The Trials Report – Six of the Best

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (14/8/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Friday - Cambridge 

Nazare (3g Downbytheseaside – Amazon Lily) Tr. A Donnelly

Impressive at the Pukekohe workouts (4/8/26) where he showed gate speed to lead three rivals and had far too much power to easily stay in front MR:2:02.3, 800m in 59.1. The veteran of just five starts including two wins and a minor placing, connections felt he was good enough to take on the top 3YOs such as Jumal earlier in the year in the Alabar Classic at Group 2 level but that didn’t work out on that occasion. Resumes this Friday at Cambridge (Race 8) after a four-month break on a track where he has won before. Not an easy assignment with the likes of War Chief as a rival but the ‘pole’ draw certainly helps and if all goes well, then maybe he might get another chance to test the best of his age group later in the season. Certainly one to follow in his coming starts.

To place a bet in this race click here 

Te Ahi (3g Majestic Son – True Believer) Tr. G Rogerson

Started nine times as a 2YO and was placed top 4 in seven of those starts. Has had a couple of workouts through July, the last at Cambridge (25/7/26) on a rain-soaked track where he finished on terms with his stablemate Tactical Approach (3 wins) in a two-horse heat. MR:2:12.0, 800m in 61.3, 400m in 30.1.
Resumes at Cambridge on Friday night (Race 2) and starts off the 30m handicap with three others over the 2200m with non winners off the front. The 3YO version should be an improved model and does look very solid in the manners department. Stepped like a ‘toff’ in the workout and if he can do the same on race night, he should represent good E/W value. 

To place a bet in this race click here 

Friday - Addington 

Rosa Shard (3f Captain Crunch – Priscilla Shard) Tr. H & A Cullen

Qualified over a year ago as a 2YO but after several trials, the decision was made to turn her out for a good spell. Reappeared at the Rangiora trials (29/7/26) and was very professional coming from a 1x1 sit to clearly outfinish four rivals. MR:2:04.2, 800m in 58.4. Now heads to Addington for her race debut (Race 2) and has drawn very nicely (2) against other non-win fillies and mares. Stable driver Olivia Thornley, who drove her in the trial sticks with her and all things considered, she looks a strong chance to at least place. Stable to certainly be respected and there is also some quality breeding behind the filly to support a potentially successful race career.

To place a bet in this race click here 

Chilli Gold (2g Always B Miki – Spicey Delight) Tr. S & A Telfer

After a very nice trial behind the very promising Mynameisjack at the Rangiora trials (1/7/26), the Telfer--trained 2YO has returned some very solid performances in recent weeks especially the last two runs where he has sat parked in both for a good way and fought strongly for two minor placings behind some other handy types. Backs up at Addington this Friday night for the third week running and cops the worst draw (outside of the gate) but with half the field on debut, this looks a slightly easier assignment than the previous two starts. Looks like he might have to do some work again but that maiden win looks very close. He is well-related being a half to Caught The Eye (4 wins to date) and Crimson Tide (3 wins to date) with top horses further back in the pedigree.

To place a bet in this race click here 

Sunday - Oamaru 

Orlando Wish (3g Bettor’s Wish – Orlando Star) Tr. S & A Telfer

Hard not to like her debut for fourth after going into a break shortly after the start, did extremely well to get within 3L of winner Tomogalak. Was favourite on that occasion. Solid prep at trials through July behind some very promising sorts like Faith Not Fear (in a 1:59.8MR) and subsequent Addington winner Bord De La Mer. Goes to Kurow on Sunday (Race 4) where she has drawn sweetly (2) off the front line behind the mobile. On what she has shown so far, she shouldn’t be a ‘non winner’ for too long. Stable starting to gain momentum over the winter months

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

The big fella doesn’t know how to run a bad race. Favourite at Addington when resuming but didn’t help himself by breaking from the standing start, recovered to parked and fought doggedly for yet another minor placing behind Coba Charged. Only had the one trial and went pleasingly for third at Ashburton behind John Stewart with a final 800m in 56.3. Second up at Kurow on Sunday in Race 10 and although drawn the second line is aided by the mobile. Has won just the two races but one was on this track. Very deserving of getting another win and with greater fitness under the belt, Sunday could be his chance. Supporters should stay loyal on this occasion