Craig Rail has made some adjustments to his Trial File Black Book (full details at the bottom of the article) and provided his weekly detailed report on all Victorian trials to help punters find a winner.
SHEPPARTON 29/09/19
Trial 1: - SPRING DELIGHT was expertly driven to angle onto the markers behind the early leader BRAD CULLEN around the first corner. He ended up being three back on the markers when BRAD CULLEN took cover behind STAR DREAM at the 1600m mark but he launched a winning claim from the quarter pole. He may have been a little lazy when he got to the front but he edged clear at the finish. THATSMEINTHECORNER settled four back on the markers and worked home for second in front of BRAD CULLEN, which after using some energy in the early stages, moved to the death seat at the 600m mark. SASSCILIAN (Maffioso – Sass and Bling) came from last and was able to pick up SKY CHICKA (Elsu – Chicka Chicka 1.59.1, $22,017) and STAR DREAM.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.9 Final Half: - 59.5 Margins: - 4m, 5m
Trial 2: - SAN CARLO was making his return after completing the Mildura Cup and the Warragul Cup double at the end of his preparation in April. He was very keen and under restraint in the early stages but eventually worked passed SHAKAHARI with a mile remaining. SHAKAHARI switched back into the sprint lane and was game in the latter stages to get up and defeat SAN CARLO but Rebecca Bartley still had a very strong hold on the outstanding pacer in the run to the finish. LORNE BEACH began quickly to find the markers first then was shuffled back when SHAKAHARI and SAN CARLO took over. She finished third ahead of COURAGEOUS LEO, which came from last of the five and edged passed ALWAYS GRINNING in the home straight.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.0 Final Half: - 57.6 Margins: - Head, 5m
Trial 3: - GOLDEN SPURS pushed forward to lead shortly after the start and was always in control. He was extending his lead approaching the home turn before OHNO COMMANDO galloped, which left him a long way clear. He continued to run up the straight and scored by 80m. SHAKAMOND was slowly away and settled in third position but some distance away from the leading duo. He did his own thing in the trial and was never extended, getting passed OHNO COMMANDO when it galloped approaching the home turn. YENTLS GOLDFINGER (Yentls Star – Gondoland) galloped at the start and was always tailed off.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.0 Final Half: - 59.9 Margins: - 80m, 15m
Trial 4: - ROCKINFEELGOOD is a former New South Wales trained pacer, which has joined trainer Laura Crossland. She settled last of the main group (6 back markers) and was the widest runner on the home turn before unleashing a strong finishing burst to score. INTEREST ME settled three back on the markers and gained a run along the sprint lane. She pushed through nicely but ROCKINFEELGOOD was a little too quick in the run to the finish. MONASH pushed forward to find the lead shortly after the start before taking cover. He worked home nicely in the latter stages to finish third without really being pushed. EL BANCO led out then took cover and pushed to the lead again at the 1500m mark. He was gunned down late but wasn’t far away in fourth position. THE DIAMOND KING settled five back on the markers and moved up without cover with 700m remaining. He finished fifth in front of I AM SPEED and KALARNEY HEIDI lost all chance after galloping at the start.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.1 Final Half: - 58.3 Margins: - Head, 1m
BLACKBOOKER: - ROCKINFEELGOOD
Trial 5: - STARLIGHT RED stepped away nicely from the standing start to lead from ANTIGONUS (Yankee Spider – Golden Antigone) and ITSARAPT. The trio remained in the same order until ITSARAPT came away from the markers at the quarter pole. It appeared as though ITSARAPT was going to coast to victory but STARLIGHT RED was able to kick back on the inside and score. ITSARAPT did have something in reserve in the run to the finish. ANTIGONUS lost his chance after breaking stride in the early stages of the home straight.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.5 Final Half: - 60.9 Margins: - 1.5m, 20m
WARRAGUL 31/08/19
