Each week, Craig Rail delivers his Trial File report, summarising the action from all Victorian trials and finding some horses to follow. Check out the updated Black Book list at the bottom of the article.
SHEPPARTON 11/07/19
Trial 1: - The former New Zealander ZOEYS GIFT was very impressive. She settled down in third and made a move at the 1100m to quickly run past the early leader GUNNING. She kept the speed on throughout the final lap and scored by a good margin. GUNNING tried to hold on to the back of ZOEYS GIFT in the final circuit and finished second, well clear of IM THE MIGHTYGRAMPS, which settled down sixth and was the widest runner into the straight. DASH OF FLAIR (Bacardi Lindy – Dream of Flair 2.5.5, $17,4,84) was five back on the markers and showed some dash to make up ground before the home corner before holding his ground in the straight. SUPER ANGUS (Angus Hall – Senita) trailed the leader early before being three back on the markers at the bell. He beat home FUGLE (Majestic Son – A Bit Amiss), WATTS UP SKYE (Skyvalley – Rainbow Maori) and MYNAMESGRAHAM (Imperial Count – Strike Destroyer 2.5.3, $36,119), which galloped shortly after the start.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.1 Final Half: - 59.7 Margins: - 20m, 30m
BLACKBOOKER: - Zoey’s Gift
Trial 2: - STARLIGHT SAFARI started from the second line and burst through the middle shortly after the start to find the lead. He raced keenly and set up a big lead. He was getting a little weary approaching the home turn but he ran his rivals ragged and was able to keep going and win the trial. MASTER MACH MANUS came to the outside from five back on the markers at the 700m mark and tried to sustain a long run. He got up to second but he couldn’t peg back the runaway leader. BLAST AWAY was three back on the markers behind NATIONAL DRAFT (Muckalee Strike – Almalia 2.2.3, $14,010) and was able to get the better of him late to finish a distant third. COOLARAMA (4 back markers) finished fifth and MYSTERY WRITER was last throughout in a survival of the fittest.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.1 Final Half: - 60.9 Margins: - 4m, 16m
Trial 3: - ALTE and MISTER JOE MAJOR were the best two horses to begin with ALTE getting across to the lead in the early stages. MISTER JOE MAJOR circled around to find the lead at the 1600m with ALTE trailing and GROOM in third position. HESTY was four back on the markers ahead of ROXIT GOOD and HAWKESBURY BLU with REDFOX RAIDER settling down last of the seven runners. HESTY moved away from the markers and pushed forward at the 700m with REDFOX RAIDER (Courage Under Fire – Fine Exception 1.59.9, $6,425) also moving into the one wide line turning into the back straight but he was a good fifteen metres behind HESTY (Heston Blue Chip – Four Zoe 1.58.0, $18,440). MISTER JOE MAJOR had a good kick left after enjoying a nice run in front and won the trial from GROOM, which finished fast via the sprint lane. REDFOX RAIDER sustained a good run to finish third in front of HESTY and ALTE, which yielded ground late. ROXIT GOOD (Pet Rock – Sailors Atom) and HAWKESBURY BLU (Artistic Fella – Barney Big Bird) were the last pair to cross the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.2 Final Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 3m, 3m
Trial 4: - THREE LEAF CLOVER dashed to the lead in the early stages and ran along at an even tempo. He raced well clear in the final lap and scored comfortably. CLASSIC ARC (Art Major – Classic Life 1.58.1, $28,605) settled last of the four and was able to get on the inside of ELLENKATE (Art Major – Kissmecatie 1.56.3, $125,344), which settled three back on the markers, on the home turn to pick up second. INSULTING (He’s Watching – Intoxicating 1.57.7, $79,060) trailed the leader throughout and began to yield ground at the 350m mark.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.9 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 20m, 8m
Trial 5: - EMERALD STRIDE led throughout and ran along at an even tempo. She held off the challenge of RORY MCHINSON, which settled down last of the three and came to the outside on the home turn. FABRICATION trailed the leader throughout and was never extended at any stage.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.5 Final Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 1m, Neck
Trial 6: - ENFORCE THE LAW stepped away nicely from his handicap and progressed forward to find the lead with a mile remaining. He was clearly the class horse of the field (NR 68) and he pulled away from his two rivals in the latter stages to win easily. MAJIC FAIR led out then took cover and finished second ahead of the 2yo filly MILLYS MAGIC, which did everything right but was taking on older horses.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.3 Final Half: - 59.6 Margins: - 12m, 20m
BACCHUS MARSH 13/07/19
Trial 1: - YANKEE VELVET was a recent winner against the mid-week grade at Melton and she took out the opening trial from ARU AND ME by a narrow margin. ELIZABETHAN ERA finished third in front of AMUNET and YERINGBERG was a distance away in last position.
