Shepparton, Horsham, Bacchus Marsh, Mooroopna, Maryborough, Cranbourne, Bendigo, Ballarat, Ararat, Melton - Craig Rail's been everywhere man to serve up this week's edition of the Trial File, when another short-list of horses to follow went into the Blackbook.
Dive in, and scroll to the bottom for the updated Blackbook.
SHEPPARTON 06/02/20
Trial 1: - HATCHBACK trailed the leader ALDEBARAN CRESCENT throughout and came to the outside on the home turn. He was able to win in the sprint up the straight but ALDEBARAN CRESCENT appeared to have a bit more in reserve. RIGHT MOVES settled four back on the markers and ran into third but a good distance behind the leading pair with DASH OF FLAIR (3 back the markers) running fourth. DIZZYSJET galloped at the start but was able to get back into the trotting gait to settle ahead of KRAZE, which missed in the score up, and that pair were tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.3 Final Half: - 60.3 Margins: - Head, 20m
Trial 2: - PATSBEACHSTORM (Somebeachsomewhere – Charissa Tee 1.58.0, $16,836) was an extremely impressive winner. He showed brilliant gate speed with his head on his chest, coasted around and won under a hard hold by 25m in a mile rate of 1.57.3. He is definitely worth following. LOCHINVER CHIEF (Captaintreacherous – Always A Target) also trialled nicely. He settled five back on the markers and was held up for a run at a vital stage before making up good ground in the latter stages to finish second. MADE TO ROCK (Pet Rock – La Pucelle 1.56.3, $31,375) finished on quite well for third from the position of being four back on the inside. STRAVINSKY settled second last on the inside and ran into a distant fourth ahead of SHELBY GRACE (Betterthancheddar – Miss Marg Shannon 2.5.0, $4,960), which trailed the leader. CANSHEDANCE (A Rocknroll Dance – Thisiswhoiam 1.56.1, $46,384) settled down last and made contact with STRAVINSKY turning into the back straight and broke stride. She beat home PRINCESS LIL (Smiling Shard – New Age Babe 2.1.7, $12,825), which dropped out late from three back on the markers.
Mile Rate: - 1.57.3? Final Half: - 56.1? Margins: - 25m, 10m
BLACKBOOKER: - PATSBEACHSTORM
Trial 3: - LOCHINVER settled down in last position and used inside runs most of the way. He switched back to the sprint lane over the final stages and showed good acceleration to score. HERE HE COMES was one out and one back early, was left without cover at the mile marker and progressed forward to lead with 1200m remaining. He was run down in the latter stages. JUSCALLMECHIEF settled five back on the markers before getting around the tiring MAJOR WISH at the bell. He came wide into the home straight and finished off well for third. RETURN SOLDIER was left without cover before moving to the front at the mile marker. He then took cover behind HERE HE COMES and came to the outside when straightening for home. ROLLING ALONG led early then took cover and was shuffled back on the inside. He moved up without cover from the 600m mark but tired late. MAJOR WISH took a trail behind ROLLING ALONG early but started yielding ground with a lap remaining.
Mile Rate: 1.57.3? Final Half: - 56.1? Margins: - 2m, Head (approximately)
Trial 4: - SCORCHA pushed forward from a wide gate to get to the lead. He scooted well clear turning for home and appeared to switch right off in the final 50m as he walked to the line but was still able to win by a comfortable margin. SOMEDAYLADY settled three back on the inside and followed the markers all of the way. She appeared to be under pressure when SCORCHA shot clear on the turn but she really picked up late and made up good ground. WALKAMILEINMYSHOES settled four back on the markers and worked through into third position in front of IAMTHEFIRECRACKER (Betterthancheddar – Elixir 1.55.1, $231,180), which trailed the leader and came to the outside on the home turn. LAST ARTIST settled down a clear last early and by the time he peeled to the outside of REGIONALFELLA the field were off and gone. He picked up some ground in the latter stages and was never pushed at any part of the journey. REGIONALFELLA dropped out to be last of the six runners.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.9 Final Half: - 57.4 Margins: - 5m, 8m
Trial 5: - MORGAN MYLEE stepped away well to trail the leader CMON CARL LEE but was left in front when that horse galloped. She set up a slow tempo and was joined on the home turn but had a good kick left at the finish to win. CMON CARL LEE galloped 100m after the start then again turning into the back straight and lost approximately 40m. She tacked onto the group and finished well out wide on the track late for a game second. MYNAMESGRAHAM galloped away and settled down a clear last. He tacked on mid-race and continued to use inside runs, gaining the sprint lane in the straight and running into third. ITS GAZADANGERWOOD (Bad Boy Truscott – Justcallmespecial 2.3.6, $18,075) trailed the leader and came to the outside turning for home but broke stride when vying for the lead. WILLDOMXAV (Tennotrump – Rappa Jolie) settled three back on the inside and broke stride in the back straight on the final occasion.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.8 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 5m, 4m
Trial 6: - MAJOR BOB continued his very good trial form with another devastating display. He pushed forward to find the lead at the 1600m mark, was in complete control and zoomed away to win by a large margin. SECRET IDENTITY led out then took cover behind MAJOR BOB and couldn’t go with him in the final quarter but was good enough to hold down second. WHAT A PLEASURE was a nice effort in third after settling down last, moving into the one out and one back trail mid-race and coming out wide on the home turn. ASTERISM (Four Starzzz Shark – Rutherglen Ruby 1.58.0, $18,068) settled three back on the markers and finished fourth ahead of BRING THE ACTION, which was left stranded on the outside of the leader and TAKABISHA (Grinfromeartoear – Limestone Coaster) (4 back markers) finished at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.5 Final Half: - 57.5 Margins: - 20m, 6m
Trial 7: - It was just like trackwork for the three runners that contested trial seven with the horses being in single file, finishing together and without being fully extended. CRACKER JET (Quaker Jet – Win Winnie Win) trailed the leader TWIXTEN (Trixton – Cold Sister $262,321) and was able to get up in the sprint up the straight with HAMMERS MUSCLE (Muscle Hill – Zoia Boko) finishing on via the sprint lane.
