One of Craig Rail's new Blackbook runners will step out at Tabcorp Park Melton next week.

Rail was taken by the performance of Louis Franc-trained Bonavista Boy, who won a trial easily at Maryborough and has been entered for the Empire Stallions Pace at headquarters on Tuesday.

Horses from the Emma Stewart, David Aiken and Freddy Taiba stables were also added to the Blackbook this week.

Enjoy the latest edition of the Trial File and scroll to the bottom of the page for the updated Blackbook.

SHEPPARTON 15/04/21

Trial 1: - ONE TWO MANY produced a top performance to win the opening trial. He sat without cover for the entire journey in reasonable time and was still strong at the finish. He meets a strong field at Bendigo tonight but he is not without a chance based on that performance. POWDERKEG was last on the markers early before moving into the running lane (1-2). He was one out and one back from the 1200m and found the line determinedly for second. He has performed well enough over the past two weeks to be considered as one of the leading chances at Melton tomorrow night. IFITSTOBEITSUPTOME began quickly to lead and was outstayed by ONE TWO MANY but finished a close up third. SECRET IDENTITY was one out and one back early, dropped onto the markers (4 back) at the 1200m mark and finished off nicely for an eye-catching fourth. He is a strong winning chance at Bendigo tonight, particularly now he moves to the pole position with the withdrawal of Tara Leeann. NIGHT SCHOOL was three back on the markers and finished ahead of DONTPUSHMEBUTTONS (Major In Art – Meet Me In London), which trailed the leader with CRACKER JET finishing at the tail of the field after breaking stride at the 1200m mark.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.1            Final Half: - 57.3              Margins: - 2m, 1m

Trial 2: - CHEEZ (Betterthancheddar – Life Savings 1.57.9, $33,115) began quickly to lead then took cover with 400m remaining. He switched to the sprint lane in the straight and was able to drive through and win by a narrow margin. ASTAIR (Bettors Delight – Dancing With Daisy) was five back on the markers and angled out four horses wide on the home turn. He finished off nicely out wide on the track to pick up second position. SHARKTON (Heston Blue Chip – Shark Interest) settled three back on the markers, moved to the outside with 600m remaining and hit the front at the quarter pole before being run down over the latter stages. NEVS DREAM (Sportswriter – Watch The Dream 1.56.6, $31,847) was four back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail in the back straight on the final occasion and came out three horses wide on the home turn. He beat home BIDE OUR TIME, which came from sixth and was finishing off well without being extended. BIDE OUR TIME is nicely bred and is not without a chance at the Kyabram meeting at Shepparton on Sunday. VILLANELLE trailed the leader and finished sixth ahead of MINNIE DIVA (Great Success – Sailors Sweetheart 2.2.0, $12,030), which broke stride in the score up and missed the start by approximately 30m.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.3            Final Half: - 58.5              Margins: - Neck, Neck

Trial 3: - TAM OSHANTER was without cover early before pushing to the lead on the first turn. He travelled nicely in the run and was able to win with something in reserve. LOCKSLEY LOVER settled three back on the inside, moved away from the markers approaching the home turn and finished off stylishly for second without being fully extended. He backed up at Yarra Valley on Wednesday and scored impressively. MALHANA MUSCLES (Down Under Mucles – Hanabration 2.6.9, $6,119) showed good gate speed to lead, took a trail and peaked late but the two horses that finished in front of him are both handy types. He has drawn awkwardly at the Kyabram meeting at Shepparton for his debut performance on Sunday. JESSIES SON (Majestic Son – Sheza Chenille) settled four back on the markers and finished fourth ahead of TEDS SECRET (Crazed – Secret Message) (5 back markers, without cover at 700m) with SHEZ MAJESTIC (Majestic Son – Shesa Amason 1.59.5, $56,163) coming in last after galloping at the start then again at the 1100m mark.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.5            Final Half: - 59.9              Margins: - 4m, 25m

Trial 4: - KEKOA (Art Major – Hawaiian Hottie USA $20,147) produced a massive performance to win the trial. He galloped away and missed the start by approximately 50m, tacked onto the group at the 1300m then moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell. He came out three horses wide at the 300m and was able to get up to record a narrow but decisive victory. JETS ART settled five back on the markers and came out very wide on the home turn. She finished off quickly to finish a close second. She is awkwardly drawn at Bendigo tonight but should be finishing off well. STORMTIDE led out then took a trail at the bell. He was held up for a run at a vital stage and finished quickly along the sprint lane over the final stages. GALLIFREY DIRECT followed behind STORMTIDE throughout and also made ground along the sprint lane late. MAJOR ZONE was six back on the markers and moved away from the inside at the bell (1-2). He was out four horses wide on the home turn and finished in fifth position. MILLION DOLLAR ART was four back on the markers and was able to beat home SUMMERDAYS, which was without cover for the final 1200m and SHELBY GRACE was last after finding the lead from three back on the markers at the bell and racing greenly in the final circuit.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.3            Final Half: - 58.6              Margins: - 1m, 2m

BLACKBOOKER: - Kekoa

Trial 5: - JEMSOMS PET performed extremely well last season and returned to the track in style with a big victory over WESTERN BILL. He was four back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail at the 600m and jogged home to win easily. WESTERN BILL was five back on the markers and angled into the running lane behind JEMSOMS PET (1-2). He finished off strongly late and followed with a nice third at Yarra Valley on Wednesday. UBETCHA attempted to lead throughout and hung out under pressure in the straight but was able to hold onto third position. YELLOW STONE finished fourth after trailing the leader and coming to the outside with 600m remaining. He has drawn barrier two in the Kyabram Cup on Sunday. SHES A HOVERCRAFT settled in seventh spot and picked up some ground late. She beat home SPRING DELIGHT, which raced three back on the markers and MANGOCHILILIME (6 back markers). DIVINE DIVA followed the field around for the entire trip and was last of the eight runners to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.6            Final Half: - 57.6              Margins: - 3m, 3m

