Sahara Sirocco Fiftyshadesofhay and Sultan Sass have been plucked from this week’s Victorian trials and plonked into the Blackbook.
Here’s the Friday deep dive.
Scroll to the bottom to see the Blackbook.
SHEPPARTON 23/01/20
Trial 1: – SOMEDAYLADY was able to slide to the lead at the start and was untroubled in scoring. She raced away to score by four lengths with something in reserve. TUFFANUFF (Modern Art – Xmas In Manhattan 1.58.5, $21,600) settled one out and one back and came to the outside turning out of the back straight. She finished second in front of WALKAMILEINMYSHOES, which settled three back on the inside and should have finished closer as she was held up for a run at a vital stage and seemed to be travelling well on the home turn. TAKABISHA (Grinfromeartoear – Limestone Coaster) ended up finishing fourth after trailing the leader throughout and BENATAR was fifth after gaining a nice position in the running lane (1-2). AMBER ALERT (Mr Feelgood – Chain of Gold 1.58.7, $13,636) dropped back to sixth after racing without cover and TIME TO REACT was tailed off after galloping shortly after the start. LAST ARTIST settled down last but dropped off at the bell and was retired from the event.
Mile Rate: – 2.2.8 Final Half: – 59.9 Margins: – 12m, 8m
Trial 2: – SPUNKYOLA trailed the leader WILLEM throughout and came to the outside on the home turn. He finished off strongly and proved to be too strong at the end. WILLEM held down second with RETURN SOLDIER finishing in third position after he raced three back on the inside throughout. WAYONBYE settled five back on the inside behind PROVOCATOR and gained an inside run when that horse hung away from the markers with 500m remaining. He worked home fairly well for fourth but he did pace a little roughly on the home corner. HARPAGUS settled down at the rear of the field and only defeated PROVOCATOR to the line.
Mile Rate: – 1.57.3 Final Half: – 58.7 Margins: – 4m, 8m
Trial 3: – BLACK CAT CLAW jumped away nicely from the standing start and pushed past the early leader MORGAN MYLEE approximately 150m after the start. She set up a very slow tempo and held off MORGAN MYLEE in the run to the finish. HALUNKE settled three back on the inside and moved away from the markers to race without cover from the quarter pole. She finished third and was never really extended. ALDEBARAN LYNROSE galloped away from the standing start and lost valuable ground but the pace was extremely slow and she was able to tack on with 1300m remaining. She never left the markers from that point and finished fourth in front of DALTON, which settled four back on the markers.
Mile Rate: – 2.18.2 Final Half: – 63.4 Margins: – 2m, 15m
Trial 4: – FLETCHAS ROY found the markers first then took cover behind GALACTIC GAL around the first corner. He came to the outside on the home turn and finished on too well in the straight. REACTOR NOW settled three back on the markers and appeared to be bolting on the home turn. He got back to the sprint lane in the final stages and worked through for second. SHEZ ELITE gained a one out and one back trail before coming to the outside before the home turn. She tried hard in the straight and finished third just in front of the early leader GALACTIC GAL. MAJOR WISH was fifth after racing without cover throughout. SECRET IDENTITY was second last and was always approximately 10m behind the main division. She was able to get past the trotter SCORCHING ALONG (4 back markers) with ROCKON LOCKSLEY being last of the eight runners throughout.
Mile Rate: – 2.2.0 Final Half: – 60.9 Margins: – 1m, 1.5m
Trial 5: – THE BEST DREAM performed at a high level when she was last in work and she was able to lead throughout and win the final trial comfortably. She had a slight scare when she baulked at something on the inside of the track at the 1200m mark but she remained trotting and went to the line under her own steam. STEALTH (Majestic Son – Zesta 2.1.6, $143,460) settled three back on the inside and hit the line strongly for second with BELLA CONTESSA (Imperial Count – Sunshine Paco) finishing third after trailing the leader throughout. WILLDOMXAV (Tennotrump – Rappa Jolie) settled four back on the markers but was always a little detached from the leading trio. He finished fourth in front of MYNAMESGRAHAM, which galloped away and chased hard in the final circuit with KRAZE failing to finish after breaking stride in the early stages.
