Nine more have earned Blackbook status on this week's Victorian trials circuit and eight Blackbookers step out within the next week.
Dive in and roll to the bottom to see the updated Blackbook.
SHEPPARTON 20/02/20
Trial 1: - LADY JULIETTE (Somebeachsomewhere – Magic Moment Lombo 1.57.4, $84,182) settled three back on the markers before moving up without cover with 700m remaining. She showed a good turn of speed to dash past the early leader FALLING SHARDS and race away to win by a big margin. FALLING SHARDS was driven aggressively early and struggled to get around SHELBY GRACE (Betterthancheddar – Miss Marg Shannon 2.5.0, $4,960) but eventually found the lead at the 1100m mark. She finished a distant second with VIN DAN (Captaintreacherous – Lastovo) coming from last of the four to pick up third. SHELBY GRACE tired in the latter stages but she did race keenly when trying to take cover in the early stages of the event.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.0 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - 30m, 5m
Trial 2: - IAMTHEFIRECRACKER (Betterthancheddar – Elixir 1.55.1, $231,180) pushed through from the second line and eventually found the lead at the mile marker. He dominated from that point and was able to coast to an easy victory. TIME TO REACT was shuffled back on the markers to be fourth on the inside and worked home nicely for second ahead of WELL WELL, which pushed forward to lead then took cover behind the eventual winner IAMTHEFIRECRACKER. MUCHOS HOMBRES was the early leader but after taking cover from the 1800m mark, was shuffled back on the markers to be in third. He battled on fairly for a distant fourth. EL BANCO settled down in seventh before moving up without cover on the 1200m bend. He tired into fifth but finished ahead of MYBOYMYBOY (five back markers), which broke stride in the back straight on the final occasion. MIGHTY BIG BOY (six back markers) was checked by MYBOYMYBOY and finished seventh while SHEZA DE JAY was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.1 Final Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 8m, 12m
Trial 3: - DASH OF FLAIR was the only horse in the field that trotted throughout the entire trip and won by a huge margin after leading. ITS GAZADANGERWOOD (Bad Boy Truscott – Justcallmespecial 2.3.6, $18,075) settled three back on the markers and was able to trail the leader from the 1300m mark when DALTON (Bad Boy Truscott – Camp Fire Glow 2.11.2, $7,988), which was in that position, broke stride. He then galloped at the 300m but recovered to run into second. MEADOWVALLEY LOVER (Love You – Mangonique) galloped at the start, settled five back on the markers but a long way from the leader and ran into third. ALDEBARAN LYNROSE broke at the start and lost 40m early before settling four back on the markers. She finished fourth ahead of DALTON with BOOZER (Bacardi Lindy – Jingling Silver 1.58.4, $191,322) being tailed off after missing away.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.7 Final Half: - 63.3 Margins: - 60m, 1m
Trial 4: - Only two horses contested the trial and they went to the post in unison. LORD LOHKI led with LUNCHWITHARTHUR trailing. LUNCHWITHARTHUR came to the outside in the home straight and drew level on the line but he appeared to be travelling far stronger going to the post under a strong grip.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.7 Final Half: - 60.5 Margin: - Dead Heat
Trial 5: - FRANKIE showed good gate speed to lead and scored comfortably. He led by a healthy margin turning into the front straight and the pursuers were picking up ground late but he appeared to have something in reserve. AMBER ALERT (Mr Feelgood – Chain of Gold 1.58.7, $13,636) gained the one out and one back trail before moving out three horses wide from the 600m mark. She tried hard and finished second in front of ASTERISM (Four Starzzz Shark – Rutherglen Ruby 1.58.0, $18,068), which raced greenly but finished strongly from seventh to pick up third. LASTING BOND (Shadyshark Hanover – Pickitwithapin 2.3.3, $19,040) settled sixth on the outside (1-2) and finished fourth ahead of HOLSTEIN (Major Bronski – Havilah Mistress) (fifth back markers, used sprint lane), ARRAPS (Rock N Roll Heaven – Soho Joplin) (eighth markers), PEPPA BLISS (Bitofbliss – Safari Love) (ninth markers), CASSIOPEIA (trailed leader) and STARESS dropped out to finish last after racing without cover.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Final Half: - 61.5 Margins: - 6m, 6m
Trial 6: - FATOUCHE was three horses wide in the early stages but progressed forward to find the lead turning into the back straight on the first occasion. She enjoyed a good run in front and scored comfortably. BELLA CONTESSA (Imperial Count – Sunshine Paco) led out then took a trail and battled on well for second in front of VENKMAN, which settled down last of the six runners and finished off fast for an eye-catching third. STAR DOWN UNDER (Down Under Muscles – Reba Supreme 2.9.6, $12,028) settled fifth on the markers and moved into the death seat at the quarter pole. He finished fourth ahead of a Brent Thomson trained trotter, which was obviously a late inclusion and was four back on he markers and CLAUDY AN GUS, which trotted roughly from three back on the markers, finished last of the six runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.5 Final Half: - 62.2 Margins: - 12m, 1m
BLACKBOOKER: Venkman
Trial 7: - SOFALA was the class runner of the trial and was able to win effortlessly after finding the lead. OUR AMERICAN PRINCESS settled last of the three runners and was able to work by GALACTIC GAL (trailed leader) and finish in second position.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.6 Final Half: - 57.5 Margins: - 15m, 4m
TERANG 22/02/20
