A Catch A Wave “stunner” and a handful of eye-catching Blackbook bursts shone out on the Victorian trials circuit this week.
Ahead of Saturday night’s hugely anticipated three and four-year-old TAB Eureka showdown, Andy and Kate Gath gave Catch A Wave a Melton hit-out and their stable star didn’t disappoint.
The quality trial was won by Captain Bellasario ahead of Outlaw Man, with the former zipping home in 54.1-second last half, while Catch A Wave “produced a stunning last half to finish third after coming from seventh on the markers from the half mile peg”.
Others to impress across the week were Followtheace at Shepparton and Emwallen and Illawong Benita at Melton, with the trio going into the blackbook.
Replays and the highlights are below, with the Blackbook at the bottom of the page.
BACCHUS MARSH 26/08/23
Trial 2: – JOSHUA RICHARD NZ is a handy type when racing at his peak form and should be getting fitter after having two starts back from a spell. He took out the trial by a comfortable margin over SEE YOU THERE, which has been runner up in all three starts since returning from a long spell and the last start Ballarat winner KHANS CREED was last of the three runners to cross the line. JOSHUA RICHARD NZ is awkwardly drawn but is not without a chance at Cranbourne on Sunday. SEE YOUR THERE should perform well at Geelong on Tuesday night and KHANS CREED is racing at Melton this afternoon.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.0 Last half: – 58.6 Margins: – 8m, 10m
Trial 3: – SHADOW CELT is an unraced gelding by Shadow Play out of the handy mare Rhodium Castle (1.57.7, $89,165), which has produced two winners including Micrometeor (1.55.2). He was able to win the trial by dashing home in reasonable final sectionals from FLYING SPARKS, which backed up at Ballarat on Wednesday night in a heat of the Super Series, finishing ninth. MY ROCK MOVES finished in a distant third. SHADOW CELT will make his debut at Cranbourne on Sunday and looms as a winning chance.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.6 Last Half: – 58.6 Margins: – 8m, 30m
ECHUCA 27/08/23 (The results on the harness website do not match what was broadcast on the trial replays. The results in this column were as broadcast on the day).
Trial 1: – DAYLIGHT AT DAWN progressed forward to find the lead shortly after the start and was always in control. He is a handy performer and was clearly the class runner of the trial so he went on to record an expected win. BARNY BILL finished second after leading out then taking cover and will back up at Cranbourne on Sunday. JONG ANG was last of the three runners throughout.
Mile Rate: – Not Given Last Half: – Not Given Margins: – 15m, 35m (approximately)
Trial 3: – TWILIGHT BEACH began quickly to find the lead and set up a moderate tempo. He was able to hold off the challenge of HONOUR NIGHT, which took the trail and waited for the sprint lane. SKINNY HORACE settled down last of the four runners before coming to the outside at the 600m and battling away for third.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.0 Last Half: – 60.4 Margins: – Neck, 4m
ARARAT 27/08/23
Trial 2: – SPORTSBOU is an unraced filly by Sportswriter out of the speedy mare Bou Chard (1.54.2, $66,670). She is the first foal and appears to have a promising future based on her recent trial performances. She was able to win the trial from JUST FOLLOW ME, an unraced filly by American Ideal out of Whisper Jet NZ (1.55.5, $110,426), which is related to the two winners Midnight Whisper (1.55.5) and Jet Rock (1.54.5). RAFFLE finished a distant third ahead of BUNDY CRUISER.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.2 Last Half: – 57.8 Margins: – 10.5m, 16.5m
MARYBOROUGH 27/08 (The results of the Maryborough trials have not been uploaded onto the harness website at this stage. The results in this column are as broadcast on the day).
Trial 1: – WARRANTEE prepared for his effort in a heat of the Super Series at Shepparton on Thursday night with a good win over stable mate PAS GUARANTEE, which also competed in a heat of the Super Series on Thursday. WARRANTEE trailed behind his stable mate before coming to the outside on the home turn and got up on the line. RADIUS was last of the three runners throughout but didn’t shirk the task and held his ground in the run to the judge. He is returning from a spell at Melton tomorrow night.
