The Trials Report – Six of the Best

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (11/6/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Franco Lomu (3g Bettor’s Delight – The Legend) Tr. R Todd

Last week’s run is best forgotten after looking likely at the 500m only to lock wheels with a breaking Treasure Cove losing all chance. Well supported on that occasion. Second up at Addington this Friday night (Race 4) and gets a major swing in the draws and connections will be hoping for a change of luck. Trial winner at Rangiora (26/5/26) when leading and beating four rivals comprehensively, last 800m in 57.8. From the ‘pole’, he has options and he looks up to this field on an E/W basis

Teal Jaccka (3f Always B Miki – Tulsa Jaccka) Tr. B Gray

Goes to Invercargill on Thursday for her debut (Race 3) and looked primed after an impressive trial on the same track (5/6/26) where she quickly got to the front and looked very comfortable holding out race rivals Mea and Partytime. MR:2:04.2, 800m in 57.3. Had several workouts through April and May and has obviously improved with those experiences. Mea drew inside Teal Jaccka in the trial and after trailing, could not threaten the leader over the final stages although still placed second. Dam of Teal Jaccka won four races and placed in 1:55. This is her first foal.

Miki Skipper (4g Always B Miki – Lew’s Delight) Tr. J Douglas

Third up at Invercargill this Thursday (Race 7) where he has drawn a nice marble in two with his stablemate Dragon Power drawn inside him. Two nice workouts in early May including a second to the smart mare Ruby Roe in a 2:02.4MR, last 800m in 57.7. Since resuming, has run a couple of solid races and last time was less than 2L from winner Donny Do in a 1:58.6MR. In a 19-race career, has only won the one race but has been placed another nine times suggesting that he is a genuine type who tries his best. Should now be close to his peak fitness and  from the draw expecting the stable to be very prominent. Both Douglas runners to be driven by junior drivers (Carter Dalgety and Hayden Douglas) and looking for a penalty free win.

Dino (2g Bettor’s Delight – Tandias Bromac) Tr. Purdon/Phelan

Unbeaten in three public appearances, the last of those a workout win at Pukekohe (3/6/26) where he settled fourth of 5 before taking closer order inside the final 400m, surged to the front on the final turn and kicked too strongly for his rivals. MR:2:06.0, 800m in 60.2, 400m in 29.0, all on a very slushy track on a miserable Auckland day. Debuts this Friday night at Auckland (Race 2) and draws the middle of the front line. Owned by major stable client and tote likely to reflect the confidence in the camp. Dam won 14 races and $194k and has already left a 1:49.8 horse in Australia.

Carrera Hombre (4g Captain Crunch – Real Courage) Tr. B Butt

Burnt punters (29/5/26) after missing away and never able to justify his favouritism on a 2:00.8MR behind Joyride last Addington start. Post race vet check also revealed high heart rate and slow recovery. Prior to that resumption, had looked really good winning a trial at Rangiora (20/5/26) beating Franco Lomu in a 2:04.8MR, 800m in 57.4. Second up at Addington this Friday night (Race 1) and wouldn’t be starting unless his trainer more than happy with his condition/fitness. Back to a mobile this time and although drawn out a bit, prepared to give a second chance. Good enough to bounce back.

Renegade (5g Captaintreacherous – Double Shot) Tr. B Hill

Form looks rather bleak but that doesn’t paint a true picture of the seven-race winner of $152k. Two trial wins in May, the last an impressive effort at Rangiora (20/5/26) where he beat race rival Mo’unga off level marks MR:2:00.9, 800m in 57.4, 400m in 27.8. Resumed at Ashburton (31/5/26) and far from disgraced when seventh of 7 behind Franco Sinatra who set a NZ record over the 1700m of 1:50.8, Renegade getting within 2L of the winner. Second up at Addington this Friday night (Race 8) and off a 25m handicap over 2600m. Has won twice from a stand and gets a 15m heads tart over Mo’unga. With a safe getaway, he is good enough to dispute this finish. Odds should be attractive really.