Mile Rate: – 2.9.5 Final Half: – 62.4 Margins: – 3m, Neck
WARRAGUL 25/01/20
Trial 1: – SAHARA TIGER settled down last of the six runners and followed his stable mate SAHARA SIROCCO for the majority of the journey. He peeled to the outside when straightening for home and coasted down the outside to win with something in reserve. PROFESSOR TOM raced without cover in the early stages, switched back to be the third horse on the markers momentarily then moved into the death seat again at the 1100m. He boxed on gamely for a close second. SAHARA SIROCCO settled down second last before gaining a one out and one back trail and enjoyed a nice run but for a NR50 horse taking on Metropolitan horses, he did a good job to finish a very close third. SOVEREIGN MINX trailed the leader PRIDDY EASY and did a good job when she worked into the clear. She finished fourth with PRIDDY EASY in fifth and SAUCEY LITTLE MEL (Modern Art – Saucey), which settled three back on the markers and paced roughly, came in last of all.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.1 Final Half: – 57.6 Margins: – 1/2Neck, Head
BLACKBOOKER: – Sahara Sirocco
MILDURA 26/01/20
Trial 1: – TALE OF THE DRAGON settled down three back on the markers and moved away from the inside with 700m remaining. He sprinted sharply down the back straight to join the early leader MISS SUGARANSPICE before sustaining the run and racing to a very easy victory. MISS SUGARANSPICE finished in second position and ROCKING WROXTON (A Rocknroll Dance – Party Time Girl) was a distant third after trailing the leader throughout. SHADOW TERROR missed the start badly and was tailed off.
Mile Rate: – 2.2.6 Final Half: – 60.8 Margins: – 15m, 45m
Trial 2: – EUSTON FLYER settled down three back on the inside and came away from the markers with 500m remaining. He sustained a good run to finish over the top of his stable mate SOME STONE to get the prize. SOME STONE tried to lead throughout and went to the line under a hard hold in second position. FILCARLO trailed the leader and poked through in the middle to finish third. JIMMY REACTOR (Auckland Reactor – As I Say 1.58.0, $69,791) settled last of the four competitive chances and raced out three horses wide for the final 500m. He peaked in the last 30m but it still wasn’t a bad run for an unraced pacer taking on the winners of multiple races. RUBY REACTOR (Auckland Reactor – Larilla Lace 2.3.2, $13,585) was slow to begin and was always detached from the bunch.
Mile Rate: – 2.2.7 Final Half: – 59.7 Margins: – 1.5m, 1.5m
MARYBOROUGH 26/01/20
Trial 1: – RAMBUNCTIOUS was a very impressive winner of the opening trial. He began swiftly and was able to get across and lead before rolling along at a reasonable tempo. He went to the line to score without being extended by a handy margin. ABOVE AVERAGE raced keenly on the leaders back but couldn’t accelerate with RAMBUNCTIOUS at the end. He finished second with A KERRY MAN coming from three back on the markers to finish in third. DELTASUN settled sixth on the outside and hooked out three horses wide with 700m remaining. He boxed on well for fourth ahead of EDWIN BROMAC, which raced without cover throughout. WALMARA (1-1) finished sixth in front of ATHLONE (1-3) with COMMON COURTESY (4 back markers) finishing last of the eight competitors.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.5 Final Half: – 57.7 Margins: – 8m, 6m
Trial 2: – SHESHELL ROCK (A Rocknroll Dance – Alashell 2.4.1, $9,235) trailed the leader WINGATE GUY (Union Guy – Alberts Belle) throughout and pounced as the field turned for home. She raced clear in the last part of the event to win easily. KOBA (Rock N Roll Heaven – Rose Ederline) raced without cover for the first 600m, angled onto the markers to be three back and looked to be bolting on the home turn but didn’t really accelerate when asked for the effort late. He finished third, some four metres behind WINGATE GUY but well clear of the others headed by LAY THE SMACKDOWN (Rock N Roll Heaven – Massimo Miss), which was three back on the markers before dropping back a position further at the bell. She finished fourth ahead of BLOSSOM DELIGHT (Betterthancheddar – Libbiemack 1.55.3, $78,512), which was last on the markers throughout and MIAMI MACH (Mach Three – Barely Legal) finished at the tail after racing without cover momentarily in the final circuit.