Mile Rate: – Not Given Last Half: – Not Given Margins: – Head, 4m (approximately)
Trial 4: – EBONYS AVENGER is a smart trotting mare and was able to build some confidence by taking out the fourth event after finding the lead with 1900m remaining. She never appeared to be in any danger of defeat and cruised to victory over WOOSH, which led out then took cover. WOOSH is competing in a strong heat of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday. WISH UPONA DREAM settled five back on the inside, moved into the death seat then gained a one out and one back trail at the 600m mark. She switched back to the sprint lane in the straight and battled on fairly well for third.
Mile Rate: – Not Given Last Half: – Not Given Margins: – 6m, 3m (approximately)
Trial 5: – DALEY WATERS settled five back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell and came out three horses wide on the home turn. He got home best to defeat KOUFAX, which trailed the leader and secured an inside run at the 400m mark. COREYS COURAGE was without cover early, restrained to be six back on the markers and moved into the death seat again at the bell. He battled on well for a distant third. MAJESTIC AVENUE attempted to lead throughout but hung out at the quarter pole then broke stride on the home turn and ended up in fourth place.
Mile Rate: – Not Given Last Half: – Not Given Margins: – 3m, 20m (approximately)
Trial 8: – THE PENNY DROPS continues to thrive at the trials and was able to defeat the pacers in the final event. He began quickly to find the lead and dominated at the end to win by a handy margin. ON WATCH settled four back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 600m and finished on well for second with ATOMIC GLORY being third after trailing the leader throughout. ATOMIC GLORY makes his debut at Geelong on Tuesday night.
Mile Rate: – Not Given Last Half: – Not Given Margins: – 10m, Nose (approximately)
BENDIGO 28/08/23
Trial 2: – MY BABYGIRL trailed the leader and used the sprint lane so she enjoyed a lovely run but she did show very good acceleration in a slick final quarter of 27.6 seconds so it was a promising start to her career. She is the first foal of In Charge, which only had one start in her career, which yielded a third in a heat of the Homegrown Classic. The second dam Amarillen has produced eight winners, three $100,000+ earners, including Villagem (1.52.1, $626,585) so MY BABYGIRL has the breeding to become a handy horse. ALWAYS BE BRENDAN settled three back on the inside and finished off strongly late for a game second. SHES BEWITCHED was third after setting the speed.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.2 Last Half: – 57.4 Margins: – 1m, 4m
BLACKBOOKER: – My Babygirl
Trial 3: – CENTURION DREAM settled three back on the markers, moved to the outside with 300m remaining and finished off nicely to gain the prize. THIRD EYE led out then took cover behind JANSU at the mile marker and finished off well via the sprint lane to finish second. JANSU was third and BILLY ZIPPIN produced a very good run after being out of position at the start by approximately 25m and finishing fast at the end. CENTURION DREAM, THIRD EYE and BILLY ZIPPIN will all be competing in heats of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday.
Mile Rate: – 2.5.9 Last Half: – 61.0 Margins: – 1m, 2m
Trial 4: – KATHYS FREE is a former New South Wales trained filly, which recently joined trainer Julie Douglas. She took on older horses but was impressive in scoring after she settled five back on the markers early before moving up without cover at the bell and hitting the lead 500m from home. CHOOZ REACTOR finished second after zooming to the lead early then taking cover with a mile remaining. KINGSBURYS CHARGE NZ was three back on the markers, pulled hard and waited for the sprint lane. He finished third ahead of DESMOND, which progressed forward to find the lead with 1500m remaining.
