved horse when winning at the Rangiora Trials (24/2/25), led after 400m and stayed on too well for his rivals. MR:2:03.6, 800m in 56.8. Resumes this Friday at Addington in Race 9 and from a handy draw should race prominently. Meets some handy opposition but only needs a smidgen of the family ability to prove competitive.

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

Two runs back after a lengthy spell for minor placings in the deep south including a monster fourth on the grass at Gore after getting well out of her ground but a nice trial (24/1/25) at Winton (third behind Ultimate Weapon) signalled that the 5YO mare could be one to follow. Goes back to the Winton track this Thursday (Race 3) and experiences a massive swing in barrier draws in her favour. This shapes as a very winnable race if she can put her best foot forward.

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Rising Storm (3c Raging Bull – Rahuri Desire) Tr. W Bryant

Brings strong trial form to his race debut this Thursday at Winton in Race 6. His latest trial win was on the Winton track coming from the trail to finish best over five rivals. MR:2:05.5, 800m in 59.4, 400m in 28.7. Before that he qualified as a winner at Wyndham (17/1/25) where he defeated Jaccka Elvis (2:02 MR) who has gone on to be a race winner already. Cops a wide draw for this week's debut but looks a progressive type and definitely one to follow.

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