Mile Rate: – 2.7.1 Final Half: – 59.6 Margins: – 8m, 4m
Trial 3: – FINAL PEACE continues to trial exceptionally well and blitzed her rivals in trial three. She showed terrific gate speed to clear away early, backed off the speed mid-race and sprinted away to win under a vice like grip. FIFTYSHADESOFHAY was a great run in second position. He settled four back on the markers and wanted to hang in down the back straight. He was the widest runner turning for home and motored into second position. He is certainly worth following, as is the winner. LIBBA RACY settled at the tail of field, moved up without cover from the half mile marker and tried hard for third. EARS PONDER finished in fourth position after trailing the leader and BOAK (Village Jolt – Moriva 2.1.7, $15,738) was fifth after being three back on the markers throughout. MORE THAN A WOMAN (BG’s Folly – Iza Precious Lass) finished last after being the fifth horse back on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: 2.2.9 Final Half: – 56.7 Margins: – 28.2
BLACKBOOKER: – Fiftyshadesofhay
Trial 4: – ADAM CROCKER began quickly to hold out an early challenge from DON’T TELL JIM, ran along at a genuine tempo and recorded fast time in a big victory. CAUSING STRIFE was also a good run in the trial. She settled three back on the markers and wanted to race fiercely. She popped way from the inside to race without cover and battled on strongly at the finish. SURBITON HARTBREAK (4 back markers/ 1-1) finished third after following CAUSING STRIFE throughout. SULTAN FELLA settled down last of the six runners and finished fourth ahead of SHELDON (5 back markers) and DON’T TELL JIM was last after trailing the leader and yielding ground in the back straight on the final occasion.
Mile Rate: – 1.57.2 Final Half: – 57.9 Margins: – 8m, 12m
Trial 5: – ROBLEN DANCER trailed the leader OLLIE JACK and was able to coast home in the final 100m to score untouched. OLLIE JACK kicked on well for second and was well clear of BEWARE THE FURY (Majestic Son – Calder Fury 2.6.2, $25,841), which settled three back on the markers. SARAHLEONIE BOW galloped at the start and lost 15m then galloped again at the bell but didn’t lose too much ground. She finished fourth with BACARDI CHIC (Bacardi Lindy – Mysteriousillusion) being tailed off after galloping at the start.
Mile Rate: – 2.5.1 Final Half: – 60.7 Margins: – 1m, 30m
Trial 6: – MYRTLE VALE led throughout to win the trial easily. ALONG CAME A SPIDER (Yankee Spider – Tachometer) did a good job for an unraced trotter against the winner of six races to hold onto her back in the run to the finish after trailing her throughout. CHARLIE WALKER settled three back on the inside and travelled awkwardly on the 800m bend. He lost ground and wasn’t extended thereafter. FORGOT TO REMEMBER switched into a pace as soon as the mobile pulled away and was tailed off for the entire trial.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.8 Final Half: – 60.8 Margins: – 5m, 15m
Trial 7: – THE PENNY DROPS and SUN OF SONOKO were the only two runners to contest the standing start trial for the trotters with THE PENNY DROPS trailing SUN OF SONOKO and coming to the outside at the quarter pole. THE PENNY DROPS got home best but SUN OF SONOKO seemingly had several gears left at the finish.
Mile Rate: – 2.5.4 Final Half: – 57.9 Margin: – Short head
Trial 8: – REIGNING LILLIES (Majestic Son – Four Lillies 1.59.6, $61,863) is a Ross Graham trained filly, which won the trial in exceptional circumstances as WELL DESERVED was a mile in front and galloped in the front straight. REIGNING LILLIES led out then took a trail behind WELL DESERVED at the 1600m. CHER AMI was slow into stride and settled down last of the four runners. She got around the tiring SURBITON ARMISTICE (3 back markers) in the back straight and continued to chase but went down narrowly. WELL DESERVED went very quickly once he found the lead, although the other trio weren’t too bothered in chasing him down. He was approximately 100m in front at one stage of the trial before he started to get very rocky in his action and he eventually broke stride in the home straight when still 40m in front. He was collared on the line and finished third with SURBITON ARMISTICE in fourth.
