Cover Of Darkness is poised to be our next big squaregaiting star and there's a trotting stablemate that Craig Rail thinks also has some exciting ability.
Just A Bit Touchy proved to be just that in his trial at Maryborough on Sunday, but despite breaking gait he impressed Rail enough in his work to warrant a place in the Blackbook.
Stewart-trained pacer Nikki Louise and Kate Hargreaves' Animado were also added to the Blackbook, which can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of the page.
SHEPPARTON 03/06/21
Trial 1: - COCORA trailed the leader and was pulling hard so she dashed around to race into the leading role with 1300m remaining. She continued to race fiercely but was still able to have a kick left and dashed away in the straight. She backed up with a strong second at Kilmore on Thursday night behind Captain Coach, where she raced wide throughout. CHOIR QUEEN (Art Major – Colleens Medley 1.56.9, $36,363) led out then took a trail. She couldn’t go with COCORA over the latter stages but she was able to beat the remainder of her rivals by a large margin. She battled into sixth at Kilmore on Thursday after trailing the leader and racing roughly. SPRING LINE (Betting Line – Spring To Life 2.2.4, $1,688) settled four back on the markers and was able work into third ahead of NO NEIGH PHILTRA (Sportswriter – Chloes Daughter) (5 back markers), which produced a handy finishing burst. ALWAYS LOCKSLEY (Always B Miki – Vouvray 2.0.4, $8,555) made ground from last of the seven runners to finish in fifth position ahead of MISSUS DISASTER (Well Said – Ultra Trendy Lombo 1.57.1, $37,459), which settled three back on the markers and FEMALE ASSASSIN (American Ideal – Nostra Beach 1.53.5, $266,190) (6 back markers) was the last one home after breaking stride at the 800m mark.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.3 Final Half: - 59.4 Margins: - 12m, 12m
Trial 2: - ENCHANTED STRIDE was without cover early, pushed forward to lead then took a trail at the 1600m. She came to the outside on the home turn and grabbed victory on the line. JAMIESON STEELE was one out and one back early before pushing forward to lead at the mile marker. He set up a genuine tempo and was run down on the line. Both the winner and the second placed horse went to the line with plenty in reserve. HEREHECOMES led out, took a trail and ended up being three back on the markers. He never peeled to the outside at any stage and went to the line hard held. He backed up with an unplaced effort at Bendigo on Wednesday night. SOFALA settled down last, gained a one out and one back trail at the 600m and came out three horses wide at the 300m. He finished fourth with ROCKIN IN MEMPHIS (5 back markers, without cover 600m) being last of the five runners in preparation for his effort at the Mooroopna @ Shepparton meeting on Sunday. ENCHANTED STRIDE and JAMIESON STEELE both return from a break at Melton tomorrow night.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.1 Final Half: - 56.9 Margins: - Neck, 4m
Trial 3: - CMON CARL LEE was able to run to the front shortly after the start. He set up a slow tempo and was able to coast down to the line to win comfortably. TENLILFONZIES settled three back on the inside, raced roughly at the 500m mark and came to the outside shortly afterwards. He rallied late to finish second and backed up with an unplaced effort at Bendigo on Wednesday night. BLACK CAT CLAW trailed the leader and finished third ahead of the qualifier LETTUCE TROT (Tintin In America – Lettucegrin 2.3.4, $9,055), which settled four back on the markers. MONTANA MUSCLE was in fifth for the duration and WALKABOUT CASCADE was always at the tail of the field after missing away in the score up and settling approximately 30m behind the main group.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.3 Final Half: - 62.2 Margins: - 8m, Head
Trial 4: - ALTA MADEIRA was four back on the markers for the majority of the trip and came to the outside with 500m remaining. She finished off best to win by a comfortable margin on the line and looked good in preparation for her Australian debut. MAJOR JACK (Art Major – Bridge Player 2.1.9, $32,450) was without cover early before moving into the lead at the 1500m mark. He kicked on well for second ahead of BUS STOP (A Rocknroll Dance – Cunning Kate 1.58.8, $51,735), which led out, took a trail and used the sprint lane. MIDNIGHT DANCER trailed the leader early before being shuffled to three back on the markers. She was held up for a run at a vital stage before running home well for an eye-catching fourth. DEL PORT raced greenly from five back on the markers at the 1100m but ended up being fifth across the line. CRESCO THREEPEAT (6 back markers) prepared for his first up performance at the Mooroopna @ Shepparton meeting on Sunday with a sixth placing. IMAPEST was the last horse across the line after settling down at the tail and trying to make a move with 700m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.3 Final Half: - 60.6 Margins: - 6m, 1m