Mile Rate: - 2.15.6 Final Half: - 64.6 Margins: - Head, 6m
Trial 2: - BRONSKI MOMENT (Major Bronski – Mystical Rainbow) has had several trial performances recently and he defeated MICTON MOUSE (Stonebridge Regal – Maisie Mouse 1.59.3, $31,845) in slow time. BONA KHAN (Bonavista Bay – Rosie Khan) finished third and was well in front of SHEALDS (Sealed N Delivered – Seannarose). INSHADOW (Shadow Play – Gaelic Way) and MAGELLANIC STREAM (Village Jasper – Magellan Clouds) were both beaten by a long way and finished fifth and sixth respectively.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.2 Final Half: - 62.1 Margins: - 1m, 12m
Trial 3: - CHRISTIAN JAZ has returned from an unsuccessful stint in New South Wales and took out the final trial from YANNARIE with BYALLA BOY finishing a close third. PIN CODE was fourth in front of KELLYS IDEAL, which has been crossing the border into New South Wales to race recently. CONFUSIONANDDELAY and DEADLY MARK were the last pair.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.9 Final Half: - 60.2 Margins: - 3m, Head
YARRA VALLEY 14/07/19
Trial 1: - GHENT has returned to Victoria after a long stint in Queensland. He is now being prepared by Peter Goudie and he defeated his stable mate GOODTIME PE RABBIT with WUNDURRA in third. MAITRIX was last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.17.7 Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - 2m, 4m
MOOROOPNA 14/07/19
Trial 1: - JEMSOMS PET has been unplaced in four starts to date but his latest start was in a heat of the Home Grown Classic. He defeated AJAY BREEZY ROSE (McCardle – Elegant Outlook 2.2.3, $9,709) and her stable mate NOTRE DAME. GET ME OUTTA HERE finished last of the four.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - Not Given
MILDURA 14/07/19
Trial 1: - PATTYS ANGEL trailed the leader MISTER JIMARINGLE (Modern Art – Caro Ella 2.3.1, $6,430) and came to the outside with 700m remaining. He was able to edge passed MISTER JIMARINGLE in the latter stages to win the trial. WITHOUT HESITATION (Well Said – Without Guile) galloped away and lost valuable ground. He did a good job to tack onto the group and was still a winning chance as the field turned for home. He held his ground in the straight, despite racing greenly and he finished an eye-catching third. PRECIOUS PECS (Art Major – Bettor Abs 1.59.8, $33,788) settled three back on the markers and also raced greenly at times. She started to yield ground from the 250m.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.5 Final Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 2m, 2m
Trial 2: - COURAGE DRAFT showed brilliant early pace to lead from CAULONIA TERROR, THE DORSAL FIN and FRANKNTANK. TANGAROA paced roughly shortly after the start and settled last of the five runners. FRANKNTANK moved away from the inside at the 1300m with TANGAROA following. It didn’t take long for FRANKNTANK to zoom to the lead and TANGAROA was able to slot in behind him. COURAGE DRAFT yielded ground from the bell and CAULONIA TERROR moved up without cover to get around him. FRANKNTANK led comfortably into the straight and CAULONIA TERROR tried hard but wanted to hang in under pressure with FRANKNTANK holding an advantage of 3m in the run to the finish. THE DORSAL FIN ran into a distant third from TANGAROA, which started to lose ground from the 300m mark and COURAGE DRAFT dropped right out from the bell.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.8 Final Half: - 60.0 Margins: - 3m, 30m
Trial 3: - NEW YORK BABE trailed the leader OPAL CROWN for the majority of the journey. She came to the outside at the 500m to apply pressure and was able to get the better of OPAL CROWN in the latter stages. HAPPYASLARRY ended up being three back on the markers and came to the outside as the field turned for home. He picked up some ground late to finish a close third. SHELLDOME galloped away and chased hard to tack onto the pack. She paced roughly again in the back straight and lost more ground. The early effort took a toll and she tired in the latter stages. MAGIC IN HER MOVES was third around the first corner but was retired from the trial shortly afterwards with a flat tyre.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.8 Final Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 2m, 1.5m