Mile Rate: – 2.15.3 Final Half: – 68.3 Margins: – Short head, Short head
Trial 9: – GLENGARRIFF stepped away nicely to lead and set up a slow tempo. He wanted to run off the track at the 900m corner but he maintained his trotting gait and held the front. He was tackled hard by CALEDONIAN SPIRIT (Bacardi Lindy – Eagles Image 2.3.8, $43,288) at the quarter pole but he was able to kick back to get the prize. SHIPPS SUCCESS trailed the leader throughout and used the sprint lane to finish second. CALEDONIAN SPIRIT was third after settling last and moving up without cover from the 800m mark. SELF EXCLUSION settled three back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail but broke stride when commencing his run in the home straight.
Mile Rate: – 2.15.3 Final Half: – 61.5 Margins: – 6m, Short Head
BENDIGO 26/01/20
Trial 1: – RIGONDEAUX began slowly and lost 15m at the start before progressing forward to find the lead with 1700m remaining. He led clearly into the straight and was able to hang on and win. ANDYOU settled four back on the markers from her handicap and moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell. She produced a big finish and just failed to gun down RIGONDEAUX at the finish. JAY BEE FLEX settled five back on the markers before moving up without cover from the bell. She gained a little breather shortly afterwards before progressing into the death seat again at the 600m pole. She finished third in front of LONGARMOFTHELAW, which led out then took cover. TRUMPET LIL (Tennotrump – Ourlittlelil 2.3.7, $32,944) settled three back on the inside and raced roughly before yielding ground with a lap remaining.
Mile Rate: – 2.6.6 Final Half: – 58.4 Margins: – 1m, 9m
Trial 2: – OZZIE PLAYBOY (Pet Rock – Smooth Felicity) was without cover in the early stages before progressing forward to find the lead with 1200m remaining. He dashed well clear in the latter stages and looked impressive in winning easily. ILLAWONG KELLIE (Art Major – Illawong Kath 1.55.2, $72,718) led out then took cover at the 1200m. She allowed her stable mate JOES WATCHING to move ahead of her in the back straight but she picked up very nicely in the final 150m to finish second. JOES WATCHING settled three back on the markers and moved up without cover at the 700m before getting across to the markers leaving the back straight. He peaked on his run and finished a distant third. ATEGO AURA (Allamerican Ingot – Dance With Mia 2.0.0, $27,405) was last of the four runners throughout.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.4 Final Half: – 58.5 Margins: – 30m, 30m
Trial 3: – PURSUITOFHAPPYNESS settled four back on the inside and finished on strongly to win the trial in the last hop. POLLY PEACHUM showed good gate speed to lead and was in front for every step over the journey apart from right on the line. KIDWITHAGRIN settled three back on the inside and moved into the breeze with 300m remaining. He kicked on well to finish a close third. ORBIE began quickly but couldn’t lead early and ended up angling in behind the speed on the first turn. He raced a little keenly and finished last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.9 Final Half: – 58.2 Margins: – Nose, 1m
Trial 4: – BELLTOPPERBOY began quickly to lead and was always in control of the trial. He trotted a little roughly on the home turn but he was well clear in the run to the judge. DARK CLOUD started from the second line and settled three back on the markers. He picked up some ground in the latter stages to finish second. SPIDER DUNBAR trailed the leader throughout and finished in third. JUST OSCAR galloped at the start and lost 30m so he was last throughout.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.1 Final Half: – 60.0 Margins: – 20m, 25m
Trial 5: – OZZIE PLAYGIRL (American Ideal – Smooth Laura 1.57.7, $133,798) began well to be second, angled around the early leader STEINMARK (Western Terror – Chic Gina) coming up to the bell and rolled along at a genuine tempo to win easily. STEINMARK held down second position ahead of ROCK RUBY ROCK, which settled three back on the inside and TANGANYIKA raced greenly in last position throughout the entire trial.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.8 Final Half: – 59.5 Margins: – 8m, 5m
Trial 6: – IM MISS ROYALTY (I’m Stately – Miss Tiny Tot 2.2.9, $118,668) gained a nice run behind the leader and came to the outside on the home turn. She hit the lead with 50m remaining and was able to hold on and win. SULTAN SASS (Majestic Son – Heart of Glass) was the eye-catching runner of the trial. She settled down four back on the markers, was last and the widest runner turning for home before charging home at the end. She should have won easily and even though the time was slow, she is worth following. ALDEBARAN PHOEBE settled three back on the markers and finished a close up third with BELLMAC BAMBI (Imperial Count – Aladen Star) in fourth after settling last of the five before moving into the death seat at the 500m mark. The early leader WILL PATRICK (Fling It – Conchs Critter 2.3.1, $90,846) dropped back to finish at the trail of the field.