Trial 5: - OUTA THE BLUE was five back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail at the 1300m. She was quick to make a move and found the death seat at the 1100m then asserted her superiority over the final stages to win easily. She backed up at Kilmore on Thursday night and was running home nicely at the end for fourth behind the handy filly in Kekoa. ATREACHEROUS settled behind OUTA THE BLUE on the markers early, gained a trailing position away from the markers (1-2) before making a forward move from the 700m to finish a distant second. LIKAVEEEIGHT settled three back on the inside and beat home ALICE ON THE BEACH, which trailed the leader and gained an inside run with MILLION DOLLAR ART (4 back markers), being the fifth horse to finish. LONGASULOVEME began quickly to lead, was under pressure from the 300m and was gunned down late. TELEVISE settled last on the markers and was able to stride past TORIKINA PRINCE, which worked hard in the death seat early before gaining a one out and one back trail at the 1100m.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.1 Final Half: - 59.3 Margins: - 25m, 3m
Trial 6: - FANTASY BEACH began quickly to lead and dashed home in a reasonable last 800m of 58.7 seconds to get the prize by a little over a length. He has been performing nicely at the trials and returns to the race track at the Mooroopna @ Shepparton meeting on Sunday. EMERALD STRIDE came from three back on the markers to snare second position and backs up at Melton tomorrow night. The former New Zealand pacer SPORT MENTAL was without cover early, dropped back to be fifth on the markers and gained a one out and one back trail at the 600m. He finished off extremely well and without being fully extended before backing up with a victory at Shepparton on June 08. LET’S DIG IT trailed the leader and finished fourth in his final public hit-out before his first up effort at the Mooroopna @ Shepparton meeting on Sunday. KEAYANG ALEX is also scheduled to race at that meeting and finished fifth after settling six back on the inside. SECRET IDENTITY moved into the death seat from four back on the markers at the 600m and finished ahead of LASTING BOND, which was last for the duration.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.0 Final Half: - 58.7 Margins: - 5m, 3m
WARRAGUL 06/06/21
Race 1: - NAKED AMBITION was in various positions in the run but was clearly the class runner of the trial and scored softly at the end. She was behind the leader early then three back on the markers, moved up without cover at the bell and forged to the front with 300m left to travel. SOVEREIGN TIGER was four back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell. He finished second ahead of MYSTIC CASTLE, which led out then took a trail. BACKINTHESKY was without cover early before running to the lead with a mile remaining. He set up a slow tempo but was overtaken by NAKED AMBITION just after going past the quarter pole.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.0 Final Half: - 60.30 Margins: - 10m, 1m
Trial 2: - CLASSY COUNTESS was without cover on the first turn but ran to the lead at the 1700m. She set up a very slow tempo and was able to win comfortably. She returns from a spell at Geelong this evening and has a busy week ahead as she is also competing at Warragul on Monday. PRINCE SAHARA (Four Starzzz Shark – Sahara Sunrise 1.59.9, $15,685) settled last on the inside, came away from the markers with 400m remaining and hit the line strongly for second. He is a nice type and even though the mile rate was very slow, he might have a promising future. INVINCIANO (Art Major – Magical Delight 1.56.2, $98,250) trailed the leader, moved up without cover and finished third with LINA AND MOLLY (Bettors Delight – Western Jazz) (3 back markers) being the last horse to greet the judge.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.0 Final Half: - 60.74 Margins: - 6m, 3m
Trial 3: - MISO MISO produced a very good performance to win the final trial. He began brilliantly to lead by a clear margin, ran along at a genuine tempo and was always well clear of his rivals. He scored by 50m and it was a promising effort in view of his performance at Warragul on Monday, where he appears to be a strong winning chance. MAGIC CRAFT settled last of the three horses and came to the outside with 400m remaining. At that stage of the event, MISO MISO was well clear so she had little chance of pegging back the margin. She is competing at Warragul on Monday. CAPTAIN MCCRAW trailed the leader and broke stride at the quarter pole hence losing his opportunity to battle it out for second placing.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.0 Final Half: - 60.12 Margins: - 50m, 35m
MILDURA 06/06/21
Trial 1: - PROMISE TO KEEP led throughout to win the opening trial of the morning. AGENT CALLAN (Village Jolt – Real Dreamz) finished in second position after showing gate speed, angling in behind the leader and moving to the outside to challenge with 400m remaining. REGAL STAR (A Rocknroll Dance – Regal Future 2.3.2, $3,220) was three back on the markers and finished third with SOAR being fourth after being in the one out and one back trail early, dropping back to the markers mid-race and coming out wide on the track from the quarter pole. SOAR makes his return to the race track at Mildura this afternoon but is drawn awkwardly on the inside of the second line. WHERESMILZEE was last early and was able to work past LOYOLA ROCKNROLLA, which was left stranded without cover and was under pressure from the 600m.
