With the Pryde's EasiFeed Victoria Cup fast approaching some familiar names have emerged on the trials circuit, including Cruz Bromac, San Carlo and Im Sir Blake.

Time to dive into Craig Rail's breakdown of those who shone on the Victorian trials circuit.

Scroll to the bottom for his updated Blackbook, including three new additions.

SHEPPARTON 03/09/20

Trial 1: - SAN CARLO began quickly to find the lead at the 1700m, travelled strongly throughout and jogged home to score comfortably. THE CRIMSON PRINCE showed gate speed to lead, took a trail and tried hard for second with GIANT JACKSON being in third after settling three back on the markers. GIANT JACKSON backed up to win at Echuca on Wednesday night. STAR RULER produced an extremely good performance for a National Ratings 46 assessed pacer taking on the open class pacers. He settled four back on the markers and went to the line without being pushed. He would have made it into the horses to follow column but he has already stepped out to win at his Australian debut. He was impressive in scoring at Bendigo on Thursday night and it won’t be long before he wins again. ORBIE settled three back on the inside, moved up without cover at the 300m and finished in fifth with WHAT A PLEASURE being in sixth position throughout. MISS FANDANGO was last throughout in a strong trial to open proceedings.

Mile Rate: - 1.57.6          Final Half: - 57.6               Margins: - 10m, 2m

Trial 2: - OCTOBER WIND (Dejarmbro – Oceania 2.2.6, $76,306) stepped away quickly to find the lead, set up a slow tempo and was able to hold off his rivals to get the prize. STARLIGHT RED trailed the leader, used the sprint lane and was untouched going to the line. READY TO RULE (Ready Cash – Maidstone Miss 2.2.5, $89,459) settled three back on the markers and worked into a close up third with TWIXTON (5 back markers, 1-1 at 600m) in fourth after hitting the line strongly from last. TEDS SECRET (Crazed – Secret Message) settled four back on the inside, moved to the outside at the 600m and dropped back to last over the final stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.12.9          Final Half: - 61.0               Margins: - 2m, 1m

Trial 3: - BLAZE COOPS showed gate speed to lead, took a trail and used the sprint lane to get up and defeat ALICE ON THE BEACH (Sunshine Beach – Fulsome 1.56.3, $43,622), which settled three back on the markers and also went back to the inside in the home straight. CASHFLOW CASSIE was fourth on the markers, moved up without cover at the 300m and ran into third with RAMBUNTIOUS being fourth after working forward to find the lead. WATCHMEDAZZLE settled fifth on the inside, gained a one out and one back trail and was making up some ground late despite failing to beat a runner to the line.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.2            Final Half: - 59.2               Margins: - 1m, 1m

Trial 4: - VIVA LAS VEGAS began quickly to lead, took a trail and moved up on the outside of the leader with 400m remaining when he jogged to victory. He was very impressive and recorded a handy final half, seemingly with plenty in reserve. HOLSTEIN settled three back on the markers, moved around the field to find the lead at the 1500m and battled on fairly well for second. BARRANJOEY trailed the leader early, was shuffled to three back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail before working into third. RAMBLENROLLER was fifth on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 500m and was out three horses wide from the 400m. He finished in fourth position ahead of the trotters GUNNING (4 back markers) and LORD LOHKI (broke in score up, losing 75m).

Mile Rate: - 2.1.4            Final Half: - 57.5               Margins: - 8m, 2m

Trial 5: - BIDE OUR TIME (Bettors Delight – Bella Aurora 2.2.4, $5,470) was a very impressive victor after he settled three back on the markers, trailed up out three horses wide, came out even wider on the turn, raced very greenly in the home straight but was still able to charge to victory. LIFE WELL LIVED (Rock N Roll Heaven – Tuscan Breeze 1.56.0, $88,311) trailed the leader, was held up for a run at a vital stage and used the sprint lane. He finished off solidly without being pushed and continued his good trial form. CINQUE AMICI was without cover in the early stages, gained a one out and one back trail at the bell and came out three horses wide from the 300m. He battled on nicely for third in front of BUNDLE OF NOTES (Roll With Joe – Hope Riley 1.56.7, $23,460), which showed brilliant gate speed to lead and was run down in the latter stages. COVERED KYLIE settled fifth on the markers and was the same throughout from PANDA GIRL, which was in the running lane (1-2 then 1-3 at the bell) for the majority of the trip. TERROR OF LOCKSLEY (Western Terror – Loves To Rock 1.58.2, $69,810) settled four back on the outside, came out three horses wide at the 1100m and was without cover at the bell. He dropped out late and beat home the trotter SHEZA PLEASURE (1-1, 7th the markers, under pressure from the 700m).