Trial 6: - VIOLETTA GIFT stepped away best from the standing start to find the lead. She set up a very slow tempo and did enough to get the prize. She backed up with a third placing at Ballarat on Thursday night. IMPERIAL COUNTESS stepped away okay but broke stride and lost 40m shortly after the start. She was able to catch up to VIOLETTA GIFT quickly with the very slow tempo and came to the outside on the home turn. She tried hard in the straight and was beaten by less than a length on the line. BERRIESANDCHERRIES (Crazed – Meredith Castle 2.0.8, $38,427) was a little slow off the mark and was last of the three. She broke stride on the first corner and lost a lot of ground before tacking onto the group with 800m remaining. The effort took a toll and she began yielding ground with 300m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.18.4          Final Half: - 63.5              Margins: - 2m, 30m

 

TERANG 18/04/21

Trial 1: - CELTIC CASH jumped to the front from the standing start and cruised around from the start to the finish to win comfortably. KEAYANG LIVANA bounced away in second position and only peeled to the outside with 50m remaining, picking up a metre in the final stages. FREDRHYS (Used To Be – Verbier 1.59.6, $50,785) is a juvenile trotter and is yet to make his debut. He started off the same mark as his older and more experienced rivals so he did a very good job to finish as close as he did. He stepped away nicely and was three back on the markers for the entire trial.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.9            Final Half: - 58.6              Margins: - 2m, 40m

Trial 2: - KEAYANG BALBOA began quickly from the pole position but was content to take a trail behind RAINBOWSNPEARLS. He came to the outside at the 400m, hit the front on the home turn and got away at the end to win nicely. He returns from a spell at Stawell on Monday where he appears to be a good chance. NOT TELLING (Tell All – Strong As Arma 2.1.6, $16,585) settled three back on the markers and moved up without cover at the 600m mark. He was a little bit behind KEAYANG BALBOA so he was not quite in the one out and one back trail at the quarter pole but he hit the line nicely late to finish in second position. RAINBOWSNPEARLS began quickly and was able to work to the lead going around the first corner. She set up a reasonable tempo and kicked on quite well at the finish. She is racing at Stawell on Monday afternoon. KEAYANG ALEX settled four back on the markers, moved through to trail the leader before the home turn and finished in fourth. LEICA BANDIT (Alta Christiano – Smirking Star) settled down last of the five runners, came away from the inside at the 700m mark and was out three horses wide with 500m remaining. He finished at the tail of the field.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.5            Final Half: - 58.9              Margins: - 5m, Head

Trial 3: - KEAYANG KAMIKAZE settled three back on the markers and came to the outside at the 600m mark. He finished off boldly in slick final sectionals to record a good victory. KEAYANG CANCUN began quickly to find the lead and backed off the tempo mid-race. He kicked on well once challenged but met a better horse on the day. He has drawn on the second row at Melton this afternoon but trialled well enough to be considered as a chance. A JEWEL IN THE CROWN performed nicely for a trotter that was taking on the pacers. He settled four back on the markers and tried to follow up behind KEAYANG KAMIZAKE over the final stages. He only peaked in the final 100m and ran a handy third. CHICAGO NIGHTS trailed the leader and was under pressure from the quarter pole. She dropped out to finish at the tail of the field.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.4            Final Half: - 58.3              Margins: - 2m, 10m

Trial 4: - HONEY BOURBON began quickly and was able to trot to the lead shortly after the start. She set up a very slow tempo and had a good kick left at the finish, winning by just over a length on the line. ENLIGHTENED GIFT settled five back on the markers, moved to the outside with 800m remaining and chased determinedly into second position. The leading pair were well clear of the third placed ALDEBARAN DAMON (Love You – Aldebaran Deegan), which settled three back on the markers. KEAYANG SAMBUCA (Sam Bourbon – Bohemian Queen 2.4.1, $13,170) trailed the leader, appeared to be travelling well but galloped with 500m remaining. He recovered and made ground for fourth, showing that he has some potential. ELEGANT JET (Quaker Jet – Schleck $16,489) settled six back on the markers and beat home FIRE ALERT (Great Success – Fire Chase 2.7.5, $12,025) (4 back markers) and KENTUCKY JIM (Great Success – Lucky Kentucky), which broke stride momentarily just after the start and was always detached from the group.

Mile Rate: - 2.10.2          Final Half: - 60.1              Margins: - 4m, 12m

Trial 5: - The open class pacer CODE BAILEY was taking on the classy 4yo JILLIBY NITRO and was able to score by a narrow margin. He appeared to roll along at a reasonable tempo and when JILLIBY NITRO came to the outside from the 600m mark, the pair staged a very good battle. It appeared to be a very quick final sectional and CODE BAILEY just prevailed. JILLIBY NITRO is meeting the multiple Country Cups winner Mach Dan in a heat of the Australian Gold at Melton this afternoon so it is a tough assignment first up but he won’t shirk the task.