Mile Rate: - 2.14.1 Final Half: - 64.3 Margins: - Head, 1m
Trial 8: - REACTOR NOW was a very impressive winner. He settled down four back on the markers, was last on the home turn and swung out deep to be the widest runner before producing a big finish to pick up a reasonable field easily. CLOUDLET pushed forward to find the lead and enjoyed a nice run in transit. He held down second from JULIACA, which went forward out wide on the track and slotted in behind the leader. She pulled hard in the run but held her own in the straight. DO NOT SURRENDER settled on the markers early but quickly moved into the one out and one back trail behind WANTALINGA DREAM. He switched back to the inside in the straight and used the sprint lane for fourth. HOLSTEIN (Major Bronski – Havilah Mistress) ended up being one out and two back and made a swift move out three horses wide from the 300m to the home turn. He peaked a little in the latter stages but wasn’t beaten by far in a good finish. WANTALINGA DREAM was sixth and ANGELIZED (Rock N Roll Heaven – Specialize) (3 back markers) ended up being last of the seven runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.0 Final Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 2m, 2m
Trial 9: - SHOSHONE BRAVE powered to the lead in the early stages, was taken on by WILLEM at the 1200m mark and eventually took cover then came away from the markers and put the speed on again 600m from home so it was a tough performance to take out the trial. WILLEM settled down at the rear of the field, sprinted up in the back straight on the first occasion to fill the one out and one back trail then had a slight breather before looking for the front. He also trialled well in second position. THE DIAMOND KING started off behind the leader and ended up being three back on the markers before holding down third at the finish. SHOWGUN THOMAS started off without cover, was snagged back to last then manoeuvred into the one wide line (1-2) but was left stranded without cover again in the last lap until SHOSHONE BRAVE made his move. He finished fourth in front of RAMBLENROLLER (4 back markers, 5 back at bell) and GETBUSYFIZZY (5 back markers, 6 back at bell). A SPECIAL DREAM was caught without cover in the first circuit and was able to slot onto the markers to be four back when SHOSHONE BRAVE and WILLEM broke up the field approaching the bell. He was battling with 500m remaining and finished last of the seven runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.6 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - 2m, 12m
HORSHAM 07/02/20
Trial 1: - JILLIBY RHYTHM (A Rocknroll Dance – Jilliby Ruby 2.6.1, $10,519) is a Marg Lee trained filly that has been showing some ability and defeated the former New Zealand mare COOL AN CALCULATING, which came out a few nights later and scored at Mildura. URGOODBOY (Restrepo – Lucy’s Pride 1.58.9, $102,452) is out of a good race mare and finished in third position ahead of LAVAUGHN (Well Said – Miss Cool Falcon) with TIZ MY FIRST LOVE, which broke stride at Mount Gambier when on debut, coming in last of the five starters.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.3 Final Half: - 59.3 Margins: - Head, 1.5m
BACCHUS MARSH 08/02/20
Trial 1: - SWEET LOUISE has come back from a spell in very good form with a first up victory at Maryborough. She was able to record handy time in her comfortable victory in the opening trial over CORNISH SMUGGLER with MIRARI, which only had the one start back in June finishing in third position. MISTER GLEE was fourth in front of KOBA, which is racing at Wedderburn on Sunday, and UNETHICAL (Four Starzzz Shark – Notfitforsale) finished last of the six runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.4 Final Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 6m, 2m
Trial 2: - DARING ANGEL probably hasn’t quite raced up to the form she showed during her juvenile season thus far this term but she scored in the second trial over the Michael Cole trained KAUDO. EXCELLENT DROP (Bacardi Lindy – Squaring About 2.5.9, $16,013) and TELEPHONE TILLY (Majestic Son – Vari Perfect 2.3.6, $11,611) were the two horses in the trial that hadn’t raced previously and they ran third and fourth respectively.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.5 Final Half: - 61.6 Margins: - 1.5m, 15m
Trial 3: - RUM AN ROYAL has been showing some speed at the trials and raced out of his class when unplaced at his first run since December. He secured victory over FLING IT ALL ABOUT with the unraced mare TANISHAS DREAM (Conch Deville – Gina Dawn) coming in last of the three runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.7 Final Half: - 61.4 Margins: - 2m, 15m
Trial 4: - JACKS COMMAND has performed better at the trials than he has at the races recently and he was able to score in the open class trial over OUR SUMMER WIND. ZALTA, which ran a place at big odds at Melton recently, finished in last of the three competitors.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.7 Final Half: - 59.3 Margins: - 4m, 6m
Trial 5: - ARCTIC WIND (Roll With Joe – Windchill 2.3.2, $9,600) is an unraced gelding for trainer Jaime Madruga, which comfortably won the fifth trial over his stable mate FRANKING CREDIT (Western Terror – Let’s Go Baby 2.6.5, $26,833), giving Madruga the Quinella. ROSIES RISING (Four Starzzz Shark – Country Change 1.56.8, $95,383) is a nicely bred juvenile filly and she was taking on the 3yo pacers. She finished fourth ahead of TIZ ATEGO (Tiz A Masterpiece – Sarahs Jasper 2.1.4, $21,210).
