Now that many of the very best horses are coming out to play we are regularly updating what’s happening at the trials right around the country. Here’s the latest installment.
Pukekohe Workouts Saturday 7th October
Weather Showery Track fast
Merlin (3c Art Major – Imaginary Bet)
In his final hit out before heading south, the class 3yo trailed stablemate Sooner The Bettor (who trailed the galloping pacemaker), both popped out at the 400m, Merlin widest of all, and the two Purdon/Phelan runners could not be separated at the line, MR:2:02.9, 800m in 57.8, 400m in 27.1
This heat was run the Addington way of going.
Kiss (2f Always B Miki – Weownthenight)
The Purdon/Phelan trained runner trailed stablemate Ultimate Racy Girl until the 400m then finished best (officially a head) over that runner in the straight.
MR:02.3, 800m in 57.1, 400m in 27.2
Kiss has been crucified by the preferential draw in recent starts but there is no doubting her class when at her best.
The other runner, Coastal Babe, trailed third and was never asked for an effort over the final stages in the hands of her trainer Steven Reid, finishing full of running at the line.
All three fillies now head to Addington for the big money and all three are going to be very competitive in a very open age group.
Cambridge Workouts Saturday 7th October
Weather Overcast Track Fast
Le Major (2g Art Major – Le Girl)
Talking of those going to Addington for the big money, the Donnelly trained 2yo has been a ‘big mover’ in the last month and he had little trouble outfinishing stablemate Mr President in a MR:2:03, 800m in 57.1, 400m in 27.4 in what was just a ‘quiet run’ to keep him ticking over.
He looms as a ‘major’ player in the 2yo specials coming up.
Wyndham Workouts Saturday 7th October
Weather Fine Track Fast
Dawson (2g Sweet Lou – Speights Girl)
The Stratford trained 2yo trailed throughout then got the better of the pacemaker in the last 100m. The half brother to Bubbled Up was a $35k purchase by astute trainer Graeme Anderson at the 2022 Auckland yearling sale with his ‘liking’ of the stock of Sweet Lou well known.
He has gathered some high profile ‘mates’ to join him in the ownership and on this day, they saw their charge rush home in 56.2, 400m in 27.5 in an unqualified pace. The track spies would have put him straight into the black book.
Da Vinci (3g Art Major – Rockin Cullen)
The Ferguson trained runner (winner of 4 from just 11 starts / 3 as a 2yo) strutted his stuff in impressive fashion running his last 800m in 57.2, 400m in 27.3 to outfinish Flying Ellie by 3/4L
He has always been highly regarded by his connections and throughout his career he has been pitted against quality opposition.
He won’t be afraid to come to Addington and we all saw what Wagstar did to the opposition last week
Flying Ellie heads to Addington this week for the 2yo fillies Harness Million race for those sold through the yearling sales and is yet to taste defeat on raceday.
Manawatu trials Thursday 5th October
Weather Fine Track Fast
Stealer’s Wheel (2g A Rocknroll Dance – Miss Sunshine)
The Doug Gale trained 2yo qualified this day all by himself MR:2:02.8, 800m in 59.9, 400m in 29.2
Noteworthy because of the solo effort, he is also a half brother to four in better than 1:55, the best being Mattgregor who won 18 in Australia, won $190k and took a time of 1:50.6. This is a family developed over a long period of time by Graham Pearson (of Under Cover Lover fame) and is the immediate family of present day ‘superstar’ Millwood Nike
North Otago trials Wednesday 4th October
Weather Fine Track Good
Huzuni (3f A Rocknroll Dance – VC Windermere)
The Matty Williamson trained runner impressed clearing out from her two rivals winning by 3L, MR:2:01.0, 800m in 58.8 (time honours for the day)
Former Central Otago trainer Geoff Knight has a share in the half sister to Mufasa (10 wins mainly in Queensland) and her dam won 4.
Huzuni qualified back in May and has been given time to strengthen up and that patience could be rewarded sooner than later.
Winton Workouts Thursday 5th October
Weather Overcast Track Good
Mach’s Back (9g Mach Three – Dream Angel).