Mile Rate: -2.0.4 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 1m, 4m
Trial 2: - CRACKERJACKS JUDGE is returning to the races at Mildura this afternoon and made a promising start to his campaign with a strong trial victory. He was last and a long way from the leader mid-race before moving into the death seat at the 1200m and sustaining a long run to get the prize. ELIZABETHAN ERA trailed the leader throughout and finished in second with TRUMP THE ACE (3 back markers) being in third spot. ARCHER NORMAN began very fast to lead, set up a genuine tempo after racing fiercely throughout and faded into fourth. ULTIMATE PLEASURE was four back on the markers and was placed under pressure from the half mile marker before becoming detached from the main group.
Mile RATE: - 2.0.3 Final Half: - 63.3 Margins: - 2m, Head
Trial 3: - FOOTLOCK began very quickly to lead and set up a genuine tempo. He was able to hold off his rivals in the run to the finish to win impressively. MACH HU trailed the leader, moved away from the inside on the home turn and finished in second position. COME ON ELVIS was out of position at the start by 15m and settled four back on the inside. He came out three horses wide on the home turn and worked into a close up third. LIVIN IN MANINKY settled three back on the markers and wasn’t too far away in fast time to finish in fourth position. The first four horses across the line are all competing at Mildura this afternoon. PUMPT (Mach Three – Kelly Maguire) was restrained at the start and was in last position for the duration.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.9 Final Half: - 60.8 Margins: - 2m, head
Trial 4: - COSTLY MISTAKE was stood down to trial after performing below expectations at Mildura last outing. She bounced back into form with an all of the way victory in reasonable time and is backing up at Mildura this afternoon. PROMISE ME HEAVEN trailed the leader, broke stride with 100m remaining but was still able to manage to hold down second position. KING SOLOMON was checked and forced wide early, settled four back on the markers, moved to the outside with 700m remaining and was running to the line well before seemingly baulking at the galloping PROMISE ME HEAVEN over the latter stages and breaking stride himself. He had excuses and he does appear to be well graded for his effort at Mildura this afternoon. He finished ahead of HIGHCHAIR, which hung out badly on the first turn and ending up settling in fifth position. GARABALDI UNION was three back on the markers, was under pressure from the 600m and was last of the five runners to finish.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.9 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - 10m, 15m
MARYBOROUGH 06/06/21
Trial 1: - NIKKI LOUISE has a National Ratings assessment of 57 but she was still able to gun down the open class pacer BETTOR BE THE BOMB (NR117) in the run to the finish so she is worth following. She left the position of being behind the leader at the 700m and finished off in a slick final 800m of 56.7 seconds to get the prize. GOBSMACKED settled last of the five runners, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 500m mark and came out three horses wide on the home turn. He was doing his best work at the end and produced a nice performance but he is meeting a very strong field at Melton tomorrow night. TREVEAN settled three back on the markers and used the sprint lane to pick up fourth spot. DELWYNS SON was the last horse to finish after being four back on the markers throughout but it was a handy field and he is scheduled to compete at Terang on Tuesday night.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.6 Final Half: - 56.7 Margins: - 1m, 1m
BLACKBOOKER: - Nikki Louise
Trial 2: - I AM MARQUEZ was three back on the outside and moved into the death seat at the 600m mark. He was very strong in the run to the finish and was able to score without being fully extended. AUSSIEPRIDE was four back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail behind I AM MARQUEZ. He battled on well for second and it was a nice enough performance to lead into his effort at Terang on Tuesday night. JOICE MARY trailed the leader JUSTARUMOUR and was able to run past that pacer in the battle for third and fourth. JUSTARUMOUR backed up with a sixth placed effort at Kilmore on Thursday night where he trailed the leader and was checked with 700m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.6 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - 6m, 3m