Trial 1: - It was a mixed trial of pacers and trotters with the pacers finishing first and third. LEICA GEM, which hasn’t started since a Terang victory in July was able to prevail narrowly over the former New Zealand trotter MILLY AN EYRE, which recently joined trainer Paddy Lee. WEERROOK BUDDY (Shadyshark Hanover – Tartan Dynasty) finished in third position ahead of MAORI AMOUR and the unraced 3yo trotter GOOD QUESTION ANGE (Danny Bouchea – Glory Salute) finished last of the five runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.5 Final Half: - 60.4 Margins: - Short ½ Head, 4m
Trial 2: - JILLIBY ADORE, which was a winner at Terang last season and hasn’t raced since July, won the second trial by a large margin over LEICA BUDDY, which boasts the record of two wins and two seconds from just four attempts. MARKS JOY was able to finish in third position ahead of SHOWEM SHIFTY and FIRE OFFICIAL.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.0 Final Half: - 58.0 Margins: - 20m, 6m
Trial 3: - The outstanding trotter SPARKLING SUCCESS is on the comeback trail after an injury enforced break. He hasn’t started since September 2018 where he won the Maoris Idol FFA. He won the 2018 Great Southern Star and he also recorded a sizzling mile of 1.53.9 when he won the Maori Mile during his last campaign. He defeated his stable mates WISP OF SMOKE and DIAMOND WES in slow time.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.5 Final Half: - 61.5 Margins: - Short ½ Head, 3m
Trial 4: - KEAYANG JACKIE hasn’t raced since contesting the New South Wales Breeders Challenge Final in June but she recorded handy time in winning the final trial over LAVAUGHN (Well Said – Miss Cool Falcon). JILLIBY RHYTHM finished in third position over BLUE VEIN FITZ, which only had the one start at Ballarat back in December and is returning for another campaign.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Final Half: - 56.6 Margins: - 6m, 5m
BLACKBOOKER: - Keayang Jackie
CRANBOURNE 22/02/20
Trial 1: - NAKED AMBITION pushed forward to find the lead, set up a slow tempo and won softly in the run to the finish. SCOOTIN AROUND finished in second position after trailing the leader and holding his ground in the straight. CHANCE TO DANCE (A Rocknroll Dance – Magic Music 2.1.9, $28,855) settled fifth on the inside and worked into the one out and one back trail in the last lap. She finished in third position ahead of EXPRESS YOURSELF, which moved up without cover from fourth at the 700m mark. BUNDISGOOD settled three back on the inside and finished fifth ahead of MISTER RICHARD CEE (Down Under Muscles – Brockovich 2.8.2, $4,773) and FEND OFF, both of which made errors.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.0 Final Half: - 59.6 Margins: - 1m, Head
Trial 2: - KRAFTY BART pushed forward to find the lead and was a dominant winner of the final trial, racing away to win by a large margin. PENNY BOBBINS settled four back on the markers and moved up without cover from the bell. She held down second in front of FEEL THE RHYTHM, which paced roughly from the 800m mark, appeared to be under pressure a long way from home and battled on. CELESTIAL GOSSIP settled five back on the markers and finished fourth with GROOM running last after trailing the leader.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.3 Final Half: - 57.7 Margins: - 25m, 5m
BLACKBOOKER: - Krafty Bart
BALLARAT 22/02/20
Trial 1: - BAR ROOM BANTA (A Rocknroll Dance – Jerada Ace 1.56.4, $23,420) was extremely impressive in scoring. He gained a nice run behind the leader and accelerated beautifully in the home straight to win in fast time. PANTALOON (Somebeachsomewhere – The Final Frontier 1.58.8, $30,263) finished second after setting up the genuine tempo and PUFFA MAN was last throughout, losing all hope when he broke stride with 600m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.6 Final Half: - 56.0 Margins: - 8m, 25m
BLACKBOOKER: - Bar Room Banta
Trial 2: - SOHO BOLLINGER prepared for his victory at Ballarat on Wednesday night with another impressive trial display where he trailed the leader SOHO BRANDENBURG, came to the outside with 700m remaining and proved superior, albeit racing greenly over the latter stages. FAMOUS THREE was last throughout and battled on fairly well in a quick final quarter.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.4 Final Half: - 58.4 Margins: - 2m, 7m
Trial 3: - URBADBOY settled four back on the inside and moved up without cover from the 600m mark when a game winner over DRAIN THE SWAMP (Somebeachsomewhere – 2.6.2, $18,108), which trailed the leader and came to the outside on the home turn. He ran a very good race for a juvenile pacer against the older horses. SOHO UPTOWN GIRL tried to lead all of the way and tired late to finish third ahead of DYNAMITE BAY (Somebeachsomewhere – Saabette 1.56.2, $34,378) (3 back markers) and SHESMYBABY (Heston Blue Chip – Maybebaby 1.57.4, $25,490) was last of the five runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.9 Final Half: - 56.3 Margins: - 2m, 25m
Trial 4: - JACKIERABBIT led throughout and strolled to an easy victory, looking to have plenty in reserve and finishing off in a slick final half. GOODTIME JUNIOR trailed JACKIERABBIT and came to the outside with 500m remaining. He wanted to hang out a little bit but he kicked on for second and VAPAR GRIN used inside runs throughout but remained last of the three runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.6 Final Half: - 56.7 Margins: - 10m, 3m
BLACKBOOKER: - Jackierabbit
BACCHUS MARSH 22/02/20
Trial 1: - ILLAWONG MOONBEAM (Love You – Illawong Moonshine 1.58.1, $63,515) is a nicely bred juvenile filly and was able to take out the prize from the handy 3yo filly MOLLYS PURSE. DARING ANGEL prepared for her run at Ballarat on Wednesday night (finished second) with a third and EXCELLENT DROP (Bacardi Lindy – Squaring About 2.5.9, $16,013) finished in fourth. WILLCANNIA (Andover Hall – Wheels To Go) has been a regular at the trials recently and defeated the two juvenile trotters WAR DAN STRIKES (Father Patrick – Countess Angela) and TELEPHONE TILLY (Majestic Son – Vari Perfect 2.3.6, $11,611).
