The Trials Report – Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (16/4/26) they head back to the racetrack.

WINTON THURSDAY 

Ideal Crown (3f American Ideal – Two And Sixpence) Tr. C Faithful

Good filly who has been butting heads with the best of her age group down south and running solid races without adding to her one career win to date. Two runs into a new campaign after getting primed by southern workouts through February, the last behind Wild East at Winton (19/2/26) on a 2:02MR, last 800m in 57.5. Goes back to Winton this Thursday for the Wairio meeting (Race 3) and in what looks like a big drop in class, snares a nice front line draw to show off her natural gate speed. Expected to play a big part in the race outcome.

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WINTON THURSDAY 

The Dancer (3f Downbytheseaside – Take My Hand) Tr. M Williamson

Showed her trial form through March to be very encouraging by winning on debut at Wyndham (19/3/26), proving far too good for her rivals on a 1:57.6MR. Didn’t get the same racing luck second up (29/3/26) but not disgraced when fifth behind stablemate Seeking Clarity, just over 5L from the winner. The latter went on to Addington to place in better company last week. Goes to Wairio this Thursday (Race 10) and has a very good draw to either lead or take a trail. Held in some regard by the trainer and stable certainly kicking goals of late.

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AUCKLAND FRIDAY 

Duke Of Bourbon (2c Face Time Bourbon – Dance Craze) Tr. Purdon / Phelan

$240,000 purchase from the 2024 Auckland Yearling sales on debut at Auckland this Friday night in Race 4. Has looked sharp in recent trial wins through March & April, the last in a 3 horse heat at Pukekohe where the weather was showery & the track slushy. He led and proved too good for his two rivals including stablemate Power Station winning untouched by 3 1/4L, MR:2:07.9, 800m in 63.6, 400m in 31.5. Has chosen to debut this Friday at Auckland (Race 4) where he has drawn the middle of the front line over the sprint trip of 1700m. Second foal, first colt from a mare that won multiple Group 1 races and $540k+ in stakes. Arguably the best bred trotter in the country.

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AUCKLAND - FRIDAY 

Mako (5g Downbytheseaside – Lincoln’s Delight) Tr. A Donnelly

Three runs back in a new campaign after some tidy trial form through February but racing luck has not been on his side especially in the last two efforts. In his last race, he got back and did well to get fifth, within 3L of the winner Iron Mike Tyson on a 1:59MR, last 800m in 56.8. For a horse that has won four of 17 starts with $75k in the bank, he has dropped to a very competitive rating (47) and he goes to Auckland this Friday in a 1700m Mob (Race 3) where he has a good draw to work with and with Tony H sticking with him, one could expect him to drive forward early on and play a definite part in the finish.

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ADDINGTON FRIDAY 

Picasso (3g Art Major – Glenferrie Classic) Tr. C Ferguson

Multiple workout/trials wins through February and March then debuted in brilliant fashion at Wyndham (29/3/26) showing gate speed to lead then clearing out from his opposition by some 9L. MR:1:59.5, 800m in 59.5, 400m in 28.9. Treks north to Addington this Friday night (Race 3) where the opposition will be tougher but not just coming up to make up numbers. Held in high regard and deserves the greatest of respect. Dam won four races and his grandmother is none other that NZ Cup winner Mainland Banner (17 wins from just 22 starts). Likely to paint a pretty picture!

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ADDINGTON - SUNDAY 

Mossdale Marie (3f American Ideal – Mossdale Art) Tr. G & B Hope

Only the second foal of a handy Bettor’s Delight mare that won five with a winning MR of 1:52.5. Goes to the Cheviot meeting at Addington on Sunday to debut in Race 4 where she has drawn the middle of the front line behind the mobile. Primed by recent trials with two winning runs at her last two public appearances. In the last trial, (7/4/26), at Rangiora, the filly trailed third of 5 before improving to take issue inside the final 600m, too strong for her rivals at the business end. MR:2:02.6, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 29.0. In a wide open affair, she is expected to prove highly competitive going by her trial form.