Mile Rate: - 2.10.6 Final Half: - 62.9 Margins: - 10m, 8m
Trial 6: - MISS DANGERFIELD hasn’t had a great deal of luck recently but she has been placed in two of her past three starts and she zipped home in a quick final half of 57.5 seconds to easily get the prize in trial six. ATEGO SHADES finished second in front of STUCKFAST, which is now with trainer Adam Shaw. WARP SENSA HUMA was in fourth position with ANDREW SWAGGER (Artistic Fella – My Sign 1.58.5, $25,625), the only unraced horse contesting the trial, finishing last of the five runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.1 Final Half: - 57.5 Margins: - 15m, 5m
Trial 7: - YOUR NICKED is a strong trotter when racing at his best form and is taking on a quality field at Melton over the weekend. He comfortably took out the final trial of the morning with ILLCRYIFHEWINDS finishing in second position and STUNNING JASPER running a distant third. BAD BOY JAY JAY, which finished last after racing in the death seat at his latest appearance, saw the field safely home.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.1 Final Half: - 61.3 Margins: - 8m, 20m
MOOROOPNA 09/02/20
Trial 1: - ARGY BARGY has been very green at his two race starts to date but he was able to take out the opening trial at Mooroopna by a comfortable margin. FLEETING GRIN hadn’t raced since October prior to his effort at Cobram on Thursday and finished in second position ahead of MIGHTY BIG BOY and SASSCILIAN finished last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.0 Final Half: - 61.4 Margins: - 4m, 6m
Trial 2: - CHEEKI PHILTRA hasn’t raced for nearly a year and is now with trainer Donna Castles. She was able to defeat the two Greg Lewis trained juvenile pacers TORIKINA PRINCE (Village Jolt – Rose of Torikina 1.59.2, $25,990) and LITTLE DEMON (Modern Art – Davids Lady 1.56.2, $46,288).
Mile Rate: - Not Given Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - Not given
MILDURA 09/02/20
Trial 1: - HAPPYASLARRY was able to take the opening trial by a large margin over the unraced 3yo pacer MUSTANG MAX (Village Jolt – Highview Hanover 2.3.3, $20,285). CALL ME DOTTIE was a further distance away in third position ahead of ROCKING WROXTON with RUBY REACTOR (Auckland Reactor – Larilla Lace 2.3.2, $13,585) coming in last of the five runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.9 Final Half: - 60.0 Margins: - 15m, 35m
Trial 2: - Only three runners contested the last trial with the speedy pacer ACE MONTANA, which hasn’t started since October taking it out easily over SHADOW TERROR with KING RAFA coming in last of all.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.2 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - 30m, 10m
MARYBOROUGH 09/02/20
Trial 1: - THE JET PLAYER pushed forward from a wide gate and found the lead with 1700m left to travel. He backed off the tempo mid-race and was able to sprint home in a quick final half to get the prize. MIA FROM MEMPHIS led out, took a trail and came to the outside with 500m remaining. She loomed as a threat on the home turn but peaked on her run late. GOODTIME JUNIOR settled three back on the markers before moving through to trail the leader in the latter stages. He switched back to the sprint lane and finished third. JACKIERABBIT was slow to begin from the pole position and ended up being last. She moved into the death seat at the bell but didn’t make up ground until very late in the trial. She did perform nicely in the end. SATANS OUTLAW settled four back on the markers and finished last of all.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.6 Final Half: - 56.8 Margins: - 6m, 4m
Trial 2: - GLENGARIFF settled three back on the markers and moved to the outside from the 700m when he zipped down the back straight and quickly put the issue beyond doubt. He went on to win the trial by 30m. CALEDONIAN SPIRIT (Bacardi Lindy – Eagles Image 2.3.8, $43,288) trailed the leader throughout and finished second ahead of the early leader QUAKER MAKER (Quaker Jet – Gay Truscott), which galloped when placed under pressure with 300m remaining. He got down trotting again but galloped for a second time fifty metres later. CEEJAY SUCCESS made a mistake in the early stages and was tailed off for the remainder of the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.9 Final Half: - 60.7 Margins: - 30m, 40m
Trial 3: - I AM MARQUEZ trailed the leader ATHLONE and came to the outside with 600m remaining. He sustained a good run in a slick final half to win nicely. ATHLONE held down second after showing brilliant gate speed to lead by 10-15m in the early stages of the event. FOOLISH PLEASURE settled down last, moved into the death seat at the 800m and found the one out and one back trail behind I AM MARQUEZ shortly afterwards. He never really filled that position fully but he was doing his best work in the final 50m. GOODTIME STRYKER ended up finishing last of the four runners after being three back on the markers and driving through to trail the leader in the back straight on the final occasion.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.2 Final Half: - 56.4 Margins: - 5m, Neck
