Eight have gone into the Blackbook after a big week on the Victorian trials circuit, when plenty of stars graced Victoria's tracks.
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SHEPPARTON 02/01/20
Trial 1: - THE KEW LEGEND (Bettors Delight – Sexy Lady 2.1.4, $4,400) trailed the leader throughout and raced greenly at times, particularly into the front straight at the 1200m mark and again on the home turn where he drifted right off the track. Despite his immaturity, he dashed well clear of his rivals in the run to the judge. EMRITES (Courage Under Fire – Chloe Vargarita 1.58.5, $55,589) galloped at the start and lost approximately 50m. She took advantage of a slow early tempo to tack on but it was still a good performance to hold her ground late. PRINCESS LIL (Smiling Shard – New Age Babe 2.1.7, $12,825) appeared to have every chance after she led and set up a slow pace and she finished last of the three runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Final Half: - 59.1 Margins: - 20m, 15m
Trial 2: - COMMANDANTE trotted very roughly at the start and was just about in a gallop before he started to get some fluency in his action. He trailed the leader until coming to the outside at the 500m mark and asserted his superiority late to win by a narrow margin but with plenty in reserve. HEEZ THE BUSINESS (Andover Hall – Flash Teena 2.2.1, $45,964) led comfortably and set up a slow tempo. He battled on well when challenged but found COMMANDANTE to be too slick up the straight. CRACKER JET (Quaker Jet – Win Winnie Win) galloped in the score up, on the first bend and again at the 1400m mark so he was on his worst behaviour. He did pick up a lot of ground in the final lap but it is a hard to get a gauge on his performance considering the mile rate was a slow 2.13.1. MALHANA MUSCLES (Down Under Muscles – Hanabration 2.6.9, $6,119) galloped badly at the start and was completely tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.1 Final Half: - 64.2 Margins: - Neck, 30m
Trial 3: - MAX DELIGHT has been flying at the trials and he put in another dominant display after leading throughout. He ran along at a genuine tempo and scored with seemingly plenty in reserve. THEREAL USAIN COLT couldn’t hold onto the back of his stable mate after trailing him throughout but he finished second and was well clear of THINK ABOUT ME (3 back the markers). CARTER BROMAC was last throughout and he paced extremely roughly in the final 400m, dropping out to finish a large distance away from the winner.
Mile Rate: - 1.57.2 Final Half: - 55.0 Margins: - 20m, 18m
Trial 4: - The field of seven runners raced in single file with PADDINGTON CENTRAL being the first to the markers but quickly taking cover behind PIRATE BAY. ROCKY CREEED was third in front of ROTHKO, MADAM ANNIE, ANIMAL and WAYONBYE settled down last of the seven runners. PADDINGTON CENTRAL switched back to the sprint lane on the home turn and was able to sneak through and get the better of PIRATE BAY on the line. ROCKY CREED came away from the markers at the 500m mark and battled on extremely well for a close third. WAYONBYE finished off stylishly and under a strong grip so he was an eye-catching performance in fourth. ANIMAL was fifth in front of ROTHKO, which tried to trail ROCKY CREED from the 500m mark and MADAM ANNIE was yielding ground before the home turn.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.7 Final Half: - 58.8 Margins: - Head, Head
BLACKBOOKERS: - Paddington Central, Wayonbye
Trial 5: - LIFEOFBRIAN showed very good gate speed to find the front and was always in control of the trial. He coasted down to the line to win comfortably and with a bit left in the locker. MISS PAU finished second after trailing LIFEOFBRIAN throughout and the trotter SCORCHING ALONG did well to keep trotting and finish third as the bandages came adrift in the final circuit. He raced in the one out and one back trail for most of the trip. HEZA BRAXTON finished fourth after racing three back on the markers throughout and SHAKAMOND worked home quite nicely from sixth on the outside (1-2) in the latter stages. MEGIDDO has recently returned to Victoria and finished sixth after being five back on the markers throughout. She beat home FALLING SHARDS (death seat), CONCORDE DAWN (four back markers) and MISS JESSIE JAMES was retired from the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.3 Final Half: - 58.8 Margins: - 5m, 5m
Trial 6: - KHEIRON was the class runner of the trial and was able to overcome his back mark and a slow beginning to win the event. He settled five back on the inside and produced a big finish at the end. BARHOON tried to lead all of the way and did trial nicely. He did have a very easy time of it in the lead but he was never extended at any stage. WANDA finished third after trailing the leader throughout. ALDEBARAN LYNROSE trotted roughly at the start then wanted to over-race in the middle stages when three back on the markers and BOOZER (Bacardi Lindy – Jingling Silver 1.58.4, $191,322) finished at the tail after being second last on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.15.8 Final Half: - 63.6 Margins: - 1m, Neck
Trial 7: - MAMAS GOLD CHARM (Mach Three – Gold Sarn 2.3.7, $11,745) showed good gate speed to lead then took cover behind BENETAR and sprinted home nicely to score with ease. MISS GABBY OKANE gained a one out and one back trail and finished off fairly well with BENETAR finishing in third position. STARESS finished fourth after racing without cover and being under pressure from the quarter pole. BEACH TIME dropped back at the start and settled seventh on the outside. He finished in fifth spot ahead of BRING THE ACTION, which left a trailing position (1-2) and moved up out three horses wide from the 1300m but was left stranded. KYVALLEY CHARLIE (Andover Hall – Kyvalley Kitty) (five back markers) was second last and WHORUNSTHEWORLD (Blissfull Hall – Cheeky Chic Lombo 1.59.1, $27,792) yielded ground from the 400m mark and came in at the rear of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.6 Final Half: - 61.7 Margins: - 3m, 3m