Trial 4: - DONTCH SEE IT showed good gate speed to lead and was untroubled throughout. He won comfortably from MAGIC IN HER MOVES, which settled five back on the markers and made up good ground out wide on the track in the final 600m. PUOPOLO finished third after trailing the leader throughout and FREDDY FUDPUCKER (4 back markers) was able to get past METRO PRINCESS (3 back markers) in the latter stages. KILLER DRAGON galloped badly at the start and was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.4 Final Half: - 59.8 Margins: - 5m, 9m
Trial 5: - METRO IMAGE began quickly to lead early before taking cover behind CASHWRANGS SMOKER with 1800m remaining. The field raced in single file with CASHWRANGS SMOKER leading from METRO IMAGE, CROWBAR JOHNSON, SMYNIC and MURRANJI TRACK settled at the tail of the field. CROWBAR JOHNSON was the first to leave the formation to give chase at the 600m with SMYNIC following. CASHWRANGS SMOKER had a very easy run in front however and he had a good kick left at the finish, sailing away to win comfortably. MURRANJI TRACK was still last on the home turn and was the widest runner as the field turned for home. He finished off well to finish second without being brilliant and finished in front of CROWBAR JOHNSON. METRO IMAGE was able to hold off SMYNIC to finish fourth.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.3 Final Half: - 59.8 Margins: - 10m, Nose.
MARYBOROUGH 14/07/19
Trial 1: - The very good trotter MAGICOOL is now with trainer Chris Svanosio and produced a great trotting display. He trailed the leader in a strong tempo and came to the outside on the home turn. He finished off too well to win with something in reserve. ANIMATED dropped out to last and moved up without cover from the 700m. He appeared to be labouring at the 500m but he lifted late to finish second. MY SKYPOCKET settled three back on the markers and found the line well for third. He also performed very well for a trotter taking on a handy group of pacers. TOP LLAMADA set up a solid tempo and tired late into fourth with TIME THIEF (4 back markers) being last of the five.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.0 Final Half: - 59.2 Margins: - 3m, 3m
BLACKBOOKER: - Magicool
Trial 2: - The handy 3yo trotter THE PENNY DROPS continued his preparation for the Redwood Carnival and perhaps a tilt at the Victoria Derby with another sound trial victory. He pushed across SIZZLIN to find the lead with NEPHEW OF SONOKO being third ahead of SOMEONES SINGING and DANNY ELLE. THE PENNY DROPS was unchallenged throughout and sprinted home too well to win comfortably. SIZZLIN finished second from NEPHEW OF SONOKO, which went to the line with something in reserve. SOMEONES SINGING and DANNY ELLE dropped off in the back straight on the final occasion with DANNY ELLE just getting passed SOMEONES SINGING on the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Final Half: - 59.5 Margins: - 6m, 4m
Trial 3: - SURBITON HARTBREAK (Courage Under Fire – Queena Harts Lombo placed $15,875) trailed the leader MAKE HASTE and came to the outside coming out of the back straight. He joined MAKE HASTE on the home turn and edged away in the straight. HARPOCRATES settled three back on the markers and remained on the inside before switching around the leading duo in the home straight. He worked home nicely once he got out into the open. MAKE HASTE dropped back to finish third.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.0 Final Half: - 58.8 Margins: - 4m, 4m