Mile Rate: – 2.12.1 Final Half: – 62.0 Margins: – 1m, Neck
BLACKBOOKER: – Sultan Sass
Trial 7: – There wasn’t too much action in the final trial with VALENTINA BRAVE sitting on the back of the leader DANMAN throughout in a field of two and sprinting sharply down the straight to win by an increasing margin of 5m.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.3 Final Half: – 56.1 Margin: 5m
STAWELL 27/01/20
Trial 1: – FIXED LINES was stood down to trial after galloping at Ararat and was able to take out the trial over stable mate COCONUT CUTIE. The juvenile filly KURRACA TAMMY (Camlach – Play Time Lady 2.2.1, $40,933) has been showing ability at the trials and finished third ahead of STRAIGHT UP and JAZSPUR.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.1 Final Half: – 59.9 Margins: – 4.75m, 14.5m
MELTON 27/01/20
Trial 1: – There was plenty happening at the start of this trial with many horses making errors. VAN SANK was left in front with KYVALLEY SENATOR trailing and that pair were a mile clear of the others with RUM AN ROYAL chasing hard in third. VAN SANK won the trial comfortably, shooting away from KYVALEY SENATOR in the run to the judge. RUM AN ROYAL was tired late but he did do a good job mid-race. The mistake makers were all beaten by a huge distance with MEYDAN (Andover Hall – Showmethemaori) in fourth from LUTETIA (Quaker Jet – Pepperell Magic) (stepped away, galloped 100m after start), WALKERVILLE STAR and THEALLENDINY, which spun around in the opposite direction and went approximately 30m backwards at the start.
Mile Rate: – 2.7.6 Final Half: – 59.6 Margins: – 20m, 25m (approximately)
Trial 2: – HOLY BASIL commenced from the handicap of 30m and began quickly. He dashed around EMERALD STRIDE before the first turn and ended up in behind the leader. He came to the outside in the home straight and was able to get the better of the leader STRESS FACTOR in the run to the line. STRESS FACTOR ran a nice trial as he was asked to slip along for the final 800m and went down fighting behind a very good pacer. EMERALD STRIDE and JUST ANYTHING, which galloped away didn’t really chase the other duo and finished third and fourth respectively.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.7 Final Half: – 57.7 Margins: 1.5m, 102m
Trial 3: – The David Miles trained filly PRIDDY ARTFUL (Art Major – Our Priddy Diva) was able to get the better of another unraced filly in JAZZY BAY (Heston Blue Chip – Jazzy Art 1.57.4, $62,763) with SPORTS MAGIC being a close up third. HER HEART OF GOLD (Four Starzzz Shark – Feelinggoodwaseasy) finished in fourth position from NAI HARN BAY (Somebeachsomewhere – Bring Her Back). CONFUSIONANDDELAY and FRANKING CREDIT (Western Terror – Let’s Go Baby 2.0.5, $26,833) were the last two runners to greet the judge.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.3 Final Half: – 59.03 Margins: – 1.5m, 1.5m
Trial 4: – COCO LOMBO began quickly and was able to lead throughout from ZIGZAGZOO, which trailed the leader all of the way. ME PAT MALONE settled three back on the markers, moved to the outside approaching the home turn but broke strike in the final 75m. He finished third and BILLIE BRONSKI was tailed off throughout after galloping at the start.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.8 Final Half: – 58.6 Margins: – 5m, 6m
Trial 5: – FIVE STAR SHARK (Four Starzzz Shark – Forest Charm 2.3.3, $9,900) ran to the front and raced greenly at times, particularly when he heard the bell with a lap remaining but he was able to kick on and win the trial. RUBY MAREE (Roll With Joe – La Bella Ruby) trailed the leader and came to the outside at the half mile marker. She also raced very greenly, particularly in the latter stages when she loomed up to hit the lead. The leading pair came together on the line and there wasn’t much between them as the trial came to a close. ROSIES RISING (Four Starzzz Shark – Country Change 1.56.8, $95,383) was three back on the markers throughout and finished third with BUBBA MARTIN (Betterthancheddar – Rock Melody 2.2.6, $19,300) breaking stride at the start, tacking on then galloping again when the leader raced greenly and the pace slackened abruptly at the bell.