Trial 4: - MOTU TIGERS EYE (Bettors Delight – Silksngems) settled three back on the inside before making his run leaving the back straight on the final occasion. He sprinted home nicely in the latter stages to win impressively. ANNALISE (Mach Three – Art De Triomphe 1.58.8, $11,598) showed good gate speed to lead and finished in second position with THE CONSTITUTION (Auckland Reactor – Placid Castle) in third after trailing the leader. He appeared reluctant to use the sprint lane so he came to the outside with not much room in the straight. Craig Demmler went to the Maryborough trials for that one drive so he obviously has ability. BLOSSOM DELIGHT (Betterthancheddar – Libbiemack 1.55.3, $78,512) broke at the start and lost her chance. She was able to work past MIAMI MACH (Mach Three – Barely Legal), which settled four back on the inside and started yielding ground when racing roughly over the final 700m.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.9 Final Half: - 57.3 Margins: - 2m, 1m
Trial 5: - ME PAT MALONE showed brilliant gate speed to lead clearly. He copped some pressure coming up to the bell lap but remained strong at the finish and scored nicely. ROBLEN DANCER settled three back on the inside and got clear at the right time. She loomed up to win turning for home but couldn’t get past ME PAT MALONE in the latter stages. ANGELS BREATH settled last and five back on the markers but was able to roll into a distant third. ARRJAYS TRAPPER was one position ahead of ANGELS BREATH in the run and ended up finishing fourth with FORGOT TO REMEMBER in fifth. FORGOT TO REMEMBER got away with the field and was left stranded without cover. He wanted to race fiercely coming up to the bell and joined the leader but lost ground quickly in the back straight on the final occasion once he started to trot roughly. SPIDEREVE trailed the leader and was struggling at the bell, yielding ground to finish at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.9 Final Half: - 61.3 Margins: - 2m, 20m
Trial 6: - CORNELIA began quickly to find the lead and was always in control, winning by a comfortable margin. SURREALIST (Rocknroll Hanover – So Surreal 1.57.2, $44,450) was slow out and settled down last of the six runners. He gained a one out and one back trail in the final circuit and came out wide from the 500m mark. He was driven hard a long way from home but stuck to his guns well. YERING BROMAC was slow to begin and settled down in fourth position before moving up without cover at the 1700m mark. He moved up with a bit of speed but it was obvious he wasn’t going to get to the front so he eased back to the wheel of the leader. He boxed on well for third ahead of SIMPLY HEAVENLY (Rock N Roll Heaven – Machabiba 1.56.8, $60,525), which trailed the leader throughout. BE A GOOD SCOUT finished in fifth after being three back on the markers throughout and DICKIE MACRAY (Shadyshark Hanover – Macray Amore) (5 back markers) was last of the six to cross the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.5 Final Half: - 59.3 Margins: - 10m, 1m
Trial 7: - MORE THAN A WOMAN (BG’s Folly – Iza Previous Lass) settled four back on the markers and made a long searching and winning run from the 650m mark. She did dash away to win nicely in the final 100m. COUNTRY GRAMMER led out then took a trail when a solid second in front of STAR PUPIL, which ended up being three back on the markers. GHOSTLY SILENCE pushed forward to find the lead with a mile remaining but tired late. He beat home the unraced pacer REEKO REACTOR (Auckland Reactor – Pink Lily 2.3.7, $5,881), which was last on the pegs throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.1 Final Half: - 58.7 Margins: - 6m, 4m
Trial 8: - SURBITON ARMISTICE was able to lead comfortably and was untroubled in scoring. He had plenty in reserve at the finish. OUR IVY settled down three back on the markers after being checked at the start and ran into second with REIGNING LILLIES (Majestic Son – Four Lillies 1.59.6, $61,863) in third spot. She was also checked at the start before finding the back of the leader and coming to the outside with 500m remaining. WELL DESERVED gave the leading trio a big start and did well to tack onto the group. He finished fourth and NOOPY ENFORCER, which was all over the place at the start and caused a bit of interference due to his awkward beginning before he swung into a pace, was a tailed off last.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.8 Final Half: - 61.1 Margins: - 4m, 4m
Trial 9: - SUN OF SONOKO virtually strolled around by himself in the trial of two horses as SUPER ZECK stepped away but galloped approaching the first bend and lost the best part of 100m. He did chase hard to be beaten only 20m when the judge called a halt but SUN OF SONOKO was allowed to coast around without being extended.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.3 Final Half: - 59.7 Margin: - 20m
CRANBOURNE 09/02/20
Trial 1: - ILLAWONG LORD was on his worst behaviour the last time he stepped onto the racetrack but he did everything right to win the opening trial. He trailed the leader ARGH ME HEARTY and dashed clear at the finish. BACCARAT settled last of the three and was being reined along from the 600m mark. He ran into second with ARGH ME HEARTY dropping back to be last of the three runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.8 Final Half: - 61.1 Margins: - 8.25m, 14.5m
Trial 2: - FEND OFF showed very good gate speed to lead and set up a moderate tempo. His stable mate CHAMPAGNE RIVER angled in behind from the start and moved to the outside with 500m remaining. FEND OFF was coasting however and was easily able to hold off his stable mate in the run to the finish. SCOOTIN AROUND galloped on the first corner and lost his chance. He was able to pick up the 3yo trotter MISTER RICHARD CEE (Down Under Muscles – Brockovich 2.8.2, $4,773) to finish a distant third. MISTER RICHARD CEE was just allowed to keep balanced and trot all of the way and never really got extended at any stage.