Trial 3: - FREE STARR began quickly to find the lead and set up a moderate tempo before dashing home in a slick final quarter of 28.2 seconds. She only had one start during her juvenile season and obviously has the speed to win a few races when she gains some experience. TICKTOK began quickly and was without cover early, angled onto the markers to be three back before moving into the death seat at the 600m mark. She battled hard for a creditable second. BULLAPARK BENO trailed the leader and held his ground in the straight to finish third. The juvenile trotter JUST A BIT TOUCHY (Father Patrick – Gypsy Flair) produced an enormous performance to finish fourth. He broke at the start and lost approximately 60m before chasing to tack onto the main group. He moved through on the markers to be three back approaching the home turn then held his ground late in fast final sectionals. He is obviously still learning but is worth following. DOUBLE JOEY (Roll With Joe – Rock Two Times) was four back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m and finished fifth ahead of TISEH LUCKY LADY which was five back on the markers and BACARDI PARDY (Bacardi Lindy – Eureka Encounter 2.1.4, $49,858) was the last horse to complete the course after showing early speed but breaking stride with 1800m of the journey remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.2 Final Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 1m, 6m
BLACKBOOKER: - Just A Bit Touchy
Trial 4: - JAZSPUR led out, took a trail at the 1500m, moved away from the inside at the 150m and finished off best to get the prize. EVERYSECONDCOUNTS prepared for his effort at Terang on Tuesday night with a second placed effort. He pushed forward to race without cover, continued his momentum and found the front with a lap and half remaining before being run down late. LION HEART was three back on the markers for the majority of the journey and was doing his best work late for third. He followed with an unplaced effort at Bendigo on Wednesday night, where he galloped away. WAR DAN STRIKES settled down in sixth position before finding the one out and one back trail. He was fourth to finish with SMART CHA CHA being fifth from her position of four back on the markers. She broke stride in the final 100m of the trial. HALLOFASUDDEN was slow to begin and was 30m behind in the early stages. She finished ahead of COCONUT SUNRISE, which was left stranded without cover from the 1500m mark.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.4 Final Half: - 61.2 Margins: - 2m, 5m
Trial 5: - STAR BURST BOY (Somebeachsomewhere – Starburst Girl 1.53.6, $143,670) trailed the leader, moved away from the inside on the home turn and scored with seemingly plenty left in reserve at the finish. CHAMPAGNE ROCKSTAR (Yankee Rockstar – Safana 1.59.4, $12,229) settled last of the five runners, moved up without cover from the 700m and kept on chasing in the home straight. She is by the former Emma Stewart trained stallion Yankee Rockstar (1.52.2, $329,048), which posted 22 career victories including the Kilmore and Cranbourne Cups back in 2016. SECRET WISH (He’s Watching – Art Critic 1.56.1, $54,783) was three back on the markers throughout and finished in third position with the early pacemaker DULCIE OTOOLE (Rock n Roll Heaven – One Fellas Fancy 1.58.3, $30,738) yielding ground into fourth. BIONIC STRIDE (Always B Miki – Cougar Bromac) was the last one to finish after settling four back on the markers.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.8 Final Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 1m, 5m
Trial 6: - SER PATRICK raced without cover for the entire journey and produced a strong performance to take out the trial by a comfortable margin. PARIS FAITH was able to find the lead in the early stages and controlled the tempo throughout. She couldn’t hold off the challenge of SER PATRICK over the concluding stages but was able to manage to kick on for second place. TENSION SEEKER trailed the leader, moved away from the inside at the 150m and kicked on well for third position. CRONK was three back on the markers and beat home the mistake makers SUNNY SPIDER (Yankee Spider – Sunshine Annie 2.7.8, $6,538) (1-1, broke stride at 600m) and HYPERBOLIX (Bacardi Lindy – Eleanor Eden 2.2.8, $23,388) (broke after the start).
