Like his famed Melbourne Demons namesake Petracca has pace to burn and the brilliantly bred two-year-old pacer earned a place in the Trial File Blackbook with a scintillating win.
Having his second career trial after winning his first at Geelong on February 21, the unraced colt by Captaintreacherous out of brilliant mare Lovelist ($222,889) blew his trial rivals away at Melton with a stunning 54.84sec last half to win by more than 30 metres.
Trained by Emma Stewart and bred by Bruce and Craig Cameron, Petracca was snapped up for $80,000 by owners Danny and Jo Zavitsanos at the 2021 Nutrien Equine Standardbred Sale and looks set to quickly recoup much of that outlay going on this week's trial.
The little full-brother to Treachery ($174,919) was among five trialists to earn a place in Craig Rail's Blackbook this week. Their replays are below, with the updated Blackbook at the bottom of the page.
SHEPPARTON 24/02/22
Trial 1: - HI MANAMEISJEFF NZ began quickly to find the lead and was always travelling well. He was able to produce a slick final 800m of 56.1 seconds without being fully extended so it was an impressive victory. He has drawn barrier two at Melton tomorrow night and should take catching. NOMORERELYING was three back on the markers and moved through to trail the leader with 300m remaining. He held his ground in the straight and finished third. BRALLOS PASS trailed the leader and came to the outside when leaving the back straight on the final occasion. He battled on reasonably well in fast time and that run should make him sharper for his performance in the Boort Cup on Sunday. LOUISIANA JO and MAJOR DELICO were four and five back on the markers respectively and they couldn’t make up ground in fast final sectionals. MAJOR DELICO will resume from a spell at Yarra Valley this afternoon.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.0 Last Half: - 56.1 Margins: - 4m, 4m
Trial 2: - VIKING (Rock N Roll Heaven – She’s Magnetic 1.54.9, $43,857) began fast to find the lead and was always travelled nicely in the run. He seemed to have something in reserve at the finish and was able to score by three metres. He will make his debut in the Premiere Stakes at Melton tomorrow night. TREASURE STRIDE (Captaintreacheous – Emilio’s Stride USA 1.52.0, $89,440) ran a very nice second and might be worth following. He was three back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail with 800m remaining. He came out three horses wide on the home turn and hit the line strongly. TIN TIN JO (Tintin In America – Promise Me Robin) was four back on the markers and picked up third with MYSTIQUE STRIDE (Always B Miki – Sparkling Stride) being fourth after racing without cover throughout and breaking stride momentarily at the 1200m. JOLEANER (Sunshine Beach – Lethal Mee $4,019) settled down in last position, raced roughly at the 1300m and moved into the one wide lane (1-2) at the 800m mark. She finished ahead of FIRECRACKER NOLA (Captaintreacherous – Habanero 1.59.5, $19,130), which trailed the leader for the majority of the trip.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.6 Last Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 3m, 8m
BLACKBOOKER: - Treasure Stride
Trial 3: - FIRENGRACE (Majestic Son – Zesta 2.1.6, $143,460) trailed the leader and moved away from the inside on the home turn. He finished off strongly and was able to run past the early leader ILLAWONG KELLIE to get the prize. He followed with a nice debut third at Shepparton on Wednesday night. ILLAWONG KELLIE was able to kick on nicely for second with ROCKFORD PEACH being in third position after settling three back on the markers and never peeling to the outside at any stage. ROCKFORD PEACH will resume from a break at Shepparton on Tuesday night. LOVERS LANE (Love You – Dizzyinterest 2.0.5, $33,367) settled last of the seven runners and was able to pick up ground for fourth. ABBIE was sixth early, moved up without cover at the 1100m then angled onto the markers in fourth at the 700m mark. She broke stride with 300m remaining and lost her chance. She galloped again at Shepparton on Wednesday night and will back up at that venue on Tuesday. HI HO KYVALLEY settled four back on the inside and broke stride at the mile marker. He also made an error at Shepparton on Wednesday. THIS BOYZ OURS was fifth on the markers early then four back mid-race before being under pressure at the 800m. He was the last horse to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.3 Last Half: - 59.5 Margins: - 2m, 2m
