The Trials Report – Six of the Best

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (21/5/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Lucky Luka (2c Bettors Delight – Settle Petal) Tr. A Herlihy

Only qualified beginning of May when second behind Dino in a 2:00MR after trailing third in a 5-horse heat and doing his best work over the final 200m. Last 800m in 58.9, 400m in 28.3 Now goes to Auckland on Friday night to debut in Race 2. Has picked a nice race to begin racing and cops a very handy draw to race prominently in. Full brother to recent winner and stablemate He’s Not That Into U who looks more than promising. Dam by Art Major won three in a short career and plenty of breeding close up in the ‘family tree’ to suggest a successful race career a distinct possibility. Bold run expected.

Georgie Best (3c Bettor’s Delight – Georgia’s Belle) Tr. N Purdon

Winning 2YO debut back in August 2025 then had no luck in two subsequent 2YO starts and turned out shortly after. Back at the workouts in May including a w/o win at Pukekohe (12/5/26) where he led and proved too strong for 3 rivals. MR:2:03.3, 800m in 58.6, 400m in 28.3. Resumes at Auckland this Friday (Race 8) where he draws sweetly on the front line. Up against some very handy opposition who have race fitness on their side but held in some regard by the stable and likely to be in contention for some way. Certainly one to follow in the coming weeks.

Trump Card (5g Rock N Roll Heaven – Capture My Heart) Tr. H & A Cullen

Had little chance last week at Addington, getting well back from the draw and set impossible task from the 400m. Still ran on strongly wide out and far from disgraced just 3.6L from the winner, with the leaders coming home in 56.3 for their last 800m. Trump Card's last 400m would have been impressive. Too good to drop on that effort and gets another chance at Addington on Friday night (Race 4) although again gets a tricky draw from the second line. Trial form leading into this campaign very good and now 3 runs into that campaign, he should be at the top of his game. Stick with him!

Travel Agent (2g Sweet Lou – Pacing Delight) Tr. R & J Dunn

Smart 2YO, the veteran of just three starts and already a winner. Last start third in Group 1 behind Roger That and Chiggsy enormous after making an early mistake. Won a trial at Rangiora (24/3/26) where he led out before taking a late trail 600m out, used passing lane to come back and win with authority final stages. MR:2:00.5, 800m in 56.7, 400m in 27.7. Diamond Racing stable has two in Race 6 at Addington Friday night (another Group 1 feature) and John Dunn has elected to drive this fellow. The two horses that beat him home down south again look the toughest to beat but with good manners, he is expected to be highly competitive for the Gordon/Dunn partnership

Crunchy Granola (3g Captain Crunch – Adieu Flirt) Tr. J Hay

Trialled as a 2YO and was a winner. Turned out then sighted at the trials late April including a very solid second placing behind Deal Breaker at Ashburton (28/4/26) in a heat that produced a 57.7 last 800m with the 400m in 28.0. 
Goes to Timaru this Sunday (Race 5) for his debut and has the widest draw over 2050m. That will make things difficult but the trainer doesn’t bring them unless they are ready. Whatever he does here, he is a maiden to follow in the coming starts. He is the first foal of a nine-win mare who won over $100k.

Transonic (4g Bettor’s Delight – Supersonic Miss) Tr. S & A Telfer

Belated start to his career but quickly won four of 6 starts in his last campaign, showing plenty of promise in the process. Just the one official trial when second behind stablemate Treasure Cove at Ashburton (12/5/26) in preparation for his resumption and so his race fitness might be in question in the Winter Cup at Timaru this Sunday (Race 8) where he starts in a 2600m stand with a 10m handicap. Then again, he might have a little ‘X factor’ and be ready to show it. Tote likely to ‘hint’ at his chances. First foal of a ‘supersonic’ mare who won 17 of 31 starts with $389k in the bank.