The Trials Report : Six of the Best

These six horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week 13/3/2025 they head back to the racetrack.

The Surfer (4g Downbytheseaside – Styx On) Tr. A Donnelly

Led a strong four-horse workout at Pukekohe (6/3/25) and stayed on solidly to stay in front. MR:1:59.7, 800m in 57.0, 400m in 26.8. Has fashioned a good horse’s record in 22 race day starts, winning four times but hasn’t always enjoyed the best of racing luck. Cops a handy draw in Race 4 at Auckland this Friday and looks a definite chance in a quality field. His E/W odds could hold some appeal in this line up.

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Arafura (3f Sweet Lou – Spirit Of Delight) Tr. H & A Cullen

Had a quiet hit out at the Ashburton trials (26/2/25) running fifth of 6 without being overly extended. Leaders ran a last 800m in 56.7, 400m in 26.9. Only had the five race day starts but already a winner and Group 1 placed back in November behind Captains Mistress. Nice handy draw in Race 7 at Auckland and good enough to offer plenty of cheek. While there is a pronounced favourite (Beside Me), the Cullen trained runner could be the big mover amongst her age group this time in.

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Malakai (3g Captain Crunch – Chieko) Tr. R & J Dunn

Took on the likes of Marketplace as a 2YO back in October 2024. Has had a couple of trials in preparation for a new campaign, the latest a winning turn at Rangiora (6/3/25) when he capitalised on a good trail to score MR:2:01.8, 800m in 59.1, 400m in 28.6. Not likely to get such a sweet trip in Race 1 at Addington this Friday as he has drawn the outside of the gate over 1980m but arguably the best horse in the race and if he is to go on to better things this season, he should figure very prominently here

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Jukebox Gypsy (4m Rock N Roll Heaven – Gypsy’s Choice) Tr. G O’Reilly

Brings strong trial form to the beginning of a new campaign, the latest a second behind Malakai at Rangiora (result above) after leading and before that won a three horse heat on the grass at Methven. MR:2:11.0, 800m in 60.0. Resumes on the grass this Sunday at Banks Peninsula in Race 8 where he is drawn 1 behind the mobile in a Junirr Drivers contest. Giving away up to 10 rating points to the likes of Evangalist (10 wins) but top junior Sam Thornley getting aboard is a bonus.

Prosperity (3g Sweet Lou – Rose Ryal) Tr. Anderson & Love

Only had the one race day run back in December 2024 when second on the grass at Wingatui (favourite on that occasion after some nice trial form). Three public outings in readiness for a new campaign including a win at the Wyndham workouts (2/3/25) where he was allowed to settle in midfield before improving to lead over the last lap and was untouched to stay in front. MR:2:03.6, 800m in 58.6, 400m in 28.3. High strike rate stable and he gets his chance to go one better after drawing the pole in Race 2 at the same venue (Wyndham) this Saturday. Looks better than a maiden at this time.

*** This horse is also entered in at Forbury Park on Sunday where ironically he has drawn 1 in Race 2

Cocktails And Caviar (4g Bettors Delight – Alta Leonie) Tr. S & A Telfer

Got the standing start horribly wrong last time out in a fresh state but previous trial form very good including a win at Rangiora (24/2/25) where he defeated the likes of Ragazzo Major and Piccadilly Pete. MR:2:06.9, 800m in 56.7, 400m in 28.1. Goes to Wyndham on Saturday in Race 8 and in a mobile, significantly, did win his only two previous starts defeating the likes of Rakero Rocket and gets into this class with a concession as driven by a Jnr driver (Nikita Burton). This race looks well within his ability level.