The Trials Report – Six of the Best

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (29/10/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Thursday - Cambridge 

Taylor Made (3f Captaintreacherous – Taylor Bromac) Tr. Wallis/Hackett

Promising maiden placed in two of her three career starts to date who was a workout winner at Pukekohe (20/10/26), led on that occasion and just did enough to keep out Ultimate Lad. MR:2:06.7, 800m in 60.0, 400m in 27.8. Goes to Cambridge on Thursday (Race 1) and has drawn out a shade but with a hint of racing luck, should be more than competitive against several rivals who have been ‘non winners’ for a good while. Plenty of breeding behind her and interestingly still owned by breeder Breckon Farms who have leased her out for racing purposes. A win here would add greatly to her residual value as a broodmare in the years to come.

Friday - Auckland 

Miss Cherokee (3f Art Major – Lady Cherokee) Tr. A Donnelly

Solid workout runs through October including a win at Pukekohe (20/10/26) where she led and did enough to hold out Lincoln Wave on sharp sectionals. MR:2:02.2, 800m in 56.9. Hasn’t been at the races since May and now goes to Auckland this Friday to begin a new campaign in Race 1. Has drawn 4 over 1700m with senior reinsman David Butcher to drive. Up against a couple of smart race hardened fillies (Time For Change and Dolly Parton) but the preferential draw has them starting wider out. Miss Cherokee is the veteran of just nine starts and although only once a winner, has multiple top 4 placings. Driver/Trainer combo to be respected and certainly a filly to follow over the coming weeks

Friday - Winton 

Kairo (3g Majestic Son – Sungait Sally) Tr. K Green

Prominent at southern workouts through October with a win at Winton (23/10/26). Only a two-horse heat but under her own steam, got over the top of pace-making Hot Saucy Betty. MR:2:09.8, 800m in 61.3, 400m in 30.0. Last time at the races was a beaten favourite (in 3rd) back in May. Before that, her connections took her all the way to Auckland to take on the best of her age group behind the likes of Kyvalley Ray. Resumes at Winton this Friday (Race 1) and has a very handy draw (2) to use over the flying mile. Kairo is an 11-start maiden but has won some $20k in stakes such has been the quality of her ‘races’. Should see a stronger version this time around and not expected to be a ‘non winner’ for too much longer

Rakaquattro (5m Always B Miki – Rakaudi) Tr. T Stratford

Placed in five of her six race day starts and often as favourite, the last way back in November 2025. Impressively won a workout at Wyndham (24/10/26) where she dealt to three rivals with ease. MR:2:05.9, 800m in 59.6, 400m in 28.7. Obviously being away for so long strongly suggests there have been ‘health issues’ at some point. Workout win a sound indicator that she is back ready to go and that time will come at Winton on Friday (Race 6). Unfortunately, she has drawn the outside of the second line over the mile and it will be the job of the country’s leading driver to negotiate the perils that come with such a draw. Has placed over a mile in 1:57 and still expected to be a key contender.

Santiago (3g Art Major – Chieko) Tr. K Larsen

Nice workout at Winton (23/10/26) when placing behind Anita Mary in good time. MR:2:00.8, 800m in 56.8, 400m in 27.8. Freshened since last campaign where he was very solid including placings at Addington behind the likes of Kotare Rimu. Heads to Winton this Friday (Race 11) and he has scored a sweet draw (2) behind the mobile with an in-form Carter Dalgety down to steer. Has only won the once in 14 starts but that was in 1:55 over this distance. Has shown gate speed in the past, Carter likes to lead and can easily see Santiago leading his rivals home in those famous Brown colours.

Monday - Kaikoura 

Mystery Creek (3g Bettor’s Delight – Hakuwai Creek) Tr. H & A Cullen

Two solid trials at Rangiora through October, the last a meritorious fourth behind smart filly Cath (15/10/26), doing his best work over the final stages. MR:2:01.6, 800m in 57.9. Last raced back in May against Jumal and the best 3YOs in a Sires' Stakes final and far from disgraced in a 1:55MR when eighth, some 7.8L from the winner. Resumes at Kaikoura on Monday in Race 10. Bred in Kaikoura, part owned in Kaikoura and the only stable runner on the day and to be driven by Blair Orange. Has already won three of his 8 career starts. Plenty of ‘stars’ in alignment for this assignment and punters should not hesitate to get on in the ‘get out stakes’.