The Trials Report – Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (2/4/26) they head back to the racetrack.

War Cry (3f Lazarus – Thirsty Thursday) Tr. Purdon/Phelan

Some 25L behind River in the Harness Million for 3YO Fillies when resuming (20/3/26) and placing fourth but a trial winner at Pukekohe (10/3/26) prior to that effort where she left midfield of 7 to get outside the leader with 800m to run, ran clear last 400m for a comfortable win. MR:2:04.7, 800m in 57.6, 400m in 27.6. Second up at Cambridge this Thursday (Race 11) and drops back into a maiden race for F&M with a nice draw to use. Placed five times last season against the best 2YO Fillies and was one of the favourites for the Sires Stakes final in Cup week but ran below par after reportedly showing signs of tying up. Half sister to I’m Sandra Dee and looks way better than a maiden. Her Art Major dam has recently changed hands and is a full sister to the Group performer Say My Name (8 wins).

To place a bet in this race click here 

Schemeandream (3f Always B Miki – Time To Dream) Tr. N Williamson

Multiple workout wins through March, the latest at Invercargill where she trailed third of 4 in single file before coming around wide to challenge on the final bend, too good for race rival Three Thirty. MR:2:07.9, 800m in 58.7, 400m in 28.7. Well-related filly down to debut at Invercargill this Thursday in Race 8 and her chances have received a big boost by drawing the pole in the mobile 2200m event. Second foal of a mare that qualified but didn’t race and is a daughter of the very smart filly Western Dream (14 wins from 27 starts and $336k). Southern breeder Vin Devery who has enjoyed much success with this family, also owns the debutante filly. Qualified as a 2YO back in October 2025 but has been given time and now it may be “time to dream".

To place a bet in this race click here 

Miki’s Deal (3f Always B Miki – Delightful Deal) Tr. B Gray

Very smart filly who trialled strongly at Winton (13/2/26) putting in a big run to lead with 1200m to run and just nosed out by Always B Batman in a 2:00.7MR, 800m in 56.0. Then resumed with a 1:53 mile victory at Winton (26/2/26) before trekking all the way up to Auckland for the Group 2 Ladyship stakes for 3YO Fillies. Copped the visitors draw (outside of the gate) against the best fillies, parked for a good way and still too tough for a magnificent victory in 2:40 for the 2200m/MR:1:57.0, 800m in 57.6. Back home for a heat of the Southland Oaks this Thursday (Race 7) and again has the outside draw. Now the winner of four of her 8 starts and only has to reproduce the Auckland effort to keep her winning season going, allowing for the top quality of her opposition on that occasion

To place a bet in this race click here 

Cath (3f Sweet Lou – Fancy) Tr. B Hill

Smart filly about to kick off her 3YO campaign, won two of her 7 2YO starts (with another 4 placings) last season and has not started since winning at her last start back in November. Primed for resumption with strong trials form, the latest at Rangiora (24/3/26) where she settled fifth of 6 in single file before improving final 800m to sit outside the leader Caught The Eye, got in the deciding strides over that runner after sizzling home in 55.8/ 27.9. Goes to Addington Easter Saturday (Race 6) against a small but highly talented field of 3YOs. Big ask fresh up to beat the boys but definitely a filly to follow in her coming starts

To place a bet in this race click here 

Arthur Shelby (5g Bettor’s Delight – Racketeers Girl) Tr. B Hill

Another smart type and stablemate of Cath also resuming at Addington this Saturday (Race 9). Has not got a great draw but no further back than third in 8 career starts including 5 wins. Two trials in March including a winning turn at Rangiora (24/3/26) where he led and held out Tact Teva under his own steam. MR:2:04.1, 800m in 58.0, 400m in 27.9. Likely to be driven conservatively in a fresh state with key rivals drawn to play a major part in proceedings but he has shown there is plenty of ‘bottom’ to his game on multiple occasions and should not be underestimated.

To place a bet in this race click here 

My Wingman (4g Captain Crunch – Robins Delight) Tr. B Borcoskie

Went a very nice trial at Addington (3/3/26) getting within 2L of a smart horse in Bar Louie MR:2:06.0, 800m in 56.6, 400m in 27.5. Three subsequent starts have produced little reward but to be fair, racing luck has not been on his side against some very tidy opposition. Has won the three races and remains a tad underrated. Gets another chance to add to his record this Saturday at Addington (Race 1) and his second line draw might work in his favour. With no form to recommend him, he should represent real value in a very even line up.

To place a bet in this race click here