The Trials Report – Six of the Best

The following horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and now (5/11/26) they head back to the racetrack.

Thursday - Oamaru 

Prosperity (4g Sweet Lou – Rose Ryal) Tr. M Purvis

Had a quiet trial behind subsequent winner Elton J at Rangiora (29/9/26) where they came home in 56.2. Then resumed on 18/10/26 and only 2.3L from winner Mossdale Frank on a 1:57.1MR, last 800m in 56.4 when placing fourth. That was his first run at the races since June and now he heads to Oamaru on Thursday (on the grass) in Race 5. What gets our attention is his grass track record - 5 starts for 3 wins and 2 placings. Faces seven handy rivals and current record reads five wins and five places from 19 starts. Won’t lack for the man in the sulky northern ace Zac Butcher and with natural improvement in his fitness, he looks a very competitive option in his Oamaru assignment.

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Magnate (2g Captaintreacherous – De Lovely) Tr. M Jones

Won a three-horse grass workout at Methven (31/10/26) in a 2:14MR but they were racing several cart widths out from the inside pegs, looked comfortable running home in 62.7. Race rival Another Level, although only third, never pulled out off the winner’s back. The veteran of just three starts but his last race fourth at Oamaru had plenty of merit where the leaders came home in 55.7 on the all weather, less than 4L from the winner A Mako Man. Heads back to Oamaru on Thursday (Race 6) and has drawn the inside of the second line but that could work out for the very well bred gelding. Dam was a standout filly winning 15 of 27 starts and $599k so he has a bit to live up to. Will be wearing the colours of Aussie part owner Mick Harvey, the same colours that Kingman had on when winning last year's NZ Cup.

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Friday - Addington 

Valorous (3f Always B Miki – Sugar Loaf) Tr. R & J Dunn

Stylish workout winner at Rangiora (22/10/26), sitting back then powering over the top of her seven rivals final 100m, MR:1:59.5, 800m in 58.7, 400m in 28.5.
The veteran of just two starts, the last a seventh/beaten favourite at Addington (13/3/26) and before that a brave close up second behind Sunsoutgunsout (2 wins to date) on debut. Back at Addington on Friday night and has a sweet draw to use in Race 4. Half-sister to Winelight (4 NZ wins and $197k)) from a dam who was also very handy winning four times. John Dunn in the bike and a looks a strong winning hope. Tote price likely to reflect confidence in the camp.

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Sunday - Winton 

Meshino (3c Bettor’s Delight – Idolise) Tr. N Williamson

Not for the first time, an impressive trial winner at Winton (25/9/26) after leading in a three-horse heat and sprinting too well for those trying to follow in behind. MR:2:04.8, 800m in 56.9, 400m in 27.6. Heads to Winton on Sunday (Race 3) for his much anticipated debut where he has drawn the outside of the second row. Well-related colt being a half to Ohoka Connor (10 wins) and a full brother to Braeview Kelly (19 wins and $506k and 1:49.5). From the top Southland strike rate stable and the draw will only make his price more attractive. Owned by big Aussie harness owner Mick Boots.

Anita Mary (4m Fear The Dragon – Glenburn Jewel) Tr. B Gray

Hasn’t raced since April but showed her readiness for a resumption by beating subsequent winner Santiago at the Winton workouts (23/10/26), showed gate speed on that occasion and held strongly to the line in the hands of her trainer. MR:2:00.8, 800m in 56.8, 400m in 27.9. Goes back to the Winton track on Sunday and has scored a top draw over the flying mile in Race 8. Giving away some rating points to most rivals on this occasion but did ok against the better Fillies and Mares last campaign and her latest workout suggested she is ready to rumble over the short trip. Nathan Williamson to drive.

Sunday - Ashburton  

Mariner’s Rose (3f Captaintreacherous – Ruby Rose) Tr. K Barron

Well-bred filly who had a ‘quiet’ trial at Rangiora (28/10/26) behind The Jackal, settled back and didn’t threaten but they did run some time off the front. MR:2:00.1, 800m in 56.8. Hasn’t been to the races since December 2025 when sixth behind Captain Tyron on the grass at Motukarara in a slick time, last 800m in 57.1, parked throughout that contest. Goes to Ashburton for her return this Sunday (Race 3) and has a nice draw to use over the 1700m mob. Race lacking in good form lines and this could be her chance to get that maiden win. Thereabouts in half of her 10 starts in far better fields than she meets on this occasion. On her best day, right up to this line up.