Trial 4: - SHES A HOVERCRAFT (Night of the Stars – De La Rosa 1.57.3, $25,078) settled four back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail behind RAPIDABILITY at the bell. She produced a solid finish to win the trial. LOVEN LAUGHTER trailed the early leader LA GIACONDA (Tiz A Masterpiece – Mumsthaword Lombo 2.0.9, $17,758) before taking over with a mile remaining. She finished second with the nicely bred pacer RAPIDABILITY (Art Major – Lombo Rapida 1.57.0, $792,477) finishing third but not without drama. She loomed up to win the trial but broke stride in the final 50m. She couldn’t find her feet just passed the winning post and came to grief. She did cross the line in third, well clear of LA GIACONDA.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.4 Final Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 4m, 20m
Trial 5: - ULTIMATE ME is a former New Zealander, which is now being prepared by Brent Lilley. He began quickly but couldn’t head off THIS IS BILL in the early stages so he angled in to trail the leader. RHYTHM AND GRACE (Mach Three – Rhythm of the Pride 1.57.6, $38,524) came to the outside from three back on the markers in the back straight and moved up to join THIS IS BILL, which allowed ULTIMATE ME to manoeuvre into the one out and one back trail. ULTIMATE ME got up on the line from RHYTHM AND GRACE after the pair had a good battle down the straight. RAANI (Changeover – Baracks Angel 1.57.4, $17,258) settled last of the six runners and gave away a big start. She was never asked for an effort at any stage and she still made up plenty of ground in the final 400m. MAJOR BANKS settled four back on the markers and finished fourth ahead of THIS IS BILL and SURBITON CHARDONNAY (Safari – Corksapoppin 2.3.0, $5,915) (5 back markers) was last of the six runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.8 Final Half: - 60.7 Margins: - Neck, 15m (approximately)
Trial 6: - The New Zealander LIBERTY STRIDE was brilliant in her runaway victory at Forbury Park prior to heading to Australia for a shot at the Victorian Derby. She put forward a top trotting display in her trial victory where she led throughout and scored by a large margin with seemingly plenty in reserve. SINGING THE GIRL trailed the leader throughout and held down second in front of FULL OF FIZZ, which settled three back on the markers. ZAREM settled down fourth and came out wide on the home bend. He did appear a chance of running into a place but he just failed to gun down FULL OF FIZZ in the latter stages. FLICK IT (Fling It – Sli Trix 2.4.0, $28,885) was last throughout and started losing ground with 700m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.9 Final Half: - 58.0 Margins: - 40m, 5m
BLACKBOOKER: - Liberty Stride
Trial 7: - RULES DON’T APPLY (Muscle Hill – Abandoned Annie 2.10.5, $5,388) galloped away and lost valuable ground. He was able to tack onto the leading group mid-race then moved forward into the death seat from the bell. He continued the forward move to hit the lead in the straight and held on to win but he was under a strong hold across the line. The time was slow but he appears to have some ability. GLENGARIFF (Imperial Count – Catchya Muscle) trailed the leader SELF EXCLUSION (Orlando Vici – The Sun Goddess) and finished off strongly in the final 50m. REIGNING LILLIES (Majestic Son – Four Lillies 1.59.6, $61,863) settled three back on the markers and dropped off a little in the latter stages while SU SU DUSTY (Amore Stride – Rustic Ellen) was slow to begin and was always detached, eventually galloping in the final circuit.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.3 Final Half: - 63.4 Margins: - Neck, 5m
Trial 8: - The former New Zealander VATICAN HILL led and set up a slow tempo but he easily held out the challenges of the more tightly assessed runners PRETTY LITTLE LUCY, which trailed the leader, and IMAHE MAN (3 back markers). He appears to have ability and is worth following. HIGHWAY HUNTSMAN (Yankee Spider – Coral Grace) galloped away from the standing start and was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.1 Final Half: - 60.6 Margins: - 5m, head.