Mile Rate: - Not Given   Final Half: - Not Given   Margin: - Neck (approximately)

 

MILDURA 18/04/21

Trial 1: - CAULONIA COURAGE began quickly to find the lead and enjoyed a nice run throughout. He won the trial very comfortably by just over a length and seemingly had plenty in reserve. The juvenile pacer CAVALRY (Guaranteed – Saguaro 1.59.0, $21,300) produced a very good performance in second position. He settled three back on the markers and moved away from the inside with 600m remaining to give chase. He tried hard in the straight and beat his other two rivals by a good margin. IM STUCK MAN (Sunshine Beach – Von Rita 2.0.6, $51,488) settled in last position and was able to work past TWO IN TENTS (Artspeak – The Whitney 2.3.2, $11,135) (trailed leader) in the final 100m of the trial.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.6            Final Half: - 60.9              Margins: - 4m, 20m

Trial 2: - WESTERN CRISIS trailed the leader and moved to the outside with 400m remaining. He had a battle with the early leader WHERESMILZEE down the home straight but was able to edge clear over the final stages. OPAL CROWN broke stride at the start and lost approximately 30m. He tacked onto the group and moved up without cover from the mile marker. He was three horses from the 500m and battled on quite well at the finish so it was a reasonable trial performance. PRINGA CUP was checked by the galloping OPAL CROWN at the start and went into a gallop. She lost valuable ground and couldn’t recover. MISSTHIRDTIMELUCKY (Julius Caesar – Misseinstein 1.59.5, $16,744) settled four back on the markers and broke stride at the 1200m then again in the last lap. She was the last horse to finish. TOUCH OF ARMBRO was three back on the markers and refused to settle. He raced very fiercely and unfortunately choked down and had to be eased out of the trial with two laps remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.4            Final Half: - 62.7              Margins: - 2m, 5m

Trial 3: - WILSHIRE BOULEVARD was behind the leader early before dashing around to find the lead with 1800m remaining. He set up a moderate tempo before running home in a handy final 800m of 58.0 seconds to take the prize. SMYNANNA MICKEY led out then took a trail behind the winner. She came to the outside turning for home and tried hard in the straight. COLDPLAY ROAD was three back on the markers throughout and couldn’t go with the leaders when the pace quickened in the final quarter.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.1            Final Half: - 58.0              Margins: - 2.5m, 35m

Trial 4: - SPLIT EAR settled four back on the outside, came out four horses wide from the 300m and produced a good finish to get the prize. HIDDEN FIGURE gained a one out and one back trail, came out three horses wide from the 500m and quickly hit the front. She fought on well in the run to the finish and missed out by a narrow margin. CARAGGIO ESCAPEE settled three back on the outside and came out three horses wide from the quarter pole. He had a chance on the home turn but just peaked a little in the final 100m. OUTA CONTROL was three back on the markers and held down fourth position. ELIZABETHAN ERA led and was headed off from the 400m mark. She was able to beat home LOYOLA GOLF, which raced without cover throughout and also IM JIMMIES GIRL, which settled five back on the markers.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.8            Final Half: - 61.4              Margins: - 1m, 6m

Trial 5: - FOOTLOCK trailed the leader and pulled hard throughout. He paced roughly at the 500m mark, broke stride momentarily at the 300m and was still able to pick himself up in the straight to get the prize. He did a bit wrong but was too good at the end. FLAME BLASTER attempted to lead throughout and filled second position with BUYERS MARKET being in third after settling three back on the inside. FIERY MAC gained a one out and one back trail and finished fourth ahead of RUBY REACTOR (Auckland Reactor – Larilla Lace 2.3.2, $13,585), which raced without cover throughout. SHORTYS MATE MAL (Julius Caesar – Gracious Pearl 2.7.1, $6,593) raced roughly at the start, settled last on the outside (1-2) and broke stride with 400m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.3            Final Half: - 61.1              Margins: - 2m, 2m

 

MARYBOROUGH 18/04/21

Trial 1: - BONA KHAN began quickly to lead but was copping pressure from CONCEALMENT and took cover. He was pulling hard early but settled better once he gained cover. He came to the outside with 500m remaining, appeared to be under pressure and beaten on the turn but lifted strongly in the straight to win nicely. He returns from a spell against a handy field at Bendigo this evening but he did trial nicely. RUBY WINGATE settled three back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail with 400m remaining and came out three horses wide on the home turn. She finished on well for second. SHESMYBABY settled four back on the markers, gained the perfect run through to trail the leader on the home turn and used the sprint lane in the straight. She got up to defeat the early leader CONCEALMENT on the line to gain third spot.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.3            Final Half: - 56.7              Margins: - 2m, 2m

Trial 2: - SURBITON PRETENDER trailed the leader, moved away from the inside on the home turn and finished off best to get the prize. JESSICAS STORY began quickly and found the front shortly after the start. She enjoyed a nice run throughout and was gunned down in the final 50m. COLUMBIAS JEM trailed the leader and used the sprint lane. She made ground on JESSICAS STORY in the straight and just failed to pick up second position. RAGNA THOR settled four back on the markers and finished fourth. The last three runners all made errors in the early stages. EVERYSECONDCOUNTS missed away by approximately 50m and was always detached from the main group. The former pacer TISEH LUCKY LADY missed away by approximately 40m, chased very hard and caught the group before galloping again with 500m remaining. MAJOR MAX was tailed off throughout after galloping at the start.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.5            Final Half: - 62.0              Margins: - 3m, Head

