The Trials Report – Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (23/4/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Cambridge - Thursday 

Special Occasion (3g Captaintreacherous – Silvia) Tr. N Purdon

Good trial when third behind stablemate Incentivise (24/3/26) then resumed in a 1:53 Sires Stakes semi-final at Cambridge and fought strongly to take third behind Lincoln Wave in his first race start since October 2025. Goes back to Cambridge this Thursday (Race 5) and has a sweet draw against six rivals over 2200 mob. Should be naturally improved fitness wise and needs to step up for his high profile ownership group if he is to realise his earlier potential shown as a 2YO.

Invercargill - Thursday 

Treasure Chest (3f Bettor’s Delight – Fortune Lover) Tr. K Green

Trial winner back in February and three subsequent race day starts have been close but no cigar. Has been well supported on the tote in those runs and now she gets her real chance at Invercargill on Thursday (Race 2) to break through for that maiden win. Has drawn the ace in a mobile 2200m around a tight track and her new trainer known for liking the front. Dam was unraced but a daughter of the Globe trotting star Under Cover Lover (21 wins and $865k). She has had six of her foals make the winner’s circle.

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Auckland - Friday 

Gotta Go Miki (5m Always B Miki – Hu Hu) Tr. Hollis/Robertson

Lightly-raced mare who was a workout winner at Pukekhoe (8/4/26) getting up to beat Sugar Ray Lincoln on a slushy track in a 2:2.3MR, 800m in 58.7, 400m in 27.9. Then went to Auckland last week and looked unlucky in fifth behind Mick Konstantin when held up at a key moment and caught the eye getting up in behind the placings late. That was a heat and this week it’s the $35k final (Race 1) against many of the same horses and he has a big swing in the draws this time. Represents real E/W value here and should not be underestimated. Has won just the two from 22 starts.

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Addington - Friday 

Tee Ball (3g Captaintreacherous – Shezaball) Tr. A & J Best

Well-bred gelding (1/2 brother to Cold Chisel) who has won two trials this month, the last at Ashburton (14/4/26) where he stepped safely from the stand to lead then trailed, handy for most of the trip before coming around to challenge final turn and won with some comfort in the end MR:2:07.8, 800m in 58.1, 400m in 26.7. Has had the one start as a 2YO back in November and now ready to resume at Addington this Friday night in Race 2. Meets some handy maidens (Conan 2nd /Don’t Be A Stranger 3rd in the Ashburton trial) and Sam Thornley has driven him in the trial wins but Wilson House gets this drive on race day. Another race rival and on debut, Admor Ella, unbeaten in four public outings and one of the first of the Captain Midnights to grace NZ tracks.

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Sideshow Bruce (5g Sweet Lou – Penscroft) Tr. B Butt

Smart horse with smart record (5 wins from 14 starts) resuming at Addington this Friday, Race 6). Last start seventh behind NZ Cup winner Kingman November 2025 but primed by recent trials, the last a second  behind Beachbreak at Ashburton (14/4/26). Broke at the start of that heat and settled behind the likes of Marketplace and Mo’unga, sharp improvement last 400m to dispute finish with the pacemaker, last 800m in 55.0, 400m in 26.0.
Clearly the tightest assessed horse in this race and aided by the mobile and a top junior driver in Seth Hill on this occasion. Strong chance to deliver in a fresh state.

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Rangiora - Sunday 

Bettor Dreams (3f Bettor’s Delight – Hopes And Dreams) Tr. B & T White

Had a quiet trial behind Patriot at Rangiora (24/3/26) when fourth of 7, MR:2:02.5, 800m in 58.1, 400m in 28.4, less than 1L from winner. Two nice subsequent runs in a new campaign, the latest at Addington last week when a close up second behind Lady Tyron in a 1:59.7MR. Just the veteran of five race day starts (for 3 minor placings and two 5ths) going to Rangiora this Sunday (Race 6) where she has drawn the pole in the 2000m Mobile. Won’t need to improve much to be right in the fight. Half sister to I’m The Boss with her second dam champion filly of her year in One Dream (18 wins from 23 starts).