Mile Rate: - 2.10.4 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 3m, 12m
BLACKBOOKER: - Illawong Moonbeam
Trial 2: - ITS BACK IN THE DAY hasn’t started since an unplaced effort in the 2018 Stawell Pacing Cup. He is a smart horse and boasts an excellent strike rate. He dashed home in a brilliant final half to defeat the undefeated pacer HOLY BASIL with MANGANELLO finishing last of the three runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.1 Final Half: - 56.5 Margins: - 4m, 8m
Trial 3: - ILLCRYIFHEWINDS commenced from the handicap of 30m and was able to defeat his co-back markers in STUNNING JASPER and LUCKY PATS SON. The local trotter ARU AND ME finished in fourth with YANKEE VELVET in fifth and the only unraced performer in the field TANISHAS DREAM (Conche Deville – Gina Dawn) finished last of the six horses.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.0 Final Half: - 60.6 Margins: - Head, 6m
Trial 4: - WOBELEE put in a brilliant performance when second in the Knight Pistol at Group 1 level at his last outing and was able to win in a strong trial for the Trotters. His stable mate ZEPHIANE finished in second and RONALD J, which disappointed on his Australian debut after a couple of big trial performances, finished in third. GEORGIAS PRIDE is getting ready for her first up run at Melton on Saturday night and finished fourth with PROSTHESIS being last of the five runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.6 Final Half: - 59.1 Margins: - Head, 6m
Trial 5: - JACKS COMMAND has been going much better at the trials than he has at the races and he defeated a handy field in the fifth trial. THE KIWI WAY, which has only had two starts since a year long spell and performed better at Ballarat on Wednesday night, finished a close second with KOTARE YORK a nose away in third position. CHRISSY DIVINYL was only a head away in fourth so it a terrific finish. BETTER EXCLUSIVE was second last and unfortunately SEIZE POWER fell and failed to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.4 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - 1m, Nose
Trial 6: - WARP SENSA HUMA is a mare by The Warp Drive, which has only had the two career starts. She was able to defeat the nicely bred juvenile filly DEADLY ERROR (Captaintreacherous – Forever After 1.56.2, $172,808) by a narrow margin. RING MY BELLS (Bells And Whistles – Becky Cee 1.57.2, $54,038) finished a close up third with BARBADOS BABE finishing in fourth position. Another juvenile filly ROSIES RISING (Four Starzzz Shark – Country Change 1.56.8, $95,383) finished in fifth position and INSHADOW (Shadow Play – Gaelic Way) was the last horse to greet the judge.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.6 Final Half: - 61.2 Margins: - Nose, 1m
Trial 7: - WARPIE has been showing some speed at the trials and was able to take out the seventh event from STUCKFAST and VALLEY OF TERROR (Western Terror – Hasana Franco 1.55.1, $24,147) finished in third position. SPORTS MAGIC finished fourth and last of the five was STARZZ IN DISGUISE but the field did finish in a bunch.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.2 Final Half: - 61.5 Margins: - 2m, Head
Trial 8: - TOPZAVSKI is now with trainer Amanda Grieve after formerly being prepared by Amanda Turnbull. He was able to narrowly defeat ALBY TWO CHAINS (Captaintreacherous – Slip Slop Slap 2.2.0, $4,500), a John Nicholson trained juvenile, which obviously performed nicely in reasonable time. TISEH MURRAY was a close up third in front of SOMETHING BETTOR (Bettors Delight – Distant Memory 1.55.1, $173,155) and SEBS CHOICE (Bettors Delight – Alta Calypso 1.59.4, $79,478) finished last of the five runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.4 Final Half: - 61.2 Margins: - ½ head, ½ head
Race 9: - SUPREME DOMINATOR prepared for his effort in the Eastern Challenge at Kilmore on Friday with a victory over SPEEDY MACH with the recent Melton victor JEMSTONE GLORY finishing in third position. MOLLYWOOD finished in fourth spot with GOZO COURAGE seeing the field safely home.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.0 Final Half: - 57.7 Margins: - 2m, 15m
YARRA VALLEY 23/02/20
Trial 1: - It was only a field of two runners with CHIEF RUNNINGCLOUD, which recently joined trainer Peter Goudie, defeating the recent Cranbourne victor CHRISKEN KIOSK by three metres.
