Craig Rail has put together his biggest and most extensive Trial File yet, with a whopping eight additions to his Blackbook during a massive week of hit-outs in Victoria.
Rail has made two horses from the Alex Ashwood stable as ones to follow, while also identifying others from the Anthony Crossland, Daniel Jack, Ash Warton, David Aiken, Chris Lang and Michael Stanley yards.
The first of these to step out at the races is Ashwood’s All Da Rage, who debuts for the team in the third race at Mildura this evening.
Below is close to 8000 words of analysis from the trials, with the updated Blackbook at the bottom of the page.
BACCHUS MARSH 28/08/21
Trial 1: - CAPTAIN GRAYWOOD was placed at Maryborough at his latest attempt on August 09 and should be getting fitter after his two starts back from a break. He was able to defeat HIGHLAND HILL, which was able to produce three victories in succession during his last campaign of racing. ANOTHER NIP (Bacardi Lindy – Cassies Price 2.4.8, $9,181) is an entire for trainer David Bonnici and was taking on two horses that has performed nicely at the races previously. He wasn’t beaten by far despite finishing last of the three runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.12.2 Last Half: - 62.2 Margins: - 1m, 5m
Trial 2: - REALLY REALLY (Pet Rock – Four Zoe 1.58.0, $18,440) is a juvenile prepared by Justin Campbell and recorded handy time on his way to defeating SUNSHINE WARRIOR so he is shaping up nicely. He is racing in a heat of the Gold Sovereign at Melton on Tuesday night. SUNSHINE WARRIOR will compete at Warragul on Monday afternoon. ANDREW (Always B Miki – Drewsam 2.2.7, $6,875) filled third position for trainer Craig Demmler and finished in front of ROCKANDANCE, which backed up to finish fourth at Bendigo on Wednesday night. GENERAL LINCOLN (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – Miss Sweethart) wasn’t far away in fifth position and RAINBOW REACTOR (Auckland Reactor – Mystical Rainbow) finished at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.5 Last Half: - 59.1 Margins: - 5m, 1m
Trial 3: - GO ACCUSED hasn’t raced since March 2020 but has had an extensive trial campaign. She raced to an easy victory ahead of CARRING BUSH, which hasn’t raced for nearly a year. ARTS CLASSIC is another horse that hasn’t raced for a long period of time and finished third ahead of BRAD CULLEN, MY LINDSAY BELL and INSHADOW saw the field to be safely home. The winner GO ACCUSED will resume from a spell at Warragul on Monday and the last placed INSHADOW is scheduled to compete at Melton on Tuesday night.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.6 Last Half: - 60.6 Margins: - 15m, 5m
Trial 4: - Trainer Adam Kelly provided the Quinella in trial four with MAJOR MEISTER and JIMMY THE IRISHMAN. MAJOR MEISTER has been very lightly raced since finishing seventh in the Mildura Cup in April. He won the trial by approximately a length. JIMMY THE IRISHMAN won at his first six Australian attempts and has been freshened since a fourth at Geelong on July 17. SOMBEACHSHADOW hasn’t started since being unplaced in the Popular Alm Sprint and finished in third position ahead of SICARIO. He resumes from a break at Geelong tomorrow night. STARS OF COURAGE met a very strong field in the trial as a lead up to his performance at Kilmore tonight. He beat home DIAMOND GRACE, which has the lowest National Rating of the six runners and has drawn on the pole position for her effort at Warragul on Monday.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.8 Last Half: - 58.4 Margins: - 3m, 2m
Trial 5: - COPACABANA hasn’t produced her best form for some time but she would have built some confidence leading up to her performance at Kilmore tonight with an easy trial victory over the maiden class. SKYRITA is also racing at Kilmore tonight and finished ahead of the two qualifiers CHERRY PICKER (Great Success – Cherry Sweet 2.7.7, $21,900) and HOWABOUTABACARDI (Bacardi Lindy – Speedy Jolter 2.6.5, $36,075).