Trial 3: - OURBEACHBABE began quickly to lead and set up a slow tempo. She had a good kick left at the finish and safely held her rivals at bay. She has drawn on the inside of the second line at Stawell on Monday but is showing improvement. ISLAND TEE REX (A Rocknroll Dance – Island Under Fire 1.59.3, $19,473) settled down five back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail. He was picking up some ground late and was never fully extended. SWEET EMMYLOU (Sweet Lou – Inevitable) settled three back on the markers and filled third spot ahead of NOTHING SWEETER (Sweet Lou – Almihata 2.3.4, $12,248), which was left stranded without cover for the majority of the journey. BROADWAYS GIRL (Bling It On – Isabelle Delacour 1.54.3, $74,170) trailed the leader, dropped off a little, allowing NOTHING SWEETER in to get a breather behind the speed from the 500m and couldn’t extend in the front straight.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.9            Final Half: - 60.7              Margins: - 8m, 2m

Trial 4: - EDS DREAM began well and was able to progress forward and find the lead shortly after the start. He backed off the tempo throughout the middle stages and was able to safely hold his rivals at bay without being pushed. He is meeting a couple of handy performers at Melton this afternoon but has the early speed to run a good race. STINGOFAWASP led out, took a trail behind EDS DREAM then tried to pursue in the home straight. She was closing in on the line but couldn’t peg back the margin in time. LUCY SAWYER was left stranded without cover from the 1800m and finished a distant third. EBONYS AVENGER was three back on the markers but broke stride approaching the home turn and lost her chance. YANKEES AVENGER (Kvintet Avenger – Yankee Truscott) was last on the markers throughout and commenced yielding ground from the 700m.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.4            Final Half: - 60.7              Margins: - 1m, 15m

Trial 5: - IAMAWINGATE began quickly to lead comfortably and was unchallenged in the 1200m of the event. He quickened the tempo in the last 600m and was able to hold off the challengers to score without having to use his full speed. IM TERRORTORIAL was three back on the inside, moved away from the markers with 250m remaining and sprinted sharply to move up alongside of the leader. He was allowed to coast to the line under his own steam and finished in second position. INAUGURATE had every chance after trailing the leader and using the sprint lane. He finished ahead of MATTS DELIGHT, which was last of the quartet throughout and dropped off the pace in the final 400m.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.0            Final Half: - 58.3              Margins: - 1m, 6m

Trial 6: - ON WATCH dropped back to last on the markers and did his own thing at the back. He dropped off the herd by approximately 15m in the last lap but was able to catch up, swing out very wide on the track and sprint home to win. The mile rate was very slow but he put in a tidy performance. INFERRNO (Courage Under Fire – Allfouru) attempted to lead throughout and finished in second position. LORD ALPHA (Shadow Play – Table Games 2.5.4, $9,382) broke stride at the start and lost 50m, chased hard to tack on at the 1200m and moved up without cover shortly afterwards. It was a very good effort to finish in third position under the circumstances. NUGGET OF TRUTH (Allamerican Ingot – Lucky Rendezvous) settled three back on the markers and was able to pick up fourth in a blanket finish. DECORATED SOLDIER (Bettors Delight – Aston Villa USA 1.58.1, $15,331) saw the field to be safely home after trailing the leader for the duration.

Mile Rate: - 2.10.7          Final Half: - 61.3              Margins: - 1m, 1m

Trial 7: - BONAVISTA BOY began quickly and was able to slide to the lead shortly after the start. He dashed well clear of his rivals over the concluding stages and won easily. He won a race in February 2020 in a slick mile rate of 1.54.2 and he looked very sharp in his trial victory. Considering he is now assessed as 47 on the National Ratings scale, he can be well placed in the near future and is worth following. DANMAN settled four back on the inside, moved to the outside with 600m remaining and battled on fairly well for a distant second. TOP GUN TILLY was three back on the inside and finished third ahead of OUR LITTLE GODDESS, which settled down last and broke stride at the 600m mark. THELONGROADOUT (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – Silmaril) trailed the leader and was under pressure from the 400m. He ended up being the last horse to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.1            Final Half: - 58.2              Margins: - 25m, Head

BLACKBOOKER: - Bonavista Boy

Trial 8: - SONNYBOY showed his natural early pace to find the lead. He was joined by IKARA in the back straight but was able to find a kick on the home turn and scored softly in the end. HAMMERS MUSCLE trailed the leader, raced a little keenly and held his ground in the straight to finish in second position. IKARA was three back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 600m and joined the leader turning out of the back straight but peaked late. He finished third ahead of BACARDI CHARDY, which was four back on the markers throughout and SMART CHA CHA dropped back to last after being without cover early and remained at the back of the park thereafter.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.0            Final Half: - 61.8              Margins: - 5m, 1m

 

KYABRAM 18/04/21

Trial 1: - TANGAROA hasn’t raced since being unplaced and being stood down to trial at Albury on March 02. He was able to take out the opening trial from the qualifier MY TIME TO SHINE (Sunshine Beach – My Lively Lass 1.58.5, $27,705), which is related to two winners in sub two minutes including Lyrical Genius (1.56.6). She stems from a maternal family, which has been very successful in Queensland. HARD ROAD filled third position ahead of SHES GOING PLACES.