Mile Rate: - Not given Final Half: - Not Given Margin: 3m
Trial 2: - ARGH ME HEARTY broke at the start when she was resuming since August and she was able to take out the second trial over DOUBLE BRANDED, which hasn’t started since May. FINAL COUNTDOWN (Auckland Reactor – Ima Blue Bell 2.1.6, $13,799), an unraced qualifier for trainer Graeme McIntosh finished third ahead of CHARISMA KING.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - Not given
Trial 3: - The trotter TIP TOP GRANDPA was able to defeat the two pacers in the final trial by a handy margin. TIGER OF OLD (Major Bronski – Sentimental Life 1.58.9, $22,623) finished in second position ahead of his stable mate NITE NITE MISTER.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - 10m, 2m
OUYEN 23/02/20
Trial 1: - OLLIE AND BROCK is now with trainer Reece Moore after formerly being prepared by Terry French. He was able to defeat WILLY GO, which hasn’t raced since June 2018, with NO EMOTION finishing last of the three runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.0 Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - 10m, 10m
Trial 2: - HEZA REDDY hasn’t raced since June 2018 but was able to win the trial of two horses by ten metres with OPAL CROWN finishing in second position.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.0 Final Half: - Not Given Margin: - 10m
MARYBOROUGH 23/02/20
Trial 1: - BEAT CITY began quickly to get to the markers first, took cover behind SATANS OUTLAW, which in turn gained a trail behind KINGOFTHESTARS. BEAT CITY then moved away from the inside to race without cover with 600m remaining and sprinted quickly in the last quarter to assert his superiority and win the trial. FOOLISH PLEASURE settled five back on the markers, came away from the inside in the last lap (1-2) and ran home well for a nice second with SATANS OUTLAW finishing in third position. KINGOFTHESTARS found the lead with just under a mile remaining and ended up tiring into fourth ahead of TELL NOBODY, which found the line nicely from last. ALEPPO MURPHY settled sixth on the markers and went to the line hard held with no clear run. SAFARI CHEER ended up being four back on the markers and followed BEAT CITY into the one wide line (1-1) half way down the back straight but she yielded ground late and ended up being last of the seven runners.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.6 Final Half: - 57.3 Margins: - 10m, 2m
Trial 2: - CORK trailed the leader in the early stages then ended up being three back on the markers before making his move in the back straight on the final occasion. He quickly got to the front at the 600m mark and drew away to win the trial easily. RAGNA THOR raced roughly at the start and was slow to move before switching back to the inside to be four back. He continued to use inside runs and ended up trailing the leader before battling into second. ZINGARA LASS led early and raced greenly before trailing the leader. She then moved to the lead again in what was a chopping and changing affair. She ended up finishing third in front of GLENGARRIF, which pushed forward to lead at the 1700m before switching into a pace, galloping and dropping back. She got into the one out and one back trail but broke stride again in the latter stages. GYPSY LEA (Julius Caesar – Secret Ruby 1.59.5, $25,528) was slow to move and missed 20m at the start, raced roughly and eventually broke stride so she was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.1 Final Half: - 61.1 Margins: - 12m, 15m
Trial 3: - MORRISONS DREAM began slowly and dropped back to be fifth on the markers (last) before moving into the one out and one back trail. He produced a big finish and was able to get up and score on the line. ROBS LEGACY showed good gate speed and had a nice run throughout. She was grabbed right on the line and went down narrowly. SHELDON settled four back on the markers then moved away from the inside to park without cover from the 700m. He battled into third position in front of MORE THAN A WOMAN, which ended up settling three back on the markers after being without cover early. SHADY HANOVER trailed the leader and dropped out late to run in last of the five runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.2 Final Half: - 59.2 Margins: - Head, 15m
Trial 4: - DEALERS KNOCK began quickly to find the front and raced keenly throughout. He was tackled by ME PAT MALONE in the latter stages but he kicked on well enough to score. ME PAT MALONE was a good effort in second position after he raced without cover in what was a strong tempo throughout. That pair drew well clear of the others, which was headed CHARLIE WALKER, whom did a bit of work early and ended up in behind the leader. MEET MICHAELANGELO settled three back on the inside and finished fourth ahead of THE NIGHT KING (4 back markers) (Danny Bouchea – Motu Paulina) and SPIDEREVE was the last one to greet the judge after finding the one out and one back trail.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.5 Final Half: - 60.3 Margins: - Neck, 20m
Trial 5: - WONGA LAKE showed very good gate speed to find the lead and never looked in doubt. She rolled away from her rivals to win by a large margin, seemingly with plenty in reserve. RINGER RUSS trailed the leader, raced keenly and tried hard for second. DICKIE MACRAY (Shadyshark Hanover – Macray Amore) was third after settling three back on the markers and REEKO REACTOR (Auckland Reactor – Pink Lily 2.3.7, $5,881) was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.1 Final Half: - 59.2 Margins: - 12m, 15m
Trial 6: - SURPRISE TO ME (Used To Me – Galleons Surprise $28,062) has shown ability in a couple of recent trials and was able to lead throughout, racing greenly, but was still good enough to win comfortably. LOVEE DOVEE (Love You – Sister of Sonoko 2.3.3, $14,103) trailed the leader and finished in second position. LUCY SAWYER (Tennotrump – Annies Last 2.9.2, $4,508) was slowly away, lost approximately 20m and continued to lose ground when racing roughly. She ended up finishing a tailed off last.