Mile Rate: - 2.3.4            Final Half: - 59.0               Margins: - 4m, 1m

BLACKBOOKER: - Bide Our Time

Trial 6: - HONOLUA BAY (Somebeachsomewhere – National Gallery 1.54.4, $90,600) began fast, took a trail and moved away from the markers at the 300m when he dashed home to score comfortably. SABREUR settled four then five back on the markers, trailed up behind HONOLUA BAY and never peeled to the outside. He went to the line under a good hold and backed that trial performance up with a victory at his Australian debut. APHRODISIAC began quickly, trailed the leader and ended up being three back on the markers. He finished third in front of CHANGEOVER GIRL (Changeover – Shorty’s Treasure 1.58.8, $24,110), which was without cover before she pushed forward to find the lead at the 1300m. She faded into fourth but finished ahead of ARRAPS (Rock N Roll Heaven – Soho Joplin), which was six back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail at the 500m. NANANELLIE (Somebeachsomewhere – Aventura) settled last on the markers and finished sixth ahead of SCULLY (Village Jasper – Sports Alive 2.1.9, $22,648) (4 back markers).

Mile Rate: - 2.1.8            Final Half: - 60.9               Margins: - 4m, 2m

TERANG 05/09/20

Trial 1: - DOUBLE HELIX showed the gate speed to lead, set up a slow tempo and scored comfortably. SELLUNE settled third on the markers, was checked and galloped at the 800m, chased hard in the back straight and produced a big performance to finish as close as he did. KAYLASISTER trailed the leader, broke stride at the 800m and lost her chance.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.1            Final Half: - 61.7               Margins: - 7m, 30m

 

Trial 2: - KEAYANG KAMIKAZE raced without cover throughout and was strong at the finish when a narrow but decisive winner in fast time. He hit the front on the home turn and held off the challenge of JILLIBY RETRO (1-1), which trailed him throughout and made a late lunge. KEAYANG ARIZONA (He’s Watching – Keayang Gertie) was without cover early before finding the lead with 1300m remaining. He was collared on the home turn but was able to hold down third. ASMILEANDAWINX (Blissfull Hall – Miles of Smiles 1.59.3, $5,948) led out then took a trail before using the sprint lane and finishing fourth. NOT TELLING (Tell All – Strong As Arma 2.1.6, $16,585) was five back on the markers, was under pressure at the 700m and finished in fifth position.

Mile Rate: - 1.57.6          Final Half: - 56.7               Margins: - 1m, 10m

BLACKBOOKER: - Keayang Kamikaze

Trial 3: - The New Zealand Cup winner CRUZ BROMAC pressed forward to find the lead and was unchallenged from the start. He coasted around to win untroubled by a large margin. ELROY JETSON was three back on the markers, and worked through to trail the leader at the 500m. He couldn’t go with CRUZ BROMAC but finished in second. MELANNA BEACH was last of the three runners after trailing the leader and moving up without cover from the 600m mark.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.4          Final Half: - 56.4               Margins: - 10m, 8m

Trial 4: - JILLIBY SYLVESTER was three back on the markers, moved up without cover from the 700m and was able to hold on and score. JILLIBY NITRO is a classy pacer, which won the Bathurst Gold Crown and the Australian Pacing Gold during his juvenile season. He settled fourth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 700m and came wide at the 150m. He finished strongly and missed out narrowly. CROWDED REACTOR trailed the leader and appeared to have every chance when a distant third last outing. LUVHAVINFUN showed gate speed to lead, pulled hard and dropped out in the latter stages.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.0          Final Half: - 56.0               Margins: - Neck, 25m