Mile Rate: – 2.2.6 Last Half: – 57.6 Margins: – 12m, 4m
Trial 7: – CHEVRON FLIES NZ has recently transferred to trainer Julie Douglas and created a big impression at the trials. She was four back on the markers, moved away from the inside with a mile remaining and dashed around the field to find the lead at the 1300m mark. She dashed home in fast final sectionals and it was a very good form pointer into her effort at Mildura this afternoon. JACCKA CONNOR NZ hasn’t raced since a victory at Mildura in April but he returns from a spell at Mildura this afternoon and is one of the leading chances. He finished second in the trial after settling four back on the markers and working home nicely via the sprint lane. ROMANY BROWN led out then took cover and finished third ahead of HERESHECOMESSASSY, which settled five back on the markers and held her ground over the concluding stages. The classy trotter GOTFEELINGSYOUKNOW finished last of the six runners but went to the line hard held with no clear run. He will be competing in a heat of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.7 Last Half: – 57.8 Margins: – 7m, 2m
Trial 8: – ROCKINWITHATTITUDE began quickly to lead and rolled along at a genuine tempo. She was very comfortable in the run to the finish and continues her impressive form line this season. She will be strongly fancied in her effort at Maryborough on Monday. IM READY JET hasn’t raced since finishing third in the MacArthur Mile (Group 1) at Menangle in May. She was three back on the markers, moved around BITTA IRISH LUCK (trailed leader) on the home turn then angled in behind ROCKINWITHATTITUDE in the straight. She wasn’t fully tested at any stage.
Mile Rate: – 1.59.6 Last Half: – 57.1 Margins: – 4m, 12m
Trial 9: – OZZIE BATTLER began quickly and took a trail behind the leader ORCHID STRIDE. He used the sprint lane and drove through to win softly. ORCHID STRIDE held down second just in front of CAPTAIN CONFETTI NZ, which galloped at the start, lost fifteen metres and finished off well at the end. He returns from a break at Melton this afternoon and can improve on his numerical form if he delivers a foolproof display. HES CHARLIES ANGEL was three back on the markers and had something in reserve at the finish. He didn’t have a great deal of luck at Shepparton on Thursday night after being headed off from the pole position.
Mile Rate: – 1.59.0 Last Half: – 56.3 Margins: – 4m, Nose
SHEPPARTON 29/08/23
Trial 1: – SOFALA began quickly to find the lead and finished off in a slick final half of 56.4 seconds to get the prize. He hasn’t won a race in eleven starts for the season but he is dropping back into a suitable class so he might be able to bounce back in the near future. BARNABY trailed the leader early, ended up being three back on the markers and moved to the outside with 600m remaining. He chased hard and was beaten by a narrow margin. CANNON BEACH settled four back on the markers and worked forward in the last lap to end up being behind the leader approaching the home turn. He used the sprint lane and finished third. The classy trotters ILLAWONG STARDUST (behind leader) and LOCKSLEY LOVER (5 back pegs) finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.2 Last Half: – 56.4 Margins: – 1m, 2m
Trial 3: – MAORIS MAC began quickly to find the lead and was able to run her rivals ragged, scoring clearly by 25m in an emphatic victory. It was a very good hit-out looking forward to her performance in a heat of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday. SKY LINDY finished second after trailing the leader throughout and PRETTYBOY HARRY produced an eye-catching performance to finish third after settling six back on the markers and angling out four horses wide on the home turn. He is by Majestic Son out of the race winning mare Prettygirl Lassie and is a close relation to the very promising trotter Sebastians Boy (1.58.7). SKY LINDY and PRETTYBOY HARRY will also be competing in Super Series events on Monday.