CRANBOURNE 04/01/20
Trial 1: - CUZIN LYNDAL was able to work to the lead in the early stages then took cover and used the sprint lane to win very comfortably. He went to the line under a strong grip so it was a very nice performance. SUNDANCER RAINBOW trailed the leader then was shuffled back a position at the 900m mark. He moved to the outside before the home turn and battled on reasonably well in the straight. ICANMOTOR (Somebeachsomewhere – Blue Seelster 1.56.2, $54,905) settled three back on the inside and started to race fiercely during the middle stages so he moved away from the markers in the front straight and took the lead away from CUZIN LYNDAL shortly afterwards. He battled into third with COCO BEACH (Bettors Delight – Vernett 1.58.5, $48,965) being last of the four runners throughout but was more than holding his ground at the finish.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.6 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 6m, 4m
Trial 2: - BUNDISGOOD was able to work to the front and led throughout to win by a large margin. He defeated the unraced 3yo trotter CAPTAIN MCCRAW (Bacardi Lindy – Miriama), which came from three back on the markers and worked past MASTER SPARK (Majestic Son – Arcupandgo 2.4.9, $16,140) in the final 100m. SCOOTIN AROUND (Bacardi Lindy – Redneck) galloped in the score up and was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.6 Final Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 30m, 15m
Trial 3: - APOLLO ROCK showed very good gate speed to lead and was in a dominant position throughout. He kicked well clear before the home turn and won by a healthy margin. JUST TOMMY settled down five back on the markers, came to the outside approaching the home turn and motored into second spot. It was an eye-catching performance. DEFT TOUCH settled four back on the markers and used the sprint lane to roll into third in front of CHANCE TO DANCE (A Rocknroll Dance – Magic Music 2.1.9, $28,855), which trailed the leader throughout. GEE HEE ROCKS settled three back on the markers but wanted to hang in and race greenly in the latter stages. He beat home ANDREW SWAGGER (Artistic Fella – My Sign 1.58.5, $25,625), which was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.2 Final Half: - 58.4 Margins: - 15m, 15m
Trial 4: - LIVE ON BROADWAY was able to record an expected trial victory as this very smart pacer continues his rise through the grades having won ten races in a row. He led throughout, didn’t appear to be switched on down the home straight, but still won by a big margin. HURRICANE STRIDE came from last of the three runners and was able to work into second position with BACCARAT running last after trailing the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.4 Final Half: - 58.3 Margins: - 12m, 18m
MILDURA 05/01/20
Trial 1: - WICKED AZZ showed good gate speed to get across and lead into the first corner. He rolled along at a reasonable tempo and was able to hold off the late challenge of WE WILL SOUND, which trailed him throughout. CELEBRITA dropped back to be fourth on the markers and ran into a distant third. CALL ME DOTTIE (Four Starzzz Shark – Who’s Whispering 1.56.8, $12,063) was three back on the markers and didn’t appear to handle the corners too well, particularly the turn into the back straight. She finished ahead of RUBY REACTOR (Auckland Reactor – Larilla Lace 2.3.2, $13,585), which was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.7 Final Half: - 61.6 Margins: - 2m, 20m
Trial 2: - CLONTARF GUY raced without cover on the outside of the leader ZIVA for the entire journey and was able to put his head in front on the post in what was a good finish. CHARLIE KNEW raced one out and one back throughout the entire trial and finished on well through the middle to just snare second from GRACEFUL ART, which came from last and was the widest runner into the straight. ZIVA wasn’t far away in fourth position and SHE SAID YES was fifth after trailing the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.0 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 1/2head, Head, 1/2head
Trial 3: - FRANKNTANK began nicely and moved up on the outside of the leader SYSTAMATIC. He raced without cover throughout but he forged to the lead at the quarter pole before holding off a late challenge from GERONIMO DAN. GERONIMO DAN missed the start by 20m before working into the one out and one back trail mid-race and coming out three horses wide from the 500m mark so it was a good performance. SYSTAMATIC finished third after setting the tempo. KRISTINS WISH trailed the leader throughout and began to yield ground with 300m remaining and KING RAFA finished at the tail of the field after enjoying a nice run three back on the inside.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.8 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - ½ Head, 20m
MARYBOROUGH 05/01/20
Trial 1: - GOODTIME HEAVEN was extremely impressive as she sat without cover throughout in a strong field and dashed to a clear lead with 500m remaining. She coasted down to the line and never appeared to be in any danger of defeat. IM SIR BLAKE trailed the leader PERSPECTIVE throughout and was held up for a run at a vital stage before switching back to the sprint lane and flying home at the end. ROBERT THE BRUCE settled down last of the five runners before moving onto the back of GOODTIME HEAVEN in the final circuit. He ran home nicely to finish third in front of PERSPECTIVE and SATANS OUTLAW (3 back markers) was last of the five runners but he did meet a hot field.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.9 Final Half: - 57.4 Margins: - 4m, 2m
BLACKBOOKER: - Goodtime Heaven
