The Trials Report – Six of the Best

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (9/7/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Friday - Auckland 

War Chief (3g Captaintrecherous – Delight In Me) Tr. Purdon / Phelan

Two workout wins in June including a rousing win at Pukekohe (30/6/26) where he trailed Ultimate Cullect (Rating 59) before outsprinting that runner over the final 300m. MR:2:02.3, 800m in 56.9, 400m in 26.3. Hasn’t started since disappointing behind Jumal in the 2YO Harness Million at Addington back in October but was a winner as a 2YO in a 1:58MR and the veteran of only four race day appearances. Resumes this Friday at Auckland (Race 6) and has a handy front line draw to use. The workout suggested he would be ready to go a bold race first up in a new campaign. Bred to be well above average being from a race winning daughter of Splendid Dreams.

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Go Jimmy Cassidy (3g American Ideal – Readallaboutit) Tr. G Rogerson

Very good workout form including two wins at Pukekohe through the month of May before heading off to Auckland for his debut (12/6/26) where he just missed to the highly regarded Dino in a 1:58.2MR, last 800m in 58.1. No luck at the same track (26/6/26) when held up in behind War Party and driver Jimmy Stormont told stipes he didn’t activate the removeable deafeners. Now third up at ‘the Park’ this Friday night (Race 2) in a strong non-win race but gets a great draw to use over his toughest rivals No More Dreaming and Franco Seth. Picking that he will cross the one horse early then have options to what then happens next. In this field of good quality, his E/W odds could be rather attractive.

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Friday - Addington 

Paramount Picture (4m Father Patrick – Paramount Queen) Tr. B Butt

Stood down after racing back in November (when favourite) and required to trial satisfactorily before resuming. Has done that more than adequately in two June trials at Rangiora, both resulting in wins. On 24/6/26, she began safely over 2600m to settle fifth of 6 before taking off at the 700m to challenge for the lead, no trouble to come clear over the final stages for a 3L win. MR:2:07.8, 800m in 59.5, 400m in 29.3. Goes to Addington this Friday night (Race 2) where she has drawn the outside of the 5 ‘unruly’ horses in a 2600m non-win trot. Has placed in three of her 7 starts and trials a lot different to race day. Maiden trotters not always an easy watch but on her best day surely up to this. Dam won 8 and $122k.

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Nothing But You (4m Captaintreacherous – Bubbled Up) Tr. S Reid

Went to the Rangiora trials last week and ran a slashing second behind Wheel Of Fortune in a 1:57.7MR for 2000m Mob, last 800m in 57.8. Caught the eye by not being asked for any real effort over the final stages, it was impressive work. Last raced late January in a Group 2 mares championship behind General Jen and placed third. Has been in top 3 placings 12 of 17 starts! Resumes at Addington this Friday (Race 8) and gets a good draw but in a tough field. Will lack the race fitness of some but her class cannot be denied at this level and she looks one to certainly follow over the winter months.

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Still B Miki (4g Always B Miki – Still Laughing) Tr. K Barron

Had a quiet trial behind Razor Horizon at Rangiora (17/6/26) when fourth of 6 then resumed at Addington (26/6/26) and after a very tough trip, still managed to claim fourth behind Franco Lomu less than 4L from winner. MR:1:57.9, 800m in 58.1. Back at Addington this Friday in Race 10 where he has drawn the middle of the front line over the 1980m Mob. Connections have been very patient as last week was only his third time to the races. Looked good winning on debut and as long as that first up run hasn’t flattened him, he looks a good E/W prospect. In what he has shown so far, the motor is definitely there.

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Sunday - Addington 

Bettabe Lou (3f Sweet Lou – Bettabe Fast) Tr. G O’Reilly

Trialled very nicely through June including a couple of eye-catching placings before debuting at Addington 28/6/26, just going down to Cee What I Cee in a 2:00.2MR, last 800m in 57.8 after trying to lead throughout. Second up (5/7/26) it was even closer when nutted by Silent Witness right on the line after doing some work outside the leader. Was a warm favourite on both of those occasions. Back at Addington this Sunday (Race 5) and rather stands out in this field and not surprisingly will be at short odds. Ideal prospect for ‘multi’ investors. Interestingly, was a ‘bargain’ purchase at a Karaka weanling sale for her current ownership group a couple of years back.