Mile Rate: 2.7.8 Final Half: - 60.76 Margins: - 8.25m, 62m
Trial 3: - DENIS WILLIAM (Art Major – Getya Wings Out 1.58.8, $137,459) began quickly to find the lead and enjoyed a nice run throughout. He had a good kick left at the finish and went to the line under a strong hold. DANCING WITH FLO trailed the leader throughout and came to the outside in the straight. She tried to raise an effort but the winner was too quick in the sprint to the line. IONTHEBULLION (He’s Watching – Life Of Gold 2.2.0, $14,175) was three back on the markers throughout and finished in third position ahead of ORMOND BLUES, which settled at the rear and was being driven along for the final 800m.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Final Half: - 59.19 Margins: - 3m, 17.5m
BENDIGO 09/02/20
Trial 1: - ANYWHERE HUGO stepped away well from the handicap of 40m and wasted no time in circling the field to find the lead. He went to the line hard held to win with ease. WELL DEFINED also started from the handicap of 40m and settled last of the five runners. He made a run around the field from the 500m to get onto the back of ANYWHERE HUGO on the home turn but couldn’t go with that trotter in the latter stages. YANKEE TWISTER (Yankee Spider – Telern Grace) settled four back on the markers and came out three horses wide from the 500m mark. He finished a distant third in front of BELLMAC BAMBI (Imperial Count – Aladen Star), settled three back on the markers and moved to the death seat at the 500m while TRUMPIT LIL (Tennotrump – Ourlittlelil 2.3.7, $32,944) finished last after trailing the leader for the majority of the trip. BELLMAC BAMBI put in two rough strides at the start but got back trotting very quickly and TRUMPIT LIL broke stride momentarily when yielding ground on the home turn.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.1 Final Half: - 59.7 Margins: - 10m, 15m
Trial 2: - SHESHELL ROCK (A Rocknroll Dance – Alashell 2.4.1, $9,235) trailed the leader and came to the outside with 500m remaining. She hit the lead on the home turn and held off the challenge from her stable mate LAY THE SMACKDOWN (Rocknroll Heaven – Massimo Miss). LAY THE SMACKDOWN settled four back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail in the back straight but broke stride. He lost 15m but got down pacing and gave chase. He came to the outside on the home turn and finished well for a game second. MOOCA (Courage Under Fire – Jazz Opera 1.58.6, $38,093) tried to lead throughout and ended up finishing in third position and fourth was THE CHOOK (Life Sign – My Classical Bell) after being three back on the markers for the trip. ATEGO AURA (Allamerican Ingot – Dance With Mia 2.0.0, $27,405) was last throughout and dropped off the bunch in the back straight on the final occasion.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.7 Final Half: - 59.4 Margins: - 2m, 6m
Trial 3: - KYVALLEY SHAUNIE took out the trial but he did gallop at the start from the pole position then gained ground to get away from the field before angling out wide. He then settled four back on the markers, started to pick up ground and got the perfect run on the home turn when the leader DARK CLOUD lost the compass and ran right off the track. DARK CLOUD was second after setting the speed and was well clear of SPIDER DUNBAR, which was in the trail throughout. JEDSTAR finished fourth after being three back on the markers throughout and LADY LIL was tailed off after galloping on the first corner.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.5 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 12m, 18m
Trial 4: - SHAQ showed very good gate speed to run to the lead and set up a moderate tempo. He dashed home in a quick final 800m to win comfortably. The former New South Wales pacer ORBIE finished in second position after trailing the leader throughout. WHATA ROLLER (Roll With Joe – Whata Avenue 1.53.3, $92,536) trialled very nicely again as he came from last and moved out wide on the track before finishing off strongly and seemingly with plenty in reserve. GO ACCUSED (American Ideal – Low Velocity 1.56.8, $121,993) was four back on the markers throughout and beat home ROCKSLIDE (A Rocknroll Dance – Soky Sue), which moved up without cover in the latter stages but broke stride with 150m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.1 Final Half: - 57.3 Margins: - 7m, 1m
Trial 5: - OUR DOREEN DAYS pressed forward to find the lead with a mile remaining. He enjoyed a nice run in the lead and finished off in reasonable time to win comfortably. WENTHESTARZZZALINE began quickly and found the lead before taking cover behind the eventual winner. She used the sprint lane in the home straight but only really held her own late. DAYLIGHT AT DAWN lobbed a trail behind OUR DOREEN DAYS but was left stranded without cover shortly afterwards. She boxed on quite well for third ahead of THE SPIN PROFESSOR, which was three back on the markers for the majority of the trip. HONEY CULLEN was the last one on the markers and finished fifth ahead of AMERICAN TIGER, which led early, was shuffled back on the markers and worked into the one out and one back trail mid-race. MONTY MAJOR (Art Major – Court Safely) was second last on the markers and didn’t make any ground late so he ended up finishing last of the seven runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.0 Final Half: - 58.2 Margins: - 3m, 3m
BALLARAT 09/02/20
Trial 1: - SHELDON showed good gate speed and got away from the two juveniles early to lead by approximately 20m. He set up a slow tempo and had a good kick left at the finish but being an older horse taking on two unraced 2yo’s, he was entitled to win easily. SURPRISE TO ME (Used To Me – Galleons Surprise $28,062) trailed the leader and came to the outside at the 500m mark. He was no match for the winner but kicked on well for second with ONE BETTOR (Bettors Delight – Princess Yum Yum 2.9.4, $12,150) being last of the three runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.1 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 10m, 1m
Trial 2: - ATTACKNRHYTHM showed very good gate speed to zip to the lead before taking a trail behind her stable mate BELTS. She came to the outside approaching the home turn and got home well to win easily with her ears pricked on the line. BELTS was able to hold down second with INDIGO DANCER in third position after she settled three back on the inside and came out three horses wide into the straight. She wasn’t fully extended going to the line. ADVANCE FIRE was last of the four runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.5 Final Half: - 57.46 Margins: - 3m, Head
Trial 3: - QUALITY SUNSET was able to lead SHIPS SUCCESS in the field of two horses. He wanted to pull up and run up the track with 400m remaining but was able to get concentrating again and raced away for an easy victory. SHIPS SUCCESS couldn’t go with QUALITY SUNSET in the dash up the straight.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.4 Final Half: - 60.64 Margin: - 20m
ARARAT 10/02/20