Trial 5: - KEAYANG LIVANA settled three back on the markers, tailed the leader from the bell and came to the outside on the home turn. She sprinted quickly in the front straight and appeared to win with plenty in reserve. MODERN CULTURE was without cover in the early stages, pushed forward to lead at the 1800m and found KEAYANG LIVANA to be too quick up the straight. FOR TONY showed gate speed but was out three horses wide and restrained to last before moving up without cover from the 800m and ending up finishing a distant third. THE SUSPECT showed gate speed to lead, took a trail and was under pressure from the 700m. He beat home FANCY PEACH, which settled fourth on the markers.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.3            Final Half: - 57.6               Margins: - 15m, 30m

Trial 6: - HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN began very quickly to lead, took a trail then moved away from the inside at the 600m. He forced the issue a long way from home and was very strong at the finish. He won impressively and continued his very good trial form. KEAYANG JACKIE was three back on the outside early, gained a one out and one out trail before coming out three horses wide at the 700m. She tried hard over the final stages and boxed on fairly well for second in front of THE DUX (Western Terror – Takeiteasyonme 1.58.3, $53,148), which raced without cover then pushed to the lead at the 1600m. CALCULATING DANCER (A Rocknroll Dance – Calculating) settled three back on the markers, trailed the leader in the back straight, was inconvenienced before the home turn and came out four horses wide into the straight. She finished fourth in front of MISSTREPO, which was three back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m. TIN TIN GIRL (Tin Tin In America – Our Uptown Girl 1.58.0, $25,124) was in the one out and one back trail before being left stranded without cover at the 1600m. She was under pressure from the 700m and dropped off in the final stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.2            Final Half: - 57.6               Margins: - 8m, 1m

Trial 7: - ENLIGHTENED GIFT (Used To Me – Roydons Gift) was able to step to the front and scored comfortably, seemingly with something in reserve. HONEY BOURBON (Sam Bourbon – This Way) trailed the leader from the pole position and held her ground over the concluding stages. She finished well clear of KYVALLEY SHERRIF, which settled three back on the markers before gaining a one out and one back trail at the 600m. ELEGANT JET (Quaker Jet – Schleck $16,489) settled fourth on the markers before moving into the death seat at the 1200m. He broke stride with 300m remaining but finished ahead of AUSSIE COMMANDO, which broke stride on the first turn and raced roughly at various stages of the event.

Mile Rate: - 2.10.4          Final Half: - 58.9               Margins: - 6m, 10m

MARYBOROUGH 06/09/20

Trial 1: - IM SIR BLAKE settled seventh on the markers, sat without cover from the 1100m and kicked on strongly to win in fast time. IDEALSOMEMAGIC began very quickly to find the lead, ran along at a genuine tempo and kicked on strongly over the latter stages. BETTOR BE THE BOMB settled sixth on the markers, gained a one out and one back trail and went to the line under his own steam to run a handy third. ULTIMATE WON settled three back on the markers and finished in fourth position ahead of I AM MARQUEZ, which trailed behind ULTIMATE WON throughout. GUPTAS CULLEN trailed the leader throughout and finished sixth in front of DADDYWHO (5 back markers).  

Mile Rate: - 1.57.0          Final Half: - 56.4               Margins: - 1m, 8m

Trial 2: - IGNITING STRIDE (Peak – Rosemaryz Luck) settled three back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 500m and finished off strongly at the end to get the prize over EURYPHAESSA, which led and broke stride momentarily on the home turn. BULLAPARK BENO (Changeover – Jomeka 2.5.4, $6,006) trailed the leader throughout and finished in third position. DON’T CARE was slow to move, settled in sixth position and broke stride at the 600m. She recovered to finish fourth in front of RIOTERRA (Angus Hall – Lilian Grey), which galloped at the start and ended up being fifth on the markers. MAJOR MAX broke at the start, settled in seventh position and moved up without cover from the 1200m. He finished in front of KYVALLEY HACIENDA (Andover Hall – Kyvalley Lily), which was fourth for the majority of the trip before breaking stride on the home turn. SHE SAILZ failed to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.0            Final Half: - 60.0               Margins: - 8m, 8m