Mile Rate: - 2.6.0 Last Half: - 61.6 Margins: - 25m, 15m
Trial 6: - REALLY SMARTIE (Stonebridge Regal – Really Rona) completed a Bacchus Marsh trial double for trainer Justin Campbell with his narrow victory over ROCK NIEN, which is racing at Shepparton on Sunday. MYAGI BOY finished a close up third with SCHNAPPSHOT being last of the four runners across the line. SCHNAPPSHOT has drawn on the pole position for his first up run at Kilmore this evening.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.1 Last Half: - 60.5 Margins: - Head, 1m
Trial 7: - QUEEN ELIDA commenced the season brilliantly with a win in the Need for Speed Princess followed by runner up performances in both the New South Wales Oaks and the Sweetheart Trot. She hasn’t competed since June but raced to an easy trial victory so she is obviously somewhere near her peak. INHERENT ROYAL has been racing in New South Wales and scored twice in succession at Menangle in June/July. She is now being prepared by Tayla Nicholson and was able to finish second in front of HES THEMIGHTYSPIN and DARING ANGEL.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.1 Last Half: - 59.8 Margins: - 15m, 10m
Trial 8: - REBECCAS ART produced a big performance when she motored to the line for second at her last race track appearance before the trial and kept the momentum rolling with a victory in reasonable time. She was awkwardly drawn for her performance at Ballarat last night but was able to run into third so she is ready to break through for a win. BREATHE EASY hasn’t raced since May and finished in second position with ZARAS ALL GOOD being in third spot. THE CONSTITUTION only just failed to be in the first three in a close finish and GOODTIME LOLLIE was last of the five runners to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.4 Last Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 2m, 2m
Trial 9: - POTRO (A Rocknroll Dance – Ultimate Cullen) prepared for his performance at Warragul on Monday with a big victory in fast time. He obviously has plenty of ability and is likely to be strongly fancied at his debut performance. BETTOR ROLL ON finished unplaced at his first two performances in April/May but was able to fill second position ahead of the nicely bred Adam Kelly prepared filly LADY GAR (American Ideal – Im Elsa 1.56.2, $112,754). KHANS CREED (A Rocknroll Dance – Talk Safely 1.58.1, $20,103) finished fourth for trainer and driver Phillip Attard and was well clear of HANGING FIRE (Alta Christiano – Spice On Ice) and SPORTSRAMA (Sportswriter – Rocknroll Rama).
Mile Rate: - 2.0.8 Last Half: - 62.0 Margins: - 20m, 8m
MILDURA 29/08/21
Trial 1: - RONZEL MICKEY (Sportswriter – Ronzel Gem 1.57.9, $35,795) is showing some promise at the trials and was able to take out the opening event after trailing the leader and coming to the outside on the home turn. MISS TWINKLE began briskly from a wide draw and was able to dash across to find the lead before the first turn. She backed off the tempo mid-race and was gunned down in the latter stages. WARATAH BEACH was able to find the one out and one back trail, came out three horses wide from the 400m and worked home reasonably well for third. He is a fast beginner and is drawn on the pole position at Mildura this evening. EEZEE STREET settled four back on the markers, moved into the running lane at the 500m (1-2) and was out four horses wide at the 300m before making some ground for fourth. She backed up at Charlton on Thursday and finished in ninth position. GOLDEN SCRIBE settled three back on the inside and beat home INDIANAS WISH, which was left stranded without cover for the entire journey.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.6 Last Half: - 62.5 Margins: - 2m, Head
Trial 2: - WINNEDOU (Grinfromeartoear – Jimbaran Bay 2.3.4, $15,740) began quickly to lead, rolled along at an even tempo and shot away turning out of the back straight. He continued his impressive trial form with a runaway victory and appears to be a strong winning chance at Mildura this evening. TELL US WE DREAM began well enough to find the back of WINNEDOU on the first turn. He had every chance and finished a distant second but he beat the remainder of the field by a large margin. He has drawn nicely in a very evenly balanced field at Mildura this evening. PUMPT settled three back on the inside and battled on quite well for third position. MEXICAN STANDOFF was out of position at the start and lost ten metres early, settled a clear last and moved into the running lane at the bell (1-2). He was able to work past KATE KANARDLY, which gained a one out and one back trail before getting inconvenienced by the tiring MISSTHIRDTIMELUCKY (Julius Caesar – Misseinstein 1.59.5, $16,744) at the half mile marker. MISSTHIRDTIMELUCKY was left stranded without cover, made an attempt to ease back to last but was racing too keenly so she was forced to work hard in the run.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.4 Last Half: - 59.7 Margins: - 20m, 15m
Trial 3: - NATIONALDRAFT settled four back on the markers, gained a one out and one back trail at the 1200m before being left into the death seat at the 700m. He dashed to the front approaching the home turn and sustained the run to win nicely. He has drawn on the back row for his performance at Mildura tonight but he did trial well enough to suggest he can be competitive. VELOX EQUUS settled last on the markers, moved up without cover at the 1300m and took a trail at the 700m. He was held up for a run at a vital stage and ran to the line nicely over the concluding stages. LAST ARTIST began quickly to find the lead, rolled along at a reasonable tempo and was run down by two smart horses at the end. He is favourably drawn at Mildura this evening and should run a cheeky race. HEART OF COOPER settled three back on the markers, moved away from the inside to trail behind NATIONALDRAFT and finished in fourth position. COCO BEACH trailed the leader throughout and finished last of the five runners in a quality field.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.6 Last Half: - 58.2 Margins: - 4m, Head