Trial 1: - The Matthew Craven trained pacer SHANWAY was able to win the opening trial and posted reasonable time. CAESARION obviously produced a better performance compared to his recent race track appearance to finish second and STRAIGHT UP was a distance away in last position.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.2 Final Half: - 57.8 Margins: - 5m, 20m
Trial 2: - IM SIR BLAKE prepared for his metropolitan performance at Melton on Friday night with a victory in slow time over PERSPECTIVE. The trotter DANCINGALLALONE took on the open class pacers and came in last of the three runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.1 Final Half: - 57.7 Margins: - 3m, 30m
Trial 3: - LOVE THE ACES has a good strike rate but hasn’t started since winning the 2018 Elmore Cup. She was able to defeat JAZSPUR by a comfortable margin with SURF ACE (Somebeachsomewhere – Henin Hardenne 2.3.2, $7,983) filling third position. DOWN UNDER EARL was last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.1 Final Half: - 61.2 Margins: - 8m, 5m
TABCORP PARK, MELTON 11/02/20
Trial 1: - Every horse in the 2yo trotting standing start trial stepped away from the mark safely but the mistakes were made as the field were going around the first bend. ILLAWONG BARMAH (Muscle Mass – Illawong Blush) started in second but found the lead and was always in control thereafter. He trotted away to win the trial by a good margin. ROSIES PRIDE (Used To Me – Poignant) settled three back on the markers and moved into the death seat at the 600m mark. She wanted to hang out and race greenly but she battled on well for second. EURYPHAESSA (Majestic Son – Indie Pepperell 2.0.6, $32,458) jumped in front but galloped one hundred metres after the start and lost approximately 40m. She did a lot of chasing and finished a game third. IM JOSEPHINE (Im Stately – Spannerintheworks 2.8.4, $14,400) trailed the leader and finished fourth ahead of the two mistake makers WAR DAN STRIKES (Father Patrick – Countess Angela) and ILLAWONG MOONBEAM (Love You – Illawong Moonshine 1.58.1, $63,515), both of which made up a lot of ground in the final 400m.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.2 Final Half: - 62.75 Margins: - 30m, 11m
BLACKBOOKER: - EURYPHAESSA
Trial 2: - The second trial was a HOLY BASIL benefit. The undefeated pacer met two trotters starting from the handicap of 20m and was in front by the first turn. He cruised to victory and without being extended. RONALD J was awkward to begin and settled down last of the three runners but he finished off well in a quick final quarter and did a good job to finish as close as he did. SAY YOUR PRES trailed the leader and dropped off in the final 100m to finish in third position.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.0 Final Half: - 57.85 Margins: - Not given
Trial 3: - PANTALOON (Somebeachsomewhere – The Final Frontier 1.58.8, $30,263) was able to work to the front shortly after the start and held on to score narrowly. IDEAL DAN (American Ideal – Jodila 1.57.5, $73,333) settled three back on the inside and was a nice effort in finishing home well for second. BLITZERN (Western Terror – Blitzsuzy 1.57.4, $82,664) was a close up third after trailing the leader and the trio got away from the filly JOANNA (Somebeachsomewhere – Repelem 1.52.9, $266,346), which was last of the four runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.9 Final Half: - 56.72 Margins: - ½ Head, 1.5m
Trial 4: - ALWAYS READY is a smart trotter and cruised to victory in the fourth event. He trailed the leader IMSETTOGO, waited until well into the home straight to switch into the sprint lane and accelerated through brilliantly to win well. IMSETTOGO couldn’t repel the late challenge but beat the remainder of the field by a large margin. BEEFOUR BACARDI settled down fifth and lost valuable ground when WALKERVILLE STAR, which raced three back on the markers, started to yield with 700m remaining. He chased hard into third with PRINCE OF LIGHT, which also lost momentum from directly behind WALKERVILLE STAR, finishing in fourth. YOUNEEDABITOFMUSCLE galloped away on the first bend and lost all chance with WALKERVILLE STAR finishing last.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.5 Final Half: - 58.53 Margins: - 1.5m, 27m
BLACKBOOKER: - ALWAYS READY
Trial 5: - SET ABLAZE (American Ideal – Smouldering Desire) settled three back on the markers, came to the outside with 500m remaining and produced a big finish in fast sectional times to gain the prize. DRAIN THE SWAMP (Somebeachsomewhere – Vickymurphy 2.6.2, $18,108) began very fast and led clearly. He put in a few rough strides when his legs were pumping fast into the first corner but he settled nicely and kicked on strongly when challenged. IDYLLIC (Somebeachsomewhere – Ideal Priority USA, $34,115) was two lengths away from the gate at the start and settled down four back on the markers. He just nosed out TREACHERY (Captaintreacheous – Lovelist 1.53.2, $222,889), which eased back to be last on the markers for third and fourth and HES DAN (He’s Watching – Pastels) wasn’t that far away in last position after trailing the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.57.3 Final Half: - 55.94 Margins: - Neck, 11.5m
BLACKBOOKER: - SET ABLAZE
Trial 6: - EMERALD STRIDE showed good gate speed to lead clearly and enjoyed a nice run in front. She sprinted home quickly from the 600m mark and gave nothing else a chance. KYVALLEY CLICHY was able to angle in behind the leader before the first turn and had every chance but battled away for second. GEORGIAS PRIDE settled three back on the inside and moved into the death seat with 550m remaining. She just failed to grab second. ORLANDO STORM settled four back on the markers and was doing her best work at the finish. OUR THUNDER BUDDY was without cover early, restrained to be sixth on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail with 700m remaining. He finished fifth ahead of YANKEE COMMANDO, which was five back on the markers and ENROLLED finished last after moving into the death seat from last at the bell and breaking stride in the back straight on the final occasion.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Final Half: - 57.85 Margins: - 12m, 1.5m
Trial 7: - DANGEROUS HAND (Captaintreacherous – Mitzi M Hanover USA) trailed the leader SOHO ALMASI (Mach Three – Fususi 1.59.2, $180,305) and looked to be battling to get up in the initial stages of the front straight but really knuckled down late for a nice victory and in handy time. SOHO ALMASI battled on well after setting the strong tempo and that pair were well clear of the others at the finish. WHISKEY AND RYE (Bettors Delight – Rye Hanover USA) cut across from out wide on the track to be four back on the markers and picked up third in front of NO MOTIVE (Somebeachsomewhere – Delight N Decree 1.58.1, $70,582), which settled one position behind her. IDEAL JO (American Ideal – Magic Z Tam USA, $83,819) finished fifth after being three back on the markers throughout and DOUGS BABE (Western Terror – Dougs Courage 1.58.0, $94,902) failed to finish after galloping at the 1200m mark then again turning into the back straight on the final occasion.