Trial 2: - SPEEDWAY QUEEN looked sharp in her trial victory over VICTREE HILL and might be working back to her best form. She trailed the leader ARRJAYS TRAPPER early before dashing around to find the lead with just over a lap remaining. VICTREE HILL settled three back on the markers and finished on well for second. He was never extended at any stage. ARRJAYS TRAPPER ended up being last of the competitive runners in third with COULD IT BE ME (Shadow Play – Phoebes Grin) being tailed out throughout after making several mistakes in the first circuit.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.0 Final Half: - 61.8 Margins: - 6m, 10m
Trial 3: - BAO NIEN led out then took cover behind LOVEYOUBABE just passed the mile marker. He was held up for a run at a vital stage and had to change course sharply to angle to the outside but he showed good acceleration to get up on the line. I AM MARQUEZ was without cover momentarily in the back straight on the first occasion before switching onto the markers to be four back then coming into the breeze fully in the final circuit. He hit the lead from LUVYOUBABE in the straight and was just run down late. LUVYOUBABE finished third and was clear of SUMARIAN ARTIST, which picked up some ground from second last with GOLLAHGOLD (3 back markers) finishing in fifth position. BYALLA BOY was last of the six runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.21 Final Half: - 58.0 Margins: - Short Head, 4m
Trial 4: - DICKO DIXON settled three back on the inside and was held up for a run behind a tiring runner before switching back to the sprint lane. He showed extremely good acceleration in the run to the finish to drive through and score. CADENZA settled last of the four runners and moved up without cover from the 600m mark. He battled on nicely in the straight to finish second. DEALERS KNOCK led and kicked well clear on the home turn, seemingly looking the winner before getting tired late. He finished third in front of DOWNUNDER BARKERS, which trailed the leader and disappointed from the home turn.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.8 Final Half: - 60.8 Margins: - 2m, Head
Trial 5: - IM LADY MADELEINE (A Rocknroll Dance – Confetti 2.2.6, $13,563) is a juvenile filly and was able to get up and beat a couple of older horses by trailing the leader and using the sprint lane. NEVER TOO OLD (Julius Caesar – Miss Bonton 2.1.7, $37,916) finished second after racing without cover for the entire trip and the early leader BE A GOOD SCOUT dropped back to third. The other two years old competing in the race UNITED (Union Guy – Lite Energy 1.59.7, $95,713) settled last and raced in the one out and one back trail in the final lap and wasn’t beaten by far. He did race greenly at times and will be improved by the run.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.9 Final Half: - 59.7 Margins: - 4m, 6m
Trial 6: - CAMNAT (Heston Blue Chip – Catapult 1.53.4, $50,782) led by approximately 25m early but it wasn’t by showing tremendous early speed, the other trio were just very slow to move. Once she established that lead, she was never going to be caught and she scored comfortably at the end. MAJALINER (Art Major – Triliner 1.56.2, $280,196) settled three back on the inside and worked home quite nicely into second position ahead of MORRISONS DREAM (Blissfull Hall – Sanreos 1.59.1, $33,792), which trailed the leader. ROYAL APOLLO had to be driven hard to get anywhere close to the mobile barrier and dropped back to last. He moved up without cover from the 700m mark but dropped back to the tail late.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.3 Final Half: - 60.4 Margins: - 5m, 4m
Trial 7: - LAST WALK showed good gate speed to lead and was always in control of the trial, cruising clear to win with something in reserve. TOM KAT trailed LAST WALK throughout and held down second from SURREALIST (Rocknroll Hanover – So Surreal 1.57.2, $44,450), which settled five back on the markers and moved up without cover from the half mile marker. MEANDMYBIGMOUTH (Tell All – Meandmyshadow 2.2.7, $6,125) finished in fourth position after being three back on the markers throughout with CORNELIA coming from last and doing her best work at the end to finish fifth. RENA MAJORE (Art Major – Sheena Rena) was last of the six runners after settling four back on the markers in the early stages of the event.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.5 Final Half: - 59.3 Margins: - 6m, 1m
Trial 8: - CHARLIE WALKER settled last of the three runners before moving up without cover from the 500m mark. He pushed on nicely in the straight to win with something in reserve. NOOPY ENFORCER jumped to the front and tried to lead throughout in slow time but he couldn’t repel the challenge of CHARLIE WALKER in the latter stages. AUNTY ETHAL galloped momentarily at the start, trailed the leader and had every chance.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.5 Final Half: - 62.5 Margins: - 2m, 20m
Trial 9: - GUS OR BUST is usually slow away from the standing start but he was able to ping straight to the lead to win the final trial of the morning. He wanted to pull extremely hard in the run and ran through a quick final half so it was a nice trial performance. ARISTOCRAT CHESTER was slow off the mark and settled down a clear last. He worked into second, finishing ahead of HURRICANE ED, which trailed the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.2 Final Half: - 58.3 Margins: - 15m, 20m
KYABRAM 05/01/20
Trial 1: - MISSMETRO (Metropolitan – Immortal Miss) was able to take out the first trial where the three runners hit the line almost in unison. The juvenile filly EMRITES (Courage Under Fire – Chloe Vargarita 1.58.5, $55,589) backing up from a Shepparton trial second a few days earlier, finished second with JUST A PHILTRA, the only horse to have raced previously finishing in last of the three runners.