The Forbes trained 9yo boomed to the front from the outside of seven and kept going too well to hold his rivals at bay MR:2:03.2, 800m in 56.5, 400m in 27.8.
The winner of nine and nearly $100k was not disgraced when fourth last time behind the promising Captain Tom and he would seem to be on a ‘cushy’ rating (R55) in the deep south. He might think he is only 5 years old !
Montage (3g A Rocknroll Dance – Shamrocks)
The Hunter trained runner went to the front and spent most of the heat out on his own by 5-8 lengths from his 4 rivals, looked home until Craigsyde (who ran 2nd throughout) nabbed him via the passing lane in the last 30m. MR:2:03.3, 800m in 58.4, 400m in 28.4
Interestingly, he qualified way back in January but he has real size about him and the connections have obviously been patient. Still a work in progress but one to paste away.
Now that many of the very best horses are coming out to play we are regularly updating what’s happening at the trials right around the country. Here’s the latest installment.
Invercargill Workouts Friday 29th September
Weather Showery Track Easy
Miki Knows (4g Always B Miki – Who Knows)
The Douglas trained winner of three (from only 9 starts) raced third of four in indian file mostly but was back to last at the 400m peg when ‘tailender’ Joe’s Rock improved to challenge pacemaker Raklou (2yo filly), came stylishly down outer to grab those two runners but less than 1L covering the four horse field and all runners looked to have something in hand. MR:2:02.8, 800m in 58.4, 400m in 29.5
Raklou looks on target to come north to Addington for the Sires Stakes heat this coming week
Miraculous (2g Bettor’s Delight – Kelly Maguire)
The as yet unqualified Nathan Williamson trained, Breckon owned 2yo looked quite ‘green’ leading but was doing his best work over the final 200m in holding out his three rivals by nearly 2L, MR:2:11.2, 800m in 60.8, 400m in 29.3
Buckie Dundee (2c Net Ten Eom – Tact Ruby) paced roughly in the early stages but put in a determined run wide out on final turn to push the winner
Flying Ellie (2f Art Major – Hi Ho Silver Lining)
The unbeaten filly (two wins from two starts) trained by Nathan Williamson missed the start (mobile) by 5L, recovered to attach herself to the five horse trial in indian file, ran on under her own steam in the straight to finish officially 4th. MR:2:07.6, 800m in 60.3, 400m in 28.7.
The weather was particularly bad for this heat and her sectionals would have been at least the equal of the winner Takeitout.
‘Ellie’ is well staked for the upcoming 2yo filly specials.
Pukekohe Workouts Friday 29th September
Weather Showery Track fast
Merlin (3c Art Major – Imaginary Bet)
The class 3yo trained by the Purdon/Phelan partnership sat third in the three horse trial then exploded around the 400m and literally ‘zoomed’ up to take control over the final stages for Zac Butcher.
While obviously not race day, observers had to be impressed with his work MR: 2:03.5, 800m in 57.2, 400m in 28.3
Whispering Artist (4m Art Major – Serena’s Whisper)
The Hughes trained winner of six (from only 11 starts) led her two rivals from the stand (Old Town Road raced third of three from 10m behind) and when that rival attacked inside the final 400m, kept up a strong run to be only a head away in the hands of Tony Herlihy. MR:2:07.4, 800m in 56.8, 400m in 27.6
She hasn’t started since May when she strung 4 wins together to end her last campaign. The patient connections should reap reward when asked to compete against her own sex.
Bettor Knuckle Up (2c Bettor’s Delight – Bare Knuckle)
The Purdon/Phelan runner trailed stablemate Duchess Megxit throughout then outfinished that runner as they came away from their three rivals from as far as 800m out. Both impressed in a MR:2:02.5, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 28.3 Bettor Knuckle Up debuted back in April for 4th and looks to have strengthened up during his spell. Mum won 8 & $106K (mostly in Australia) and took a best mile time of 1:51.5. He is her first foal.