Mile Rate: - 1.57.7 Final Half: - 56.82 Margins: - 1.5m, 28.5m
BLACKBOOKER: - DANGEROUS HAND
Trial 8: - BORN TO ROCKNROLL wasn’t the best to begin but he progressed forward and found the lead with 1700m remaining. He gained a nice run in the leading role and sprinted home in a slick final half to win comfortably. DEEDENUTO finished second after leading out then taking cover while DIAMONDS N CASH followed inside runs and used the sprint lane to finish in third position. WAR DAN settled four back the markers behind DIAMONDS N CASH and wasn’t really extended at any stage. VEE ROCK was last throughout in what was a quality trial.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.0 Final Half: - 55.44 Margins: - 3m, 4m
Trial 9: - KYVALLEY SHAUNIE did exactly the same as what he did at Bendigo a few nights earlier where he galloped, swung wider on the track then regathered his trotting gait. He moved up without cover early, settled four back on the inside from the 1200m mark and dashed through along the sprint lane late to win nicely. ALDEBARAN STEVIE showed very good gate speed to lead and finished second ahead of GUNSLINGER, which followed her across to trail the pace. MEYDAN (Andover Hall – Showmethemaori) was one out and one back behind KYVALLEY SHAUNIE before being left without cover from the 1200m. She finished fourth ahead of OFORTUNA (Majestic Son – Fortunate Phoenix) (four back markers) and KYVALLEY SENATOR (five back markers, 1-1). The run of the trial belonged to the seventh placed ILLAWONG STARDUST, which galloped away and made up an enormous amount of ground to beat a few runners to the line. MAJESTICAL BELLE (Majestic Son – Avid 2.5.4, $25,423) was three back on the markers and finished second last ahead of WILCANNIA (Andover Hall – Wheels To Go), which settled sixth but broke stride at the quarter pole.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.9 Final Half: - 62.22 Margins: - 3m, 3m
Trial 10: - ILLAWONG MUSTANG was able to lead throughout in a race where nothing much changed until the home turn. ILLAWONG MUSTANG led, THE BIG END OFTOWN trailed, ROCKINGWITHSIERRA was three back on the markers and THE PANTHEIST settled last of the four. ROCKINGWITHSIERRA sprinted swiftly to move up alongside of ILLAWONG MUSTANG on the home turn but she paced very roughly and eventually rolled into a gallop leaving ILLAWONG MUSTANG to be nicely clear. THE PANTHEIST finished well to gun down THE BIG END OFTOWN for second and third while ROCKINGWITHSIERRA dropped back to finish last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Final Half: - 57.16 Margins: - 10m, 15m
Trial 11: - EXECUTION ORO (McCardle – Living Oro) settled three back on the inside in a slowly run race and moved up without cover at the half mile marker. It took him a little while to get the better of the leader MARCYS STAR (Falcon Seelster – La Bella Ruby) but he asserted his superiority at the end and drew clear to win. FLYIN FIRST CLASS (Caribbean Blaster – Flyin Indi Air 1.58.1, $100,119) finished third after trailing the leader and ESCAVADOR (Rock N Roll Heaven – Sascha Fearce) was last on the markers throughout and remained in fourth at the finish.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.2 Final Half: - 59.14 Margins: - 3m, 9m
Trial 12: - CONCEALMENT was able to run to the lead shortly after the start and backed off the tempo shortly afterwards. He was challenged in the front straight but he was able to fend off his rivals to win by a narrow margin. MILLAH JOY found the markers first but was content to take cover behind CONCEALMENT. She used the sprint lane in the straight and missed out narrowly. MAJESTIC CRUISER settled three back on the markers and moved up without cover from the 500m mark. He dashed up to the leaders on the home turn and tried hard in the straight to be beaten narrowly. MONA MIA started from the second line and settled down last of the five. She moved into the one out and one back trail behind MAJESTIC CRUISER but only held her ground late. HEAVEN ATTRACTS finished last after settling four back on the inside.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.3 Final Half: - 56.82 Margins: - ½ Head, Neck
Trial 13: - ART OF SHENG LI won the trial by a large margin in a small field of five runners but the positions in the run changed regularly. ART OF SHENGLI led early, took cover and was shuffled back then moved away from the markers in the back straight on the final occasion. CALYPSO MISTRESS finished in second position after she settled three and four back on the markers and worked along the sprint lane in the final stages. BETTERTHANFLYHIGH (Betterthancheddar – Mazzas Delight) came from five back on the markers and worked into third. A ROCKNROLL WALTZ (A Rocknroll Dance – Our Waltzing Mathilda 1.57.7, $12,131) was without cover early, pushed forward to lead at the 1800m, took cover behind FLYING ART (Art Major – Flying McPocket 1.54.8, $34,522) at the 1400m and had to quickly swoop around that pacer as did the entire field when it dropped out with 700m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.9 Final Half: - 59.53 Margins: - 28m, head
Trial 14: - HER HEART OF GOLD (Four Starzzz Shark – Feelinggoodwaseasy) settled five back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail and launched a winning claim from the 500m mark when she defeated PRIDDY ARTFUL (Art Major – Our Priddy Diva). PRIDDY ARTFUL was a game run in second position as she settled down in sixth, moved up without cover from the 1600m and wanted to hang in at various stages. CONFUSIONANDDELAY ran into fourth after settling down in four back on the markers and moving into the one out and two back position. She was doing her best work at the end. The early leader WARPIE tired over the latter stages to finish fourth but finished ahead of CHANGE OF PLANS (3 back markers) and STARZZZ IN DISGUISE (Trailed leader)
Mile Rate: - 2.3.4 Final Half: - 58.68 Margins: - 15m, head
SHEPPARTON 11/02/20