Mile Rate: – 2.8.3 Final Half: – 62.77 Margins: – Nose, 11.5m
Trial 6: – YOUNEEDABITOFMUSCLE pushed forward to race without cover on the outside of HES THEMIGHTYSPIN and forged to the lead around the final corner. He delivered a strong performance and scored by a handy margin. CELTIC CASH was slow to move and ended up being four back on the markers. She used an inside run via the sprint lane in the home straight but she accelerated quickly to finish second. ALDEBARAN LEROY was third after trailing the leader throughout and HES THEMIGHTYSPIN got tired late and dropped back into fourth. YANKEE VELVET was three back on the markers and finished fifth. TANISHAS DREAM (Conche Deville – Gina Dawn) was slow to begin and was always detached from the field. She finished sixth with MOREFLINGTHANBLING (Fling It – Extroglory 2.4.9, $16,750) being tailed off after galloping at the start.
Mile Rate: – 1.59.4 Final Half: – 59.57 Margins: – 7m, 2.5m
Trial 7: – CARTER MAYSON settled three back on the markers and worked into the clear at the 300m. He moved to the outside approaching the home turn and got home best to defeat the early leader WARPIE, which set up a reasonable tempo. HARPOCRATES trailed the leader and used the sprint lane to finish third. The smart trotter I AM PEGASUS settled last on the outside (1-2) and finished quickly out wide on the track to finish an eye-catching fourth. She wasn’t extended at any stage of the event. SPEEDY MACH finished fifth after racing without cover and ENROLLED galloped at the quarter pole when in a striking position (1-1).
Mile Rate: – 1.58.0 Final Half: – 57.44 Margins: – 1.5m, 1.5m
Trial 8: – DREAMEE trailed the leader GUNSLINGER and came to the outside on the home turn. She quickly got to the lead and was left a long way in front when GUNSLINGER broke stride. She won the trial by a big margin. HOPEFUL BEAUTY (Brilliantissime – Beauty Life) settled three back on the markers and finished second with GUNSLINGER starting to trot late to hold off WILCANNIA (4 back markers) (Andover Hall – Wheels To Go) for third and fourth.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.1 Final Half: – 59.29 Margins: – 60m, 12.5m
Trial 9: – THEULTIMATE settled down last of the five runners, popped away from the inside at the half mile marker and gained a one out and one back trail into the race before coming out wide in the home straight. He finished off best to defeat the leader SHANIA TEE (Shadow Play – Dancinwithjodi 1.59.3, $12,773) with APOLOGIZE in third position after racing in the death seat until the 1100m, finding the markers (3 back), then moving into the breeze again half way down the back straight. ART OF SHENG LI settled down in fourth position and was able to work past MARCYS STAR (Falcon Seelster – La Bella Ruby) (3 back markers) in the run to the finish.
Mile Rate: – 1.57.8 Final Half: – 56.57 Margins: – 1.5m, 6.5m
Trial 10: – THE JET PLAYER trailed the runaway leader CORRINYAH CONMAN and came to the outside with 500m remaining. He quickly ran to the front and was able to maintain his lead down the front straight to win easily. LOUIS SEDGWICK settled five back on the inside and finished on strongly for second with MOLLYWOOD being in third after being three back on the inside throughout. TORNADO VALLEY settled in sixth position and ran to the line nicely in the latter stages. It was a terrific hit-out for his performance in the Great Southern Star on Saturday night. GOZO LIGHTING was four back on the markers and finished fifth ahead of MODERN BLISS (7 back markers) and the early leader CORRINIYAH CONMAN went quickly early but tired in the latter stages.
Mile Rate: – 1.55.6 Final Half: – 57.43 Margins: – 3m, 5.5m
Trial 11: – GENERAL DODGE produced another magnificent trial display when he led throughout and blasted through his final half in an unbelievable 52.48 seconds! (1/4 25.65). He defeated a handy field by almost 30m. WAR DAN did well to come from last of the four runners and finish second via the sprint lane in front of DIAMONDS N CASH, which trailed the leader and ROCK N ROLL CHAPEL (3 back markers, without cover turn) finished last of the four runners but there was a line of three across the line for the minor issue.