Last Mile: - 2.7.8 Final Half: - 63.4 Margins: - Head, Head
Trial 2: - ARGY BARGY (Artistic Fella – Global Village 1.58.5, $51,019) is out of the former speedy mare Global Village and won the second trial from the former New South Wales trained pacer LEGENDS LAST with CAST NO SHADOW, which had one start at Echuca back in April 2017, finishing in third position.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - Not Given
BALLARAT 05/01/20
Trial 1: - ROCKINGWITHSIERRA began quickly but was headed off early by THE DEFIANT. She then moved around the outside to find the lead at the 1500m and took complete control of the trial. She moved away in the straight to win with plenty in reserve. BELLASTEEL (All Speed Hanover – Universal Alice 2.1.7, $22,326) was a nice trial effort into second position. She settled in fourth position, was held up for a run at a vital stage and picked up plenty of ground in the latter stages. THE DEFIANT (broadcast as Advance Fire) pushed forward to lead, took cover and ended up third in front of WYATTFLYNN, which settled down three back on the markers, galloped momentarily on the first bend and battled late.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.6 Final Half: - 58.2 Margins: - 25m, 5m
Trial 2: - TANGOINGWITHSIERRA began well enough to gain the back of the leader UPNATOM, which went very fast in the early stages of the trial. She enjoyed a nice run throughout, came to the outside at the 500m mark and was able to get up and score without being extended. JULES PEACH settled three back on the inside and was able to burst through late to run second ahead of UPNATOM, which peaked after going hard throughout. SEAROVER dropped out to the tail of the field and was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.6 Final Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 2m, head
GEELONG 06/01/20
Trial 1: - JILLIBY KUNG FU showed good gate speed to lead early, took cover then circled around to find the lead again at the 1400m. He set up a genuine tempo and scored impressively. JILLIBY BANDIT was just as impressive in second position as he pushed forward to find the lead from the outside draw, took cover and finished nicely with something up his sleeve. That pair raced well clear of OUT TO PLAY, which settled four back on the inside. GENERAL DODGE produced an eye-catching trial performance to finish in fourth position as he ran home strongly from the tail of the field in fast time. TOUGH CALL was forced to race without cover throughout and finished fifth in front of DIAMOND CULLEN (5 back markers), IDEAL CONQUEST (3 back pegs, pulled hard) and MORVAH was last after racing one out and one back for the majority of the trial.
Mile Rate: - 1.55.2 Final Half: - 55.4 Margins: - 2.5m, 15m
Trial 2: - PHARISEE was three back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail in the final circuit. He was left without cover when FORGOT TO REMEMBER galloped at the 500m mark but he was strong enough to repel the challenge of ILLAWONG BYRON at the finish. ILLAWONG BYRON wasn’t extended at any stage however. He settled last of the four runners and got a gap between the early leader BAD BOY JAY JAY and PHARISEE in the run to the finish. BAD BOY JAY JAY yielded ground from the home turn and FORGOT TO REMEMBER came in at the tail of the field. He tried to lead early, angled behind the leader, started to race fiercely at the bell and moved into the breeze before galloping in the back straight on the final occasion.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.4 Final Half: - 60.4 Margins: - 2m, 15m
Trial 3: - ONA HIGHWAY TO HELL began brilliantly to find the lead from a wide draw and ran along at a genuine tempo. WHATS STANLEY GOT was able to get in behind the leader with a genuine tempo being set through the early and middle stages. The field raced in single file with FROSOS GIRL in third position ahead of YERING BROMAC, CALL ME HENRY, SWEET LOUISE, LITTLE WEDNESDAY, VOUCHERS and ADAPT was last after making an early error and losing approximately 30m at the start. WHATS STANLEY GOT peeled to the outside in the home straight and ran away from ONA HIGHWAY TO HELL to win untouched in the run to the line. He was very impressive. ONA HIGHWAY TO HELL finished second and was well clear of ADAPT, which put in a big trial performance after missing away and pressing forward without cover from a long way off the lead in the final 700m. VOUCHERS picked up late ground for fourth in front of SWEET LOUISE. YERING BROMAC moved away from the markers with 500m remaining but couldn’t go with the pack and finished sixth ahead of FROSOS GIRL and CALL ME HENRY. LITTLE WEDNESDAY (Major In Art – Vapar Bliss 1.57.7, $8,770) began yielding ground from the bell and finished at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.7 Final Half: - 57.8 Margins: - 6m, 15m
BLACKBOOKER: - Whats’ Stanley Got
Trial 4: - LA SERENA (Quaker Jet – Donegal Flat) was able to trail the leader BUDDY TOUGH in the small field and came to the outside on the home turn. She was able to sprint swiftly down the straight and scored with ease. BUDDY TOUGH finished second and the French bred trotter HOPEFUL BEAUTY (Brilliantissime – Beauty Life) did everything right but was last of the three runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.7 Final Half: - 64.8 Margins: - 6m, 4m