MARYBOROUGH 29/08/21
Trial 1: - BINDI BEACH (Sunshine Beach – Rose Of Hollywood) began fast and was able to dash to an early lead. He ran along at a genuine tempo and never appeared to be in any danger at any stage. ALWAYS SKYE HIGH (Always B Miki – Misty Forever) was three then four back on the markers, moved up without cover at the bell and boxed on for a distant second. SCRITTORE (Sportswriter – Macray Amore) trailed the leader in the early stages, ended up being three back on the markers and came out three horses wide on the home turn. He worked home fairly well for third position. He makes his debut for trainer Justin Brewin at Mildura this evening and it will be a good guide to how he will perform in the Gold Sovereign series commencing at Melton on Tuesday night. BUTTERCUP was last on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell. He finished fourth with HIGHVIEW HANK (Village Jolt – Kanyapellasunshine 2.1.0, $11,875) being at the tail of the field after working hard out of the gate, being unable to lead and angling in behind the leader at the 1700m.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.4 Last Half: - 60.8 Margins: - 10m, 1m
Trial 2: - The proven open class performer BETTOR BE THE BOMB had a bit of class on his rivals and was able to lead throughout. He only just held on at the end but he wasn’t fully extended. He backs up in the Minuteman FFA at Geelong tomorrow night. ROCKASAKI trailed the leader, moved to the outside at the 600m and made a determined challenge to finish a close second. She is competing in the Platinum Pace at Geelong tomorrow night. MYRNIONG IS AWAY hasn’t raced since May 2018 and considering she is a 53 on the National Ratings scale and her two rivals had a rating of 120 and 81, she did extremely well. She settled last, angled out three horses wide in the home straight and was getting home better than any runner in the straight. She returns from a long spell at Warragul on Monday afternoon and must be considered as a winning chance.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.5 Last Half: - 57.8 Margins: - Head, 1m
Trial 3: - WELL DEFINED began quickly but couldn’t lead early, angled in behind the leader and pulled hard throughout. He came to the outside at the 600m mark and showed high speed to get the prize. It was a very good effort for a trotter taking on the pacers. WAITING FOR YOU settled four back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m and tried hard in the straight. The former South Australian pacer SHARDONNANT began quickly and was able to find the lead. He rolled along at a genuine tempo and went down by a narrow margin. He is racing at Warragul on Monday and went well enough in the trial to suggest he is capable of giving a forward showing. FIGHTING FURY dropped back to the tail of the field and used the sprint lane over the final stages, making up some ground in the run to the finish. TEDDY RUNKLE was the last horse to complete the course after settling three back on the markers in the early stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.1 Last Half: - 57.5 Margins: - 1m, 1m
Trial 4: - XIAOBO (Angus Hall – Spirit of Smooch) settled four back on the markers, used the sprint lane and charged through late to win nicely. It was a promising performance by the juvenile trotter and he should have benefited from the experience. ZINGARA LASS trailed the leader and came to the outside on the home turn to finish second. She is competing at Kilmore this evening. IVAR (Majestic Son – Im Demimondaine 2.3.2, $54,571) produced a big performance to finish in third position. He broke stride at the start and was tailed off early, tacked onto the group with 400m remaining and did a great job to keep making ground in the straight. He appears to be a nice type and is worth following. SMART CHA CHA returns to racing at Melton on Tuesday and settled three back on the inside before battling away for fourth. She finished ahead of the early leader MAJESTIC EM (Majestic Son – Heart of Glass).
Mile Rate: - 2.7.5 Last Half: - 62.8 Margins: - 1m, 1m
BLACKBOOKER: - Ivar
Trial 5: - THE KEW LEGEND began quickly and was able to dash across the field to find the lead in the early stages. He set up a slow tempo and had a good kick left in the run to the finish. He is likely to use his good gate speed to find a forward position and Mildura this evening. LOVEN LAUGHTER was three back on the inside, moved to the outside approaching the home turn but switched back to the sprint lane in the straight and worked home well for second. She faces an evenly balanced field at Shepparton on Sunday. JILLIBY GYPSY trailed the leader and came to the outside on the home turn. She finished third with ROYAL APOLLO (4 back markers, without cover at 600m) being the last one to greet the judge.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.4 Last Half: - 58.8 Margins: - 6m, 2m
Trial 6: - QUALITY SUNSET raced without cover, pushed forward to find the lead at the 1600m and went on to win very easily. She was actually pulling hard going around the home corner and was never allowed to stride at any stage so she literally jogged in. YANKEE TWISTER settled three back on the inside and ran home fairly well in the run to the finish. RYMES was slow out and missed the start by 15m, settled four back on the inside and was doing his best work late to finish in third position. LA BELLA FIGURA led out then took a trail at the 1600m mark but yielded ground over the concluding stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.3 Last Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 12m, 1m