Cold Chisel (2c Always B Miki – Shezaball)
In the fastest heat of the day, the Purdon/Phelan 2yo sat last of five in indian file, was still last starting the final 600m before improving through the middle for driver Zac Butcher and was seen doing his best work over the concluding stages without being extended. MR:2:00.4, 800m in 57.6, 400m in 28.6
Given time to get over a tough trip fourth in the Cambridge Sires Stakes heat, he now heads south to Addington to lock horns with the best of his age group and a potential place in the Cup day Sires Stakes final.
Invercargill Trials Friday 29th September
Weather Showery Track Easy
Cochise (3c Father Patrick – Rae Galleon)
The Ferguson trained trotter trotted solidly in front throughout and was far too good, winning by some 9L. It was a qualifying heat but he had got his ‘ticket’ back in the beginning of May.
He has plenty of breeding to suggest he can win races and his 2:10.5 MR would be good enough to be competitive in most maiden trots down south. His debut is keenly awaited from a stable kicking many goals.
Cambridge Trials Thursday 28th September
Weather Overcast Track Good
Its Nae Or Never (2f Art Major – Juice Brogden).
The first foal from Juice Brogden (9 wins + $147k in stakes) was an impressive qualifier trailing two and three deep before letting loose in the home straight to power away from her two rivals, winning by 3L. MR:2:02.2, 800m in 60.8, 400m in 29.5
Trained by Nicky Chilcott, she looks to have inherited some of her dams ability on this effort and would be one to paste away for future reference.
The Addington Trials Wed 27th September
Weather Raining and cold and windy / Track Easy
Patani (2c Father Patrick – Sagan)
The Hope trained 2yo trotter trailed before improving to lead 1000m out, extended nicely last 300m and in the end 4 1/2L clear of rivals. MR:2:07.9, 800m in 61.9, 400m in 29.1.
Only the two race day starts so far but did win on debut back in May then struck Wilma’s Boy when a resuming sixth, some 11L from winner. Should be further improved next up and from a stable that does well when placing its trotters.
Ohara (3f Always B Miki – Paula’s On Fire )
The Howe trained filly trailed before popping out at the 400m to challenge in her qualifying heat run in trying conditions, too good for her two rivals in the straight, winning by 4L, MR:2:03.9, 800m in 62.5, 400m in 30.6.
This filly comes from the immediate family of Hot N Treacherous and The Orange Agent so has a few things going for a potential race career.
A Fine Patrick (2g Father Patrick – Harriet Of Mot)
The Edmonds trained 2yo again showed why he is so highly regarded by his connections while the time did not set any records.
Driver John Dunn bided his time back in the field before launching wide out on final bend, picked up his rivals with ease over the final stages without being extended. MR:2:14.4, 800m in 63.2, 400m in 30.6
Conditions again were not conducive to quick times but he will be at cramped odds when he makes his debut this season
The Quiet Pirate (2g Captaintreacherous – Silence Is Golden)
The Purdon trained 2yo broke briefly when crossing to lead just after the start but came down pacing in the hands of Mark Purdon and kept going to be way too good for his rivals MR:2:05.5, 800m in 60.4, 400m in 28.7.
He was a $60k purchase at the 2022 Auckland Yearling Sales and is from the Auckland Reactor family that Purdon has had considerable success with in the past …. there must be a story behind that name !
We Walk By Faith (2g Bettor’s Delight – Wicked Nights)
Another Purdon trained 2yo with plenty of breeding. He trailed mostly then used the passing lane to win in good style MR:2:03.6, 800m in 60.4, 400m in 28.7
Qualified back in June, owned by the Dunfords who have had much success with their ‘faith’ horses.
Zara Tindall (3f Vincent – Royal Impression)
The Robbie Holmes trained filly boomed off the gate, steadied midrace before coming home sharply, 400m in 27.8 (on an ‘off’ track) to win well
She has placed four times already in just eight raceday starts including a meritorious second to the capable Treacherous Miss back in June, freshened, she should be one to follow in races restricted to Non Winners F&M.
Kawhi (3g Andover Hall – Miss Lovalot)
The Tom Bagrie trained runner is a full brother to the well performed Harold Smith (6 wins) and after 400m led for driver John Dunn, cleared out from the 400m and officially 8L clear of his rivals at the line.