Mile Rate: - 2.21.2 Final Half: - 65.0 Margins: - 5m, 200m
Trial 7: - ALONG CAME ASPIDER settled four back on the markers, moved through to trail the leader approaching the home turn and was able to get clear with 300m remaining. She sprinted home well and dashed away to win by a large margin. OUR IVY finished in second position after trailing the leader with PRINCESS FAITH (Majestic Son – Yankee Princess 2.4.8, $24,588) finishing third. She settled three back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail. BEWARE THE FURY (Majestic Son – Calder Fury 2.6.2, $25,841) was the last horse to greet the judge after trailing the leader, moving into the death seat with 600m remaining and galloping shortly afterwards.
Mile Rate: - 2.15.2 Final Half: - 63.6 Margins: - 15m, 5m
ECHUCA 23/02/20
Trial 1: - FRANKS VERY MUCH is a metropolitan performer so he appeared to be well placed and he was able to lead throughout and win comfortably. WEEKS END trailed him throughout and tried very hard in the straight picking up a little bit of ground in the final 100m. CHEVAL CHARETTE was last of the three runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Final Half: - 58.0 Margins: - 2m, 15m
Trial 2: - DALLAS FRANCO raced without cover in the early stages before forging to the lead with a lap remaining. He put the speed on a long way from home and was able to break up the field, outstaying his rivals to win easily. ARGY BARGY set the speed in the early stages before taking cover behind DALLAS FRANCO at the bell. He finished second and was well clear of MISSMETRO, which trailed him throughout. TABLET OF STONE (Christian Cullen – Jadore Bromac $11,450) was four back on the markers from the bell and finished fourth ahead of MINIKA (five back markers, 1-1, death) and CRYSTAL FLAME (Courage Under Fire – Crystal Reign 2.3.3, $33,714) was always detached from the field after beginning poorly.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.0 Final Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 12m, 12m
Trial 3: - MARLI STORM (Four Starzzz Shark – Sokystorm 2.3.6, $8,038) settled three back on the inside before moving out three horses wide at the quarter pole. She finished off best to get the prize. DALLAS CHARLIE finished in second position after setting the speed with MAJIC FAIR coming from four back on the markers to claim third. WANDANAS ADVICE (Ponder – Wandanas Lombo 1.58.9, $10,447) was doing her best work at the end, coming from six back on the markers to claim fourth. The trotter ALDEBARAN POPPY (5 back markers) finished fifth in front of SARGEANT MAJOR, which trailed the leader and came to the outside at the quarter pole with SHES GOING PLACES (Grinfromeartoear – Shesa Kendall) being last of the seven runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - Not Given
BENDIGO 23/02/20
Trial 1: - RIGONDEAUX was a very impressive winner of the opening trial. He settled four back on the inside before moving into the one out and one back trail then launched a winning claim in the latter stages. He drew well clear in the run to the line, seemingly with plenty of petrol left in the tank. FLAMING FIVES settled three back on the markers before moving up without cover at the 800m mark and hitting the front at the quarter pole. She couldn’t withstand the challenge of RIGONDEAUX but she beat the remainder of the field by a large margin. CHATEAUBRIANT wasn’t a bad performance after breaking stride at the start, settling six back on the markers and running into third position. GRAEMES WISH finished in fourth after being five back on the markers throughout. KING JAFFA (Danny Bouchea – Wendy Robyn) trailed the leader and finished fifth. KEEPING IT CLASSY set the pace and galloped under pressure in the latter stages, beating TRUMPIT LIL (Tennotrump – Ourlittlelil 2.3.7, $32,944) to the line after TRUMPIT LIL made an error on the first turn.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.8 Final Half: - 58.7 Margins: - 10m, 12m
Trial 2: - ANDYOU stepped away nicely from the standing start and ran to the lead around the first corner. She was able to dash home in a quick last half and held off the challenge of INTO THE UNKNOWN to score. INTO THE UNKNOWN did a good job to finish a close second as she can from three back on the markers and moved up without cover with 600m remaining. ANYWHERE HUGO was fifteen metres detached from the leaders in the early stages and ended up being four back on the markers. He worked into a distant third ahead of ENDSIN A PARTY, which trailed the leader. DELS DESTINY was approximately 30m behind the leading division early and finished fifth while YANKEE TWISTER (Yankee Spider – Telern Grace) was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.3 Final Half: - 57.6 Margins: - Head, 15m
Race 3: - HANCOCKS HERO was able to dash to the lead in the early stages and set up a good tempo. He kicked on well in the straight and was able to hang on to win by a metre. The open class trotter TOUGH MONARCH finished in second position and put in a great performance in a lead up to the Grand Prix on Saturday night. He settled five back on the markers, moved up without cover from the 700m mark and chased hard for second in fast time. NIKITA ADELE trailed the leader throughout and finished third, holding her ground in the run to the finish. HONEY CULLEN was fourth after settling three back on the markers and ALL I CAN BE (4 back markers) finished last of the five.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.4 Final Half: - 57.2 Margins: - 1m, 5m