Mile Rate: – 2.5.2 Last Half: – 62.0 Margins: – 25m, 8m
Trial 4: – FOLLOWTHEACE is an unraced gelding by Art Major out of Cullens Ace (1.58.9, $128,539), which makes him closely related to three winners including Herehecomes (1.56.9, $159,218). He settled six back on the markers, angled out three horses wide at the 400m mark and produced a big finish to score, seemingly with plenty in reserve so he is worth following. HY FILANTE attempted to lead throughout and finished in second with STORMBOY STAR being in third place after trailing the leader. JAPANESE MIKI made up ground from last to finish in fourth position.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.0 Last Half: – 59.5 Margins: – Head, 1m
BLACKBOOKER: – Followtheace
MELTON 29/08/23
Trial 1: – MUFASA METRO NZ was able to gain some standing start practice leading up to his effort in the Australasian Trotting Championship at Melton on Saturday night. He commenced well from his handicap of 40m, circled around his two rivals with 1400m remaining to lead and recorded very quick final sectionals at the finish to score nicely. HIGH STEP NZ was beaten by twenty-two metres but she is a juvenile filly and was taking on a trotter of Inter Dominion class so her effort after leading out then taking cover was brave. She is taking on older horses at Cranbourne on Sunday but she is capable of achieving success. ABBRACCIAMI ended up being last of the three runners during the middle stages and remained in that position.
Mile Rate: – 2.2.5 Last Half: – 56.53 Margins: – 22m, 6m
Trial 2: – NATHAN STREET trailed the leader and came to the outside on the home turn. He finished off best to defeat JUST PEDRO, which settled three back on the inside and sprinted along the passing lane. RIVEERA was third across the line after trying to lead throughout. JUST PEDRO is competing at Cranbourne on Sunday and RIVEERA resumes from a spell at Geelong on Tuesday.
Mile Rate: – 1.58.7 Last Half: – 57.22 Margins: – 4.5m, Neck
Trial 3: – ALEPPO RAIN began quickly to find the lead, and enjoyed a nice run mid-race. She was able to hold on and win from EMWALLEN, which put in an eye-catching display after finishing hard from four back on the markers. He is by Majestic Son out of the smart mare Idle Lea (1.59.0, $122,581), making him a brother to Sonarmi Joh (2.4.4). EXALTED LADY NZ finished in third after trailing the leader throughout. ALEPPO RAIN is competing in a heat of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.7 Last Half: – 60.93 Margins: – Nose, 4.5m
BLACKBOOKER: – EMWALLEN
Trial 4: – CAPTAIN BELLASARIO trailed the leader and came to the outside at the quarter pole. He was able to produce a brilliant last half of 54.10 seconds to win impressively. OUTLAW MAN NZ lost no admirers after setting the speed and being run down late. The Eureka bound CATCH A WAVE produced a stunning last half to finish third after coming from seventh on the markers from the half mile peg. He was finding the line very strongly and he should be primed for the big race at Menangle on Saturday night. HELLUVA NZ came from five back on the markers to finish fourth.
Mile Rate: – 1.55.3 Last Half: – 54.10 Margins: – 1.5m, 1,5m
Trial 5: – ILLAWONG BENITA hasn’t started since August 2022 but she appeared to be very sharp in winning over IZARRA. She was four back on the markers, moved up without cover from the bell and was strong at the finish. IZARRA was second after setting the speed but the first two across the line finished well clear of BALLIANGUS (3 back pegs), which was the third horse across the line. IZARRA is competing in a heat of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday.
Mile Rate: – 1.59.8 Last Half: – 58.36 Margins: – 3.5m, 48.5m
BLACKBOOKER: – Illawong Benita
Trial 6: – ZENITH STRIDE USA trailed the leader and accelerated quickly via the sprint lane to win nicely. VICTREE HILL began fast to lead from a wide draw and held down second with EXALTED coming from four back on the markers to finish in third spot. EXALTED is also competing in a heat of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.0 Last Half: – 58.96 Margins: – 1.5m, 1.5m
Trial 7: – DIAMONDSNBLUE began quickly to lead and was able to hold off her rivals to win the final event. She is resuming from a spell at Geelong on Tuesday night and is not without a chance. BETTORORWORSE trailed the leader and came to the outside with 300m remaining. She missed out narrowly with FIGHTER COMMAND being a close up third after being three back on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: – 1.58.9 Last Half: – 56.77 Margins: – Head, 2.5m