MR:2:04.9, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 29.0
Already the winner of one from 12 raceday starts and good enough to place twice as a 2yo, has not raced since May, but good enough to build upon his record at short notice.
Millwood Nike (3f Captaintreacherous – Alburquerque)
The star Purdon trained filly (14 starts for 14 wins) took time honours on what was quite a miserable day. She settled 4th of seven in indian file, received a nice 1×1 cart into race by a game Sweet Diamond at the 400m, not pushed to get over the top of her rivals, MR:1:59.7, 800m in 57.2, 400m in 27.2.
With a number of her 3yo rivals hardened by recent racing and with the filly specials looming, one imagines that this hit out was much needed and her trainers would have been smiling post race.
Her unbeaten stablemate Vessem (5 starts for 5 wins) set the pace and fought strongly when challenged to just hold second from the above mentioned Sweet Diamond and Celtic Spirit (trail) close up
Piccadilly Pete (2g Sweet Lou – Piccadilly Princess)
The Purvis trained 2yo is yet to qualify but proved too good for his six rivals, winning by a comfortable margin in the hands of his trainer, MR:2:08.7, 800m in 58.9, 400m in 27.8.
His dam, of course, won 17 races and some $760k for the same connections and he is the first live foal from the mare.
Needless to say, he looks to have inherited a fair amount of the family ability.
Ashburton trials Tuesday 26th September
Weather Fine Track Fast
She’s Tough (6m He’s Watching – Cullen’s Mercy)
The Mowbray trained mare started off 20m behind but soon trailed third of five in indian file, out to attack 400m out and kept up strong run to come away from rivals final stages MR:2:06.3, 800m in 56.8, 400m in 26.7
While a natural fast track in good fine conditions, the seven win mare put plenty of dash into her work in the hands of Matty Williamson
Lime In A Bottle (2f Imperial Count – Gina)
The Williamson trained 2yo raced third of four before being set alight by her trainer inside the final 600m, led around final corner, cleared out by 6L at the line
MR:2:12.2, 800m in 58.7, 400m in 28.6
She qualified in early May but has yet to make her raceday debut. She is a half to some handy types including Time In A Bottle (9w and $101k)
The Vixen (3f Always B Miki – Pocket Of Jewels)
High strike rate trainer Laurence Hanrahan produced a handy qualifier in the hands of Rick May, soon led and kept going too well for her rivals, 3 1/2L clear at the line MR:2:06.7, 800m in 58.0, 400m in 28.4
The filly has a bit of breeding behind her and the ‘Miki’ fillies have proven good racehorses, one to watch when the astute trainer elects to take her to the races.
Wyndham Workouts Sunday September 24
Weather Fine Track Fast
Cormac Leo (3g Sweet Lou – Athena Matai)
The Craig Ferguson trained 3yo settled third off five in indian file before improving midrace to take control and kept going strongly to win impressively, last 800m in 55.6, 400m in 27.5
Taken all the way to Addington for his debut where he duly won earlier in the season and then placed fifth in the Group 2 Southern Supremacy at his last start back in April (from only four race day starts), he looks to have come back stronger this time in and will be one to follow in the coming weeks
Pukekohe Workouts Saturday September 23
Weather Overcast Track Good
Chimichurri (4h Bettor’s Delight – Saucycullen)
The Telfer trained entire missed away from the 2500m stand but quickly recovered to assume control after 600m from Bolt For Brilliance (T) who had stepped nicely. Kept up a strong run to hold out Old Town Road. The latter settled last of five then took the short way home inside the final 600m, was giving leader 4L at 400m and got within a neck at the line. Winners last 800m in 58.1, 400m in 27.1
Bolt For Brilliance sprinted sharply from the trail to be a 1/2L away in third and trainer Tony Herlihy would have been super happy with the effort against open class pacers
Yourdoinamazinsweety (2g Sunshine Beach – Alesandra Ambrosio)
The Herlihy trained 2yo raced last of five before improving to sit parked last 800m, fought strongly for his third, less then 1L from winner Lenny Lincoln who trailed then came along inner to just get up. MR:2:04.7, 800m in 59.7, 400m in 27.7
He won a heat of the Young Guns earlier in the season but being a big type he has been given time and should show the benefit from the patient approach once he reappears on raceday
Minjee (2f Bettor’s Delight – Western Confidential)
The Hollis/Robertson filly only had one rival but showed plenty of dash after leading throughout and coming clear by some 5L, running her last 400m in 28.3.Her breeding would suggest she will just get better as she gains further experience. One to paste away.
