The Trials Report - Six of the Best

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (4/9/26) they are heading back to the race track.

Thursday - Winton 

Duchess  Maria (3f Father Patrick - Maria Tsarina) Tr. N Williamson

She's back! One of the real stars of last season resumes at Winton today (Thursday) and judging by her workout form, she is ready to rumble. Multiple workout wins through August, the last effort a win in a three-horse heat in gloomy conditions at Winton (28/8/26) where she trailed Fiery Bandito (9 wins) before zipping along the passing lane to score under her own steam. MR:2:04.4, 800m in 59.2, 400m in 29.2. Starts off the 20m handicap against six rivals at Winton as she tries to make it 5 from 5. Still not a big filly but connections say she has strengthened up considerably. Through this race safely, she is likely to be heading north for some lofty assignments in the coming weeks

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Friday - Auckland 

Georgie Best (3c Bettor's Delight - Georgia's Belle)  Tr. N Purdon

Very nice workout win at Pukekone 25/8/26) where he led early before trailing, angled out on straightening and had no trouble coming clear of six rivals in the hands of Mark Purdon. MR:2:02.6, 800m in 58.8, 400m in 28.1. Hasn't started since last May but now resumes at Auckland on Friday night in Race 3. Cops a mid line draw over the mile with Mark Purdon likely to drive. The veteran of just 5 starts but already a winner and has been a 'talked about' horse in his previous campaign. Stable starting to 'fire up'.

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Omaha Lincoln (2g Downbytheseaside - Sea Of Gold)  Tr. R Green

Only had the one start back in May but has been very active at Northern workouts in the last month culminating in an impressive w/o win at Pukekohe (25/8/26) where he beat race rivals Lucky Luka and Coal Fire in good style. MR:2:05.2, 800m in 58.9, 400m in 27.0. Resumes in a quality Sires' Stakes heat at Auckland on Friday night (Race 7) but has the benefit of the inside draw over the 1700m mob. Such is the strength of this field that he could represent real E/W value here. His dam won 2 races and is a full sister to millionaire pacer Gold Ace (22 wins) so he has a little going for him as a racehorse. 

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Friday - Addington 

Hawk Touie Louie  (3g Sweet Lou - Delightful Clare)  Tr. R Butt

Looked very forward when pushing Sacetas (6 wins) hard at last week's Rangiora workouts, only a nose away at the line. MR:1:59.3, 800m in 56.4. Last raced back in February where he placed second on a 1:55.8MR and now ready to resume at Addington this Friday (Race 5) where he has the luxury of drawing the 'pole' over 1980m. Has shown gate speed previously and should be able to take up a prominent position in the running. Only had the 6 starts and a stronger version expected this time in for big Aussie owner Mick Boots.

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Marble Arch (3g Always B Miki - Delightful Shard)  Tr. C & C Dalgety

Nice trial at Addington (25/8/26) behind stablemate Freeze Frame after trailing throughout but never asked to pull out and challenge over the final stages, looked to have plenty left in the tank. MR 1:59.0, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 28.0. Resumes at Addington this Friday in Race 12 and draws the inside of the second line so somewhat at the mercy of the rival drawn 1. Has only had the five starts, winning two and placed top 4 in the other 3. Last start winner back in April beating Spicey Lou in a 1:54MR with the last 800m in 55.6 so no doubting the 'motor' and like many of the Mikis, is going to get better with time. The first 400m will shed some light on his winning chances

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Sunday - Methven 

Teddy The Terror (5g Terror To Love - Jane)  Tr. J Morrison

Third in the above trial behind Freeze Frame and went just as well as the first two home. Lightly-raced 5YO who has won two of his 11 starts. Hasn't raced since placing back in April on a 1:56.9MR and now goes to Methven on Sunday (Race 11) where he has drawn handily enough in a mobile mile on the grass track.
His fresh up record is ok and if he can become 'Tarzan' out of the gate, he could take some catching. He is the highest-rated horse in the field.

*****Punters might have noticed a change in the racing colours worn by trainer John Morrison. Apparently they are the same ones that belonged to the late John Noble who won the NZ Cup many moons ago with Stanley Rio wearing the exact same 'uniform'.