Mile Rate: – 1.51.7 Final Half: – 52.48 Margins: – 29m, Short ½ Head
SHEPPARTON 28/01/20
Trial 1: – SO AWESOME trailed the leader ALDEBARAN CRESCENT, which ran along at a genuine tempo, and came to the outside on the home turn. His job was made easier when ALDEBARAN CRESCENT broke stride with 150m remaining but he did win nicely at the end. ALDEBARAN CRESCENT finished second despite making the error in the latter stages. STEALTH (Majestic Son – Zesta 2.1.6, $143,460) is a beautifully bred mare and ran an eye-catching third, despite finishing a long way from the winner. She settled down in fifth, moved to the outside with 300m remaining and made up a lot of ground in the home straight. HALUNKE (Yankee Spider – Miss Eliza 2.5.9, $43,000) settled four back on the inside and wasn’t really extended at the end. She finished fourth ahead of CRACKER JET (Quaker Jet – Win Winnie Win), which galloped at the start and lost approximately 30m with ITS GAZADANGERWOOD (Bad Boy Truscott – Justcallmespecial 2.3.6, $18,075) running in last after trotting roughly throughout and eventually rolling into a gallop in the last lap.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.6 Final Half: – 61.4 Margins: – 15m, 25m
BLACKBOOKER: – Stealth
Trial 2: – CASTING SHADOW settled three back on the inside and moved into the one out and one back trail from the 600m mark. He came to the outside in the latter stages and got home too well. HIGHCLERE finished second after settling four back on the inside and moving into the death seat at the 600m. She hit the lead in the straight but couldn’t repel the challenge of CASTING SHADOW. GALACTIC GAL was without cover in the early stages before pushing to the lead at the 1800m mark. She finished third ahead of ROCKS CAN ROLL, which settled three back on the inside. TAKABISHA (Grinfromeartoear – Limestone Coaster) led out then took a trail and finished fifth with IMAMTHEFIRECRACKER (Betterthancheddar – Elixir 1.55.1, $231,180) racing keenly in last position throughout.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.2 Final Half: – 57.2 Margins: – 1.5m, 2m
Trial 3: – ITSARAPT led throughout and won comfortably in a slowly run trial. MAJIC FAIR trailed ITSARAPT for the entire journey and never hooked out at any stage. He went to the line with plenty in reserve so it was a nice trial performance. DASH OF FLAIR settled three back on the markers and ended up finishing a distant third with ALDEBARAN LYNROSE in fourth after she missed the start by 20m and raced fiercely through the middle stages. DALTON (4 back markers) (Bad Boy Truscott – Camp Fire Glow 2.11.2, $7,988) was last of the five runners but was the only horse in the trial that hadn’t raced previously.
Mile Rate: – 2.11.8 Final Half: – 60.5 Margins: – 4m, 30m
Trial 4: – MADE TO ROCK (Pet Rock – La Pucelle 1.56.3, $31,375) led out, took a trail and broke stride momentarily with 1400m remaining, losing approximately 10m. He maintained his position behind the leader and got home best to score. WALKAMILEINMYSHOES began in second position, moved forward to find the lead and was run down in the latter stages. CANSHEDANCE (A Rocknroll Dance – Thisiswhoiam 1.56.1, $36,384) raced roughly in the score up and lost 20m so she was last of the three runners throughout.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.8 Final Half: – 59.7 Margins: – Neck, 40m
Trial 5: – It was a strong trial to end the program and the proven open class performer BRALLOS PASS came from last and hooked out very wide on the home turn before zooming home to get the prize impressively. SHELBY BROMAC settled sixth on the inside and moved into the death seat at the 1200m. He kicked on well for second with HEREHECOMES running home well from fifth (5 back markers, 1-2) to finish third. HEAVEN IN LOCKSLEY was an eye-catching trial performance in fourth. He was without cover in the early stages, restrained to be four back on the inside and ran to the line well in the latter stages. DIAMOND ACE showed good gate speed to lead and was collared late but finished a close up fifth. THE DIAMOND KING (trailed leader) and ROTHKO (3 back markers) finished second last and last but both horses were taking on very strong opposition.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.4 Final Half: – 56.1 Margins: – 4m, neck
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