The Trials ‘Report Card’ - November 21

What was worth noting from all over the country for the week ending 21/11/2024

Seaclusion (4m Sweet Lou – Classy Beach) Tr. G Rogerson

Pukekohe (14/11/24) Stepped to the front and set terms over two rivals, sprinted a sharp 400m to keep Invisible (trail) at bay Last 800m in 59.8, 400m in 27.0. Freshened since disappointing last start late October, a race won co-incidentally by Invisible although she did beat the Purdon/Phelan runner the start prior. Neither horse extended in the run home on a sharp sprint home, overall time not quick.

Debbie Lincoln (2f Lather Up – Yasmine Bromac) Tr. R Green

Soon in front and always going well, only the trailer Beaudiene Hustler could keep up last 400m, strong effort to win MR:2:02.3, 800m in 59.4, 400m in 29.3. Two useful race day efforts against her own sex back in April, the last at Group 2 level and looking to build upon that start to her career, a progressive type that should be a natural improver.

Lewey Maguire (4g Sweet Lou – Miranda Maguire) Tr. S & A Telfer

Trailed third of 4, able to work onto the back of Leo Lincoln who had improved to sit parked 800m out, solid finish wide out to run the latter to a narrow margin. MR:2:07.6, 800m in 59.9, 400m in 27.5. Now in the northern arm of the Stonewall stable after winning three in the south and establishing a handy race record. Deserves respect when he lines up next.

Tyron’s Connoisseur (2f Art Major – Tyron’s Che Bella) Tr. R & J Dunn

Gate speed to lead, sprinted sharply 400m out, just did enough to hold out the Green trained The Rascal MR:2:03.0, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 27.9. Hasn’t flattered in eight 2YO starts to date including a couple of unplaced efforts in Group company but nothing beats experience and might be ready to show her true worth. The Rascal, a recent qualifier in early November, got very close after going roughly at the 500m and losing the back of the winner, recovered strongly to just miss and is one to paste away for the future.

Levi (3g What The Hill – Fear Factor) Tr. S Wigg

Off 30m, giving three rivals a start, got to third with early breaker then trailed after another breaker lost its chance midrace, out to attack 600m, not extended to come clear by 6L at the line. MR:2:12.5, 800m in 64.5, 400m in 31.2. Not short on ability and held in some regard by his connections. Just the one win but with his best manners that record can be improved upon for sure.

Chicago Sky (2f Bettor’s Delight – Chicago Blues) Tr K & F Price

Winton (14/11/24) Got to trail in five-horse 2YO heat, asked for an effort at the top of the straight and responded, getting the better of the pace making Moon Light Terror in the final 100m MR:2:00.4, 800m in 57.7, 400m in 29.0. Full sister to Chicago Bull (40 wins + $1.8M) and a recent qualifier in early September, whatever she can produce on the track is only going to add to her considerable residual value for her owner/breeders.

Always B Paulie (3g Always B Miki – Bubba Ho Tep) Tr. C Ferguson

Worked to the front from wide draw soon after the start, rallied strongly at business end when Sporty Charlie (trail) threatened to use the passing lane. MR:2:02.3, 800m in 55.9, 400m in 27.7. Qualified all the way back in early May but as yet unraced, got a mention in this forum last week so race day debut keenly anticipated. In context, Sporty Charlie has won four races but couldn’t get past. ‘Paulie’ won’t be a maiden for long.

Nutcracker (5m Bettor’s Delight – Rockin Cullen) Tr. C Ferguson

Led out over Nek Time and Miraculous, still there last turn, kept up determined run to hold out Miraculous who put plenty of dash into his finish from three deep last 400m. MR:2:04.0, 800m in 56.1, 400m in 27.0. The Ferguson trained mare has won the six races and freshened since finding the likes of Tact McLeod too strong earlier in the season. Finding suitable races might be a challenge at this stage of her career but any F&M races in the deep south would hold some appeal. Nek Time right there at the finish on a sharp sprint home.

Meg’s Boy (3c Always B Miki – Meglea) Tr. R Swain

Wyndham (16/11/24) Settled third of 5 but before long elected to pop out and lead 1600m out, cleared out from 600m, far too good, out by 8L at the line. MR:2:05.7, 800m in 55.9, 400m in 28.1. Not yet qualified but with the official margin 8L here over his four rivals, getting his race ticket would seem a formality. Dam won five and although she has left six winners, nothing in her own class to date. This could be about to change.

Beach Day (4m Sunshine Beach – Cool Delight) Tr G Hunter

Got to trail out of the gate, able to use passing lane to zip through for comfortable win over four rivals. MR:2:05.5, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 28.2. Has won the four races from just 13 starts and a last start winner back in late June, coming to hand nicely for a new campaign and not to be underestimated wherever she goes in the coming weeks

It’s A Pleasure (3f Downbytheseaside – Simple Pleasure) Tr. G Hunter

Led out before taking a trail after 400m, back to third of 4 when Cock A Hoop improved to lead 600m out, challenged final turn, did enough to just nudge the latter who fought determinedly when headed. Last 800m in 57.3, 400m in 28.9. Showed plenty of promise in her first campaign, placing twice from only three starts, just missing her maiden win last start back in May. Should be improved again this time in and won’t need too many races to snare that first win judging by this workout. Cock A Hoop, a long term maiden (18 starts),put in an improved effort.

Kowhai Star (2f Always B Miki – Green Fingers) Tr. M Jones

Ashburton (19/11/24) Gate speed to lead out, always going well, too good for four rivals. MR:1:56.4, 800m in 55.2, 400m in 27.2. The Ashburton track is known to be fast but this was nearly 9 secs under the required qualifying time over the short course of 1700m, calling the effort impressive would be an under-statement. Cuban Chrome (3rd=) & Swift Major (3rd=) also qualified and caught the eye running on late on a very fast last 800m.

Kowhai Sunburst (2f Creatine – Kowahi Sunrise) Tr. M Jones

Left in front when stablemate Ali Son (only rival) off stride soon after start, clear throughout, bold display to qualify with this ‘solo’ effort. MR:2:03.7, 800m in 60.8, 400m in 30.2. Same owners, same trainer as above and the same result! Only the one rival but 12L a fair margin in the end and 6 secs under qualifying time.

Newbiemains Arden (4m Bettor’s Delight – Tosca Hanover) Tr. G Payne

Led out before taking a trail behind Nasana, popped out 1700m to take back control, sprinted strongly 400m, kept going strongly to just do enough at the line. Last 800m in 57.8, 400m in 27.5. Only had the one start back in June but expected to be much improved this time in. 2YO filly and stablemate Nasana got very close along passing lane, has already qualified way back in March but as yet unraced, nice one to follow.

Jukebox Gypsy (3f Rock N Roll Heaven – Gypsy’s Choice) Tr. G O’Reilly

Led out over two rivals, still there final turn, not pushed to hold on albeit narrowly. Last 800m in 56.1, 400m in 26.7. Did ok in first campaign winning once from nine starts against some handy types, last start late June, first foal of a dam that won five so can be expected to get better with time. Action Major (trail) & Seacracka (3 deep) both ran on purposefully to be close up

Shepherd’s Delight (4g Sky Major – Delightful) Tr. I Court

Stepped brilliantly to lead clearly early stages, still had control 400m, kept going strongly to keep his rivals at bay Last 800m in 55.9, 400m in 27.1.
Has won the three races + $37k from 21 starts, this effort suggested he would be more than capable of adding to that handy record. My Ten Guitars raced back in midfield, dragged up into 1x1 last 600m, solid finish to be a closing second, nice trial.

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