The McGowan stable produced 3 workout winners who all showed enough to be followed when they resume.
Lucky Mum (2f Father Patrick – Girls On Film)
Already placed behind The Moonstone earlier in the season, she trailed against her two rivals then showed plenty of dash to clear out by 5 1/2L, 800m in 62.7, 400m in 29.3
Castana (3g Quaker Jet – Rosemaryz Luck)
Already the winner of two from nine starts, he trailed last of four before improving to lead 600m out, he cleared out in the straight to win impressively, last 800m in 60.3, 400m in 28.4
Broken Promise (5g Sweet Lou – On A Promise)
Settled third of five in indian file before improving to sit parked inside final lap, kept going strongly to win well, MR:2:05.1, 800m in 57.9, 400m in 28.1. The trainers must have some faith in him as he has raced only 5 times over 2 seasons and now nearly 6yo!
Cambridge Workouts Saturday September 23
Weather Overcast Track Slushy
Diamonds Are Forever (3f Always B Miki – Three Jewels)
The Neal trained filly was good enough to place behind Millwood Nike at Group 1 level earlier in the season.
In this trial she trailed throughout, elected to come out on the home turn and without too much effort finished best over her 3 rivals. MR:2:03.3, 800m in 58.8, 400m in 28.6
She would have have derived much benefit from the outing as she prepares to take on the best 3yo fillies in the coming weeks
The Rangiora Trials Wed September 20
(Weather Fine but windy / Track Fast)
Tinkerbelle (2f What The Hill – Belle Galleon)
The Mark Jones trained half sister to top trotter Stent led and then did enough to hold out Bounce N Beyond with 24L to the rest. MR:2.10, 800m in 60.1, 400m in 28.6.
The latter was good enough to beat Wilma’s Boy in a recent Rangiora trial and that runner came out and won a 2yo trot by 9L at Addington on the 15th September.
Tinkerbelle qualified way back in early March where she dead-heated with High Step, now winning in Australia for her connections at Group level.
All these references add up to her being a major player in the upcoming 2yo specials. Its fair to say that the current crop of 2yo trotters is collectively one of the strongest ever !
Heart Throb (3c Sweet Lou – Justalittlebettor )
The Bob Butt trained colt was highlighted in this forum recently and put in another eye catching trials performance behind the explosive Rakero Rocket (another to be highlighted previously). The latter left a trailing spot a lap out to take control then turned the race into a procession winning officially by 18L, last 800m in 55.5, 400m in 26.8.
Heart Throb was only officially fifth but was last and some 15L from the runaway pacemaker at the 250m, brought to the outside, he made up many lengths to be in a photo for the minor placings, under little urging from his trainer/driver.
Masterly (4g Love You – Brilliant)
Formerly with Paul Nairn (4 wins from 14 starts) but now with part owner Bob Butt, the Love You gelding stepped beautifully and was soon in front then had little trouble holding his rivals at ‘arms length’, MR:2:08.7, 800m in 59.5, 400m in 29.4
Remembering he won the 3yo Sires Stakes championship at Alex Park by nearly 7L at Group 2 level and competed at Group 1 level against the best of his age, this fellow has a touch of class and with another year on him, could be a big mover amongst the Canterbury trotters.
Krug (5h Bettor’s Delight – Champagne Princess)
The Dalgety trained runner began well off 40m (2600m) to tag on to a four horse heat (Sweet Diamond made a mess of the stand and took no part in the trial) before being asked to improve a lap out, unfortunately pacemaker Celtic Spirit elected not to hand up and Krug was forced to race parked for the final 1200m,
On a quick half (800m) in 56.5, MR 2:03 (off the front mark), he fought on strongly to be 2L from the pacemaker/winner and now after 2 trials, he looks primed for his raceday resumption at Addington next week.