Trial 1: - LAKEY LOU (Devilish Smile – Hilton Dream 2.1.6, $38,269) led and copped some pressure from MIDNIGHT RATTLER after he moved away from behind the leader to park without cover at the bell. LAKEY LOU shook off that challenge and got away on the final turn before getting a little tired late and just holding off the challengers. CALL ME HENRY (Major Bronski – Forza Force) settled four back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell. He dropped off a little in the back straight but rallied late and just failed to overhaul the leader. GANGSTA OF LOVE was three back on the markers then manoeuvred through to trail the leader when all of the moves commenced with a lap remaining. He finished third in front of the trotter ALL OVER THE STARS, which was slowly away but ended up being five back on the markers. MIDNIGHT RATTLER was second on the turn but tired in the straight and beat home DIAMANTINA (A Rocknroll Dance – Mach Class 1.56.6, $34,500), which galloped at the start. SAUCEY LITTLE MEL (Modern Art – Saucey) finished last after racing greenly when without cover and restraining back to be last of the main group during the middle stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.8 Final Half: - 61.2 Margins: - Nose, 2m
MARYBOROUGH 01/09/19
Trial 1: - The former New South Wales trained pacer ATTACKNRHYTHM has joined trainer Noela Kraft and held off the challenge of FRANCO JOLTO in a field of just two runners. FRANCO JOLTO eased in behind at the start but couldn’t peg back the leader in the straight.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.7 Final Half: - 58.1 Margin: - Head
Trial 2: - MYSTIC CHIP trailed the leader for the majority of the trial and came to the outside on the home turn. He zoomed away to win with something in reserve. DEALERS KNOCK pulled his way to the lead and was on a tight rein throughout, which may have been detrimental to his finishing kick. He held onto second from DOWNUNDER BARKERS, which was without cover for most of the first lap before angling onto the markers to be three back. WHIRILY ROLLS (Roll With Joe – Formalize) was three back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail then was left without cover when MAORISHADOW galloped for a second time. MAORISHADOW got in to trail the leader on the first bend then galloped and lost 50m. He was able to utilize the very slow early tempo to tack on and move up without cover but galloped again at the same point and lost his chance.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.2 Final Half: - 61.3 Margins: - 10m, Neck
Trial 3: - EL BOSTON (Union Guy – Flip Miss) pushed forward to find the lead shortly after the start and set up a slow tempo. He was quite impressive in the final stages however as he raced clear in the run to the finish and recorded a quick final half of 55.8 seconds. COMMON COURTESY led and raced a little keenly early but seemed to settle better once he gained cover. He came to the outside with 500m remaining but was no match for EL BOSTON during the latter stages. GILTY BY THE BEACH (Somebeachsomewhere – Gilt Bromac 1.55.4, $199,069) is a nicely bred gelding, which settled last of the four runners and was the first to make a move at the 700m mark. He gained a one out and one back trail shortly afterwards and tried hard in the straight. SOHO SENNA finished last after racing three back on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.1 Final Half: - 55.8 Margins: - 6m, 8m
BLACKBOOKER: - EL BOSTON
Trial 4: - ALEPPO MURPHY stepped away steadily from his handicap of 50m before taking his time to tack onto the leading division. He then took advantage of the leader ORPHAN CODY (Grinfromeartoear – Can Y Gwent 1.59.8, $21,055) racing very greenly coming up to the bell lap and zipped around to find the front. Once in the lead, ALEPPO MURPHY was always in full control. ORPHAN CODY finished second after setting up the slow pace early. He lugged out and ran off the track with 1200m remaining but seemed to travel a better when he was following ALEPPO MURPHY. CHARLIE WALKER (Louey Louey Louey – Telern Tilly 2.6.3, $40,791) finished third after being three back on the markers and JEDSTAR (Imperial Count – Tangalan Jack 2.5.6, $43,090) came to the outside from last at the 600m mark but remained at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.5 Final Half: - Not given Margins: - 10m, 4m
KYABRAM 01/09/19
Trial 1: - AMARANDA has been unplaced in 12 starts since a second at Birchip in March but she might be returning into some form with an easy trial victory. INPHILTRATE (Blissfull Hall – Ceratophylla 1.58.1, $78,410) has had an extensive trial campaign leading up to his debut and finished second ahead of THE DRUMMER BOY, which has only faced the starter once. MISS METRO came in last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.1 Final Half: - 63.1 Margins: - 8m, 20m
Trial 2: - OUR SUMMER BAY is a strong mare and boasts a good record. She hasn’t started since May but she was clearly the class runner of the trial and she won by a comfortable margin. The trotter BACARDI WOOD finished second ahead of WENTHESTARZZZALINE, which made an error at his latest race track performance. MARKLEIGH ARCH (Western Terror – Markleigh Princess 1.59.9, $27,150) is related to three winners including Markleigh Jill ($45,966) and Markleigh Caz (1.56.8). He finished last of the four but he was an unraced qualifier taking on three horses that have all won races previously.