Mile Rate: - 2.10.2          Final Half: - 62.9              Margins: - 1m, 2m

Trial 2: - HIGH FLUX prepared for his effort at the Kyabram meeting at Shepparton on Sunday with a win by a comfortable margin. He has been placed at his past two assignments and is ready to break through for a win. JOHNNYS CASH finished in second position and that run should have topped him off nicely for his effort at Bendigo tonight where he could possibly find the lead from barrier two. LETTUCEVENTILATE finished third in readiness for his performance at the Kyabram at Shepparton meeting over the weekend where he has come up with a poor alley. MILLY PATONE was fourth across the line and beat home KYVALLEY COPYCAT.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.0            Final Half: - 61.7              Margins: - 4m, 10m

Trial 3: - Only two horses contested the final trial with FLEETING GRIN defeating MISSMETRO by 20m. Both horses are scheduled to race at the Kyabram Cup meeting at Shepparton on Sunday.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.0            Final Half: - 61.0              Margin: - 20m

 

BENDIGO 19/04/21

Trial 1: - SIR JULIAN settled in the one out and one back trail and gained the perfect trip throughout. He used the sprint lane and was able to dash through to get the prize. He is racing at Bendigo tonight where he has a National Rating of 92, which is 21 points higher than his nearest rival! He should be finishing off strongly in that performance. LET’S MAKE TRACKS raced without cover throughout and drew to the lead before the home turn. He was clearly overtaken by SIR JULIAN with 100m remaining but he showed his fighting qualities and was coming again on the line. GUPTAS CULLEN raced roughly at the start and settled three back on the inside. She was held up momentarily behind the tiring leader but was working home nicely for a close up third. She is racing at Stawell on Monday where she is not without a chance. CAPRIOSKA and TRUMPIT LIL are both trotters and couldn’t accelerate when the pacers quickened the tempo. CAPRIOSKA stepped away best from the standing start to find the lead and elected to hold the front. She set up a genuine tempo so she did trial okay despite being beaten by a large margin. TRUMPIT LIL is a maiden trotter so she was always going to struggle against the Metropolitan class pacers.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.0            Final Half: - 59.0              Margins: - 1m, 3m

Trial 2: - IMABOGANBOY (Fling It – Tooting Bellido) settled four back on the markers, moved to the outside at the 600m and really lifted over the concluding stages to get the prize. CASA ALBERTA (Angus Hall – Casa Fundada, placed $19,940) was a good run in second. He was fifth early, broke stride at the 1500m then tacked on at the bell. He moved away from the inside at the 600m (1-2) before switching course and driving through along the sprint lane in the final 100m. He missed out by a narrow margin. IRENE ROSE began quickly to lead and set up a slow tempo. She tried to fend off the challengers in the home straight but missed out by a metre. SHEZ MAJESTIC (Majestic Son – Sheza Amason 1.59.5, $56,163) pushed forward to race without cover in the early stages and battled on well for fourth. Her stable mate JESSIES SON (Majestic Son – Sheza Chenille) galloped at the start and was tailed off early. He chased hard to tack onto the group and wasn’t beaten by far at the end so he showed some promise. SHEZA SAILOR trailed the leader and broke stride at the 200m mark, losing all chance.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.7            Final Half: - Head, 1m

Trial 3: - ILLAWONG STARDUST is a very smart trotter and joined trainer Tony Peacock after finishing unplaced in the Super Series Final in December. She showed very good early pace to find the lead and completely dominated her rivals to win by 30m. PARTYTIME filled second spot after racing roughly at the start and settling three back on the markers. He held on well for second with LOTTA FUSS doing her best work at the end, running on well though the middle from five back on the markers. She is racing at Bendigo tonight and is a value hope, particularly if she can find the back of the leader from barrier two. VINCENT KAI settled down last on the markers, got around WILL PATRICK early then moved into the death seat at the half mile marker. He continued to make up steady ground in the final circuit. He finished fourth ahead of LADY LIL, which trailed the leader and ANGSKI (4 back markers) finished sixth. WILL PATRICK was the last one to greet the judge after settling down at the rear of the field from the 1700m.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.3            Final Half: - 58.9              Final Half: - 30m, 8m

Trial 4: - PUZZLE PIECE (Heston Blue Chip – Bring Her Back) was without cover early before finding the lead at the 1300m mark. He coasted down to the line to win with something in reserve. He is going to have to run a lot faster than the mile rate of 2.6.4 he recorded in that victory but he has won two trials recently and is perfectly drawn on the pole position at Stawell on Monday. SAGOTAGE (He’s Watching – Roxie Romance) settled three back on the markers and moved away from the inside at the 500m. She tried hard over the final stages and finished second with the third placed EXTRINSIC (Betting Line – Flying Miss Mac 1.57.8, $12,854) being 30m away as the judge called a halt. EXTRINSIC began well to lead, took a trail at the 1300m and enjoyed the perfect trip but never appeared to be comfortable in her action. She was racing roughly and was continually swishing her tail, eventually rolling into a gallop at the 300m mark. She got down pacing quickly and beat home BINDI BEACH (Sunshine Beach – Rose of Hollywood), which settled four back on the markers and LAVENDI RICKY (Betterthancheddar – Julies Equity 1.58.4, $197,969) was last of the five runners throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.4            Final Half: - 59.9              Margins: - 5m, 30m

Trial 5: - THE KEW LEGEND began quickly out wide on the track and worked across to the markers after 200m. He ran along at an even tempo in the lead and was able to win the trial by a comfortable margin. He is racing at the Kyabram at Shepparton meeting on Sunday and might be able to improve on his current numerical form. CURVEBALL (Betterthancheddar – Jaz Equity 1.57.5, $54,023) began well enough to hold out THE KEW LEGEND momentarily before taking cover. He was a clear second on the line but never really looked like catching THE KEW LEGEND in the home straight. NIKNBEC SHADOW (Shadow Play – Military 2.1.2, $49,407) was three back on the markers throughout and finished third ahead of AS SHE SAYS (Well Said – Arts Bliss 2.0.1, $81,275), which galloped early and lost 30m hence being last throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.8            Final Half: - 58.3              Margins: - 8m, 15m