Trial 7: - SONNY BROOKE commenced from the handicap of 50m and was a clear last in the early stages. He moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell and came out three horses wide at the 600m before getting home best to collect the prize. DREAM OVER began quickly to find the front, set up a slow tempo and was run down over the concluding stages. He backed up with an unplaced effort at Ballarat on Thursday night. SURPRISE TO ME was three back on the inside and moved into the death seat in the final circuit. He finished third in front of the qualifier TROTTENEM HOT STUFF (Lucky Chucky – Racewaycalder 2.1.5, $36,663), which trailed the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.1 Last Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 1m, 10m
ECHUCA 29/08/21
Trial 1: - ZERO IN began quickly to find the lead and set up a slow tempo. He had a good kick left in the run to the finish and was able score comfortably. SASSINESS (Betterthancheddar – Bold Comment Lombo) was three back on the inside, moved up without cover from the 400m mark and finished in second position. THAT’S ART (Modern Art – That’s Reality) was four back on the inside and moved into the one out and one back trail. He finished in third position with the juvenile trotter NORMANDY (Used To Me – Aspiring Eva) being the last one home after trailing the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.8 Last Half: - 58.0 Margins: - 5m, 7m
Trial 2: - MONASH began quickly and comfortably found the lead before the first corner. He was unchallenged from the start and was able to hold his rivals safely at bay. FLIGHT OFFICER trailed the leader and used the sprint lane. He tried hard in the latter stages but couldn’t peg back the margin. GONE TOO FAR settled four back on the markers, moved up without cover at the 900m and battled on fairly well for third. ANTIHERO (Red Samurai – Golden Antigone) was facing a tough task considering he is yet to face the starter and was taking on proven multiple winners. He settled three back on the inside and started to pace roughly before losing ground from the 500m mark.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.6 Last Half: - Not Given Margins: - 2m, 3m
Trial 3: - SMOOTH ROLLING began very quickly to find the lead from a wide draw. He kicked well clear with 500m remaining and kept on rolling to get the prize. RED FOURTEEN (Grinfromeartoear – Life Coquette) settled midfield and made up a lot of ground in the last quarter to finish an eye-catching second. MAC SHADOW (Shadow Play – Elle Macarty) trailed the leader before being three back on the markers and moving to the outside at the 500m mark. He battled on well for third with the classy trotter SHEZA PLEASURE, which was without cover early before angling onto the markers in fourth at the 1300m mark, finishing just behind. She picked up late ground and should give a bold showing at Kilmore this evening. MY LUCKY ROCK began fast and was able to get in behind the leader. He finished ahead of TORMENTARE (Western Terror – Kensington Gardens 2.1.9, $7,965), which settled at the back of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.5 Last Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 5m, 2m
Trial 4: - MARENGO BAY (I’m Stately – Escandolo) was four back on the markers early, then three back and moved out wide on the home turn. He finished fast and without being fully extended to win the trial impressively. PRETTYLILANGUS was three back on the markers, then behind the leader and came to the outside at the 300m mark. She was run down by MARENGO BAY late but only missed out by a narrow margin. She is backing up at Shepparton on Sunday and is not without a chance despite facing a handicap of 20m. WILLDOMXAV finished third after setting the speed with BERRIESANDCHERRIES (Crazed – Meredith Castle 2.0.8, $38,427) being in fourth position. Both BRONTE HINSON (Great Success – Dottie Hinson 2.3.5, $48,295) and BUDDY HINSON (Majestic Son – Dottie Hinson 2.3.5, $48,295) made errors and were second last and last respectively.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Last Half: - 61.0 Margins: - Head, 10m
BLACKBOOKER: - Marengo Bay
Trial 5: - LILS NIGHTMARE was fifth on the inside and ran home strongly late for an impressive victory. ROCKS CAN ROLL began well and ended up being in the one out and one back trail. He appeared to be the winner turning for home but he couldn’t match the finishing burst of LILS NIGHTMARE over the concluding stages. HARD ROAD pushed forward to race without cover, endured a tough run and fought on well at the finish. I HOPE ICAN began swiftly and was able to dash across to the markers to find the lead around the first corner. She was run down late and finished in fourth position. WANDANAS FIVESTARZ trailed the leader from the pole position and was the last horse to go past the winning post.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.8 Last Half: - 62.0 Margins: - 1m, 1m
HAMILTON 30/08/21
Trial 1: - SHOW ME THE MOOLAH has made mistakes at his past three attempts and was stood down to trial after finishing ninth at Terang last outing. He took out the opening trial by a narrow margin from COURTESY CHANCERY, which was also stood down to trial at his latest attempt. That was his first run since May 2019 so he should be getting fitter. PERSEVERANCE was beaten by a large distance in finishing last of the three runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.5 Last Half: - 61.24 Margins: - Nose, 71m
Trial 2: - REACTOR FACTOR has been freshened since being unplaced at Terang on July 06. He was the runner up at his previous two appearances and is a handy horse when racing at his best form. He recorded fast time and blitzed his rivals to win by nearly 50m! GRACIE CULLEN is an honest mare that hasn’t raced since April. She finished a distant second but was a long way clear of her other two rivals in TORQUE LIKE A LADY and ROYAL ROCKETTE (Pet Rock – Chandon Princess 1.57.6, $46,075).