Trial 4: - LOCHINVAR LORENZO was without cover in the early stages before progressing forward to find the lead with 1400m remaining. He set up a reasonable tempo and held off a late challenge from SIR VINCENT (Vincent – Yekatarina), which led out, took a trail and ended up being three back on the markers. OUR PRINCESS DI (Huntsville – Diamond Castle 1.57.6, $54,165) was without cover early and eased back to last. She came away from the inside at the 300m mark and finished nicely for third. ROCKAWAY BEACH (Downbytheseaside – Soho New York 1.57.2, $65,710) began quickly to race without cover, ran to the lead, took a trail at the 1400m, and had a tendency to hang in during running. He finished fourth with WILL HE REIGN (Sweet Lou – Without Guile) being last of the five runners after being four back on the markers in the early stages. The winner LOCHINVAR LORENZO and the last placed WILL HE REIGN will meet again in the opening event at Shepparton on Tuesday night.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.2 Last Half: - 58.0 Margins: - Neck, 4m
Trial 5: - LADY OF THE ARTS settled three back on the inside, moved into the death seat at the 800m, got in behind the leader at the 600m, started her run at the 300m and finished off best to get the prize. She appeared to have something in reserve at the finish. She led and was a big chance of running in the top two when she galloped on the home turn and dropped out at Shepparton on Wednesday night. LIEUTENANT JACK settled four back on the inside, gained a one out and one back trail in the back straight before being left without cover at the 600m. He kicked on well for a narrow second and was well clear of the others at the finish. LYDIA LOVEDAY began quickly from an inside draw and trailed the leader throughout. She battled on for a distant third ahead of EAGLES WILL RISE (Fly Like An Eagle – Midnight Cheval), which was five back on the markers and moved to the outside with 400m remaining. OUR MYSTERY BET (Betting Line – Stylish Boulevard 1.56.9, $54,123) was without cover early, restrained to last on the markers and beat home the early leader TANAGANYIKA.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.8 Last Half: - 57.9 Margins: - 1m, 12m
Trial 6: - It was more like track work than an official trial for the two open class pacers PERFECT STRIDE and WESTERN SONADOR. PERFECT STRIDE led, WESTERN SONADOR came to the outside in the straight and both horses went to the line with plenty left in the tank. WESTERN SONADOR is competing in the Markovina Free For All at Melton tomorrow night.
Mile Rate: - No Time Taken Last Half: - Not available Margin: - Neck
Trial 7: - SEBASTIANS BOY (Sebastian K – Prettygirl Lassie 2.3.7, $25,975) was three back on the markers in the early stages, moved to the outside at the 1700m mark then found the lead shortly afterwards. He set up a slow tempo and was able to score comfortably. YOEE (Bacardi Lindy – Lunars Last) trailed the leader early and ended up being three back on the markers. He came to the outside at the 500m mark and chased hard for second. He hit the line nicely for fifth at Maryborough when making his debut. HEZ COOLAZ led out then took a trail but broke stride with 500m remaining and lost all chance.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.4 Last Half: - 61.7 Margins: - 6m, 80m
Trial 8: - CHEEZ began quickly and forged past MIDNIGHT DANCER to run to the top on the first turn before immediately taking cover behind GALACTIC GAL. He came to the outside on the home turn and finished off best to get the prize. GALACTIC GAL kicked on well for second and was well clear of MIDNIGHT DANCER, which raced three back on the markers throughout. ILLAWONG ARGYLE was without cover early before angling onto the markers in fifth. He beat home CLASSY SPIRIT (6 back markers) with JASPER DURANTE (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – New Age Babe 2.1.7, $12,825) being sixth after settling four back on the inside. SNIFFIN ROSES (Blissfull Hall – Lizzie Sheffield 2.6.3, $6,247) was detached from the main group in seventh for the majority of the trial and was the last one to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.7 Last Half: - 58.4 Margins: - 1m, 12m
BACCHUS MARSH 26/02/22
