The Trials ‘Report Card’

What was worth noting from all over the country for the week ending 26/4/2024

Afterburner (7g The Best Madrik – Knapdale Girl) Tr. T Robertson

Winton (19/4/24) Soon in front and established a big lead (15L) over four rivals very early in the running, kept going strongly and in the end none were able to close the gap including the well performed Bring On The Muscle (2nd), officially 13L clear at the line. Last 800m in 60.7, 400m in 30.4. The winner of four hasn’t started since March 10 where he was knocked out of contention by a breaking rival with 500m to run, could reverse formline on this effort

Sodoyahavtime (3g Art Major – Musthavtime) Tr. B Gray

Led and showed plenty of fight when attacked by Northern Ocean last 400m, both went to the line under holds on quick sectionals, last 800m in 58.4, 400m in 27.9. Sodoyahavtime started twice as a 2yo in Group company behind Vessem but that was way back in April of last year. Should have strengthened up considerably and shaping up as one to follow when he resumes back in the deep south

Duke Of Scotland (4g Sweet Lou – Galleons Honour) Tr. L Pearson

Happy to sit third of 4, out around final bend to challenge, did enough to get the better of a pacemaking Tash’s Bad Girl last 50m, last 800m in 57.9, 400m in 28.8. Hasn’t started since the beginning of March when as favourite he pulled out of the race with a punctured tyre with a lap to run. Prior form to that day very solid and could be expected to bounce back quickly in his current rating band.

Doo You Want Me (2c Captain Crunch – Delightful Lana) Tr. S Doody

Cambridge (20/4/24) Sped to lead and always in control, kept up strong run to stay in front of 4 rivals. MR:2:03.0, 800m in 57.4, 400m in 29.0. Made a mistake on debut and lost all chance beginning of April, prior trial form showed promise, faultless gait on this day with the track sticky from showery weather, looks capable of bouncing back at short notice.

Pacific Art (3c Washington VC – Pacific Kiwi) Tr. N Williamson

Wyndham (20/4/24) Happy to sit 3rd of 4 in unqualified pace, let loose at the 400m to quickly take control, ran clear of three rivals in straight. Last 800m in 60.4, 400m in 30.2. Track was easy on this day and this effort suggested qualifying will not be a problem. Hottest stable in Southland currently so one to watch when he does make it to the races.

Gem’s Delight (8m Bettor’s Delight – Pocket The Gem) Tr. B Norman

Soon in front and always going strongly, cleared out in run home for easy 5L win. Last 800m in 57.9, 400m in 28.9. Hasn’t flattered in 5 raceday starts (all as an 8yo) but not for the first time has impressed at the workouts. Already the dam of two foals before coming back into work and there is some breeding behind her. Connections must be hoping to breed from a winning broodmare in the future

Rakamurph (4g Captaintreacherous – Rakarazor) Tr. N Williamson
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Raced last of 4 before sweeping up around final bend and not pushed to do best in four horse trial, last 800m in 57.5, 400m in 28.6. The winner of 4 (three as a 2yo) but hasn’t started since dropping out badly at his last start back in March, freshened since and the sectionals here good enough to see him reverse that form in the right company down south.

Wild Bull (3g Raging Bull – Bay Jet) Tr. P & V Blanchard

Pukekohe (22/4/24) Mentioned in this column multiple times previously but has had a move to the North Island after a recent sale, not asked for a big effort in a 3 horse trial, trailing third of 3, ran on late and found Seafield Rose (two wins in last three starts) too strong at the line.MR:2:04.6, 800m in 59.7, 400m in 28.8. Wild Bull can get some stable expenses in the north before flying out overseas

Christie’s Art (2f Art Major – Christanna) Tr. S & A Telfer

Well bred filly purchased out of yearling sales and a handy fourth on debut back in March, straight to the front and found enough to do best over two rivals last 200m. Last 800m in 59.5, 400m in 29.6. Dam won four and should have derived good benefit from that initial race experience, worth more than a second glance when lining up at her next assignment.

Bettor Fortune (2g Bettor’s Delight – Fortune Lover) Tr. D Keast

Rangiora (24/4/24) Pushed the button at the start from the widest draw and straight to the front, never looked like being pressured. Last 800m in 57.4, 400m in 28.1. Half brother to a number of handy horses including Fortify (two wins from 5 starts) and dam an Artsplace daughter to the globe trotting Under Cover Lover. A big strong mature type who will give a sight when making the raceday debut

Chase A Dream (3c Captaintreacherous – Secret Lotion) Tr. M & N Purdon

Worked to the front soon after the start from a wide draw, no trouble for the top colt to stay in front of his rivals. MR:1:58.6, 800m in 56.1, 400m in 28.0. Likely to be targeting rich 3yo stakes and must be accorded the utmost respect on his race record to date. Spirited last 600m from Franco Sinatra from second last to snare 3rd, would have been giving the leader 10L at the 800m and got within two at the line.

Greenbank Don (5g Muscle Mass – Princess Galleon) Tr. B Butt

Settled fourth of 6 in indian file, improved in open last 700m, led on straightening, kept going strongly to keep rivals at bay, headed by Mr Love who gave the winner 10m head start, tracked winner throughout, last 800m in 59.4, 400m in 29.8. The winner of three from just 10 raceday starts (the last back in December 2023) the ‘Don’ now with a new trainer and deserves respect when next appearing on race day. Elizabeth Hill botched the standing start and took no part in the heat

Tact Teena (3f Bettor’s Delight – Tact Lizzie) Tr. M Jones

Enjoyed a nice trail, used passing lane to do best, just. Last 800m in 58.3, 400m in 28.2. Had a crack against the best 2yo fillies last October but found that too tough then. Has obviously strengthened up and the second filly Gigi Hadid (written up in this forum recently) highly regarded by top stable.
Eyecatching finish from well back for third by the royally bred Keeping It Kiwi (3c Art Major – Kiwi Ingenuity). One to paste away. Super dam won 11 from just 27 starts!

Stella Rouge (2f Bettor’s Delight – Lady Gilpin) Tr. S & A Telfer

Secured soft run three deep in Indian file, strode up purposefully at the 400m to lead at her leisure, kept going strongly for impressive win. Last 800m in 58.9, 400m in 28.1. Dam a full sister to Group 1 winner Belle Of Montana and to Delightful Kas, the dam of the latest 2yo star in the unbeaten Rubira (3 wins from 3 starts) and himself now a Group 1 winner. This filly looked full of promise.

Captain Joan (2f Captain Crunch – Maheer Mystic) Tr. P Kerr

Straight to the front in three horse heat, slipped away 500m and never in doubt after that. Last 800m in 59.3, 400m in 29.9. Only a learners pace but cleared out by some 8 1/2L. Well related to a number of winners tracing directly back to cup class mare Fern Glen (10 wins + $125k). Dam won a couple in a short career and this filly looks like a ‘winner’ when she gets to the races.