A handful of trialists reinforced their good names with an hour of power at Melton on Monday that has plumped the Blackbook.

Susan Is Her Name was the first to lob with a stunner in trial six, delivering a "brilliant performance" to win by nearly 50 metres.

Her first start since winning a Breeders Crown for Emma Stewart last November, she seems set to be a significant player in the forthcoming trotting features after bristling home in a 57.7-second last half.

She preceded a series of Blackbook worthy performances. City Nights, Tweedledee and Bollinger also let down with eye-catching displays at Melton, which has made them ones to follow in coming weeks.

Their replays and trial comments are below, scroll to the bottom for the updated Blackbook.

 

SHEPPARTON 03/08/23

Trial 1: - HES LETHAL was three back on the inside before working around to find the lead with a mile remaining. He ran along at a good tempo and was untroubled in scoring so it shouldn’t be long before he records his maiden success. He is meeting a couple of handy performers at Kilmore on Sunday. ALL ITTOOK trailed the leader early, ended up being three back on the markers and made his move from the 600m mark. He finished second with MY FOUR SISTERS picking up good ground from last to finish up in third.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.6                           Last Half: - 57.9                        Margins: - 10m, 5m

Trial 3: - CURLY JAMES showed very good gate speed to lead and set up a genuine tempo. He remained strong at the finish and scored by a comfortable margin. He hasn’t raced since finishing fourth in the Mildura Cup in April. JACKSBOY trailed the leader and tried very hard in the straight. It was a good performance considering he has a National Rating of 53 with the winner’s rating being 96! BUDD SIDEWINDER settled down last of the four runners and picked up ROCKNROLL TALLARA in the straight.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.0                         Last Half: - 57.3                        Margins: - 5m, 15m

Trial 5: - SEBASTIANS BOY was given plenty of time to balance up early and settled last of the four runners. He came away from the markers at the 500m mark and produced a big finish so it was a very good effort to defeat the pacers. BE A GOOD SCOUT attempted to lead throughout and finished in second with WILLOFTHEWISP (trailed leader) being third after pulling hard in the run. VIOLET STANFORD settled three back on the markers and never peeled to the outside at any stage. The juvenile trotter appeared to have something in reserve at the finish.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.2                           Last Half: - 59.2                        Margins: - Head, 6m

 

MARYBOROUGH 06/08/23

Trial 2: - BELLE NEIGE appeared to be travelling like a winner when on debut but got it all wrong on the home turn and eventually galloped. She was stood down to trial and was able to re-qualify with a soft trial win. She was three back on the markers before moving through to trail the leader at the 1200m mark and wanted to race fiercely. She came to the outside at the 700m and went on to win the trial with something in reserve. She is a strong winning chance in the Nutrien Equine Classic for the 3yo Fillies at Bendigo tonight. BLACKRANGE GLORY was without cover early before progressing forward to find the lead. He held down second just in front of SALSKI, which used the sprint lane from three back on the markers. BLACKRANGE GLORY followed with a close second at Echuca on Thursday night.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.0                           Last Half: - 59.7                        Margins: - 3m, 1m

Trial 3: - MOONWALKA trailed the leader DEALERS KNOCK, came to the outside at the 300m and finished off best to win clearly. DEALERS KNOCK raced fiercely in the leading role and finished second with the run of the trial being produced by the third placed IZARRA, which galloped at the start and came from tailed off to finish in third position. IZARRA is racing in the Nutrien Classic Final at Bendigo this evening and is a knockout chance if she does everything right. The form line is also strong considering DEALERS KNOCK backed up with a victory at Echuca on Thursday night.  