Trial 6: - SAINT WIN settled fifth on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 700m mark and sprinted quickly in the back straight to join the leader JONG ANG. He drew to the lead approaching the home turn then kicked on solidly to hold off the late challenge of RINGER RUSS. RINGER RUSS was three back on the markers and was inconvenienced coming out of the back straight. He worked into the clear and picked up ground quickly to find the back of SAINT WIN on the home turn. He appeared to be travelling like a winner at the 250m but just couldn’t get the better of SAINT WIN in the straight, going down by a narrow margin. OUTSIDE FIGHTER settled four back on the inside and worked into a distant third. JONG ANG was fourth after doing a bit wrong. He found the markers first and was being restrained to take cover but he became very fierce. He eventually gained cover but continued to pull hard so he dashed around to find the front at the 1600m mark. He then raced away to lead by a good margin mid-race before getting tired late. He has drawn on the outside of the second line at Bendigo this evening but his manners will be a key to his result. TELLMESUMTHINGRL settled four back on the inside and finished in fifth position ahead of HEZA BERGSTEIN, which settled six back on the markers and wanted to hang in badly from the 700m. ILLAWONG NIGELLA went fast with JONG ANG early, eventually took a trail and tired over the final stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.1            Final Half: - 62.6              Margins: - Head, 30m

Trial 7: - SHAWAMI LASS began fast to find the lead and was able to dash home in fast final sectionals to win the trial. CROSSROADER kept his momentum going with a fantastic second. He settled last of the five runners, moved to the outside at the 400m mark and continued to make up ground. He is stepping up in class at Bendigo tonight and is poorly drawn but he is right at the top of his game at present. ONECROWDEDHOUR settled three back on the markers and finished third with DON’T TELL TOM (Shadow Play – Lite Jagermeister 1.56.3, $66,135) being fourth after breaking stride at the quarter pole. MAXINES DELIGHT trailed the leader but galloped hopelessly at the 600m and dropped right out. She backed up at Ballarat on Thursday night and broke stride again.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.3            Final Half: - 56.6              Margins: - 5m, 8m

 

KILMORE 20/04/21

Trial 1: - YAMBUKIAN was one out and one back early before pushing forward to find the lead with 1500m remaining. He dominated the trial from that point and raced away to win clearly. MISS TYLER settled four back on the inside and was able to work into second position over the final stages. MADAME TESS (Western Terror – Madame Lily 1.57.6, $140,824) was sixth on the markers, moved away from the inside and got around to third before slotting back into the trail in the back straight on the final occasion. She boxed on fairly well for third with DEVIL OF A SMILE being fourth after moving up without cover from five back on the markers at the 700m mark. DEVIL OF A SMILE returns from a break at Stawell on Monday. RACING PAULA (Union Guy – Major Celebration) settled seventh on the markers and wanted to hang out at various stages of the trial. She was able to pick up a few late including PRIDE OF MARY (Grinfromeartoear – Dancinwithjodi 1.59.3, $12,773) (led early before being 3 back on the markers), TOMMY BLIGH (Highview Tommy – Sheila Blige 1.59.4, $49,144) (8 back markers) and ALL SAINTS BEACH (Somebeachsomewhere – Bit Of A Gem 2.2.3, $15,344) (without cover, lead, trailed leader at 1500m).

Mile Rate: - 2.2.6            Final Half: - 59.7              Margins: - 20m, 3m

Trial 2: - AORANGI began quickly to lead and rolled along at a reasonable tempo. He established a large margin over his rivals at the bell then was able to cling on at the finish. He was being held together over the final stages to remain balanced. SCOOTIN AROUND settled six back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 900m mark and sustained a strong run to finish a game second. DONTOUCH THE DUCO settled three back on the markers and remained in third position with IM DADDY WARBUCKS coming from five back on the markers to pick up fourth. RYMES (Majestic Son – Genayas Girl) settled down in fourth position and moved into the one out and one back trail with 800m remaining. She was looming up as some sort of chance approaching the home turn but broke stride. FAIRFIELD FLYER trailed the leader and broke stride with 400m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.7            Final Half: - 62.0              Margins: - Head, 10m

Trial 3: - BLUE CHIP DELIGHT began quickly to lead and rolled along at a genuine tempo. He cruised down to the line to win in handy time on the wet track so he is obviously worth following. NOTORIOUS JOE trailed the leader and moved away from the markers on the home turn. He tried hard in the straight and finished in second position. SPEED DATING was five back on the markers and moved to the outside with 500m remaining. She sprinted quickly up to the home turn then held her ground in the straight. SMOOTH DEAL wasn’t a bad run under the circumstances. He settled down last, was the widest runner and was still well back before the home turn then picked up ground to finish in fourth position. SAFE JEWELS settled in sixth and was able to beat home FOREVER AND A DAY (4 back markers) and TWENTY TWO KARAT (3 back markers) was the last one to cross the line.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.6          Final Half: - 58.2              Margins: - 4m, 10m

