The Trials Report - Six of the Best

These six horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (30/1/2025) they head back to the racetrack.

Iron Brigade (4g Art Major – Trigirl Brigade) Tr. S & A Telfer

Travels to Hawera this Friday for the Stratford Cup (Race 7) on the grass and warmed up for this assignment with a win at the Pukekohe workouts (23/1/25) against two stablemates, Double Jeopardy and Seaside Rose. Trailed in the heat before popping out near the 400m to challenge the leader, kept going strongly to get his head in front close to home MR:2:08.6, 800m in 55.8, 400m in 26.6. Gets a head start over his main rivals and obviously very fit judging by this workout run, a welcome back to junior driver Alicia Harrison who also drove him in the workout.

Lewey Maguire (5g Sweet Lou – Miranda Maguire) Tr. S & A Telfer

Another of the Telfer team heading to Hawera/Race 8 after trialling successfully at Pukekohe (23/1/25) where he lead three rivals and held on to win narrowly. MR:2:03.6, 800m in 56.4, 400m in 27.2. Starting in Revell Douglas race for Junior Drivers and Kristina Denifostova who drove him in this workout retains the drive on raceday. Punters should note that of his three wins to date, two have been on the grass (Rangiora and Motukarara).

Five Crowns (3g Bettor’s Delight – Gladamare) Tr. M & N Purdon

Another of the Purdon 3YOs resuming after trialling impressively a week ago at Rangiora (23/1/25) where he trailed mostly then used the passing lane to finish best in a quick time. MR:1:58.0, 800m in 57.3, 400m in 28.7. Hasn’t started since running seventh behind Marketplace in the Harness Millions 2YO Colts and Geldings race back in October but looks well forward judging by the trial performance. Cops a handy draw at Addington this Friday in Race 11 and with the top driver on, he should be at cramped odds for his high profile ownership group.

Next Level (4g Bettor’s Delight – Unforgiving) Tr. S Reid

Has been in ‘cotton wool’ since running second at the Addington trials (18/12/24) behind race rival Amaretto Franco in a tame affair MR:2:12.4, 800m in 59.5, 400m in 28.8. That quiet run was his first official trial after running a brave fourth in the Group 1 NZ Derby behind We Walk By Faith (who ironically won last week on resumption) in early December. Nothing of that class against him in Addington/Race 4 on Friday night and from a handy draw looks a very strong prospect to add to his career record of three wins from only 10 starts.

Secret Agent Man (4g Sweet Lou - Carabella) Tr. N Williamson

Strong placing at Winton workouts (24/1/25) just missing to pick up the promising Chicago Sky. MR 2:03.6, 800 in 56.3, 400 in 27.1. Bred to be good and has started race career in promising fashion, drawn favourably at Invercargill this Thursday in Race 7 and should be tough to roll.

Rakasandy (3g Always B Miki – Rakabeach) Tr. P Hunter

Went to the Wyndham workouts (17/1/25) and settled eighth of nine in Indian file, improved over last 1000m and able to secure late 1x1 cover, up to challenge final bend and kept coming to get over the top of his rivals. MR:2:03.5, 800m in 57.2, 400m in 28.40. Debuts this Friday at Invercargill / Race 6 from a wide draw against some promising maidens and while likely to benefit from the experience, looks to have a good motor. Odds should be appealing.

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