The Trials Report – Six of the Best

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (7/5/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Winton - Thursday 

Devil Woman (2f Always B Miki – Dizzy Miss Lizzy) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Sneaking down to Winton this Thursday (Race 2) for her debut in a small 2YO field of 6 where five are on debut. Has won a couple of Canterbury trials in April, the most recent at Ashburton (28/4/26) where she showed gate speed to lead, in the end she was not extended to stay in front of her four rivals. MR:2:00.2, 800m in 57.9, 400m in 27.4. Dam was a smart filly winning six and  $272k with a best winning MR of 1:52 and this is just her second foal. Half sister Bettor Than Lizzy already the winner of two races to date. Top stable to be highly respected especially when their ‘babies’ go to the races. Looks a very strong chance to begin her career with a ‘w’.

Simply Amazing (3c Bettor’s Delight – Simply Devine) Tr. N Williamson

Well-related colt who has won just the once from 8 starts (at Winton) and goes back to that track on Thursday (Race 4) over a mile where he has scored a very handy front line draw. At the Winton workouts (24/4/26) he sat third of 5 then found himself last on the home turn as back runners improved, sprinted sharply along the inside to power past his rivals. MR:2:03.4, 800m in 57.2, 400m in 28.6. There isn’t much size about him but connections thought enough of him to bring to Addington for his first couple of runs as a 2YO in 2025. Winning trial suggested he is ready to go a big mile and that draw certainly helps his cause.

Caught The Eye (4m Captain Crunch – Spicey Delight) Tr. S & A Telfer

Another Canterbury raider heading down to Winton this Thursday (Race 8) with stable junior driver Nikita Burton doing the driving. Excellent trial at Rangiora (24/3/26) when second behind the very smart Cath with a last 800m in 55.8. Well supported in two subsequent Addington runs including a solid placing behind Diamonds Are Forever in a 1:58MR. Winton race represents a fair drop in class and as the highest rated horse in the field, has landed the outside of the second line over the mile which will not make it easy. Has won the four times from 19 starts with another 6 placings. Can get over the top of her rivals with any racing luck.

Cambridge - Thursday 

Captains Secret (4g Captain Crunch – Secret Desire) Tr. S & A Telfer

Looked big and bold at the Pukekohe workouts (21/4/26) where he blasted out of gate to lead then not pushed to hold out five rivals including Iron Mike Tyson (fading to 4th). MR:2:00.8, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 27.2. Back from a spell after having last raced in December of 2025. Has won the three races from 18 starts and goes to Cambridge this Thursday (Race 3) where he has won on two previous occasions. Draws the middle of the front line but those who look toughest to beat even wider due to preferential draw. Also a race for junior drivers and driven in winning trial by Kristina Denifostova.

Copy N Paste (3g Bettor’s Delight – Galleon’s Supreme) Tr. Green / Delaney

On debut at Cambridge (Race 8) where he has a sweet draw to use. Has had plenty of trials/workouts to prepare him for this debut, the latest at Pukekohe (29/4/26) where he led and held on to win narrowly. MR:2:03.7, 800m in 58.9, 400m in 29.1. Only a field of 8 and two of his rivals finished behind him in his winning workout. Well related being a full brother to top filly Spanish Armada (14 wins from just 19 starts). War Cry likely to be pronounced favourite and rightly so but this fellow drawn to be on speed and represents solid top 3 value. Maurie Mac who has been on him at the trials sticks with him for his debut.

Auckland - Friday 

MacLeod (3g Vincent – Millwood Maizie) Tr. N Purdon

Multiple workout wins in preparation for a race debut, the last at Pukekohe (29/4/26) where he settled last in a field of 7 in the hands of Mark Purdon, improved in the open last 900m, still had enough in the tank to come clear over the final stages in impressive fashion. MR:2:00.9, 800m in 58.9, 400m in 28.2. That debut happens this week on premier night at Auckland (Race 3) where he has a second line draw but that might not be too bad on this occasion especially if ‘the boss’ sticks with him. Dam won 16 times and is a full sister to Ohoka Punter (17 wins) and MacLeod is just her second foal. Owned by highly successful owner and stable client Jean Feiss who also owned and raced his sire Vincent.