MELTON 15/07/19
Trial 1: - Only two horses contested the opening trial with ZAMBA DEVILLE defeating CLASSY LOLA by a narrow margin in a slow mile rate of 2.10.1.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.1 Final Half: - 60.18 Margins: - Short ½ head
Trial 2: - COMANDANTE has only had the two starts to date and he was able to defeat two proven winners this season in DARING ANGEL and ROBLEN DANCER so he can improve on his record in the near future. There wasn’t much separating the leading trio with MARIACHI (Fling It – Golden Photo 2.5.3, $9,813) a large distance away in fourth position.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.0 Final Half: - 60.09 Margins: - 1/2neck, 2m
Trial 3: - THREE WAYS is ready to make his return to racing in the Our Maestro FFA at Melton on Saturday night and he shaped up well with an easy trial victory where he led throughout in reasonable time. FLESHING came from three back on the markers and was able to dash passed CHRISSY DIVINYL in the straight. SPIC AND SPARKLED was last of the four throughout and wanted to hang in at various stages of the trial.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.9 Final Half: - 57.08 Margins: - 17m, 37m
Trial 4: - MAJESTUOSO galloped momentarily at the start and settled down last of the four. He was giving the leader FEAR THE YANKEE a healthy start at the 800m but he sprinted quickly down the back straight and sustained the run to win the trial easily. FEAR THE YANKEE held down second from SUN BODY, which raced three back on the markers throughout. MAGICLASS (Majestic Son – Cookeyslass 2.4.1, $43,260) trailed the leader but began to yield ground from the 700m.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.9 Final Half: - 59.00 Margins: - 21.5m, 10m
Trial 5: - It was a slowly run trial with a quick dash up the straight and the final quarter of 28.2 seconds highlights the way the trial was run. ILLAWONG MUSTANG took out the event from the proven winner and nicely bred pacer ITS BEAUJOLAIS. NIKKI JO (Art Major – Celibacy), an unraced juvenile for trainer Andy Gath was third ahead of another qualifier in SOMEGLITZSOMEWHERE (Somebeachsomewhere – Glitterazzi), which stems from the same maternal family as the Miracle Mile winner Baby Bling along with the millionaire pacer Bling It On. LITTLEBITOFMAGIC (Art Major – Rocknroll Magic 1.54.5, $466,183) is out of a top race mare and finished fifth ahead of MILLIE THE FILLIE and TISEH MURRAY.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.0 Final Half: - 58.09 Margins: - 1.5m, 8.5m
Trial 6: - The Inter Dominion champion TORNADO VALLEY shaped up nicely for his first up performance in the Group 3 Touch Merchant FFA on Saturday night with a victory against the pacers. He dashed home in a quick final half and defeated THE REAL AFFAIR and FIRE SAFE, which has won at his past four attempts, was third. KELLYS IDEAL was beaten by a fair distance and was last of the four.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Final Half: - 57.77 Margins: - 1.5m, 6m
Trial 7: - THEULTIMATE (Art Major – Salix 2.1.5, $2,400) is an unraced juvenile for trainer John Yeomans. She is a half sister to the tough performer Ultimate Art (1.50.3) and she won the trial easily. SHESA POCKETROCKET (Art Major – It’s Girl Power 1.57.5, $51,695) finished off solidly to be placed in a trial several weeks ago and did well again to run second. She used the trial as a lead up to her debut effort in the Group 2 Australian Gold Championship at Melton on Saturday. PROMISE ME HEAVEN galloped at her debut but she has shown promise at the trials and finished third ahead of SPORTY FRANK (Sportswriter – Racquel Franco) and GEE SMITH (Sportswriter – Our Burning Desire 1.55.9, $81,250). MAJOR MAL finished last of the six runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.7 Final Half: - 57.42 Margins: - 14.5m, 4.5m
Trial 8: - It was only a small field to complete the eight trials with TREVEAN just getting the better of ILLAWONG GERRY in a close finish. The Kari Males trained pacer DEAL BREAKER (Million Dollar Cam – Tapiocasal 2.0.3, $49,955) was the only unraced horse competing and he is still learning. He finished last of the three some four lengths from the winner.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Final Half: - 59.56 Margins: - 1/2head, 13.5m