Race 4: - TRITTTRITTBANGBANG began quickly and ran along at a genuine tempo. He recorded quick time and never looked like being beaten at any stage. SHAQ trailed the leader throughout and held his ground over the latter stages to finish second. GO ACCUSED (American Ideal – Low Velocity 1.56.8, $121,993) settled three back on the inside before moving into the breeze with 300m to travel. He finished in third and considering the time recorded by the winner, it wasn’t a bad effort for a horse that is yet to face the starter. HEAVENLY BELLE (Rock N Roll Heaven – Sweet Memphis Belle 2.3.3, $5,560) faced a difficult task being a juvenile filly taking on the 3yo pacers and she was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.56.9 Final Half: - 56.5 Margins: - 5m, 7m
Race 5: - DIAMOND REACTOR was able to dash to the lead in the early stages and ran along at a genuine tempo. She established a big lead and despite getting leg weary in the latter stages, was able to win easily. DARK CLOUD started about 15m behind his two rivals at the start and circled around LADY LIL on the 1200m turn to trail the leader. He battled it out with LADY LIL in the latter stages and prevailed for second by a metre.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Final Half: - 66.0 Margins: - 25m, 1m
Trial 6: - ANOTHER MORTGAGE showed very good gate speed to spear to the lead and was able maintain her advantage, taking out the last trial by a comfortable margin. HIGHCHAIR came from three back on the markers and picked up AMERICAN TIGER, which trailed the leader, on the line for second and third with the trotter MARVELLOUS MAX running fourth after settling at the tail of the field. WHATA GRANT settled four back on the markers, came to the outside at the quarter pole but tired late and dropped out to be last of the five runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.6 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - 5m, Head
TABCORP PARK, MELTON 25/02/20
Trial 1: - EURYPHAESSA (Majestic Son – Indie Pepperell 2.0.6, $32,458) led and raced greenly at times, hanging out on various occasions but she was too good for rivals, winning softly. ALDEBARAN DIANNA (Father Patrick – Bromac Aldebaran) settled three back on the markers and ended up trailing the leader from the 1200m corner and chased hard for second position. IM JOSEPHINE (I’m Stately – Spannerintheworks 2.8.4, $14,400) bounced to the front but broke stride 50m after the start and ended up being three back on the markers. She finished third in front of ALDEBARAN GWEN (Skyvalley – Aspenglow USA), which trailed the leader before breaking stride with 1300m remaining. HI HO KYVALLEY (Love You – Pinevale Ellason 2.2.9, $72,300) broke stride at the start, ended up being four back on the markers then galloped again in the front straight with a lap remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.4 Final Half: - 61.90 Margins: - 3.5m, 26m
Trial 2: - ALDEBARAN ZEUS (Muscle Hill – Zoia Boko SWE) settled three back on the markers before moving up without cover from the bell and asserting his superiority in the latter stages to win by a large margin. WAR DAN STRIKES (Father Patrick – Countessa Angela) led early, broke stride at the 600m mark, losing approximately 30m and chased hard but galloped again late. He did show some speed and ability and if he can mend his manners, he could be pretty handy. TELEPHONE TILLY (Majestic Son – Vari Perfect 2.3.6, $11,611) trailed the leader for the majority of the journey and finished in third position ahead of HOTEL KYVALLEY (Father Patrick – Lindys Two Step USA), which was four back on the markers and broke stride on the home turn.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.9 Final Half: - 62.54 Margins: - 42m, 8.5m
Trial 3: - ALWAYS READY continued his good trial form by dashing home in a quick final half to win the third event. He settled last of the three runners, moved to the outside at the 700m mark and went swiftly to draw past his rivals and get the prize. RED WHITE AN BLOOM led early and set up an extremely slow tempo. He wasn’t really extended to chase ALWAYS READY and coasted down to the line for second position. WILCANNIA trailed the leader and ended up finishing last of the three competitors.
Mile Rate: - 2.17.8 Final Half: - 58.98 Margins: - 11.5m, 21m
Trial 4: - KING SOLOMON is a pacer and took on three trotters so he appeared to be well placed. He was able to find the front shortly after the start and naturally dominated proceedings thereafter. KYVALLEY FINN was able to get in behind the leader and finished in second position with ROYAL CHARLOTTE in third. ROYAL CHARLOTTE was a very nice run. She broke stride at the start and was a tailed off third early, chased hard and finished strongly, seemingly with something in reserve. JUST ANYTHING also broke at the start and was tailed off. He chased hard to try and catch up but the effort took a toll and he tired late to finish a distant last of four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.1 Final Half: - 58.04 Margins: - 7m, 1.5m
BLACKBOOKER: - Royal Charlotte
Trial 5: - THE PANTHEIST settled down in third position, moved up without cover from the 700m mark and was able to get the better of PRELIMINARY (A Rocknroll Dance – Penultimate) over the concluding stages. PRELIMINARY did do a bit of work early to find the front with 1100m remaining. MARCYS STAR led out then took a trail and held down third with MISTER GLEE being last of the four after a slow beginning and being one away from the markers in the final circuit.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.0 Final Half: - 57.58 Margins: - 3m, 25m
Trial 6: - DREAMCATCHER is a Swedish bred trotter, which hasn’t raced since 2016. She showed good gate speed to progress forward and find the lead with 1200m remaining. After finding the front, she ran along at an even tempo and was able to keep going to take the honours. ITSALLANDOVER led early before taking cover behind the winner and tried hard in the straight. ELECTROJET came from four back on the markers and finished in third position ahead of ARU AND ME, which settled down in third. DUNNCANN broke stride with 1300m remaining but was able to beat home the other mistake makers GATESYS GIFT and RYMES (Majestic Son – Genayas Girl).