Trial 1: - FREMARKSPOETRY is the winner of eight races from just thirteen starts and will be resuming since May when she takes on a strong field in the Boort Trotters Cup on Sunday. She was able to run away from her rivals in the opening trial to score by a large margin so she is obviously close to her peak form. HALLABOUTME hasn’t started since June and finished in second position ahead of the unraced mare WATCHINGIDAONTV (Bacardi Lindy – Mowbray Mates 2.6.5, $16,041), which has had several trials recently. MONTANA CHEVELLE was last of the four runners to cross the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.3 Last Half: - 59.2 Margins: - 50m, 4m
Trial 2: - ZARAS ALL GOOD has been unplaced in two runs since a third placed effort in a mile rate of 1.57.5 at Maryborough. She won the second trial by a good margin but disappointed at Shepparton on Wednesday night after she gained a nice trail into the race and failed to beat a runner to the line. RONZEL SONNY finished second on his way to Ballarat on Thursday night, where he was resuming since September. He was very wide on the home turn at Ballarat and finished in midfield. HAMELDAEME hasn’t raced since June and finished in third position ahead of GO ACCUSED and MALIBU JACK. FOLLOW THE ECLIPSE has joined trainer Jason Hackett after and unplaced performance back in October. He was last of the six runners to complete the course and backed up with another unplaced effort at Ballarat on Thursday night.
Mile Rate: -2.1.0 Last Half: - 59.1 Margins: - 10m, 3m
Trial 3: - SIR EROS was successful at Geelong at his first run back from a long break and was able to keep the momentum going with a solid trial victory over MONT SALLY, which broke stride when she made her debut on February 09. IM BLINDSIDED (Captaintreacherous – Chariot Magic) finished in third ahead of MYMUMWASTHEBEST (Louey Louey Louey – Princess Narooma) with PERFECT PEAK (Peak – Vari Perfect 2.3.6, $11,611) being at the tail of the field so the three horses that hadn’t raced previously were the last three runners across the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.3 Last Half: - 64.1 Margins: - 5m, 12m
Trial 4: - RELENTLESS ME hasn’t started since being unplaced in the Super Series Final at the end of last season. She recorded handy time in scoring over THE WHOLE PACKAGE, which was stood down to trial after galloping and dislodging the driver at Yarra Valley on February 07. IM PRINCESS BELLA finished a distant third with MY SUPERANNUATION being last of the four runners across the line. MY SUPERANNUATION will resume from a break at Yarra Valley this afternoon.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.2 Last Half: - 59.9 Margins: - 6m, 20m
Trial 5: - MY LADY SARAH (Huntsville – Lady Tara’s Bulba 1.55.1, $64,726) took out the trial for the juvenile pacers and won by a large margin. She is by Huntsville, which has already made an impact on the early season juvenile scene, out of the fast mare Lady Tara’s Bulba, making her a close relation to the two handy winners Lady Flora (1.57.7) and Marni White (2.0.4). BLAKE BOLAC (Sunshine Beach – Satimer Sunset) is related to the handy winners Captain Snoozzze (1.56.9) and Sunset Snoozzze (1.57.9). He finished second ahead of ALWAYS BE BRENDAN (Huntsville – Madame Lily 1.57.6, $140,824), which is a stable mate to the winner of the trial and TWELVEWINDS (Highview Tommy – Windisinahurry) was last of the four runners to cross the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.3 Last Half: - 60.2 Margins: - 30m, 15m
Trial 6: - GOZO COURAGE was a winner at Maryborough in October and hasn’t started since a fifth placed effort at Geelong on November 10. He was able to defeat STARZZ IN DISGUISE, which is competing at Stawell on Monday, with CONFUSIONANDDELAY being a large distance away in third position. PEDANTIC finished fourth with KURRACA TAMMY being last of the five runners in a lead up to her performance at Boort on Sunday.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.5 Last Half: - 61.3 Margins: - 1m, 20m
Trial 7: - SPORTSRAMA (Sportswriter – Rocknroll Rama) has had many trials leading up to his debut performance. His dam was unraced but is a daughter of the great mare Pelicanrama and he won his trial at Bacchus Marsh by a large margin, which is encouraging. AMOLDO (Sweet Lou – So Shesachristian $123,533) is a nicely bred gelding for trainer Tim McGuigan and finished second ahead of ITTAKESLUV with BACCHNALIAN (Julius Caesar – Alkadasa) being last of the four runners across the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.8 Last Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 15m, 4m
