While the Christmas period may have brought a quieter time on the Victorian trials circuit, opportunity still knocks for Trial File followers.
Seven blackbookers will hope to send off 2023 or bring in the new year with a win, beginning with Franco Tyson and Im Field Major, who step out tonight at Cranbourne.
A further two will run on New Year's Eve, including Tiger Band Wagon at Melton on Garrards Horse & Hound Young Gun Series night, while Dessie Gee and Strong Response are both on the card for Echuca's cups night on January 1.
Franco Tyson and Strong Response were the only two Blackbook additions this week, having run good time.
Scroll to the bottom for the updated Blackbook, including forthcoming engagements. Here are this week's Victorian trials highlights.
SHEPPARTON 21/12/23
Trial 1: - GOOD TOBE LOCKSLEY was without cover in the early stages, angled in behind the leader and started his winning run at the 300m mark. He hit the lead in the straight then was just able to fend off the challenge of MAGINOT LINE, which finished off well from three back on the markers. She is making her debut at Albury on New Years Eve. THIS PUNTER ROCKS was third after trying to lead throughout and breaking stride momentarily at the quarter pole. DAY TWO (5 back markers) was fourth and UNCLE TIGER (4 back the markers) finished fifth but had plenty left in reserve at the finish.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.6 Last Half: - 57.8 Margins: - Head, Neck
Trial 3: - REPELLING was the class runner of the field and gained a nice trail into the race. He started off being six back on the markers but gained a one out and one back trail at the 700m mark and launched his winning claim on the home turn. He is scheduled to race both at Bendigo on Saturday and Echuca on Monday. FOUR STAR SAINT finished in second after trailing the leader and coming to the outside at the 300m. THE MAJORS GIRL settled five back on the inside, moved into the sprint lane in the home straight and finished off fairly well with HONEST HARRIETTE (6 back pegs early, 4 back pegs bell) going to the line untouched in fourth spot.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.2 Last Half: - 59.8 Margins: - 6m, Neck
Trial 4: - WESTERN SONADOR was able to build some confidence leading into his performance at Melton on Sunday night with a comfortable victory. He was able to find the lead around the first turn and finished off in a slick final half of 56.5 seconds to win easily. JITTERBUG ARDEN trailed the leader and was able to hold down second with AMERICAN HAMMER NZ (3 back markers) using the sprint lane to pick up third spot. INVITATION ONLY NZ has recently joined trainer Isabel Walsh and his New Zealand form prior to coming to Australia was strong. He was last of the four runners throughout but it is fair to say that all four pacers competing in the trial were not fully extended at any stage.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.6 Last Half: - 56.5 Margins: - 6m, 2m
BACCHUS MARSH 23/12/23
Trial 2: - STRONG RESPONSE commenced his career in New South Wales prior to heading up to Queensland and performing well in the Sunshine State. He has recently joined trainer Sam Karamalikis and performed nicely at his trial success. He scored by a large margin over the open class trotter ULTIMATE STRIDE NZ with ALBY TWO CHAINS being a large distance away in third position. ALBY TWO CHAINS will be resuming from a spell at Melton on New Years Eve. STRONG RESPONSE will be making his Victorian debut at Echuca on Monday night and has the ability to be competitive but is awkwardly drawn on the inside of the second line.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.2 Last Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 25m, 90m
BLACKBOOKER: - Strong Response
Trial 3: - SPRING BLUE was runner up at Warragul two starts ago then struck trouble at her next attempt. She scored over HEY GOYOUGOODTHING NZ with IDEAL SON finishing a close up third. IT’S A FUGAZI was fourth and the former New Zealander PARK LANE NZ was the last horse across the line leading up to his Australian debut at Terang on Tuesday night. The winner SPRING BLUE will be competing at Bendigo tomorrow night.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.9 Last Half: - 61.3 Margins: - 2.5m, 2m
Trial 4: - ALWAYS SKYE HIGH is a former pacer, which has made a few errors since converting into the trotting gait. She was able to win her trial comfortably, which is a good form pointer for her effort at Terang on Tuesday night. LADY VICI finished in second position and BALLIANGUS was the third horse across the line before heading to Maryborough on Thursday, where he finished in sixth spot.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.3 Last Half: - 61.5 Margins: - 12m, 5m
Trial 5: - FRANCO TYSON will be making his debut in the Tricode meeting at Cranbourne tonight and showed plenty of promise in his trial success, where he dashed home in slick final sectionals (58.3, 28.3). BUBBY TO BASE is a speedy type and will also be resuming over the weekend with an effort at Melton on Sunday. She finished well clear of BLUE MIKI with MAJOR ROSE being in fourth position.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.6 Last Half: - 58.3 Margins: - 3m, 20m
BLACKBOOKER: - Franco Tyson
Trial 6: - THE SARGENT was successful over the in-form trotter BUSLIN BRODY in the trotting event. He is scheduled to compete at Melton on Sunday night. SCAR finished a close up third and will be backing up in the final event at Terang on Tuesday night.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.4 Last Half: - 61.5 Margins: - Head, 1m
STAWELL 27/12/23
Trial 2: - MORSURE DAMOUR hasn’t raced since September 2022 but has ability when she is at his peak and was a winner at Ballarat two starts ago. He was able to win the trial from ALDEABARAN ANTON, which galloped and was stood down to trial at his latest attempt. He qualified to get back to the races at Terang on Tuesday night, where he strikes a suitable assignment. SUPREME DOLL finished in fourth ahead of SALUTE TO SUNNY.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.6 Last Half: - 64.3 Margins: - 2m, 13m