Mile Rate: - 1.58.9 Last Half: - 62.98 Margins: - 48.5m, 144m
GEELONG 30/08/21
Trial 1: - HURRICANE HUSSLER showed very good gate speed to lead and set up a reasonable tempo. He finished off in a quick final half of 57.3 seconds and dashed away over the concluding stages to win by a large margin. MAGIC STORM was wearing the number one saddlecloth but elected to commence the trial from the inside of the second line. He trailed the leader throughout and finished a distant second. DON’T LIE TO ME gained a one out and one back trail, came out three horses wide to get around the tiring OUR SUMMER WIND at the quarter pole but locked wheels with that runner and lost momentum. He picked up again in the straight and was making ground at the finish. OUR SUMMER WIND was looking for the lead in the early stages, couldn’t get across HURRICANE HUSTLER and was forced to race without cover throughout then started to yield ground with 400m remaining. He lost further momentum after locking wheels with DON’T LIE TO ME. RING MY BELLS settled three back on the markers and was last of the five runners across the line.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.9 Last Half: - 57.3 Margins: - 15m, 8m
Trial 2: - ZEUS DAN began very quickly to find the lead and was able to hold off his stable mate UHURA, which trailed him and moved to the outside with 150m remaining. LUVBITE began quickly and was without cover early, dropped back to be third on the markers and ran home strongly via the sprint lane. It was a very nice trial as a lead up to his performance at Warragul on Monday, where he has drawn on the pole position. CATCH A WAVE (Captaintreacherous – Coppagoodone 1.57.0, $13,423) settled five back on the markers, moved up without cover at the 800m mark, hung in over concluding stages but was still making ground for fourth. He should have benefited from the experience and is making his debut at Melton on Tuesday evening. JASPERINE settled sixth on the inside, gained a one out and one back trail at the 800m and finished fifth with JAGUAR JAY (Guaranteed – Black Cougar 1.56.9, $60,405) being the last one home after yielding ground from four back on the markers at the 500m mark.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Last Half: - 58.2 Margins: - 1m, 1m
Trial 3: - CHAMPAGNE CHARLEY was without cover in the early stages, switched to the markers to trail the leader, gained a one out and one back trail at the 600m before starting his winning move at the 500m. He was untouched in the run to the finish and could have won by further. RUM AN ROYAL did well to keep his composure, considering there was a lot of trouble around of him in the run. He trailed the leader for the majority of the journey and obtained an inside run at the 600m mark. GEE CEE CALDER began quickly to lead, galloped 100m after the start, lost 20m, moved up without cover at the 1700m, found the front at the 1600m, broke stride again at the 1100m and ended up being without cover so he had an eventful trial. He finished a distant third ahead of MIELICKI, which was on his worst behaviour and galloped several times in the run. MY LINDY ANGELS trailed the leader, found the lead when GEE CEE CALDER galloped, took a trail again, gained the front at the 900m and hung out badly at the 600m, losing valuable ground. She was the last one to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.1 Last Half: - 61.7 Margins: - 3m, 40m
Trial 4: - WOLF STRIDE began quickly and was able to find the lead comfortably. He finished off in a slick final 800m of 55.0 seconds and was unchallenged in the run to the post. He makes his debut for trainer Andy Gath in the Minuteman FFA at Geelong tomorrow night. WILLIE GO WEST trailed behind WOLF STRIDE and didn’t do a bad job in the run to the finish. He held onto the back of the Group One winning WOLF STRIDE in the straight albeit racing very roughly at the end. SMITHSTARS LEXUS was last of the three runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.2 Last Half: - 55.0 Margins: - 5m, 15m
Trial 5: - ADELLE produced a tidy performance to take the prize. She was slow into stride and missed the start by approximately 25m thus settling down in last position. She moved up without cover at the 700m and went to the line without being fully extended, drawing away in the run to the finish. ELECTROJET finished second after being three back on the markers for most of the journey, coming away from the inside at the 300m and coming home well at the end. FEAR NOT was without cover in the early stages, took a trail behind the leader at the 1700m and ran her usual honest race in third position. DICKO DIXON settled four back on the inside and finished fourth with MADENA BAY being in fifth spot after copping some pressure early and setting up a genuine speed.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.4 Last Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 8m, 4m
Trial 6: - TRITTRITTBANGBANG was four back on the inside in the early stages, gained a one out and one back trail at the 1200m and came out three horses wide at the 800m mark. He sustained a good run and got up to win on the line. SKEDADDLE SHANNON began quickly and ran to the lead shortly after the start. He kicked on well in the run to the finish and considering he has a very low National Rating of 41 and the winner has a NR of 66, he can be well placed when he makes his Victorian debut. PUR DAN was three back on the markers and moved to the outside at the 300m mark. He finished third in front of CALCULATING DANCER, which trailed the leader and CORNISH SMUGGLER started yielding ground from the death seat with 500m remaining hence finished at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.7 Last Half: - 58.8 Margins: - 1m, 8m
BLACKBOOKER: - Skedaddle Shannon
BENDIGO 30/08/21
Trial 1: - It was a slow beginning to the standing start trial but EGRET (Father Patrick – Moyabamba 1.59.3, $83,242) was able to roll to the front. He set up a slow tempo and held his rivals at bay. LOVE GUN trailed the leader, used the sprint lane and was able accelerate nicely in the final 50m. CRAVACHE DOR (Orlando Vici – Muscles N Blues USA) stepped away okay but broke stride 50m after the start and lost approximately thirty metres. She tacked onto the group, moved away from the markers at the 300m and was finding the line just as strong as the leading pair so it was a handy effort. Not one of the three horses contesting the first trial were fully extended at any stage.