Trial 3: - TWISTED BLISS settled third on the pegs, came out three horses wide at the 400m and sprinted sharply to win easily. VAPAR FIRE (Art Major – Arctic Fire 1.51.6, $357,872) settled seventh on the markers, moved up without cover at the bell, gained a one out and one back trail and moved up out three horses wide on the back of TWISTED BLISS at the quarter pole. He ran a distant second with BUZZ LIKA BEE (Betterthancheddar – Lady Watch) being in third after trailing the leader and moving to the outside at the 500m marker. ONEHANDONEBOUNCE (A Rocknroll Dance – Anna Blue 1.57.8, $11,311) was fifth on the markers and finished fourth in front of SPEEDIE EADIE (Auckland Reactor – Grandma Gertie), which was four back on the markers throughout and ISABELLA PRINCESS (Hurrikane Kingcole – Tennison Drive) (6 back markers) was in sixth position across the line. TELL A TALL STORY finished last of the seven runners after setting the speed.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.2            Final Half: - 58.8               Margins: - 10m, 2m

Trial 4: - DOWNTOWN MISS began quickly to find the lead, wanted to hang in over the latter stages but was still travelling on a good rein at the finish. She won nicely over LOLA DEVEREAUX, which trailed the leader throughout and moved away from the markers on the home turn. IM DADDY WARBUCKS was three back on the markers, went back to the sprint lane in the home straight and finished in third position. All of the first three horses across the line appeared to have a kick left at the finish. FORGOT TO REMEMBER broke stride at the start, tacked on at the 1400m and finished in fourth ahead of DEALERS KNOCK, which was four back on the markers but galloped on the home turn.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.0            Final Half: - 59.8               Margins: - 2m, Head

Trial 5: - FETCH IT settled four back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 1100m and came out three horses wide at the 600m before dashing to the front leaving the back straight and sustaining the run to land the prize. PRINCESS FAITH was three back on the markers, followed FETCH IT into the running lane at the 1100m (1-2) and came out three horses wide with cover from the 600m. She tried hard over the concluding stages and picked up a bit of ground on the winner late. HATTIE (Art Major – Almihata 2.3.4, $12,248) showed good early speed to roll to the top then set up a slow tempo. She finished in third position with TIARA HALL (Angus Hall – Maoris Crown 2.6.2, $57,060) (3 back markers) in fourth and TIARA STRIDE in fifth after trailing the leader and breaking stride on the home turn. CRONK (Tennotrump – Amaori Spur) dropped off late after racing without cover throughout and SHE SAILZ was a late addition to the trial after failing to finish earlier in the day but she galloped several times in the run hence finished at the rear of the field.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.0            Final Half: - 61.1               Margins: - 2m, 15m

Trial 6: - LOVEN LAUGHTER settled last on the markers, moved into the one wide lane at the 1300m (1-2) and sprinted home too well, getting up on the line. ISOLATION (Bettors Delight – Misty Miller 1.58.1, $144,711) was one out and one back for the majority of the trial and finished in second position with IM LADY MADELEINE being third after she raced fiercely in behind the leader. THE CONSTITUTION settled seventh on the markers and was able to pick up a few horses late. He finished fourth in front of HOW THE SERENITY (Barna Straide – Blissfull Bird 1.57.3, $20,038), which raced without cover throughout. VALENTINA RAIA tried to lead throughout and finished in sixth spot with LORIMERLAGG (5 back markers) failing to beat a runner to the line.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.1            Final Half: - 60.3               Margins: - ½ Head, 6m

Trial 7: - NIKITA ADELE was three back on the markers, moved up without cover from the 700m mark and was able to grind out a victory from LOOKIN FRESH, which trailed the leader and CADENZA was third after settling last of the four runners before moving into the one out and one back trail to follow the winner. JILLIBY DINGO tried to lead all of the way but was overtaken on the home turn and was the last of the four runners to greet the judge.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.6            Final Half: - 58.9               Margins: - Nose, 3m

Trial 8: - CROCROCK began very quickly to find the lead, enjoyed a nice run throughout and sprinted home quickly to win by a comfortable margin. URGOODBOY settled three back on the inside, moved up without cover at the 700m mark and wanted in hang in over the latter stages. He finished second and was well clear of SIMPLY HEAVENLY, which had every chance behind the leader with BILLABONG MADI (Betterthancheddar – Billabong Girl 1.55.8, $143,616) being last of the four runners to cross the line after galloping wildly at the start.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.0            Final Half: - 59.3               Margins: - 5m, 15m