Trial 5: - SUPREME DOMINATOR settled down near the rear of the ten runners and moved into the one out and one back trail with 1500m remaining, albeit a long way from the leaders. He was steadily able to make up ground before launching a winning claim on the home turn. LOOKING FABULOUS put in a big performance to finish second. She settled six back on the inside, was shuffled back to last at the half mile marker and continuously made up ground to finish second. TREVEAN settled in ninth position before moving up without cover in the back straight on the first occasion. He battled on well at the finish to run third. JILLIBY GYPSY finished fourth after being without cover momentarily and switching back to the markers to be the third horse on the inside. She ran past the early leader HARPER LEE late to finish fourth. HARPER LEE was fifth in front of LET’S GO LOHI, which trailed him throughout. MISS DANGERFIELD was next after being five back on the markers and getting past ASHINCHARGE (4 back markers). REIGN MAKER was always in a rearward position and WARPAINT started to yield ground from six back on the markers with 800m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.9 Final Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 4m, ½ Head
Trial 6: - MONTPELLIER trailed the leader SHOWEMYOURMUSCLES until moving to the outside approaching the quarter pole and quickly dashing to the lead. He was getting further in front with every stride in the home straight and blitzed his rivals in the run to the finish. CELTIC CASH ran into a distant second after being three back on the markers and even though ALDEBARAN ALEX was beaten by a large margin, it was still a very good performance as he charged home from last. ARAIGNEE FLAIR was four back on the markers throughout and finished ahead of the tiring early leader SHOWEMYOURMUSCLES.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.7 Final Half: - 60.6 Margins: - 20m, 2m
Trial 7: - GOODTIME FLOYD showed very good gate speed to lead and rolled along at a reasonable tempo. He kicked for home as they straightened and he held off the challenge of MACH DAN late. MACH DAN was the performance of the trial however. He settled last of the seven, moved up without cover from the 700m mark and continued to make up ground in the final circuit. SPACEWRITER finished in third position after trailing the leader and DIEGOS DIAMOND was fourth after settling three back on the inside. NOTORIOUS JOE (Roll With Joe – Legal Art) was five back on the inside and finished fifth in front of PROMISE ME HEAVEN (4 back markers) and WRITERS REIGN (6 back markers) saw the field safely home.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.1 Final Half: - 57.7 Margins: - 2m, 4m
BLACKBOOKER: - Mach Dan
Trial 8: - BE HAPPY MACH was an impressive winner and seemed to have plenty in reserve. He settled five back on the inside, moved into the death seat at the 900m and hit the lead in the straight. STRUVE trailed BE HAPPY MACH for the majority of the trial before coming out three horses wide with 600m remaining. He chased hard but it seemed BE HAPPY MACH was always going to hold him at bay. IMAGE OF STARZZZ finished third after setting the speed and OUR SUMMER WIND (3 back markers) ran into a distant fourth. ANODOUBT was fifth after trailing the leader and LARAJAY MACRAY came from last of the nine runners to pick up a few. REGAL CHEVAL (8 back markers) finished seventh ahead of SPEEDY MACH (4 back markers) and HARPOCRATES (7 back markers, 1-2 800m) finished at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.1 Final Half: - 56.4 Margins: - 1m, 4m
Trial 9: - The back markers of ARMCHAIR DRIVE and STRAZEELE fought out the finish of this event after they both started from 40m behind. ARMCHAIR DRIVE won narrowly from where he started three back the inside before trailing the leader and dashing to the front turning into the back straight on the final occasion. STRAZEELE followed ARMCHAIR DRIVE before racing without cover for the final 700m and going down fighting. EN ESPECES LIBRE (Ready Cash – Kincaslough $133,286) led and finished third after being headed with 700m left to travel and LUTETIA (Quaker Jet – Pepperell Magic) trailed the leader initially but broke stride with 1400m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.0 Final Half: - 58.8 Margins: - ½ Head, 25m
BENDIGO 06/01/20
Trial 1: - MARVELLOUS MAX settled four back on the inside before moving into the one out and one back trail in the back straight on the final occasion. He sprinted home nicely to win with something in hand. ANYWHERE HUGO ran a nice trial for second. He was three back on the inside and made the move into the death seat with 500m to go. He boxed on well at the finish. MOONSHINE LINDA finished off strongly from five back on the markers to run an eye-catching third in what was a quality trial. ARRESTED led out then took cover behind his stable mate LAW LEGEND at the 1800m mark. They ended up finishing fourth and fifth respectively. WILL PATRICK broke stride early on in the affair and was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.8 Final Half: - 58.3 Margins: - 1m, Neck