BALLARAT 16/07/19
Trial 1: - IOLANTA led throughout to win the opening trial from DO NOT SURRENDER (Bettors Delight – Top Tempo 1.59.5, $225,513), which raced three back on the markers before moving up without cover at the 700m. The final half was recorded in a very fast 55.2 seconds so both horses performed nicely. CAN’T TOP THIS (Rock N Roll Heaven – Tamara Hall) followed DO NOT SURRENDER throughout and came out three horses wide from the one out and one back trail in the straight. He also performed soundly and without being pushed in the latter stages. CELEBRITY CHEF trailed the leader and dropped off in the final 150m to finish fourth. SUMMERTIME and JULIETS BALCONY (McCardle – Natashas Rose) were fifth and sixth throughout in what could turn out to be a strong trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.9 Final Half: - 55.2 Margins: - 2m, 2m
BLACKBOOKER: - Do Not Surrender
Trial 2: - GO IN STYLE trailed the leader LUVHAVINFUN throughout and quickly pounced turning for home. He boomed away to win the trial impressively. LUVHAVINFUN finished second, well clear of LUVTOO and REJUVENATE was last of the four throughout, losing ground in the back straight on the final occasion.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.1 Final Half: - 57.8 Margins: - 12m, 12m
Trial 3: - OUR MILLIONAIRE hasn’t raced since a New South Wales Derby campaign where he failed to make the Final but won a race at Newcastle before heading home. He led throughout and never looked in danger of defeat. LUVERBOY trailed the leader throughout and it appeared he would be beaten by a large margin but he did well to rally late. THE REGULATOR (Village Jasper – Regulatory Affair) was last of the three throughout and started yielding ground from the 700m.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.2 Final Half: - 56.0 Margins: - 10m, 150m
Trial 4: - THAT’S PERFECT led throughout to win the trial by a large margin. He set up a slow tempo early but he dashed home in a quick final half of 56.4 seconds. GOODTIME RUSTY settled last of the three and was able to work passed NO BETTERTIME in the final stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.7 Final Half: - 56.4 Margins: - 12m, 4m
Trial 5: - BORN TO ROCKNROLL raced three back on the markers and came to the outside on the home turn. He produced a big finish to win impressively. LOOKOFALEGEND came from last of the four and was the widest runner turning for home. He just grabbed second in front of DELIGHT ME, which trailed the leader and was held up for a run at a vital stage. SOHO TRIBECA enjoyed a nice run in front but unfortunately the star pacer was overtaken in the final 150m and finished last of the four.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.7 Final Half: - 57.0 Margins: - 5m, Head
Trial 6: - READYFORACTION broke stride and was stood down to trial at his latest racetrack appearance. He did everything right in the trial, leading throughout but there was never any pressure applied. NORQUAY finished last of the two after trailing the leader throughout and coming to the outside with just 100m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.4 Final Half: - 61.7 Margins: - 3m
Trial 7: - STRAZEELE stepped away sharply from the handicap of 30m and led the two juvenile trotters before the first turn. He rolled along at a genuine tempo and was left a long way clear on the home turn when AVIMORE galloped. AVIMORE finished second and was chasing hard before breaking stride. GERRON stepped away reasonably well from the standing start but galloped shortly afterwards and was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.2 Final Half: - 62.0 Margins: - 60m, 40
Blackbook Runners
Allshookup
Bee Gee Cee
Bettorz Beach
Cloudlet
Do Not Surrender
Fend Off
Have Ago Joe
Iconic Major
Iolanta
King Of Rock
Kraze
Liberty Stride
Magicool
Pin Stripes
Raani
Rocknroll Icon
Van Sank
Zoeys Gift