Mile Rate: - 2.12.1 Last Half: - 58.9 Margins: - Head, 2m
Trial 2: - Abandoned
Trial 3: - SULTAN SASS was four back on the inside, moved up without cover at the 400m mark, was planted out three horses wide shortly afterwards and showed impressive speed at the end to win comfortably with something in hand. MULBERRY PIE began quickly and was three back on the markers early. She had to weave a passage over the final stages and did well to scoot along the sprint lane to pick up ground late. SENITAS STRENGTH began quickly to lead, took a trail and moved away from the inside at the 300m. She finished third in front of the pacer WOTPLANETRUFROM, which fired to the front in the early stages but pulled hard throughout. DAZY SUNDAZE settled five back on the markers and beat home the mistake makers ABILINE and EVERYBODYLOVESME, the latter being retired out of the event. ABILINE is scheduled to compete at Melton on Tuesday.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Last Half: - 59.9 Margins: - 4m, Head
Trial 4: - ALL DA RAGE is a former New South Wales pacer, which is now with trainer Alex Ashwood and was very impressive in his victory over ROCKSTAR SAINT (A ROcknroll Dance – Torridon 2.1.2, $39,325). He settled down in sixth position, moved into the running lane at the half mile marker (1-2) and came out three horses wide at the 500m. He quickly put the issue beyond doubt and scored by a large margin. He will be very hard to beat on his Victorian debut at Mildura this evening. ROCKSTAR SAINT settled three back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail and tried hard at the finish. HIDALGO began quickly to lead then took a trail. He moved to the outside with 800m remaining and was able to grind home in third place. VILLA BETTYBOO (Betting Line – Village Glow 2.0.0, $79,828) was four back on the markers and was able to pick up the early leader EPIC ORION (Changeover – Starlit Orion) to be in fourth spot. WILSON KNOWS (Sunshine Beach – Modern Hitch 1.58.6, $50,130) was able to settle three back on the inside, broke stride at the 1200m and lost approximately 30m hence he was the last one to greet the judge.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.3 Last Half: - 58.5 Margins: - 14m, 8m
BLACKBOOKER: - All Da Rage
Trial 5: - TAY TAY produced a slashing final half of 55.3 seconds to win her trial easily. She led and was racing very fiercely in the back straight, set up a very quick third quarter of 26.8 seconds then was able to sustain the run to win by a large margin. BLAZIN BEAUTY finished in second position after settling three back on the markers and running home well via the sprint lane. ONE BIG SHEW produced a very eye-catching effort. He settled down last and ran home well late, seemingly with plenty in reserve. Considering the extremely quick final sectionals, his run was excellent and he is worth following. OZZIE PLAYGIRL trailed the leader and finished in fourth position. She is backing up at Mildura tonight and is a winning chance. TWISTED BLISS was four back on the inside and went to the line with something to spare but had no clear run at the finish.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.8 Last Half: - 55.3 Margins: - 8m, 4m
BLACKBOOKER: - One Big Shew
Trial 6: - POLLY PEACHUM began very fast and was able to assume her favourite role as being the pace maker. He she was just able to hang on in the run to the finish. TACTILE SENSATION is a former Western Australian pacer, which makes his debut at Shepparton on Sunday and appears to be ideally placed. He trailed the leader and used the sprint lane so he enjoyed a terrific run throughout but his acceleration in the final 30m was impressive. RADIANT ROSE pushed forward to race without cover throughout but she did well to battle away at the finish. She finished ahead of PADDINGTON CENTRAL, which settled down in fourth (4 back markers then 1-1) and over-raced in the middle stages. LIKEAVEEEIGHT settled three back on the inside and finished ahead of RINELLA (Village Jasper – Sharnica), which was the only horse in the trial that hadn’t raced previously and was last on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Last Half: - 58.1 Margins: - Nose, 4m
BLACKBOOKER: - Tactile Sensation
Trial 7: - GALLIFREY DIRECT began quickly to lead, set up a moderate tempo and had a good kick left at the finish. He was able to score without having to use too much energy in the run to the finish. He is meeting a harder field at Shepparton on Sunday but he did trial nicely. HEZA SECRET trailed the leader and used the sprint lane. She was holding her ground in the straight but did start chipping away at GALLIFREY DIRECT’s lead in the run to the finish. POCKET BLASTER was four back on the inside and moved up without cover at the 800m mark. He finished ahead of BEACH WRECK, which settled in third, waited for POCKET BLASTER to go around him then angled onto his back in the latter stages. POCKET BLASTER is competing in Race 3 at Shepparton on Sunday while BEACH WRECK will come up against GALLIFREY DIRECT is Race 4.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.4 Last Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 2.5m, 4m
Trial 8: - WOW YOU CAN DANCE began very quickly to find the lead from a wide alley. He ran along at a good tempo and roared away from his rivals in the run to the finish, scoring impressively by 20m. He is racing against a strong field at Mildura this evening but he must be considered as a winning chance. KEAYANG ALEX finished second on his way to competing at Shepparton on Sunday. He trailed the leader and wanted to hang out over the latter stages. He finished ahead of ONECROWDEDHOUR, which was the third horse across the line after being three back on the markers throughout. In fact, the field remained in the same order throughout with LETS WENT (4 back markers) and MARKLEIGH JEAN (5 back on the markers) finishing second last and last respectively.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.5 Last Half: - 59.7 Margins: - 20m, 2.5m
CRANBOURNE 30/08/21 (Note the official result of the Cranbourne trial has not been loaded onto the website, the result posted in this report was as broadcast on the day).