Mile Rate: - Not given Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - 10m, 20m
GEELONG 02/09/19
Trial 1: - REACTOR FACTOR (Auckland Reactor – Chloes Courage 1.58.2, $26,371) raced without cover throughout and proved superior in the run to the judge. ALLGOOD BABE gained the perfect run behind the winner and loomed as a good chance on the home turn but couldn’t sustain the run. STEELY BLUE settled three back on the markers and was able to work out wide on the track on the home turn. He did his best work late and just failed to snare second. SUMO GRIN settled sixth on the outside (1-2) and worked passed the tiring leader IZA SPORTZ STARZZZ (Sportswriter – Polite Lee) with POLANDIE (trailed leader) finishing in last position
Mile Rate: - 2.4.0 Final Half: - 59.5 Margins: - 3m, head
Trial 2: - SMALL TOWN led out and repelled an early challenge from JILLIBY SHANIA, which took cover shortly afterwards. At the 1400m mark, JILLIBY SHANIA made another bid for the front, which was successful. On the home turn JILLIBY SHANIA rolled out a little and SMALL TOWN switched back to the sprint lane. It took him a while to hit top gear but he eventually got the better of JILLIBY SHANIA in the latter stages. MAJESTIC CRUISER was a close up third. He settled four back on the markers and gained a one out and one back trail behind RULE OF THUMB at the half mile marker. He switched back to the markers when MACELLI (3 back markers) began to hang out and yield ground. He then dropped into the sprint lane and finished off nicely. RULE OF THUMB moved up without cover from last at the 800m and finished fourth with MACELLI being a distant last of the five.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.0 Final Half: - 57.1 Margins: - 1m, 1m
Trial 3: - PROSTHESIS was the only trotter in the field and he was able to get up and defeat the pacers. He settled five back on the markers and gained a one out and one back trail behind JEMSTONE GLORY from the 600m. He finished off boldly to win with seemingly plenty in reserve. ILLAWONG MUSTANG finished second after setting the speed but he also appeared to have something left in the tank. JEMSTONE GLORY (Stonebridge Regal – Jemas Glory 1.58.7, $72,972) settled four back on the inside and moved up without cover in the back straight on the final occasion. She finished third ahead of PIPPO NIEN (Village Jasper – Ella Jane), which trailed the leader and SHADY CREDIT (Shadyshark Hanover – Total Credits) was last of the five runners after racing three back on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.6 Final Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 1m, 1m
Trial 4: - CHAMPAGNE PRINCE is a pacing bred former New Zealand trotter for trainer Jess Tubbs and even though he recorded a slow mile rate, he appeared to be quite impressive. He showed very good gate speed to lead comfortably and he was untouched going to the line. CLOVER LOU settled three back on the markers and moved up without cover just after the bell sounded. She trotted a little roughly approaching the home turn but got to the line nicely without being pushed. PEEL MY GRAPES galloped at the start and lost 25m. He followed up behind CLOVER LOU in the final circuit and finished third. REINSTATED (I’m Stately – Slowly Does It 2.6.0, $10,400) trailed the leader but galloped on the home turn and lost his chance.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.3 Final Half: - 59.5 Margins: - 4m, 10m
BLACKBOOKER: - CHAMPAGNE PRINCE
Trial 5: - All of the five trotters stepped away safely from the standing start but ENTICING SMILE appeared to lose concentration and his trotting gait shortly after the release point and was tailed off thereafter. KEAYANG YANKEE trailed the leader I CHOOSE (Bacardi Lindy – Joyces Choice 2.11.2, $4,215) in the first circuit prior to making a move approaching the bell lap. He found the lead and was able to extend his margin when I CHOOSE galloped at the half mile marker. KEAYANG YANKEE kept the momentum going and recorded a slippery final half on his way to a runaway victory. RUM AN ROYAL settled four back on the markers and ran into a distant second in front of NORMANDY BELLE (Ready Cash – Bella Cheval 2.1.7, $38,638), which was one position ahead of him in the run. I CHOOSE beat ENTICING SMILE to the line but was a large distance away from the place getters.