Trial 2: - SHAWAMI LASS began quickly and was able to push forward to find the lead with 1700m remaining. She set up a genuine tempo and was able to cling on and get the prize. REALY UNDER FIRE led out then took cover behind SHAWAMI LASS and did well to finish second in fast time. SIXTY made up ground from last of the six to finish third ahead of OUR DOREEN DAYS (3 back markers) and BEACH BOY ADIOS (4 back markers). SHOWGUN THOMAS dropped back to second last early and failed to beat a runner to the line at the finish.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.5 Final Half: - 59.2 Margins: - 1m, 2m
Trial 3: - PURSUITOFHAPPYNESS (Western Terror – Landscapeartist 1.58.0, $32,575) settled three back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 500m and kicked on strongly at the finish to win by a narrow margin. SHAQ settled four back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail and finished solidly to finish second. He would have snared victory in one more stride. POLLY PEACHUM finished in third position after setting the speed. HIGHCLERE trailed the leader and used the sprint lane to finish a close fourth and NANANELLIE (Somebeachsomewhere – Aventura) was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.8 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - Nose, Head
Trial 4: - BANK ON BETTY fired across to lead from a wide draw, over-raced during the middle stages and was able to hold on and win the trial from DON’TTOUCH THE DUCO, which was game in defeat. He settled five back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail then finished determinedly. GRAEMES WISH finished a distant third after racing four back on the markers and moving into the death seat at the 700m mark. JUST OSCAR was three back on the markers throughout and beat home JEDSTAR, which trailed the leader but broke stride with 500m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.5 Final Half: - 61.7 Margins: - 1m, 15m
Trial 5: - POWDERKEG is a very smart 3yo trotter and won brilliantly. He settled three back on the markers before moving into the death seat at the bell. He went into overdrive over the final stages and was pulling away with every stride to win convincingly. DOUBLE DOT was able to press to the front shortly after the start. She was headed by POWDER KEG on the home turn but was able to hold down second in front of TEQUILA BREE (Bacardi Lindy – Maori Sunshine 2.3.2, $45,075), which came from five back on the markers. FLAMING FIVES came from last to pick up ANGSKI (Angus Hall – Skye Rocket 2.5.1, $118,885) with SUGAR HIGH (Peak – Sugar Times) dropping out from behind the leader with 500m remaining and finishing at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.2 Final Half: - 58.8 Margins: - 20m, 10m
BLACKBOOKER: - Powderkeg
Trial 6: - ROCKING BUGATTI won with plenty in reserve and looked good in going to the post. He was without cover early before easing onto the markers (3 back) then angled into the one out and one back trail in the final circuit. He was able to run past RAANI, which trailed the leader early and moved into the death seat with a half mile remaining. BAGSHOT BOY showed good gate speed to lead and held down third and ROCKS ARENT PETS came from four back on the markers to pick up fourth position. BE WHO YOU ARE was five back on the markers throughout and beat home EDGE AND OUT (McArdle – Marong Madam), which was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.8 Final Half: - 58.5 Margins: - 3m, 6m
BLACKBOOKER: - Rocking Bugatti
ARARAT 06/01/20
Trial 1: - The Peter Manning trained ANSONS BAY (Four Starzzz Shark – Christian Miracle 1.55.2, $47,538) took out the opening trial of the program defeating SALSBOY (Union Guy – Makandilyn) by a narrow margin with TWO JACS (BG’s Folly – Sanction Abreezin) being a close up third. JAZSPUR, the only horse contesting the trial that had raced previously came in a distant fourth.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.5 Final Half: - 63.7 Margins: - Neck, Neck
Trial 2: - Trainer Michael Bellman missed out with Jazspur in the opening trial but was successful in the second event with CAESARION. In another good finish, she defeated FIXED LINES with RAPTOVER A RAINBOW finishing a close up third. SWISS LIGHTNING, which had one start for a second for trainer Rita Burnett in the opening two years old event for the season, is now with trainer Marnie Bibby and finished last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.3 Final Half: - 61.7 Margins: - Neck, ½ Neck
Trial 3: - DANCINGALLALONE has ability when he does everything right and he took out the final trial from the nicely performed former New Zealander GEENAS SUCCESS with CAESAR MOMENT some distance away in third position. JAZSPUR backed up from his performance in the first trial but unfortunately for his connections, ran in at the tail again.