Trial 1: - GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER settled last of the three runners and moved to the outside with 700m remaining. He hit the front before leaving the back straight and was able to sustain the run to win clearly. He backs up from the pole position at Shepparton on Sunday. HAVE YOU MET DAISY trailed the leader and moved to the outside with 400m remaining to follow GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER. He got past the early leader SHOOBEE GOTCHA but couldn’t match GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER over the latter stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.0 Last Half: - 58.2 Margins: - 15m, 1m (approximately)
KILMORE 31/08/21
Trial 1: - ALDEBARAN JAYTEE scored in the opening trial after stepping away well from his mark and ending up being behind the leader. He came to the outside with 300m remaining and was untouched in the run to the finish. SUNNYS LITTLE ROSE (Father Patrick – Our Sunny Rose) stepped away swiftly to lead and enjoyed a nice run through the middle stages. She couldn’t match ALDEBARAN JAYTEE in the run the finish but she was an unraced juvenile trotter taking on a proven winner. KYVALLEY PAINT broke stride on the first turn and KYVALLEY HIHAT (Andover Hall – Kyvalley Kiss) galloped 50m after the start so both horses were tailed off throughout. The winner ALDEBARAN JAYTEE will meet a stronger field at Shepparton on Sunday.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.7 Last Half: - 63.1 Margins: - 2m, 100m
Trial 2: - LILAS PRIDDY NIECE (SOmebeachsomewhere – Ourbellabro 1.55.9, $28,338) has some ability but is still learning. She pulled hard at the start and was kept out wide on the track to balance up in the early stages. She continued to race fiercely, rolled to the top at the 1500m and still had enough energy remaining to win untouched. ROSE OF BEAUTY (Grinfromeartoear – Rose of Ederline) led out then took a trail and used the sprint lane for second position. ROLL THE ACES (Rock N Roll Heaven – Sweet Aces 1.58.9, $50,645) was four back on the inside and moved into the death seat with 500m remaining. He finished ahead of HARD YARDS (Four Starzzz Shark – Lombo Luvbird), which was three back on the markers throughout. HEART OF OAKLANDS (Betterthancheddar – Doves Patch 1.58.2, $27,068) settled last on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 500m mark and failed to pick up ground over the concluding stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.1 Last Half: - 60.2 Margins: - 2.5m, 2.5m
Trial 3: - LEER was a very impressive winner of trial three. She settled three back on the inside, pulled hard and moved up on the outside of the leader at the 1100m mark. She poured on the pressure before rolling to the top at the half mile marker then sustained the run to win nicely. RUESLAN showed exceptional gate speed to lead by a clear margin. He eventually took cover behind LEER and kicked on well in the run to the finish. NARUTAC PRINCE was four back on the markers, moved to the outside with 600m remaining and finished in third position. JO ROCKS trailed the leader then was three back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail with 300m remaining. She finished ahead of SUMMER PANTS, which settled in last position but must have had a gear issue as she retired out of the trial with a lap remaining then took her place in the last event on the card.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.6 Last Half: - 59.3 Margins: - 2m, 3m
Trial 4: - LEAF STRIDE recorded slow time but was very impressive in taking out the fourth event. He cruised to the lead in the early stages, took a trail and moved to the outside at the 300m mark. He was bolting coming up to the home turn and went to the line under a vice like grip to win with plenty up his sleeve. BUILDER BOB began quickly to lead and set up a slow tempo but couldn’t withstand the challenge of LEAF STRIDE at the end. ALDEBARAN YAHTZEE settled in last position and finished off nicely out wide late for third. She is competing at Kilmore tonight and should be running to the line well again. ADJURE (Majestic Son – Castleton Command 2.7.3, $9,600) was four back on the markers for most of the journey and moved forward one position further when KYVALLEY PICASSO (3 back markers) broke stride with 800m remaining. ADJURE finished fourth and KYVALLEY PICASSO failed to recover after making the error in the last lap and was the last one to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.2 Last Half: - 63.0 Margins: - 2m, 12m
BLACKBOOKER: - Leaf Stride
Trial 5: - MIRAKURU began brilliantly to lead and was always in control of the event. He dashed home his last quarter in a very slick 26.7 seconds and scored by a large margin. His past two trials have been excellent so he is obviously going to return from a break at his peak form. THE PANTHEIST finished second after trailing the leader throughout. CHECK IN was four back on the markers, moved to the outside with 400m remaining and tried hard over the latter stages. REACTOR NOW settled down last and came out three horses wide on the home turn but found it hard to make ground in sizzling final fractions. SUMMER PANTS settled three back on the markers, pulled hard and was the last one to finish but she has a National Rating of 56 and was taking on genuine Metropolitan performers.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.6 Last Half: - 56.8 Margins: - 15m, head
BALLARAT 31/08/21