Trial 9: - CHISSY hasn’t raced since April 2019 but he recorded a good victory after settling three back on the markers and outstaying his rivals in the run to the finish. TRAVEL BUG was in second spot, a good distance behind the runaway leader HIGHLAND HILL and did all of the chasing in the final lap. He moved up to hit the lead turning for home but was gunned down by CHISSY on the line. HIGHLAND HILL set up a genuine tempo and established a big lead in the early stages but became very leg weary over the concluding stages. JAYBEEOHDEE (Angus Hall – Maori Vale 1.59.5, $35,615) broke stride at the start and was tailed off throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.0            Final Half: - 65.7               Margins: - Head, 40m

TABCORP PARK MELTON, 08/09/20

Trial 1: - SANGREAL began very quickly to lead, set up a slow tempo and completely dominated her two rivals. She has shown plenty of ability throughout her juvenile season and she was able to score without being pushed so she has returned from a break in good order. JAHBELLA broke stride at the start and lost approximately 30m. She was last on the markers before coming to the outside with 450m remaining and was able to run into second. TELEPHONE TILLY trailed the leader but unfortunately broke stride when being challenged for second placing approaching the home turn.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.2            Final Half: - 62.41    Margins: - 13m, 11.5m

Trial 2: - LONG WEEKEND angled in behind the leader MILLWOOD MINX, came to the outside with 600m remaining and was able to score softly in the end. He was the class runner of the trial after his recent good form and was able to win as expected. MILLWOOD MINX finished in second position with ESCAVADOR (Rock N Roll Heaven – Sascha Fearce) coming from last off the five runners (5 back markers, 1-1 at 600m) to run into third. SNAZOLA was three back on the markers throughout and finished ahead of ROCK IN HEAVEN (Pet Rock – Immediate Choice), which was four back on the inside and was placed under pressure from the 600m mark.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.8            Final Half: - 57.98    Margins: - 5m, 7.5m

Trial 3: - HATCHBACK dropped back to be last of the three runners, came to the outside at the 600m mark, hit the lead on the home turn and jogged to victory. He was the class runner of the field but he did score very comfortably at the end. HES THE MIGHTYSPIN showed good gate speed to lead, wanted to hang out at the 500m but held down second in front of FLING IT RAINBOW, which trailed the leader and used the sprint lane.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.8            Final Half: - 59.47    Margins: - 22m, 3m

Trial 4: - RENDEZVOUS (He’s Watching – Libra Jaccka 1.59.7, $65,700) began quickly to find the lead shortly after the start. She set up a slow speed early and had a good kick left at the finish to take the trial ahead of AUSTRALIANA, which settled down last of the four runners, came out four horses wide from the 400m and sprinted quickly up to the home turn. She may have just come to the end of her run with 50m remaining but she managed to finish in second. SHAUN TO THE MAX trailed the leader, moved into the death seat half way down the back straight and battled into third with CARRING BUSH being last of the four after settling three back on the inside, moving into the one out and one back trail behind SHAUN TO THE MAX and coming out three horses wide from the quarter pole.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.5            Final Half: - 58.21    Margins: - 2.5m, Head

Trial 5: - DENIS WILLIAM settled four back on the outside, switched back to be fifth on the markers and used the sprint lane when he dashed through to win impressively. He is a smart type and he looked very sharp in his trial victory. OUR SEQUEL began very quickly to find the lead, set up a reasonable tempo and battled on fairly well for second. OCEANIQUE trailed the leader throughout and ended up being in third position with MISS VICTORIA finishing fourth after racing in the death seat. JEMSTONE GLORY settled three back on the outside, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 400m and was fifth in front of SHADOW STYLE, which trailed up behind MISS VICTORIA and was under pressure from the quarter pole.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.4          Final Half: - 58.02    Margins: - 6.5m, 1.5m

BLACKBOOKER: - Denis William

Trial 6: - LETS GO LOHI showed good gate speed to lead and ran along at an even tempo. She was nicely clear on the home turn and held on to score. FANNING settled three back on the markers, used the sprint lane and finished off strongly to run second. GIUSEPPE MOON settled last on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 700m and battled on strongly for third with CHEEKY CHEDDAR finishing last of the four runners after trailing the leader throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.8            Final Half: - 59.71    Margins: - 2.5m, ½ head