Mile Rate: - 2.12.1 Final Half: - 59.6 Margins: - 1m, 20m
KILMORE 07/01/20
Trial 1: - SAY YOUR PRES jumped away nicely from the standing start to find the lead. She wanted to race fiercely as the bell started to chime and charged down the back straight. She was aided by NORQUAY galloping approaching the home turn but she still won by a good margin. SUNNYS LITTLE JESTIC was three back on the markers throughout and finished second. NORQUAY was getting a lovely run behind the leader before she galloped. She did pick up ground in the straight after she reset. OUR THUNDER BUDDY wanted to pace at the start and refused to trot so he ended up being tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.7 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 15m, 20m
Trial 2: - AMALFI COAST settled down last of the four runners before moving into the one out and one back trail at the half mile marker. He came out wide into the front straight and dashed to the front before INSULTING (He’s Watching – Intoxicating 1.57.7, $79,060) kicked back on his inside and almost stole victory from him. INSULTING was three back on the inside but wanted to turn his head to the side and roll out a little but he was steering a much straighter course than his recent trial performances. He angled into the death seat at the 800m mark, was past by AMALFI COAST and kicked back strongly to go down narrowly. The early leader OLLIES MOLLY finished in third position and the juvenile filly OUR ARABELLA (Blissfull Hall – Modern Mary 1.56.6, $29,485), which fleetingly appeared to be a chance via the sprint lane, finished last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.3 Final Half: - 61.1 Margins: - ½ Head, 4m
Trial 3: - IS THAT BID was trotting roughly in the score up but began well and was able to angle across and trail the leader COMANDANTE before the first turn. He gained an inside run when COMANDANTE lost his compass and ran right off the track on the home turn. He drove through to find the front in the home straight and scored with some petrol left in the tank. COMANDANTE ended up on the outside fence after veering out on the home bend. Once he balanced up in the straight, he came again to run a game second. SAN SEVERO settled three back on the markers and is listed as finishing third in front of MAGICAL, which was finding the line well from four back on the markers and appeared to be third past the post. GATESY GIFT broke stride at the start and was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.7 Final Half: - 62.6 Margins: - 5m, 4m
Trial 4: - Abandoned
Trial 5: - JUST BELIEVE settled three back on the inside and came away from the markers with 300m remaining. He hit the lead in the straight and was just able to edge past the leader ORLANDOS PRINCESS in the run to the finish. ORLANDOS PRINCESS enjoyed a nice run in the lead but kicked on well at the finish and FOREVER KRONOS was third after trailing the leader throughout. STRESS FACTOR came from last and picked up good ground over the final stages. None of the first four place getters were fully extended at any stage. CHU CHITS settled down in fourth position and ended up finishing at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.8 Final Half: - 61.6 Margins: - 1m, 6m
Trial 6: - CROCROCK (Pet Rock – Shes A Killer 1.59.6, $45,880) came out of the gate like he was jet propelled and established a 20m break before the first turn. MEA CULPA settled down in second position as the field moved into single file. FOCUS STRIDE was third in front of ATLANTAS, PUNTARNO STRIDE, LOUIS SEDGWICK, BEAU HEART and STEFNOLI was last. PUNTARNO STRIDE moved up without cover from the bell and his stable mate LOUIS SEDGWICK moved onto his back immediately. ATLANTAS moved into the one wide line shortly afterwards (1-2) as did STEFNOLI (1-3) so the gap between first and last shortened. LOUIS SEDGWICK pounced on the home turn and was able to work past PUNTARNO STRIDE with CROCROCK dropping back to third. FOCUS STRIDE used an inside run to finish fourth just in front of MEA CULPA. STEFNOLI picked up ATLANTAS and BEAU HART over the concluding stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Final Half: - 58.1 Margins: - 2m, 8m
Trial 7: - REDFOX RAIDER (Courage Under Fire – Fine Exception 1.59.9, $6,425) settled three back on the markers before moving into the death seat at the 700m mark. He hit the lead on the home turn and just held on in the straight. LET’S GET SHORTY came from last and gave chase in the back straight on the final occasion. He finished solidly and just missed on the line. PRIVATE EYE (He’s Watching – Oh Eye See 1.54.5, $101,705) put another extremely good trial effort together and went to the line hard held, flashing home out wide for third position. He appears to be very promising. SOMETHING FAST (Safely Kept – The Perfect Mona 2.0.3, $4,620) seemed to perform better when she took on the open class pacers a week earlier as she never travelled on the bit from behind the leader and dropped back to fourth late. NATHAN RYAN (American Ideal – Lisconnie) showed brilliant gate speed to lead early but only beat one pacer to the line and that was QUIETACHIEVER (Bettors Delight – Artistic Dancer)
Mile Rate: - 2.6.9 Final Half: - 60.4 Margins: - 1m, 2m
BLACKBOOKER: - Private Eye
SHEPPARTON 07/01/20
Trial 1: - LESTER (He’s Watching – Desiring Bella 2.0.4, $17,172) appears to be a very promising early season juvenile for trainer Stephen Boyington. He put in an eye-catching trial effort several weeks ago and blitzed his rivals with an all of the way victory in the opening trial. LIEUTENANT JACK (Art Major – Localize) finished second after trailing the leader throughout and SHELBY GRACE (Betterthancheddar – Miss Marg Shannon 2.5.0, $4,960) ran in last of the three runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.6 Final Half: - 58.4 Margins: - 40m, 20m