Mile Rate: - 2.2.9 Final Half: - 61.32 Margins: - 2m, 4m
Trial 7: - TREACHERY (Captaintreacherous – Lovelist 1.53.2, $222,889) was a very impressive trial winner. She trailed the leader early before being shuffled back one position further and hitting the line strongly to claim victory on the line. NO MOTIVE (Somebeachsomewhere – Delight In Decree 1.58.1, $70,582) raced without cover in the early stages before pushing forward to find the front with 1300m remaining. She worked home in handy sectionals but found TREACHERY to be too quick in the run to the finish. DOUGS BABE (Western Terror – Dougs Courage 1.58.0, $94,902) ended up being last (5 back the markers) before manoeuvring into the one out and one back trail. She switched back to the sprint lane in the latter stages and ran to the line well for third. IDYLLIC (Somebeachsomewhere – Ideal Priority USA $34,115) settled four back on the markers before moving into the death seat with 700m remaining. She finished fourth in front of KITCH MACRAY (Art Major – Signorina Macray 2.2.2, $8,592), which led out then took cover.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.3 Final Half: - 57.7 Margins: - Head, 4m
Trial 8: - AHA REACTION settled three back on the markers and was able to run home best to take out the event in reasonable time. ENCHANTED STRIDE was able to get in behind the leader in the early stages and produced a nice effort to finish second. MAJESTUOSO broke stride after 100m, got going to be four back on the markers and was a very good trial performer, trotting into third over the latter stages. ROCKABELLA STARZ tried to lead throughout and finished fourth ahead of HEAVEN ATTRACTS, which was five back on the markers. MONA MIA remained well away from the mobile barrier and missed the start by 15-20m. She settled six back on the markers and broke stride when making ground approaching the home turn. BAO NIEN broke stride at the start of the event and was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.57.1 Final Half: - 56.23 Margins: - ½ neck, 6.5m
Trial 9: - JOANNA (Somebeachsomewhere – Repelem 1.52.9, $266,346) was without cover in the early stages, dropped back to be three back on the markers and made a move from the 300m mark when a very impressive winner over DANGEROUS HAND (Captaintreacherous – Mitzi M Hanover USA), which found the lead at the 1300m mark. IDEAL JO (American Ideal – Magic Z Tam USA $83,819) led out then took a trail and finished in third position and JO ROCKS (Pet Rock – Our Ruby Banner 1.54.0, $101,040) ended up settling last on the markers and finished at the tail of the field in what appeared to be a strong trial on paper.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.8 Final Half: - 58.23 Margins: - ½ Head, 19.5m
BLACKBOOKER: - Joanna
Trial 10: - MAJOR TIMES ran to the lead and rolled along at a very genuine tempo. He was able to keep up the momentum and scored over KUALOA, which settled three back on the markers and ran an eye-catching second with KONAN being last of the three after trailing the leader and coming to the outside on the home turn.
Mile Rate: - 1.53.3 Final Half: - 56.2 Margins: - 2m, 14.5m
Trial 11: - IDEAL DAN (American Ideal – Jodila 1.57.5, $73,333) settled down last of the five runners, came away from the inside with 500m remaining and charged home to win impressively. HES DAN (He’s Watching – Pastels) tried to lead throughout and boxed on well at the finish but couldn’t match IDEAL DAN in the final 50m. BLITZERN (Western Terror – Blitzsuzy 1.57.4, $82,664) settled four back on the inside and manoeuvred onto the back of IDEAL DAN in the back straight. She finished off nicely to fill third position. ORCHID STRIDE (American Ideal – Modern Day 1.58.3, $56,314) finished in fourth after trailing the leader and DESIRE TO LIVE (Pet Rock – Our Burning Desire 1.55.9, $81,250) dropped off late after racing three back on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.5 Final Half: - 59.18 Margins: - 1.5m, 5.5m
Trial 12: - RADICAL MAJOR showed good gate speed and worked to the front. He wasn’t going really quickly but he was able to establish a lead of 20m mid-race. It appeared as though he could be run down with 300m remaining but he kicked on well in the run to the finish. FLYING ART (Art Major – Flying McPocket 1.54.8, $34,522) settled down three back on the markers, came to the outside and looked a big winning chance but ran off the track and lost momentum approaching the home turn. He recovered to finish in second ahead of BONA KHAN (Bonavista Bay – Rosie Khan), which trailed the leader throughout. FLYIN FIRST CLASS (Caribbean Blaster – Flyin Indi Air 1.58.1, $100,119) finished fourth after settling four back on the inside and SOEXTRA just lobbed along at the back without being extended at any stage.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.6 Final Half: - 59.41 Margins: - 5.5m, ½ neck
SHEPPARTON 25/02/20
Trial 1: - BLAZE COOPS (American Ideal – Cyclone Dora) dashed to the lead in the early stages, set up a slow tempo and was able to sprint home too well to win by a good margin. MY GOLDEN EAGLE (Mach Three – Three Eagles) was three back on the markers, moved away from the inside to give chase then started to pace very roughly and was very wayward in the home straight. He would have finished closer had he not raced so greenly late. LITLE DEMON (Modern Art – Davids Lady 1.56.2, $46,288) led out then took a trail behind BLAZE COOPS and finished third with CANSHEDANCE (a Rocknroll Dance – Thisiswhoiam 1.56.1, $46,384) being last for most of the trip.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.3 Final Half: - 60.0 Margins: - 12m, 12m