Trial 8: - CHAMPAGNE CHARLEY hasn’t raced since competing in a heat of the Victoria Derby in October. He has always shown some ability and this could be a good campaign for him. DYNAMIC DIESEL hasn’t raced for nearly a year and finished in second position with ROLL WITH ROSCO being third. BLUE SPARKLER was last of the four runners and backed up at the Melton trials on Tuesday afternoon. The second placed DYNAMIC DIESEL will compete in a suitable assignment at Shepparton on Tuesday night.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.4 Last Half: - 64.9 Margins: - 3m, 5m
Trial 9: - KENDYS BUTTERFLY is showing improvement and followed a fourth at Cranbourne, where she had little luck, with her trial victory in the final event. She recorded handy final sectionals to defeat GOODTIME MACH, which hasn’t raced since July. BEHOLD was third across the line and finished well clear of the unraced mare MISS DAPHNE (Julius Caesar – Mis Dilly 1.57.4, $33,068) and LEBOWSKI. KENDYS BUTTERFLY is racing at Yarra Valley this afternoon.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.6 Last Half: - 58.4 Margins: - 6m, 15m
ECHUCA 27/02/22
Trial 1: - PARISIAN BANDIT trailed the leader, moved away from the inside at the 250m mark and sprinted sharply in the straight to record an impressive win. JESSIES SON attempted to lead throughout and couldn’t match the speed of PARISIAN BANDIT in the straight. ALDEBARAN DAPHNE (Aldebaran Eagle – Aldebaran Daisy 2.0.2, $39,099) broke stride 150m after the start then again with 700m remaining and failed to complete course.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.6 Last Half: - 63.0 Margins: - 10m, Pulled Up
Trial 2: - WHATS THE GEE OHH (The Wrath of Pan – Pound Foolish 2.5.0, $13,130) led out then took cover at the 1100m. He found the lead again when ASHANTE QUEEN struck bother with 600m remaining then was strong at the finish, holding a clear lead to win without being pushed. I SEE IRIS (Vincent – Miss Saxony 1.59.1, $34,955) trailed the leader early before being shuffled back to being last of the trio. She held her ground over the concluding stages to be beaten by four metres. ASHANTE QUEEN (Sweet Lou – Fake Art 1.59.9, $30,739) was without cover early, progressed forward to find the lead at the 1100m and seemed to be coasting along before hanging off the track and retiring out of the event in the back straight on the final occasion.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.0 Last Half: - 64.0 Margins: - 4m, Pulled Up
Trial 3: - AJAY BREEZY ROSE settled down at the tail of the field, moved up without cover with a mile remaining and dashed to the front at the 600m mark. She careered away for an easy victory. She was clearly the class runner of the field and asserted her superiority in the final lap. ANOTHER COLONY attempted to lead throughout and battled on okay for second position. PAYUP ORLEAVE was the last one following the markers and came to the outside with 700m remaining to work past the tiring TANGANYIKA. He was able to work into third but never threatened the leading duo. TANGANYIKA began yielding ground from behind the leader with 700m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.0 Last Half: - 57.0 Margins: - 20m, 10m
Trial 4: - WHITE STAR VILLAGE trailed the leader, moved to the outside at the 500m mark and was able to sprint home best to get the prize. He followed with an unplaced effort at Kilmore and will compete at Boort on Sunday. DIGYOURHEELSIN was out of position at the start by fifteen metres and settled down in a distant third before moving away from the inside at the bell and being out three horses wide from the 500m. He sustained a long run to finish second with the early leader SO SHE SAID being the last horse to finish. SO SHE SAID is an emergency at Shepparton on Tuesday. PRINCESS POWER (Artistic Fella – Torquen Power 2.0.2, $58,601) was out of position at the start by approximately 25m, settled down a clear last and continued to lose ground before eventually being eased out of the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.9 Last Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 4m, 10m
OUYEN 27/02/22 (The results of the Ouyen trials have not been posted on the Harness website, the results listed on this report are based on what was broadcast on the video replays).