Trial 2: - SOMEDAYLADY settled down last of the five competitive chances and was suited by a reasonable early pace. She came to the outside in the back straight on the final occasion and cruised past her rivals. She drifted out to past the centre of the track in the latter stages but she may have switched right off in the run to the finish considering she was a long way in front. FIGHTER settled three back on the inside and moved around to trail the leader when the horse in front of him KYVALLEY CHARLIE (Andover Hall – Kyvalley Kitty) stopped quickly at the bell and was retired. He chased hard in the final circuit and finished second ahead of I ITS ME, which was second last on the markers for the majority of the event. RENWAY REACTOR went quickly in the lead for the first lap but was getting noticeably tired with 500m remaining and dropped back to fourth. MEGGCEE was fifth after being three back on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.0 Final Half: - 64.1 Margins: - 25m,5m
Trial 3: - WANDA had several cracks for the lead in the first circuit but MILLYS MAGIC wanted to keep the front running role so she had to be content to drop in and trail. She came to the outside again with 600m remaining and attacked MILLYS MAGIC. The pair raced together until WANDA finally won the battle and drew clear in the final 50m to win nicely. MY NAMES GRAHAM missed the start by approximately 50m and did a lot of chasing so he did a good job to finish as close as he did in third position. ALDEBARAN LYNROSE galloped 50m after the start and lost approximately 20m. She tacked onto the leading group to be three back on the markers but got tired late.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.1 Final Half: - 61.3 Margins: - 8m, 14m
Trial 4: - MONASH was the class runner of the trial and was driven with some aggression to find the lead shortly after the start. He enjoyed a nice run thereafter and was able to get away in the run to the finish. MISS FANDANGO began quickly to find the markers first before taking cover behind MONASH. She came away from the markers at the 500m mark to issue a challenge but peaked on her run in the latter stages. AMBER ALERT (Mr Feelgood – Chain Of Gold 1.58.7, $13,636) settled four back on the markers and was doing her best work at the end to finish in third position. ROSALEE DOT COM was three back on the markers and ended up in fourth position. BIG BLUE (Modern Art – Rosetta Lombo) raced roughly at the start and was fifth throughout, dropping off the pack with 500m remaining. ARRAPS (Rock N Roll Heaven – Soho Joplin) missed the start by approximately 15m and was struggling to keep in touch mid-race before being retired from the event.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.0 Final Half: - 61.5 Margins: - 12m, 2m
Trial 5: - JIMMY LOCKE began well to get in behind the leader KOTARE ROLAND around the first corner. He enjoyed the perfect run in transit and finished on too well, grabbing KOTARE ROLAND on the line. BUSTER BRADY elected to start on the inside of the second line and pulled very hard in the score up. He settled better after the mobile pulled away and was four back on the markers trailing behind REVOLT. REVOLT galloped and checked BUSTER BRADY for a stride before he swung to the outside. He picked up ground in the straight but was given a very quiet trial and was never pushed at any stage. NOR NOR WEST trailed BUSTER BRADY and was also slightly hampered by the galloping REVOLT. He couldn’t go with BUSTER BRADY and ended up in fourth with REVOLT being retired from the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.6 Final Half: - 58.7 Margins: - Head, 8m
Trial 6: - HEEZ THE BUSINESS (Andover Hall – Flash Teena 2.2.1, $45,964) jumped to the front from the standing start and set up a slow tempo. He coasted down to the line to win the trial comfortably. BELLA CONTESSA (Imperial Count – Sunshine Paco) was able to work into second position and trailed the leader throughout. She safely held down second in front of BUILDER BOB, which was a little slow into stride before getting into third position. LEOTARDANDLACE (Down Under Muscles – Estee Poppy) settled in fourth but couldn’t work onto the back of the main division and OLLIE STARLIGHT (Noopy Kiosk – Yankee Blues 2.3.0, $32,763) finished last after trotting away roughly and eventually rolling into a gallop in the back straight on the first occasion.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.4 Final Half: - 63.1 Margins: - 8m, 8m
Trial 7: - PIRATE BAY settled five back on the markers and came to the outside with 600m left to travel. He shot up to the leader TWEET ABOUT IT approaching the home turn and dashed to a clear lead. Once he was left in front, he seemingly switched off but he was able to hold an advantage to the line. To her credit TWEET ABOUT IT did kick back strongly in the run to the finish and wasn’t far from the winner at the end. MIRACLE MARCUS came from four back on the inside and used the sprint lane to finish a distant third. ON WHEELS settled a clear last and was still detached from the pack with 500m remaining. He came with a big finish out wide on the track late to finish in fourth. LONESTAR LAD finished fifth after trailing the leader and STARESS (3 back markers) finished in sixth position. ROTHKO tried to track up the eventual winner in the final 600m and got up to fourth on the home turn but he peaked on his run late.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.5 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 1m, 12m
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