Mile Rate: - 2.5.1 Final Half: - 59.2 Margins: - 8m, Head
Trial 7: - LIFE HAPPENS (Somebeachsomewhere – Modern Life) began quickly to find the lead and was able to win without being fully extended at any stage. LADY OLIVIAS FOLLY trailed the leader and chased hard for second position. She has been unplaced in all of her five starts to date but her trial performance would indicate she will run a much sharper race at Warragul on Monday. SWEET ANNIE MAY (Sweet Lou – Sancerre) settled down last of the six runners, came out very wide on the home turn and finished off nicely for third. LUCY SAWYER was five back on the inside and finished fourth ahead of SPANGLED SHADOW (Shadow Play – Spangled Art), which tried to make a move from fourth at the quarter pole. LA MESH (Artspeak – Quick Comment 2.0.0, $30,359) was the last horse across the line after settling three back on the inside.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.8 Final Half: - 59.3 Margins: - 5m, 8m
Trial 8: - JACKS COMMAND commenced from the handicap of 40m but quickly tacked onto the group and moved around the field to find the front at the 1400m mark. He was able to win clearly and should have plenty of confidence leading up to his effort at Terang on Tuesday but he has been essentially taking on lower grade and young trotters in his recent trial efforts and he will find his first up assignment to be a lot tougher. CEE CEE NORMAN led out then took a trail and finished in second position. WISH UPONA DREAM settled last of the four runners and moved to the outside to snare third spot. She backed up at Kilmore on Thursday night and was able to win against her own age group. BEWARE THE FURY was three back on the makers and ended up being the last one to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Final Half: - 59.3 Margins: - 6m, 20m
BENDIGO 07/06/21
Trial 1: - LOLA DEVEREAUX angled across to trail the leader at the 1800m mark, moved away from the inside at the quarter pole and was able to jog to victory. She has impressed in her trial performances over the past few weeks. YES MAATE was checked on the first turn and settled fourth on the markers before moving to the outside with 1200m remaining. He did well to pick up second in front of ALDEBARAN JAYTEE, which pushed forward to find the lead with 1800m remaining. ROI DU SOLEIL trailed the leader and struck trouble on the first turn. He had to chase hard thereafter and ended up being fourth across the line. MY MATE MAX (Wind Cries Maori – Marong Miss) began quickly to lead but galloped on the first turn. SUPPLANTER was also in trouble in the early stages and was the last one to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.6 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 4m, 1m
Trial 2: - COURAGE STRIDE (Muscle Hill – Nitengale Stride USA) began quickly to find the lead and set up a moderate tempo. He fought hard when challenged over the concluding stages and was able to hold sway from LETTUCETROT (Tintin In America – Lettucegrin 2.3.4, $9,055), which trailed the leader throughout. MUDFLINGA (Fling It – A Red With Ruby) settled last of the three runners but trotted very roughly when the speed increased approaching the home turn and lost all momentum.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.4 Final Half: - 60.9 Margins: - Neck, 30m
Trial 3: - DON’T CARE began fast to find the front and was able to lead throughout and get the prize. He set up a genuine tempo and recorded fast time along with setting up a big winning margin at the end so he was impressive. The concerning part of the trial however was the latter stages where he started to trot roughly before galloping just after the post. THE RED WARRIOR was four back on the markers and came to the outside with 700m remaining. He was at least 50m behind the leader when he commenced his run so he was never going to win the trial but he was able to run into second. He backed up at Kilmore on Thursday night and appeared to be the winner in the home straight but unfortunately galloped with 100m remaining. WAIKARE COLLEEN led out, took a trail behind DON’T CARE and finished third. MISS BROOMFIELD was three back on the markers and beat home BULLION HARRY which was the last of the five runners for the duration.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.4 Final Half: - 59.4 Margins: - 50m, 1m
Trial 4: - HUMBLE LADD continued his impressive trial form with a victory over RULES DON’T APPLY. He began quickly but was three horses wide early, progressed forward to find the lead at the 1700m and dashed home in quick final sectionals to win by a comfortable margin. RULES DON’T APPLY tried hard after leading out then taking cover. SUNOFATRUMP was a distant third after showing gate speed and ending up being three back on the markers. LEXINGTON QUEEN settled down last of the five runners early and was able to run past ONE MUSCLE HILL (4 back markers) in the run to the post.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.1 Final Half: - 58.0 Margins: - 4m, 20m