Trial 2: - DO NOT SURRENDER led out, took a trail and was able to glide home in the latter stages to win the trial untouched. He was trialling well prior to doing things wrong when resuming. NOMORELYING was without cover early before pushing forward to find the lead at the mile marker. He boxed on well for second and was well clear of the remainder of the field. WELL WELL trailed the leader early, was shuffled back one position further and battled into third ahead of LASTING BOND (Shadyshark Hanover – Picketitwithapin 2.3.3, $19,040), which moved up without cover from last and didn’t run a bad race albeit hanging out in the latter stages. STAND BY ME settled seven back on the markers, moved off the fence at the bell but was checked at the 700m mark and never really recovered. AWESOME REACTOR settled six back on the markers and was also checked in the back straight as was TEX GOES BANG (Bettors Delight – Eastern Lookout) (1-1, five back markers). The horse that caused the problems was BRAD CULLEN, which broke stride when four back on the markers and dropped out sharply to finish last.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.4 Final Half: - 59.5 Margins: - 1m, 20m
Trial 3: - POWDERKEG was without cover early before switching back to the markers to be in third then moved into the breeze again at the 500m mark from where he jogged home to win easily. LITTLE MISS CHLO began quickly but was content to take cover in the early stages and did a good job to finish second and the early leader HAMMERS MUSCLE (Muscle Hill – Zoia Boko SWE) was just outgunned late and ended up finishing third. EVERYSECONDCOUNTS settled four back on the inside before moving into the one out and one back trail and finished fourth ahead of TWIXTON (Trixton – Cold Sister USA 1.57.3, $262,321), which was able to slot onto the markers in fifth position early. HEEZ THE BUSINESS was last of the main group throughout and WILLDOMXAV (Tennotrump – Rappa Jolie) was tailed off after galloping at the start.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.0 Final Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 2m, 4m
Trial 4: - LADY JULIETTE (Somebeachsomewhere – Magic Moment Lombo 1.57.4, $84,182) settled three back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail. She showed a good turn of speed in the final 250m and was able to draw away and win. SHELBY GRACE (Betterthancheddar – Miss Marg Shannon 2.5.0, $4,960) trailed the leader in the early stages and moved up without cover from the 600m mark. She finished second ahead of ELECTRIC EYE (Bettors Delight – Nikalongboulevard 1.57.1, $52,835), which caught the eye after finishing strongly from last. TORIKINA PRINCE (Village Jolt – Rose of Torikina 1.59.2, $25,990) finished fourth after setting the pace and VIN DAN (Captaintreacherous – Lastovo) (four back markers) ended up at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.4 Final Half: - 58.3 Margins: - 4m, 3m
Trial 5: - MONGIANA was able to push forward and find the lead shortly after the start. He set up a slow tempo and was able to sprint home too well for THE DIAMOND KING, which trailed the leader throughout. PASSION PLAY produced a nice trial performance by settling four back on the markers and moving up without cover from the 600m. He finished third in front of YARRAMAN BELLA (3 back markers), which went to the line jogging with no clear run and EL GRAN SENOR was last throughout but wasn’t beaten by far.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.3 Final Half: - 57.3 Margins: - Neck, Head
Trial 6: - FRANKIE was one out and one back early before parking without cover and proved too strong in the run to the finish. BENATAR showed brilliant gate speed to dash across the field to find the lead. She kicked on well and finished second in front of LOLA MONTEZ (American Ideal – Shes Norma Jeane 1.58.8, $34,267), which ran home from four back on the markers. JUST RALPH worked into the one out and one back trail from the 1200m mark and finished fourth ahead of STARESS, which was midfield on the markers for the majority of the trip. BINNO MAJOR (Art Major – Saved A Corka 1.59.1, $130,397) trailed the leader, allowed EARS TO YOU (Fly Like An Eagle – Bye Bye Luv Lombo 1.58.3, $6,210) to get onto the markers in front of him, before she reciprocated the gesture and eased when BINNO MAJOR moved around the outside again. He finished sixth with JUKEBOX JET coming from eighth to pick up one placing late and EARS TO YOU yielded ground from the 600m mark. GENTLEMAN SIR bungled the start and took no part.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.3 Final Half: - 59.2 Margins: - 3m, 3m
Trial 7: - SCORCHING ALONG took out the final trial after trailing the leader SULTAN SASS for the majority of the journey. She got to the front when SULTAN SASS galloped with 500m remaining then held off the late challenge from PICKLES MAGEE (Majestic Son – Our Flash Girl 2.3.4, $38,675). The time was slow but PICKLES MAGEE being unraced, did do a good job to finish close to the eight times winning trotter in SCORCHING ALONG. SULTAN SASS finished in third and GENTLEMAN SIR backed up from trial six but he unfortunately was on his worst behaviour, galloping several times and finishing at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.18.2 Final Half: - 62.1 Margins: - 1m, 40m
.JPG)