Trial 1: - LADY JULIETTE (Somebeachsomewhere – Magic Moment Lombo 1.57.4, $84,182) was able to hold the lead from the pole position in what was a slow start to the trial. She was unchallenged from the start and drew away at the finish. SHELBY GRACE (Betterthancheddar – Miss Marg Shannon 2.5.0, $4,960) trailed LADY JULIETTE throughout and was starting to be flicked along with 300m remaining. TANGAROA finished last of the three after he led out by a neck from barrier three but was snagged back in behind the two juvenile pacers and remained in last position for the remainder of the trial
Mile Rate: - 2.4.7 Final Half: - 57.9 Margins: - 8m, 7m
Trial 2: - JACKSON SQUARE settled four back on the markers and came to the outside leaving the back straight. He quickly loomed up to the leaders and found the line too well. MOONSHINE LINDA showed good gate speed to lead before taking cover behind FATOUCHE at the mile marker. She came to the outside approaching the home turn and hit the lead briefly but couldn’t withstand the challenge of JACKSON SQUARE. BIG JACK HAMMER was given a quiet trial leading up to the Knight Pistol at Melton on Friday night. He settled down last, followed JACKSON SQUARE into the race and never really peeled to the outside and certainly was never extended. CLASSY SPIRIT settled three back on the inside and beat home FATOUCHE, which trailed the leader early, popped into the leading role and ran along at a genuine tempo, albeit trotting roughly, before fading from the turn.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.7 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - 2m, 4m
Trial 3: - IMNOPUMPKIN led out then took a trail with 1800m remaining. He travelled strongly throughout and came to the outside in the back straight on the final occasion. He drew to the lead at the quarter pole and established a decent break. He was getting noticeably tired late but he was able to hang on and win by a decent margin. LUNAR DELIGHT settled in second last position and trailed into the race nicely. She went to the line under her own steam and was never extended at any stage. The same could be said of MONGIANA, which settled down last and was the widest runner into the straight. NOMORELYING was able to work into the one out and one back trail behind MAJOR WISH with 1300m remaining. He didn’t perform as well as the second and third runners but still ran nicely in fourth position. MAJOR WISH was some distance away in fifth after racing without cover throughout. ROLLING ALONG pressed forward to lead shortly after the start but was struggling from the 400m mark and THIRLSTANE KING was last of the seven runners after trailing the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.1 Final Half: - 57.9 Margins: - 6m, Head
Trial 4: - DO NOT SURRENDER led and copped plenty of pressure from IAMTHEFIRECRACKER (Betterthancheddar – Elixir 1.55.1, $231,180), which pulled hard in the breeze, so to amble away to win easily, it was a very good performance. He recorded fast time so he is worth following. ATLANTAS settled three back on the inside and finished off quite nicely for second and IAMTHEFIRECRAKCER did well to hang on for third. AMBER ALERT (Mr Feelgood – Chain of Gold 1.58.7, $13,636) settled three back on the outside and came out three horses wide with 600m remaining to get around the tiring MADAM REACTOR (1-1). She finished fourth in front of MACWRECKER (Grinfromeartoear – Illawong Katrina), which trailed the leader. MISS DUNCAN (Alta Christiano – Scented 1.58.0, $35,988) settled four back on the inside and beat home YELLOW BOW (Pet Rock – Brooke Fraser) (3 back markers), MADAM REACTOR and ARRAPS (Rock N Roll Heaven – Soho Joplin), which galloped with 1800m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.1 Final Half: - 57.8 Margins: - 12m, 3m
BLACKBOOKER: - DO NOT SURRENDER
Trial 5: - DIZZYSJET found the lead comfortably and jogged along throughout. She opened up in the final quarter and established a big lead, winning untouched by a large margin. The only concern would be she rolled well away from the markers in the back straight on the final occasion. MORGAN MYLEE settled three back on the markers and ran past LITTLE MISS CHLO in the home straight. WILLDOMXAV (Tennotrump – Rappa Jolie) and ALDEBARAN YAHTZEE (Sebastian K – Charming Yankee) both broke stride in the score up and were tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.3 Final Half: - 60.2 Margins: - 30m, 5m
Trial 6: - CMON CARL LEE bounced to the front in the early stages and wanted to race fiercely. He rolled along at a genuine tempo throughout and scored impressively. He did want to drift off the track when starting to get weary in the final 50m. BELLA CONTESSA (Imperial Count – Sunshine Paco) stepped away nicely and trailed the leader throughout. She tried hard and beat the remainder of the field by a large margin. STAR DOWN UNDER (Down Under Muscles – Reba Supreme 2.9.6, $12,028) was slow to begin and settled in fourth. He beat home ITZ GAZADANGERWOOD (Bad Boy Truscott – Justcallmespecial 2.3.6, $18,075), which settled down third and had a good margin on him early but got tired late. MYNMAMESGRAHAM began very slowly from behind the tapes, he didn’t gallop but was a good 50m behind early. He was able to catch up and beat ITZ GAZADANGERWOOD to the line as well.
Mile Rate: 2.6.2 Final Half: - 61.6 Margins: - 12m, 40m
Trial 7: - DIVINE DIVA led comfortably from the pole position and always appeared to be in control. She was able to sprint up the home straight under a hold and get the prize comfortably. DIAMOND ACE settled four back on the inside and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m. He came out three horses wide before the home turn and sprinted nicely up the straight in fast final sectionals. WAYONBYE settled three back on the markers and moved into the death seat in the back straight on the final occasion. He wasn’t really knocked around in the run to the finish. GETBUSYFIZZY finished fourth after trailing the leader and SHOWGUN THOMAS was making up good ground from seventh late. A SPECIAL DREAM settled five back on the markers and appeared to be under pressure with 500m remaining. He beat home SOFALA, which settled last of the eight runners and also ROCK ON LOCKSLEY (6 back markers).
Mile Rate: - 2.2.1 Final Half: - 56.8 Margins: - 8m, 2m
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