Trial 5: - EVAS IMAGE was three back on the markers, moved up without cover at the 400m and hit the lead in the hold straight. She only just held off the challenge of her stable mate QUEEN INVASION in the run to the finish but she was never extended at any stage. QUEEN INVASION followed the winner throughout before angling to the outside in the home straight. She worked home well for second place. NEXTA NUNN was third after setting up a slow tempo and WILL PATRICK dropped back to be last of the four runners after trailing the leader. WILL PATRICK followed his trial performance with a seventh placed effort at Kilmore on Thursday night.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.7 Final Half: - 65.4 Margins: - Nose, 4m
Trial 6: - OZZIE DAYBREAK began quickly but was racing fiercely without cover early, ran to the front at the bell and was able to hold off his challengers in the run to the post. ROCK NIEN raced greenly at the start and settled four back on the inside. He finished strongly out wide on the track late and finished an eye-catching second. JAIMEE (Captaintreacherous – Ponder Girl 1.52.9, $84,320) also appeared to be uncomfortable in the score up but ended up being in the one out and one back trail. She was without cover from the bell and battled on well for third in a close finish. IRE OF THE DRAGON was three back on the inside and moved into the one out and one back trail behind JAIMEE at the bell. He wasn’t far away from the winner in fourth position. DON’T WASTE TIME (McCardle – Live Your Life) led out, took a trail at the bell and broke stride on the home turn. MAGIC FEELING (Always B Miki – Feel The Magic 1.59.6, $27,867) was three back on the markers mid-race and ended up being the last horse to cross the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.1 Final Half: - 58.0 Margins: - 1m, Head
Trial 7: - OZZIE PLAYBOY prepared for his performance at Mildura this afternoon with a victory over MISTER NIEN. He was three back on the markers, moved to the outside with 500m remaining and scored with plenty in reserve. MISTER NIEN began quickly and was without cover early before progressing forward to find the top on the first turn. CASH BOOST finished a close third after leading out then taking a trail. She pulled hard and was held up for a run at the finish so she didn’t have a great deal of luck. ANGEL OF HEAVEN (Rock N Roll Heaven – Arty Alice $16,274) dropped back to be at the rear of the field early, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 500m and ended up being last of the four at the finish.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.5 Final Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 1m, 1m
Trial 8: - ANIMADO began quickly to lead, ran along at a decent tempo and was able to dash home in a slick final quarter of 27.9 seconds to win by 20m. It was a fine display and considering he has a National Rating of 50, he is worth following. ATREACHEROUS trailed the leader throughout and finished in second position. WENDYS WATCHING was four back on the markers and was the third horse across the line. WHATA JOURNEY (Rock N Roll Heaven – Whata Avenue 1.53.3, $92,536) settled down last of the five and was able to work past BACKWARDS FIRST, which raced fiercely in third position before moving into the death seat with 1300m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.8 Final Half: - 56.9 Margins: - 20m, 20m
BLACKBOOKER: - Animado
Trial 9: - DON’T TELL TOM raced roughly at the start before rolling to the lead at the 1800m. He again started to pace roughly when the pace increased with 500m remaining but despite his average gait, he was able to rush away from his rivals to win by a large margin. JOEYS HANGOVER began quickly to lead early before taking a trail behind the winner. He held down second position with RINELLA (Village Jasper – Sharnica) coming from last to pick up third. MY SHADY MATE was three back on the markers and dropped back to be the last horse to finish.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.0 Final Half: - 58.3 Margins: - 28m, 7m
Trial 10: - IMNOPUMPKIN progressed forward to find the lead at the 1700m mark. He rolled along at a genuine tempo and was able to kick well clear in the run to the finish. MONA MIA settled sixth on the inside and pulled very hard. She came out three horses wide and finished determinedly for a game second. It was a good effort in a view of her effort at Warragul on Monday but she did want to hang in over the latter stages, which could be a concern on the half mile track. SEA HAWKE was three back on the inside and moved away from the markers to finish in third position. BAO NIEN was four back on the markers and was held up for a run over the latter stages so he should have finished a little closer. ROQUEFORT CHEESE settled five back on the markers and finished ahead of NUREVEV, which led out then took a trail.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.6 Final Half: - 58.1 Margins: - 15m, 1m