Trial 1: - QUITE CONTRARY eased out to be last of the three runners early and moved away from the inside with 650m remaining. She sustained a good run over the final stages to win by a narrow margin. She was able to settle a lot better mid-race in comparison to her race track attempts to date so she is a possible improver at Mildura this evening. CEMETARY BAY attempted to lead throughout and was run down late but she appeared to have something in reserve and the winner was driven out to the line. ODDBALL MUMMA trailed the leader but couldn’t stick with the leading duo when the pace increased in the final circuit.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Last Half: - Not Given Margins: - Long head, 25m (approximately)
Trial 2: - ALITTLEBITOFFTAP was clearly the best to begin and was able to find the lead. He enjoyed the perfect trip and was able to dash well clear of his only rival SHELLDOME, which was in the trail throughout.
Mile Rate:- Not Given Last Half: - Not Given Margin: - 25m (approximately)
TABCORP PARK, MELTON 01/03/22
Trial 1: - BAD BOY JAY JAY was brilliantly away from the standing start and led by approximately 20m in the early stages. He set up a slow tempo and had a good kick in the run to the finish to win clearly. ORPHAN ANDY jumped away a clear second and was able to pick up ground on the winner but never appeared to be a winning threat. WHIRLWIND WILBUR (Majestic Son – Joyces Choice 2.11.2, $4,215) stepped away okay but broke stride shortly afterwards and was a distant third throughout. SHEZA SAILOR broke at the start and was tailed off for the duration.
Mile Rate: - 2.12.9 Last Half: - 63.92 Margins: - 5.5m, 299m
Trial 2: - MESSERATI stepped away quickly from the standing start and was able to lead throughout. He appeared to be in danger of defeat with 100m remaining but he kicked on very strongly when challenged. SEBS CHOICE was slow out but was able to work onto the back of MESSERATI with the minimum of fuss. He came to the outside in the straight and loomed up to win but couldn’t get past the leader over the latter stages. ITS BACK IN THE DAY broke at the start and was tailed off throughout. He did pick up a lot of ground after chasing hard but he was never going to tack onto the main group.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.3 Last Half: - 56.4 Margins: - Neck, 70m
Trial 3: - GET LUCKY is a former New Zealand trotter for trainer Andy Gath. He bounced to the front from the standing start and went to the line with plenty in reserve to win comfortably. He is making his Australian debut in the Boort Cup on Sunday and will take beating based on his trial display. RED WHITE AN BLOOM was three back on the markers and came away from the inside on the home turn. He finished off fast for an eye-catching second and is worth following. CHIEF RUNNINGCLOUD settled last of the four runners and made late ground for a respectable third. He is resuming from a break at Melton tomorrow night. SONNY BROOKE stepped away well and trailed the leader GET LUCKY throughout. He dropped out at the end to be beaten by sixteen metres so it is hard to see him turning the tables in the Boort Cup but he did win the Stawell Cup earlier in the Country Cups season.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.7 Last Half: - 58.95 Margins: - 4.5m, 6m
BLACKBOOKERS: - Get Lucky + Red White An Bloom