Trial 4: - ROCK ON CAESAR (Captaintreacherous – Pembrook Caesar 1.53.0, $77,432) is a beautifully bred colt for trainer Freddy Taiba. He led out, took a trail and moved away from the inside on the home turn. The time wasn’t overly fast but he looked to have plenty in reserve when hitting the front in the home straight so he is worth following. ARCHAA (A Rocknroll Dance – Shes Pinkalicious) was without cover before pushing to the lead with 1300m remaining. He kicked on strongly for second with COBALT STRIDE (Captaintreacherous – Eye Catching 1.56.8, $38,730) doing his best work late, coming from last and rolling into third spot. MALIBU RIKKI (Sunshine Beach – Shezaterror 2.1.0, $16,905) was four back on the inside throughout and beat home LORIMERTYRELL (Sunshine Beach – Our Pocket Princess), which trailed the leader early before ending up being three back on the markers. LORIMERTYRELL is scheduled to make her debut at Stawell on Monday.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.5            Final Half: - 59.5              Margins: - 2m, Head

BLACKBOOKER: - Rock On Caesar

Trial 5: - ABUNDANCE began very quickly and elected to angle in for a trail behind the known front runner SONNYBOY. He used the sprint lane in the straight and showed good acceleration to pick up the leader and run away at the end. SONNYBOY continued his reasonable trial form and finished in second position. TENNERSON was three back on the markers and moved out three horses wide at the 300m mark. He ran home quite well to finish third. ALDEBARAN GWEN was fifth on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail at the 1400m. She wanted to hang in and race roughly in the final circuit but managed to hold down fourth. ALDEBARAN YAHTZEE was last early before moving up without cover. He beat home ALDEBARAN MY, which was in various positions (4 back markers, 1-2, 5th markers back straight) and MAJESTIC SAINT was in last spot for the majority of the trial.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.6            Final Half: - 61.0              Margins: - 4m, 5m

Trial 6: - TENNESSEA WALTZ (Somebeachsomewhere – Yankee Showgirl 1.56.5, $32,806) began very quickly and led by a clear margin with her stable mate PATSY VALENTINE (American Ideal – Brighty Valentine 1.54.8, $87,170) trailing. PATSY VALENTINE came to the outside in the home straight but couldn’t peg back Tennessea Waltz in the run to the finish. The two juvenile pacers raced well clear of the 2yo trotters, which were a good distance behind from start to finish. BEE BEE BEROC was the first of the trotters to cross the line after leading the second division of the race throughout. POSH KYVALLEY (Father Patrick – Kyvalley Pink 2.0.4, $37,133) came from last of the seven runners and picked up fourth position. WISHINGNDREAMING (Wishing Stone – Sashas Dream 2.1.8, $22,145) was four back on the markers throughout and was able to defeat THE SHOWBAGSTER (Blitzthemcalder – Cinders) (6 back markers, without cover at 1100m) and MISS VENOM (Bacardi Lindy – Princess Venom 2.6.4, $28,866) (5 back markers), which was the last one home.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.8            Final Half: - 61.9              Margins: - Head, 50m

Trial 7: - ETERNAL GOLD (Captaintreacherous – Forever Gold 1.51.7, $700,593) is a beautifully bred gelding being out of the champion Queensland mare Forever Gold. He was three back on the markers early, moved up without cover from the 600m mark and won with something in reserve. KITCH MACRAY settled fourth and moved into the one out and one back trail behind ETERNAL GOLD in the back straight. He came to the outside on the home turn and ran home well. WHATISAYGOES (Grinfromeartoear – Crystal Journey 2.0.2, $113,185) settled last of the five and was able to run into third ahead of CURLY JAMES, which trailed the leader. The early leader CAPTAIN MAASTRICHT, wanted to hang in under pressure when turning for home and ended up being the last horse to greet the judge.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.6            Final Half: - 60.4              Margins: - 2m, 5m

Trial 8: - QUEEN ELIDA began quickly to lead and was able to jog up the straight to win unchallenged. KYVALLEY HOTSPUR trailed his stable mate throughout and was also untouched in running to the finish. WHOS THE MAN settled three back on the markers and finished third with LIFEINTHEBALANCE being last of the four trotters for the duration.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.3            Final Half: - 59.3              Margins: - 6m, 15m

Trial 9: - REDFOX RAIDER was three back on the markers early, trailed the leader approaching the home turn and came to the outside in the straight. He was able to get home best after a having a good tussle with the early leader EARS PONDER in the straight and scoring by a metre on the line. CALYPSO MISTRESS trailed the leader, broke stride at the 500m mark and was able to recover to run a distant third. AMATERASU was five back on the markers early before quickly circling around ROCKIN BETTOR to be in fourth position with 1200m remaining. He ended up finishing a distant fourth. OUR ARABELLA was second last early and left the markers to race without cover in the back straight. She beat home FOUR EVER A STAR (Four Starzzz Shark – Gabbys Sweetheart 2.0.1, $4,378) (6 back markers), ROCKIN BETTOR (4 back markers) and SPEEDY REACTOR (Auckland Reactor – Gotalotofspeed 2.0.0, $26,493) remained at the tail of the field throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.3            Final Half: - 59.2              Margins: - 1m, 40m

Trial 10: - TAILORED ELEGANCE began quickly to lead and was unchallenged throughout the middle stages of the event. She was able to safely hold off the challenge of ROBBIE ROYALE in the run to the finish. ROBBIE ROYALE trailed the leader and came to the outside in the straight. He finished second ahead of PRESIDENT ROYDON, which was three back on the markers throughout. SWISS MISS ran last but it wasn’t a bad performance. She galloped in the score up and was detached from the pack in the first circuit before tacking onto the group. She wasn’t beaten by far at the finish.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.2            Final Half: - 60.4              Margins: - 2m, 6m