Mile Rate: - 2.2.8                           Last Half: - 59.3                        Margins: - 12m, 15m

Trial 4: - ALPHA STRIDE is a juvenile colt by Captaintreacherous out of the classy mare Tintinara (1.52.3, $121,453). He led out before taking cover at the mile marker then started his winning move on the home turn. MAYWYN BONTON BOY progressed forward to find the lead after being left without cover early, set up a reasonable tempo and was run down on the line. He makes his debut at Mildura this afternoon and must be considered as a winning chance.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.3                           Last Half: - 58.8                        Margins: - Head, 3m

 

KYABRAM 06/08/23

Trial 1: - The trotting mare THE GIRLS GOTFLAIR was able to take out the only trial at Kyabram. She hasn’t started since a third at Echuca in June but was able to beat the pacers by a comfortable margin. CROCODILE BLOOD is an unraced gelding for trainer Noel Tyndall and finished in second just in front of another unraced pacer in SKINNY HORACE, which is a gelding by Lanercost.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.0                           Last Half: - 60.7                        Margins: - 3m, 1m

 

MILDURA 07/08/23

Trial 1: - CAULONIA TERROR was able to build some confidence leading up to his performance against the open class pacers at Mildura this afternoon with a trial victory over GRACIE CULLEN. He was without cover early, eased to be four back on the markers and moved into the running lane (1-2) at the 500m before making his winning move. GRACIE CULLEN was four back on the inside then three back and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 500m. She travelled keenly throughout and went down by a narrow margin. She is also competing at Mildura today but is poorly drawn. LOSEASHOE had a decent crack for the lead early, took cover at the 1700m and tried hard for third spot.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.2                           Last Half: - 60.4                        Margins: - Head, 18m

Trial 2: - TACT FERGIE NZ prepared for his performance at Mildura this afternoon with an all of the way victory. He ran along at a good tempo and never looked in any danger of defeat. GOJOE chased hard after trailing the leader throughout and the first pair finished well clear of HESASTAR (3 back markers) and ONLINE MODEL (4 back markers). GOJOE and ONLINE MODEL are also competing at Mildura this afternoon.  

Mile Rate: - 2.2.3                           Last Half: - 59.0                        Margins: - 2m, 15m

Trial 3: - TREACHEROUS SAINT began quickly to find the lead and was able to dash home in a reasonable last half to gain the prize. ROJENBYE settled last of the five runners, gained a terrific run through approaching the home turn then left the markers when straightening for home. He battled on fairly well for second with ROLL WITH RON being third across the line after trailing the leader throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.2                           Last Half: - 59.0                        Margins: - 5m, 3m

Trial 4: - ROSE NOIRE NZ is a former New Zealand pacer, which joins trainer Aaron Coad. She settled down last, was held up for a run at a vital stage and produced a big finish to score impressively. She is still a maiden but there is a good chance she will be breaking through for a win in the near future. MISS ARTEMIS battled on strongly after racing without cover throughout to finish second ahead of HIGHWAY WRITER, which trailed the leader for the duration.

Mile Rate: - 2.9.2                           Last Half: - 60.1                        Margins: - 1m, 3m

BLACKBOOKER: - Rose Noire NZ

Trial 5: - OUR MASTER PLAY began swiftly to find the lead and set up a slow tempo. He appeared to be very sharp at the finish and cruised down to the line to record a victory. ITSALLABOUTNED trailed the leader throughout and finished second with HUNGRY HOGARTH (3 back markers) being in third after making a move from the 500m. BREWSKI settled four back on the markers and finished fourth with TREACHEROUS HEART being in fifth after being severely checked by the galloping JUSTUNDERTHELIMIT with 700m remaining. The horses that finished second, third, fourth and fifth are all competing at Mildura this afternoon.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.4                           Last Half: - 61.1                        Margins: - 6m, 1m

Trial 6: - PINKIE PROMISE trailed the leader and came to the outside at the 400m mark. She got home best to defeat the early leader WOODY NIGHTSHADE with BILUM coming from four back on the markers to pick up third spot. WOODY NIGHTSHADE is awkwardly drawn for his performance at Mildura this afternoon.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.9                           Last Half: - 61.1                        Margins: - 2m,8m