Trial 4: - PETRACCA (Captaintreacherous – Lovelist 1.53.2, $222,889) produced an unbelievable performance for an unraced juvenile pacer. He showed brilliant gate speed to lead and produced scintillating final sectionals (54.84, 26.46) to score by over 32m! He will create plenty of interest when he steps out for his debut performance. MISTER HUNTER (Huntsville – Moremi Miss 2.0.6, $7,695) produced a game effort for second. He was fifth on the pegs early, moved out three horses wide at the 800m and got up to second with 550m remaining. He did a very good job to sustain the run and hold down second position. LUVA SCRAP (Art Major – Luvyacookie 1.58.7, $20,990) trailed the leader throughout and finished in third spot. YARECKON IM SWEET (Sweet Lou – Rock Two Times) was four back on the inside, one out and one back at the 900m and finished in fourth position. FRENWOOD MIRACLE (Captaintreacherous – Magic’s Miracle) settled sixth on the markers, moved up without cover from the 1200m and endured a tough run so he had excuses. TIN TIN JO (Tintin In America – Promise Me Robin) settled down last of the seven starters and was able to work past MYSTIQUE STRIDE (Always B Miki – Sparkling Stride) (3 back pegs) over the latter stages.
Mile Rate: - 1.55.9 Last Half: - 54.84 Margins: - 32.5m, 9.5m
BLACKBOOKERS: - Petracca
Trial 5: - MEYDAN trailed the leader ALPHA MALE, always travelled nicely in the run and produced a strong finish to record an impressive victory. ALPHA MALE has only had one start since March 2019 and that performance was in November so he should strip fitter from the trial. He began quickly to lead and battled on well in the run to the finish. B D YASOTHON raced without cover throughout and was a little keen mid-race but he remained strong at the finish to be third past the post. He makes his Australian debut at Yarra Valley this afternoon. MUMPAYSTHEBILLS settled down last of the five runners and was able to get past ABBRACCIAMI (3 back markers), which settled one position ahead of her in the run.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.8 Last Half: - 58.23 Margins: - 2.5m, 9.5m
BLACKBOOKER: - Meydan
Trial 6: - JEREMY LOU settled three back on the markers and moved up without cover with 600m remaining. He hit the front turning for home and was able to score nicely without being fully extended. He will be looking to keep his undefeated record in tact when he competes in the Premiere Stakes at Melton tomorrow night. IDEAL SON (American Ideal – Westgate Chick 2.4.9, $8,285) led out, took a trail and came to the outside on the home turn. He hit the line strongly for an eye-catching second, particularly considering JEREMY LOU has won a race already this season. IDEAL SON is an emergency in the Premiere Stakes but is also engaged at Shepparton on Tuesday, where he appears to be a strong winning chance. PARADISE VALLEY (Sweet Lou – Rock Setter) began fast and found the lead shortly after the start. He battled on for third position ahead of OUR PRINCESS DI (Huntsville – Diamond Castle 1.57.6, $54,165), which settled four back on the pegs before moving into the one out and one back trail at the 600m mark. ROCKAWAY BEACH (Downbytheseaside – Soho New York 1.57.2, $65,710) dropped back to last in the early stages, moved into the running lane (1-2) in the back straight and worked past JOHN VINCENT (Vincent – Sterita 1.55.9, $145,241) (5 back markers) at the end.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.2 Last Half: - 57.84 Margins: - 2m, 5.5m
Trial 7: - HEPHAESTUS PHOENIX settled five back on the pegs, gained a one out and one back trail at the 600m mark, came out three horses wide with 300m remaining and produced a big finish to win with ease. MAJUCKTE was three back on the markers before moving into the death seat at the 700m mark and battling on fairly well for second. MARIACHI led out then took a trail at the 1800m before moving into the one out and one back trail with a half mile remaining. She finished third with BLUE SPARKLER being in fourth after settling four back on the markers. LUNITAS (Andover Hall – Solar Flash 2.1.0, $6,765) began quickly to lead but wanted to hang in at the 800m corner. He lost momentum and couldn’t recover, dropping out to finish in last position.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.6 Last Half: - 60.41 Margins: - 16.5m, Head
