The Trials Report – Six of the Best

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (30/7/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Friday - Addington 

Franco Ankara (3g Captain Crunch – After Party) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Super trial at Rangiora (22/7/26) coming from last of 5 at the 800m in the open to get the better of his rivals over the concluding stages MR:2:00.1, 800m in 55.4, 400m in 27.3. Conditions were perfect for trialling on this day but that was some last 800m sectional. Showed ability at 2 placing in three of his 5 starts behind the likes of Kotare Rimu and Franco Lomu and now ready to resume his 3YO career at Addington this Friday night in Race 4. The drawback is the draw (9) but he looks a stronger version this time in as is the case with many of the ‘Crunches’. Whatever happens on the night, he looks like a maiden to follow over the coming weeks.

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Smoking Ashes (4g Captain Crunch – Ashes To Wings) Tr. R & J Dunn

Another to trial at Rangiora (22/7/26) in scintillating fashion coming from last on the home turn in a field of 6 to storm down the outside and get in the deciding strides. MR:2:05.0, 800m in 55.5, 400m in 27.6. Has only won the one race in 12 starts but also down to resume this Friday at Addington (Race 6) and ironically has also drawn the dreaded 9 gate behind the mobile. Picking that he will go back early and adopt similar tactics to the Rangiora trial. Junior  driver Riley Harrison who took the reins in the trial, keeps the drive on race night.

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Always A Porsche (5g Always B Miki – Ann Other Porsche) Tr. R & J Dunn

Trialed like a ‘Porsche (15/7/26) when settling midfield of 9 before cruising around to take control 600m out, too strong over the final stages MR:2:06.5. 800m in 56.5. The winner of four of his 8 starts and connections have certainly ‘waited’ for him along his path back to the racetrack. His last race day start was a 1:55MR win at Auckland nearly 2 years ago. About to resume at Addington this Friday night (Race 10) and has drawn the pole with him being the lowest rated horse in this field. Several rivals will have the advantage of race ‘fitness’ but this boy has a big motor. Exciting to see him back at the races.

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Friday - Cambridge 

Taylor Made (3f Captaintreacherous – Taylor Bromac) Tr. M White

Won a four-horse trial at Pukekohe (30/6/26) narrowly after trailing and finishing best. MR:2:06.5, 800m in 59.1, 400m in 27.9. On the strength of that effort, the filly was made a warm favourite on debut at Cambridge (17/7/26) and got no favours in the running before looking a ‘blackbooker’ sixth on a 1:59MR behind Bettor Be Special. Goes back to Cambridge this Friday night (Race 3) and has a mid front line draw (5) against some handy maidens. Should have derived much benefit from the debut experience and those who got burnt first time around are encouraged to ‘stick with the ship’.

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Sunday - Wyndham 

Rocky Balboa (3g Sweet Lou – Leah Mac) Tr. K Green

Impressive at the Winton trials (24/7/26) where he showed gate speed to lead and kept going strongly under his own steam to stay ahead of 5 rivals. MR:2:03.4, 800m in 57.6. Much anticipated debut happens at Wyndham this Sunday and he has a nice draw to use (3) in Race 3. He is the fourth foal of his American Ideal dam who won three races and her first 3 foals have all made it to the races. Like the boxer, he is a big boy with plenty of presence. Tote on the day likely to reflect the level of confidence in the camp

Sunday - Addington 

Bannockburn (5g Locharburn – Twilight Rascal) Tr. A Swain

Been off the scene for 6 months but did run a nice trial at Ashburton (21/7/26) for third behind John Stewart. MR:2:06.9, 800m in 56.3, 400m in 26.3, 3.5L from the winner. Likely to be a big improver after that trial and now goes to Addington on Sunday (Race 5) where he starts in a rating (35 to 40) 2600m stand.
Did begin nicely in the trial although raceday obviously different in so many ways. Only the 10 starts to date with top 3 placings in 7 of them including two wins. Half brother to some very nice horses including a NZ Cup placegetter. Dam won nine times and he is certainly one to follow in these kind of races as long as he remains ‘healthy’.