The Trials Report – Six of the Best

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (24/9/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Thursday - Cambridge 

Aldebaran D B (5g Muscle Mass – Dream Belle) Tr. Wallis/Hackett

Resumed at Auckland after a very long layoff (December 2024) but broke midrace losing all chance, made favourite on that occasion. Prior to that run, had had seven workouts spread over 18 months without getting to the races so it hasn’t been plain sailing for the close relation of top trotter Prime Power (16 wins and $266k). The latest workout at Pukekohe (1/9/26) had him finish 1/2L behind stablemate and subsequent Cambridge winner Mario MacKendon MR:2:12.2, 800m in 61.6. Now goes to Cambridge on Thursday (Race 6) where he has drawn handily off the front with half his opposition on the unruly mark. The veteran of just 8 starts with 1 win and 2 placings to show for his efforts. That run back in December 2024 was in a $100k 3YO Trot against much better horses than he meets here. Should be getting fitter and deserves a second chance in this line up.

Friday - Addington 

Princess Gracey (4m Sweet Lou – Princess Jessie) Tr. Z Butcher

Northern six-win mare coming down to Addington on Friday night to tackle some of the best Canterbury has to offer. Very prominent at Pukekohe workouts through September including a smart win over a good field (1/9/26), leading after working early then staying on strongly to keep rivals at bay. MR:2:03.2, 800m in 56.7, 400m in 27.2. Takes on the likes of Arafura in Race 1 where there are only five runners and often these kind of races can be quite tactical. Placed at Group level behind a quality mare in Francent and has already banked $188k in her 24 starts including 12 placings. Currently third favourite but could give some real ‘cheek’ without surprising at all.

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Tetrick (4g Timoko – Amarula) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Two very solid trials at Rangiora in preparation for his resumption, the last (17/9/26) behind Who’s Ya Daddy when driven by owner/Trackside presenter Brittney Graham. Settled back in single file, improved 600m out, strong finish down outer to just miss picking up the winner. MR:2:06.1, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 29.4. Goes to Addington Friday night (Race 5) to start a new campaign. Has won the 5 races from just 17 starts and could be in for a good season. Actually holds a nomination for the Dominion Trot so would have to win a few quickly to move up the rankings. Meets a handy intermediate field on this occasion and off 10m/unruly but the trial efforts suggest that he is ready to rumble.

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Cherish Me (3f Downbytheseaside – Adore Me) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Royally-bred filly beaten only once in 5 lifetime starts. Two trials in September to get ready for her resumption, the most significant one a win over the very smart 3YO and subsequent Addington winner Forever Miki who could not come off her back and get past her at Ashburton (8/9/26) in a 2:03.4MR, 800m in 58.1, 400m in 27.7. Begins a new campaign at Addington on Friday night (Race 11) and from a handy draw, should be very popular with punters. We all know how good her mother was and only time will tell but this filly could stand at ‘the top of the tree’ for her age/sex by season’s end. Stable firing and they could be in for another big night ...again.

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Sunday - Gore 

Captain Wolf (2g Captain Crunch – Sweet Lizzie) Tr. T Stratford

Two very promising runs back in March including a fine second to Chiggsy (29/3/26) when coming from last on a 1:54.7MR to get within 1L of the winner who is highly-rated. Two nice placings at southern workouts during September to ready himself for a fresh campaign and now heads to Gore on Sunday for a non-winners 2YO Pace (Race 2) against 4 rivals. A couple of Canterbury visitors to contend with and cops the outside draw but not likely to be too far off the pace at the business end. Expecting the two Canterbury runners to dominate on the tote so those brave enough to think he can get over the top of them, could be nicely rewarded. Certainly one to follow in the deep south.

Love Meister (3g Terror To Love – Lite Jagermeister) Tr. K Green

Connections have been very patient as this boy was trialing as a 2YO this time 12 months ago and winning southern workouts in April/March of this year. 
Very good at most recent workout at Winton (18/9/26) where he led and kept going strongly to hold out the above mentioned Captain Wolf in a 2:02MR. Blazed home in 56.9, last 400m in 27.2. The much awaited debut comes on Sunday at Gore in Race 4 and scored a very handy draw off the front line. Can see him getting to the front and an excellent chance to stay there. Shouldn’t need to go much faster than that recent trial. Get on!