Trial 8: - GAMER (Rock N Roll Heaven – Nosotros 2.2.0, $21,533) was three back on the markers, moved into the death seat when entering the back straight on the first occasion and found the front at the 1500m. He kicked well clear at the half mile marker and was able to get the prize albeit getting leg weary in the final 100m. TRINITYS DELIGHT (A Rocknroll Dance – Libbys First) was without cover before pushing forward to lead on the first turn. She took cover behind GAMER in the early stages and kept on chasing in the run to the finish. INDEPENDENT BELLE (Sportswriter – Bella’s Delight 1.54.3, $442,523) was five back on the markers early and moved up without cover from the 900m. She sustained a long run and produced another handy trial performance to finish in third. BLAZIN HEAVEN was the first to begin then was shuffled to three back on the markers mid-race. She finished a distant fourth ahead of LE SPARTACUS (4 back markers) and PAPPA LEO, which was without cover early before easing back to the tail of the field. The nicely bred gelding MAGNETIZE (Art Major – Mesmerizing 1.57.9, $179,221) settled six back on the markers and was in a rearward position for the majority of the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.2 Last Half: - 58.70 Margins: - 5.5m, ½ neck
Trial 9: - JAWBREAKER dropped back to be fifth on the pegs, moved into the death seat at the 900m mark and proved too strong in the run to the finish. He wanted to switch off once he hit the front but regained his composure when challenged late. ALTA CASSINO trailed the leader, moved away from the inside on the home turn and finished swiftly to be second past the post. BRONSKI ROYAL set up a slow tempo in the lead and was run down at the end but he didn’t shirk the task in the home straight and wasn’t beaten by far. DREAMERS DELIGHT was four back on the markers before gaining a one out and one back trail behind the winner at the 900m mark. She appeared to have her chance in fourth with NIKITARAS being the last one home from his position of being three back on the markers.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.0 Last Half: - 59.22 Margins: - 1/2neck, 1.5m
Trial 10: - CAPTAIN RIVAL dropped out to last early, moved into the death seat at the 700m and sprinted brilliantly in the back straight to sweep to the front. He continued running and got well clear at the end to win by a large margin. BOBSLED BOY settled three back on the inside and finished off quickly to be second. He is backing up at Yarra Valley this afternoon and should improve on his numerical form based on that performance. FEMALE ASSASSIN began fast and progressed forward to find the lead at the 1500m mark. She was quickly headed by CAPTAIN RIVAL and ended up being in a distant third at the finish. TINMAN (Tintin In America – Mumbai Majik 1.59.2, $20,727) was four back on the inside and finished fourth ahead of ROCK NIEN, which led out then took cover. DOC HARVEY (Devilish Smile – Armbro Iris 2.0.3, $20,238) was six back on the markers for the final circuit and was the last one to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.6 Last Half: - 58.44 Margins: - 24.5m, 13.5m
Trial 11: - SET ABLAZE continued the run of success for trainer Emma Stewart and driver Nathan Jack at the trials with a runaway victory in the final event. He began quickly to find the lead, rolled along at a genuine tempo and dashed well clear at the end to win by a large margin. SPENDTHRIFT was five back on the inside and came to the outside to pursue with 600m remaining. He did defeat the beaten brigade comfortably but was beaten by 31m the winner at the end. TREMBITA was third across the line after trailing the leader throughout. CELESTIAL TREKKER was four back on the markers throughout and appeared to have something left in the locker, never peeling to the outside at any stage. UNION BOSS was three back on the markers and finished fifth with ALSDREAM being the last one home after breaking stride in the score up and being tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.9 Last Half: - 57.16 Margins: - 31m, 2m