Lets remember that Krug at his best is a sub 1:50 miler !
Borrisokane (3g Sportswriter – Tristar Brigade)
The Regan Todd trained 3yo has won two from 10 raceday starts and on this day ran 3rd in the R50 & faster trial, 1L from winner but when the winner is Akuta and the runner up Self Assured, last 800m in 56.8, 400m in 27.8, one takes notice especially as he was making ground solidly over the final stages under his own steam. The stable keeps kicking goals and this bloke did run a sub 1:55 mile earlier in year at Wyndham and former trainer Bruce Negus thought enough of him as a 2yo to debut in the Group 2 Sapling Stakes. Not to be underestimated wherever he travels in the coming weeks.
Akuta led and was too good but Self Assured caught the eye coming on stylishly in the straight and was not pushed to get within a length of the winner.
Posh Painter (2f Terror To Love – Hanover Glory)
The Robbie Close trainer filly raced 4th in indian file before improving to lead 600m out and kept giving to win nicely, last 800m in 57.8, 400m in 28.5. The head wind was quite strong down the back at this time and this qualifying effort looked full of merit. The trainer also has a share in this one.
Winton Workouts Thursday 14th September
(Weather Fine Track Fast)
Raklou (2f Sweet Lou – Raksbet)
The smart 2yo, a winner of three from just four starts, was back from her spell running fourth in behind Captain Tom (R35 to R66 pace) who led over the final lap and stayed on too well for his rivals in a 2:03.4MR, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 28.6.
Raklou was not pulled out in the run home by trainer Peter Hunter after racing back in the six-horse field and looked to have more to give.
Based on what she showed in her first campaign, she will be ultra competitive in the 2yo filly specials coming up over the next few months.
Mallory Maquire (2f Art Major – Miranda Maguire)
Trained by Alister Black, the unqualified filly raced in a learners heat but it was the way she finished that suggested she might have a future when she gets to the races. ‘Mallory’ trailed early but lost her place as a couple of runners went rough in the running, well back starting the last 500m, she came very wide on final turn then collared the leader in the final 50m under her own steam for young driver Riley Black. 800m in 59.6, 400m in 30.3
She is a 3rd foal half sister to a nice maiden in Lewey Maguire (trained by Telfers) and Sonny Maguire now the winner of three in Queensland.
Pukekohe Workouts Friday 14th September
(Weather Showery Track Slushy)
The Surfer (2g Downbytheseaside – Styx On)
Another of the Telfer 2yo fillies Seafield Rose in the hands of Alicia Harrison sped out to lead and kept going too well for her rivals, nearly 3L to the good at the line. 800m in 58.2, 400m in 28.4
The only runner to make any headway over the final 600m was the Donnelly trained The Surfer (3rd) who made up good ground from well back for driver David Butcher. He also qualified back in April where he ran a 2:02MR at Cambridge and has some quality breeding behind him as well.
Wyndham Workouts Saturday 16th September
(Weather Fine Track Fast)
Falcon’s Watch (4g He’s Watching – Touch Of Rose)
The Ross Wilson-trained one race winner trailed three deep mostly before mounting a challenge around the final bend and was able to finish strongly and clear of his rivals at the business end, cutting the 2400 mobile out in a 2:02.8MR, last 800m in 57.2, 400m in 28.8.
Formerly trained by Nicky Chilcott where he was a winner at Alexandra Park, he has been given a good spell and this run suggested he could turn the poor formline around at short notice.
Motukarara Workouts Saturday 16th September
Weather Overcast Track Firm (Grass track)
Quinn (2g Downbytheseaside – Vengance)
Word is that trainer Bruce Negus thinks a lot of Quinn and it was the trainer who hopped in the cart to steer his charge to an impressive win over 3 rivals, last 800m in 61.0, 400m in 27.0
He qualified way back in April at Ashburton but has been given plenty of time to fill into his frame by the astute horseman.
He is definitely one to paste away as we wait for that raceday debut.
