The Trials Report – Six Of The Best

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (18/6/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Olympic Ko (3f Captaintreacherous – Crispr) Tr. P & V Blanchard

Has trialed twice in early June, the last at Pukekohe (9/6/26) where she trailed fourth of 5 before running home under her own steam to finish a close up fourth, 1.5L from winner War Party, the winner’s last 800m in 55.4. Goes to Cambridge this Friday where she has drawn the pole in a non- winners pace (Race 4) over the mobile 2200m. Hasn’t raced since last September when she took on the best northern 2YOs and wasn’t disgraced. The veteran of just 4 starts, the filly has a bit of breeding to back up her credentials. The draw in this race brings her right into contention and her odds could be appealing on this occasion.

Sriracha (3g Bettor’s Delight – Saucycullen) Tr. S & A Telfer

Nice trial at Pukekohe (6/5/26) when third behind Spirit Of God MR:2:04.6, 800m in 59.1. Three runs back since in a fresh campaign have yielded three tidy minor placings, the last behind a super impressive Lucky Luka at Cambridge after leading and getting gunned down in the shadows of the post. 
Back at Cambridge this Friday night (Race 6) and scores a very handy draw (2) in an attempt to gain that maiden win at just his sixth start. Stable driver Anthony Butt goes north to drive the team so the horse won’t lack anything in the sulky. Looks a maiden on the verge of breaking through to the winner’s circle for the first time.

Razorsharpmiki (3g Always B Miki – Bella Rosa) Tr. G & C Lee

Didn’t disappoint on debut at Invercargill (11/6/26) when installed favourite after some very strong workout form. On that race day, showed gate speed to lead and kept giving to beat Franco Nashville. MR:2:00.4, 800m in 58.7. Goes to Forbury Park (run at Gore) this Sunday and lines up for career start number two n Race 5 where he has drawn the pole. Up in grade but expecting the tactics to be the same from that draw. Qualified way back in August of 2025 as a 2YO and capable of running a quick half. Let's go again with top southern driver on board.

Franco Harlem (3g Captain Crunch – Haiti Franco) Tr. R & J Dunn

Has been given time after a couple of ok runs as a 2YO. Went to the Rangiora trials (3/6/26) where he trailed 2 and 3 deep before issuing a challenge over the final 200m. Officially third but only a neck from the winner and right beside subsequent Addington winner Mossdale Frank. MR:1:59.3, 800m in 58.2, 400m in 28.3. Looked to have more to offer on that occasion and now ready to resume at Addington this Friday night in Race 4. Drawn out a touch but leading driver from top stable negates much of that. Expecting him to go a bold race and not likely to be a non-winner for very long.

Esmeralda (5m Always B Miki – Lauragrace) Tr. G O’Reilly

Smart mare resuming at Addington this Friday (Race 6) in a small but select field. Has won the six races from 19 starts and pocketed $100k along the way and as the highest rated horse in this field has copped the outside draw. 
Although her fresh up record not that inspiring, she did look good at a recent Ashburton trial (9/6/26) where she made the lead and won untouched in a 2:03MR, 800m in 56.8. Meets some handy opposition on this occasion and naturally will benefit greatly from the run but she is several rating points above any of her rivals. Certainly one to follow.

Joey Arden (2g Lazarus – Crackabeach) Tr. S & A Telfer

Has won two trials in early June, the last at Ashburton (9/6/26) where he came out of the trail to win a three-horse heat in a 2:00MR, last 800m in 58.9, 400m in 28.2. Sneaks down to Forbury Park this Sunday (Race 6) for his debut where he has drawn two on the second line but that could work in his favour. 
Some of his rivals have been long term maidens and the toughest to beat (Franco Nashville) has drawn the second line alongside him. Only qualified at the beginning of June but comes from a very strong maternal line. And his sire is leaving some nice, well-performed stock. Tote price will reflect the level of confidence in the camp.