Trial 1: - JO AN JO settled four back on the inside and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 700m mark. She produced a big finish in fast final sectionals to win impressively. RICH BEAUTY (Always B Miki – Beauty Secret 1.52.4, $425,921) is a beautifully bred filly and did well for second. She settled three back on the inside, moved into the breeze at the 700m mark and hit the front when leaving the back straight on the final occasion. She was run down late but it was still a tidy display. LARVOTTO BEACH (Somebeachsomewhere – Lierre Noir 1.54.4, $131,629) filled third spot after coming from last of the five runners and making ground. CHEDALAYO set the speed but was run down late and OURBEACHBABE was the last one to finish after trailing the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.7 Last Half: - 56.9 Margins: - 1m, 3m
Trial 2: - BEACH VILLA began fast to lead and set up a reasonable tempo. She shot away from her rivals over the concluding stages and recorded a slick final half of 56.3 seconds on her way to a very easy victory. PLAYING UP trailed the leader and was sticking with BEACH VILLA before she stumbled and almost fell with 100m remaining. She was far enough in front of her rivals to scramble into a pace and remain in second position. VICTORY GEORGE settled three back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 500m mark and finished third. KHAFAJI settled down last, moved into the death seat with 700m remaining and was trying to make ground before racing very roughly and losing momentum from the quarter pole.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.4 Last Half: - 56.3 Margins: - 15m, 1m
Trial 3: - PETILLANTE was successful in a trial that was loaded with quality horses and Classic performers. She led and appeared to be in danger of defeat on the home turn but kicked back determinedly to get the prize. ENCIPHER was three back on the inside, gained a one out and one back trail at the 500m and was three horses wide in the home straight. He kicked on well in the straight and finished ahead of stable mate IRISH BLACK LABEL, which trailed the leader, came to the outside at the 500m mark and loomed up to win the trial but peaked a little over the latter stages. RELENTLESS ME settled last and obtained an inside run to finish fourth. LIGHTNING DAN was four back on the inside, moved into the running lane (1-2) in the back straight but broke stride and lost his chance on the home turn.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.5 Last Half: - 55.9 Margins: - 2m, Head
Trial 4: - ROCK N ROLL DOO was extremely impressive in the fourth trial on the program. He was three back on the markers, moved out three horses wide with 150m remaining and powered home in a sizzling final quarter of 27.3 seconds to get the prize. IDEAL DAN led out then took a trail with a mile remaining before making his move at the 500m mark. He kicked on strongly for second with the early leader BEACH MUSIC ending up finishing in third position. LET IT LINGA and STYLISH JOE were fourth and fifth respectively throughout the entire trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.6 Last Half: - 56.3 Margins: - 1m, 2m
BLACKBOOKER: - Rock N Roll Doo
Trial 5: - The Super Series and Australian Pacing Gold winner TOUGH TILLY began very fast and found the lead shortly after the starter said go. She went slowly in the early stages but was able to ramp up the speed in the final mile of the event, winning nicely at the end. ACT NOW trailed TOUGH TILLY throughout and came to the outside on the home turn. He tried hard in fast final sectionals and lost no admirers in second position. BAR ROOM BANTA settled down in last position, came out four horses wide on the home turn and finished fast for a very eye-catching trial third. JOANNA was four back on the inside, without cover at the 500m and was forced out three horses wide on the home turn. She finished ahead of SOHO BROADWAY (3 back markers) in another quality trial event. A lot of winners in the near future will come out of the Ballarat trials from Tuesday.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.2 Last Half: - 55.8 Margins: - Not Given
Trial 6: - OUR MILLIONAIRE began quickly and was able to find the lead. He rolled along at a genuine tempo and held off a late challenge from WATCH LIST to get the prize. WATCH LIST raced roughly at the start but was able to find the back of the leader before coming to the outside on the home turn. AMELIA ROSE settled last of the four runners and was the first to make a move coming up to the home turn. She finished third with QUICK STING (3 back markers) being last of the four runners to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.4 Last Half: - 56.7 Margins: - 2m, 10m
Trial 7: - Abandoned
Trial 8: - MACH DAN began well and was able to trail the leader throughout. He moved away from the markers at the 300m mark and finished off best to get the prize. MAAJIDA began very quickly and shot to the front in the early stages before backing off the tempo in the middle stages and battling away for second late. FOURBIGMEN was three back on the inside and came out three horses wide with 300m remaining. He finished third ahead of SOMEWHERE SECRET, which settled one position behind him in the run. TECHYS ANGEL was caught wide early but eased back to be last of the six runners in the middle stages. She beat home IOLANTA, which was five back on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.2 Last Half: - 56.5 Margins: - 2m, 8m
Trial 9: - Abandoned