Trial 11: - KEILAH began quickly and was able to lead throughout and win narrowly. WHATA GLIMPSE settled down last, gained a one out and one back trail at the 900m mark and came out three horses wide at the quarter pole. He is returning from a break at the Mooroopna @ Shepparton meeting on Sunday and performed well enough at the trials to suggest he is a winning chance. MY MATE COL was three back on the markers and moved into the death seat at the 900m mark. He finished a distant third with BEAU STEELE seeing the field to be safely home after trailing the leader in the early stages.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.8 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - Nose, 40m
BALLARAT 08/06/21
Trial 1: - GOODTIME MACH trailed the leader MIRAMANEE (American Ideal – The Baggy Green 1.57.0, $108,700), obtained an inside run on the home turn and was able to fire through and get the prize. MIRAMANEE showed gate speed to lead, enjoyed a nice run mid-race and wanted to hang out on the home turn. She was able to kick on for second and will back up at Terang on Tuesday night. MEROLAMAGIC (Somebeachsomewhere – Sterita 1.55.9, $145,241) was five back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m mark and came out three horses wide shortly afterwards. He finished third with BERYLS GRIN being fourth after racing without cover throughout. MY LINDSAY BELL was last of the five runners to complete the course after settling four back on the inside.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Final Half: - 59.6 Margins: - 4m, 3m
Trial 2: - NAI HARN BAY showed very good gate to find the lead and appeared to be in control of affairs before breaking stride with approximately 600m remaining. He may have jumped a shadow or taken offence to the wet conditions but he was able to get back pacing quickly and retained the lead. There were no more issues in the latter stages and he was able to roll down to the line and take first prize. TACT TORY (Rocknroll Hanover – Tact Lizzie) was three back on the markers and trailed the leader from the 600m mark. He obtained an inside run in the home straight and tried hard for second. BILUM (Mr Feelgood – Silvia Fisher 2.1.8, $14,894) trailed NAI HARN BAY before angling to the outside when that pacer broke stride momentarily in the back straight. He was out a little wider on the home turn but battled on quite well for third. GOTTA SMUDGE was four back on the markers and went to the line with something in reserve with no clear run at the finish. Both BILUM and GOTTA SMUDGE are competing at Terang on Tuesday night.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.1 Final Half: - 59.7 Margins: - 2m, 3m
Trial 3: - Abandoned
Trial 4: - INTERVIEW FRA (Traders ITA – Saorse USA) is a European bred trotter by a son of Ready Cash in Traders (1.52.8) out of an American mare in Saorse (1.54.6). He gained the perfect trip behind the leader but he appeared to cruise to victory so he is likely to create plenty of interest when he steps out onto the track. FREMARKSKUZO began very quickly to lead, pulled hard and kicked on well for second. CHAMPAGNE CHARLEY produced a good effort to finish third. He was three back on the markers early, moved into the death seat at the 1200m mark, pressured the leader and battled on gamely in the run to the finish. Each of the top three place getters performed very nicely so it might be a good form pointer. GOODTIMEDONTHESTASH (Skyvalley – A Poem Kept 2.6.0, $16,385) settled last on the markers and was able to work past TOUCHANDGO (4 back markers) in the run to the finish.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.7 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - Neck, 4m
Trial 5: - MEGEVE settled three back on the inside, moved away from the markers at the quarter pole and was too good in the run to the finish. She stepped away reasonably from behind the tapes and is competing in a standing start event at Warragul on Monday. KAR MANOR was slow to begin and was last of the four runners in the early stages. He moved into the one out and one back trail on the turn and tried hard in the straight for a narrow second. PADDY PANTS (Father Patrick – Princess Sophia) trailed the leader, moved to the outside on the turn and with finished third with the early pacemaker COTE DE OR (Love You – Donegal Flat) being the last one home.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.6 Final Half: - 59.4 Margins: - Neck, 12m
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