The Trials Report : Six of the Best

These six horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week 27/3/2025 they head back to the racetrack.

Chanel Noire (3f Captain Crunch – Chanel) Tr. Purdon & Phelan

3YO filly on debut this Friday at Cambridge in Race 4 after an impressive all the way win at the Pukekohe workouts (12/3/25) where she defeated two race rivals in Debrief and Princess Savoy. MR:2:03.9, 800m in 58.0, 400m in 27.5. Qualified all the way back in July 2024 where she placed behind the very smart Chase Me and has had a solid prep heading into this debut. Well related with her unraced dam a half sister to Lancome (13 wins + $461k) and other good winners from a family established by the late Jack Smolenski. Zachary Butcher to drive.

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Words (4m Downbytheseaside – Premier Cruz) Tr. G Shirley

Won a Pukekohe workout (6/3/25) MR:2:01.4, 800m in 58.6, 400m in 27.2 then backed that up on raceday at Cambridge (18/3/25) dipping under 2:40 for 2200m mobile in a 1:56.9 MR after working hard early to assume control. Meets a small but select field of five rivals at Cambridge this Friday in Race 9 but has only been beaten the once in her short career and could be quite a bit better than currently given credit for.

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Strikem (3g Art Major – Ima Single Girl) Tr. M Jones

Had eight starts as a 2YO and placed in three of them, his last run an unplaced effort behind Marketplace at Group 1 level during cup week. Placed at two recent trials, one where he placed second behind race rival Shadow Of The Moon but to be fair, he was never pulled out by driver Sam Ottley in the run home. MR:2:04.6, 800m in 58.3, 400m in 28.2 (13/3/25). Meets that rival again this Friday at Addington (Race 9) and with an expected improvement in a new campaign, should prove highly competitive in a non-winners mobile pace.

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

On the basis of winning a trial at Rangiora (6/3/25), the Dunn trained runner was sent out a warm order in his first run back in a new campaign despite drawing the outside gate and after working overtime (parked last 1100m) in the running, faded late for a close up fifth, less than 2L from the winner. Last 800m in 56.5, 400m in 27.9. Goes back to Addington this Friday night in Race 10 where he has drawn much better and his backers should stay loyal to the ship.

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Wild East (3g Always B Miki – Bay Jet) Tr. L Pearson

Stalked rivals at Invercargill trials (21/3/25) and after coming around wide on the final turn was good enough to get over the top of his rivals without being really extended. MR:2:05.7, 800m in 58.7, 400m in 28.2. Before that had run second to subsequent Wyndham winner Always B Royal (7/3/25). Resumes this Sunday at Wyndham in Race 3 and the inside of the second line might not be that bad. His gait wasn’t that fluent in last campaign but like a lot of Mikis, time could be his friend. Well related and with manners looks far better than a maiden.

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Rock Or Bust (4g Rocknroll Hanover – Don’t U Wantime Baby) Tr. S & A Telfer

Has been on fire at the Rangiora trials in recent weeks, the latest a winning effort (20/3/25) where he raced three deep before using the passing lane to finish best. MR:1:58.9, 800m in 56.3, 400m in 28.0. Before that (6/3/25) he led and proved too strong for the likes of Radha and Lakelsa with a last 800m in 56.4. Health issues curtailed last campaign but he has won two of 9 raceday starts with another four placings to boot and looks to have come back stronger this time in. Goes to Wyndham (Race 11) on Sunday where he has a prominent front line draw. Main danger and likely favourite Secret Agent Man will need luck from the second line.

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