The Trials Report – Six of the Best

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (8/10/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Thursday - Invercargill 

Royal Pat (3f Royal Aspirations – Lucky Pat) Tr. R & F Stevens

Three workouts and one qualifying trial in September down in the deep south resulting in four wins. The last at Winton (25/9/26) where she stepped beautifully to lead and did enough to hold out race rival Tactical Chevron by a narrow margin but both had more to offer. MR:2:13.7, 800m in 61.2, 400m in 30.5. Looks a very sensible filly and comes from the ‘Pat’ family developed over many years by Ginger Woodhouse so is related to some very handy sorts. Goes to Northern Southland on Thursday (Race 1) for her debut and Carter Dalgety has the responsibility of steering her around. Only six rivals and two of those off 30m behind over the 2200m. Toughest to beat (again) looks Tactical Chevron, also on debut.

Cruise Maguire (3g Always B Miki – Miley Maguire) Tr. A Black

Very nice workout effort at Winton (25/9/26) when placed behind Side Hustle and Secret Agent Man. Gave those two a start last 400m and got within a 1/2L at the line in third place.MR:2:02.9, 800m in 56.4, 400m in 27.8. Resumes at Northern Southland on Thursday (Race 5) where he has drawn middle of front line. The veteran of just three starts for a win and placing then turned out after an unplaced effort back in April. The good horses of his sire get better with time and the Winton workout should have brought him on nicely since. Tote likely to reflect stable confidence but should offer attractive E/W value all the same.

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

Written up a couple of weeks ago after winning a workout at Winton (18/9/26) and subsequently sent out favourite on debut at Gore (27/9/26) only to break after 100m when about to assume control, lost a stack of ground then did remarkably well to finish 3L from the winner Baton Rouge on a 2:03.3MR. Goes to Northern Southland on Thursday (Race 6) for his second career start and has drawn the inside of the second line which may or may not be a good thing. Really was a ‘good thing beaten’ at Gore and those brave enough to accept the draw just might get some of their money back.

Friday - Auckland 

Field Of Gold (2f Captain Crunch – Gold Elite) Tr. Purdon / Phelan

Drew the pole in a Pukekohe workout (29/9/26) and went straight to the front and proved far too good for four rivals. Handy maiden Go Jimmy Cassidy was some 7L away in fourth. MR:2:04.2, 800m in 57.3, 400m in 27.6. Placed in two other September trials and now ready for her resumption at Auckland on Friday night (Race 2) where she has again drawn the inside - similar tactics could well be in play again. Debuted back in March then set aside. Stronger version expected this time in. Half sister to a stack of good horses including General Jen and from the premier strike rate stable of the north….say no more.

Our Col (3f Father Patrick – Cheeky Babe) Tr. T Herlihy

The ‘benchmark’ 3YO filly (4 wins and 2 placings from 6 starts) who impressed at the Pukekohe workouts (22/9/26) by coming off the back of stablemate Doo You Want Me and getting her head in front at the line. MR:2:09.8, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 28.2. The latter raced in last week’s open class ‘Holmes DG’ pace, placing fifth. Looks primed for her resumption at Auckland on Friday night in Race 9 and her astute trainer/driver will want a good ‘report card’ if she is to head south for the major classics at Addington. Meets some hardened opposition but held in high regard and her class should take her very close.

Friday - Addington 

Bord De La Mer (3g Downbytheseaside – Firenze Amore) Tr. B Hill

Very good second behind Elton J (4 wins from 6 starts) at the Rangiora trials (29/9/26) with the winner coming home in 56.2 on a 2:04.3MR. 1/2Hd margin at the line. Just the two career starts to date. Winning debut as favourite back in July after some very strong trial form then just ok first time out of maidens before going to the paddock for a freshen up. Heads back to Addington on Friday night (Race 3) and scores a handy front line draw over the 1980m. Never easy at Addington on these nights such is the quality of opposition but stable going very well at the moment and Seth gets back in the cart this night. High profile ownership group will be hoping that he can go a wee bit further up the ladder as the season unfolds. Trial effort suggested he is ready to go.