Trial 11: - DELIGHTFUL MIA showed her usual early brilliance to run to the lead. She recorded a handy last half of 57.7 seconds in the wet conditions and scored nicely. ICONIC MAJOR trailed the leader and came to the outside on the home turn. He was able to pick up some ground in the straight and produced a handy performance. SUNROSE MASTER was third after being three back on the markers throughout and LETHERHAIRDOWN was always at the tail of the field.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.2            Final Half: - 57.7              Margins: - 2m, 15m

 

BALLARAT 20/04/21

Trial 1: - PLAYING UP (Captaintreacherous – Our Petite Soeur 1.57.6, $73,930) began quickly to lead and recorded a sizzling final half of 56.5 seconds on the wet track to win untouched in what was a dazzling display. ZEUS DAN (Captaintreacherous – Giveusachance 1.55.6, $74,704) trailed the leader throughout and came to the outside on the home turn. He tried hard and finished second ahead of BETTOR ROLL ON (Bettors Delight – Rockaround Sue USA 1.51.0, $626,181), which was three back on the markers throughout. BETTOR ROLL ON is making his debut at Stawell on Monday and is drawn awkwardly but has shown some ability at the trials. UHURA (Captaintreacheous – Gee R We There Yet 2.1.8, $6,151) was last of the four runners throughout but attempted to make a run with 300m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.3          Final Half: - 56.5              Margins: - 12m, 8m

BLACKBOOKER: - Playing Up

Trial 2: - LIGHTNING DAN was out of position at the start and settled down last of all. He moved into the death seat with 800m and asserted his superiority in the run to the finish. He did appear to be well placed in the trial considering his last run was in the Bathurst Gold Crown Final and the remainder of the field have yet to make their debut. OUR LITTLE JET (Bettors Delight – Kabbalah Karen B CA 1.52.4, $285,098) led early, took a trail and moved into the one out and one back trail behind LIGHTNING DAN approaching the home turn. He boxed on well for second with LANAI (Captaintreacherous – Just Stopandstare 1.58.0, $24,858) being third after settling three back on the markers. The early leader MIRAMANEE (American Ideal – The Baggy Green 1.57.0, $108,700) dropped out to finish last of the four runners but it appeared to be a quality trial field.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.8            Final Half: - 58.7              Margins: - 3m, 3m

Trial 3: - GO DANCING began quickly to lead and was able to bound away over the final stages to win easily. The trotter IMSETTOGO settled in fourth position, came out wide on the home turn and finished strongly to run a big second. OFFLOAD (Art Major – Bettor Give It 1.57.4, $138,061) settled three back on the markers, was held up for a run at a vital stage and ran home well through the middle late. ISABELLA PRINCESS was last of the five runners and moved up without cover from the 600m mark. She beat home her stable mate REFORMED, which trailed the leader throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.6            Final Half: - 56.9              Margins: - 20m, 3m

Trial 4: - IDEAL DAN settled three back on the inside and moved up without cover from the 500m. He sustained a strong run and scored impressively, seemingly with something in reserve. QUICK DAN used some energy to find the lead at the start but appeared to have a good run thereafter. He was fighting on well down the front straight but IDEAL DAN was a little too speedy. TA FAILTE ROTE settled last of the four runners and picked up his stable mate WELEASE WODGER late. WELEASE WODGER went fast early, took a trail at the 1800m mark but peaked late.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.5            Final Half: - 56.8              Margins: - 2m, 30m

Trial 5: - ACT NOW was able to adopt his favourite position of being the pacemaker and ran along at a rapid rate. He was able to win comfortably but it would have been interesting if JOANNA, which was in the trail, peeled to the outside in the home straight as she appeared to be bolting at the finish. NIKKI LOUISE was last for the duration but was taking on two proven Group 1 performers.

Mile Rate: - 1.58.4          Final Half: - 55.6              Margins: - 3m, 8m

Trial 6: - HOPEFUL BEAUTY was four back on the markers early, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 1300m mark and was left without cover at the bell. She was challenged hard by ROHAAN in the home straight but fought on doggedly to get the prize. ROHAAN was behind the leader early, moved into the one out and one back trail approaching the home turn and came out three horses wide in the latter stages. He moved alongside of HOPEFUL BEAUTY in the straight but failed to get past. MISS MAIA began quickly to lead and took a trail at the bell. She finished third in front of SHEEZ A DOOD, which was caught without cover for the first lap before taking the lead at the bell. MALLEE BOYZ (Skyvalley – Wannabeamaori) was third on the fence early and finished at the tail of the field.

Mile Rate: - 2.9.3            Final Half: - 62.1              Margins: - Head, 7m

Trial 7: - HALLABOUTME led throughout from the standing start in the final trial of the afternoon. She set up a slow tempo and was able to kick on well at the finish. HAMMERS PEGASUS was without cover early and was able to angle onto the markers with a mile remaining. He moved through to trail the leader on the home turn, angled to the outside in the home straight and went down narrowly. ISITMEANDYOU (Love You – Wannabeamaori) trailed the leader and moved to the outside at the 300m mark but couldn’t go with the leading pair. LOVEFORMONEY (Love You – Why Maori) was fourth on the markers throughout and beat home LE COEUR (Love You – Glenferrie Dash 2.3.7, $24,837) (6 back markers) and LOVE TO DASH (5 back markers). All six horses stepped away safely from the standing start.

Mile Rate: - 2.9.5            Final Half: - 60.7              Margins: - Head, 15m