Mile Rate: - 2.12.4 Final Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 40m, 3m
MILDURA 02/09/19
Trial 1: - PASSIONATE PURSUIT settled three back on the markers and moved up without cover from the 600m mark. She got the better of the leader THE VERGINIAN in the straight and edged clear to win by about a length. THE VERGINIAN held down second in front of KEAYANG SANDY, which was slow to begin and settled ten metres behind the second last horse. She couldn’t hold the back of PASSIONATE PURSUIT in the back straight but was able to rally late. MISS SUGARANDSPICE wasn’t far away from the winner but finished last of the four runners after trailing the leader.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.0 Final Half: - 60.3 Margins: - 2.5m, 6m (approximately)
Trial 2: - RHYFLECTIVE showed very good gate speed to lead comfortably. DISTINCTION gained the trail behind the leader with SYSTAMATIC in the death seat and BELLA CULLEN trailing in the one out and one back position. RHYFLECTIVE continued to lead into the straight with BELLA CULLEN launching a claim. BELLA CULLEN chipped away in the straight but just failed to overhaul the leader. SYSTAMATIC battled on reasonably well for third with DISTINCTION finishing last of the four after yielding ground just before the home turn.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Final Half: - 59.9 Margins: - Short ½ Head, 10m.
KILMORE 03/09/19
Trial 1: - HURRICANE HALL showed brilliant gate speed to lead by a large margin and continued to run along at a genuine tempo. He coasted down to the line to win comfortably. IM THE MIGHTYGRAMPS settled down fourth but was quick to dash around into second in the back straight on the first occasion. He did a lot of chasing to catch up to the dominant leader and was still trying hard at the finish. He ran a brave second and was a long way clear of WENTHESTARZZZALINE, which was a distant third for the majority of the trial. IN A SPIN (Blissfull Hall – Foreverdancing) galloped momentarily in the score up and was out of position at the start by nearly two lengths. She settled in fifth position and just failed to grab WENTHESTARZZZALINE in the latter stages. THE NEPTUNE KID was in fourth position but struck trouble with 500m remaining. He beat ENROLLED to the post after ENROLLED galloped at the start losing all chance.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.9 Final Half: - 60.0 Margins: - 5m, 50m
Trial 2: - BLISSFULL MIND settled four back on the markers and moved out wide on the track as the field turned around the final corner. He finished fast and got up to win with seemingly something in hand. TRYNA PORTRAY settled three back on the markers and moved through to trail the leader in the back straight on the final occasion. She used the sprint lane and appeared to be the winner in the straight until BLISSFULL MIND arrived on the scene out wide on the track. NO ALABI was headed off by TIME TRAVELLER at the start but was quick to move around into the lead on the first corner. TIME TRAVELLER moved away from the markers at the 600m mark and went on the attack. NO ALABI was able to shake off TIME TRAVELLER’s challenge before being gunned down late but he did go down fighting. MYGOLDENGRINNER settled last of the five runners and picked up the tiring TIME TRAVELLER in the final 100m.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.7 Final Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 1m, 1/2head
Trial 3: - TIP TOP GRANDPA (Aldebaran Yankee – Tip Top Winner) began quickly to lead and set up a slow tempo. He darted clear on the home turn and won by a widening margin of 25m with his ears pricked on the line. He will need to go faster than a mile rate of 2.14.8 at the races but he did extend nicely in the straight. ALDEBARAN TIPPETT (Andover Hall – Maori Road) settled last of the four competitive horses and came wide into the straight to pick up second place. ALDEBARAN JETHRO (Andover Hall – Bromac Aldebaran) settled behind the leader and came to the outside at the 600m mark. He battled into third with OHNO COMMANDO in fourth after being three back on the markers for the majority of the trial. KYVALLEY KYRIE was on her worst behaviour. She galloped at the start and on numerous occasions throughout the trial so she was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.14.8 Final Half: - 61.8 Margins: - 25m, 4m
Trial 4: - ITS ELVIS began brilliantly from behind the tapes and led easily. He was unchallenged throughout and was able to win without being extended. BELLES SON trotted away from the mark but was very slow early and lost approximately 30m. He steadily picked up ground and finished second without being pushed. TILLY TIME trailed the leader and was going to run second but galloped approaching the home turn. She beat home SAN SEVERO, which galloped at the start and was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.6 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 15m, 70m
Current Craig Rail Trial File Black Book
APOLOGIZE
ARDEN VOYAGER
CHAMPAGNE PRINCE NZ
CROCKROCK
EL BOSTON
HAVE AGO JOE
ILLAWONG CLASS
LONGNWINDINGROAD
MONGIANA
PAY RISE
PIN STRIPES
PRETTYLILANGUS
QUEEN OF DIAMONDS
RHYTHM AND GRACE
ROCKINFEELGOOD
TRADE WHISPERS
VAN SANK
WILLEM