Trial 7: - WAITPINGA HERITAGE is a handy former South Australian pacer, which joins trainer Luke Watson. He was three back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail at the half mile marker and produced a big finish to score comfortably over AUCKLAND LASS, which had little luck after being without cover early, restraining to four back on the markers then moving up without cover again with 800m remaining. UNETHICAL prepared for her first up performance this afternoon with a third placed effort after trying to lead throughout. SOCIAL WRITER picked up a lot of ground after galloping at the start and losing valuable ground early. The second placed runner AUCKLAND LASS is also competing at Mildura this afternoon.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.1                           Last Half: - 59.6                        Margins: - 15m, Head

Trial 8: - MARTHA LAVINIA was without cover early, progressed forward to find the lead at the 1600m and proved to be too strong at the finish. OUTA CONTROL trailed the leader early, ended up being three back on the markers and came out three horses wide on the home turn. He finished second ahead of the trotter SHEZAGEM, which led out then took cover. Both MARTHA LAVINIA and OUTA CONTROL are competing at Mildura this afternoon.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.4                           Last Half: - 60.7                        Margins: - 1.5m, 4m

 

MELTON 07/08/23

Trial 3: - STORMRYDER hasn’t raced since finishing second in the Gold Bullion Final in April. He led throughout to defeat a very strong line up and appeared to have plenty in reserve so he looks to have a promising campaign ahead. WAR DAN BUDDY beat STORMRYDER in the Gold Bullion and lost no admirers in his trial second. He was three back on the markers, made a move at the 600m and picked up ground in sizzling final sectionals. SOHO CASINO ROYALE was the only horse competing in the trial that hasn’t raced previously so his effort to made up ground from four back on the markers and run into third was excellent so he is worth following.

Mile Rate: - 1.58.3                         Last Half: - 56.09       Margins: - 4m, 7m

Trial 5: - The open class trial assembled a cracking field and it turned out to be a competitive affair. ACT NOW showed brilliant gate speed from the extreme draw to find the lead and ran along at a strong tempo. He kept on kicking over the concluding stages and was able to hold off his rivals to score. ROCK N ROLL DOO NZ produced an outstanding run to finish second and by all indications from his trial efforts, he is right back to his best form. He settled down six back on the markers, moved up without cover from the 700m and sustained a strong run in brilliant final sectionals (54.48, 26.74) to go down by a narrow margin. PACIFICO DREAM finished third after trailing the leader and using the sprint lane with TAY TAY being in fourth after following ROCK N ROLL DOO NZ throughout. PETILLANTE (3 back markers) was fifth ahead of DISTRICT ATTORNEY (5 back markers) and BLITZERN (4 back markers).

Mile Rate: - 1.54.9                         Last Half: - 54.48       Margins: - Head, 3.5m

Trial 6: - SUSAN IS HER NAME delivered a brilliant performance to win her trial by nearly fifty metres! She led throughout, ran along at a genuine tempo and motored away over the concluding stages. She hasn’t raced since winning the Breeders Crown in November but she appears to be right at her best looming up to the business end of the season. SOSO MAJESTIC trailed the leader and finished a distant second with SHAQ THE ANVIL working into third from four back on the markers. EXALTED was doing her best work at the end to finish in fourth spot.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.7                           Last Half: - 57.74       Margins: - 47.5m, 3m

BLACKBOOKER: - Susan Is Her Name

Trial 8: - CITY NIGHTS is an unraced 3yo filly and she was taking on proven winners so it was a very tidy performance to win her trial. She was three back on the markers, moved to the outside with 300m remaining and finished best to get the prize. She is by Trixton out of the fast Italian bred mare My Tribeca (1.57.5, $118,648) so she appears to have a promising future. MAJESTIC MOVER trailed the leader DA PREZ and used the sprint lane to finish second. CHAMPAGNE CHARLEY delivered a big performance to fill third spot after galloping at the start and losing approximately fifty metres. The early leader DA PREZ was fourth across the line after galloping with 150m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.0                           Last Half: - 60.0                        Margins: - 1.5m, ½ head

BLACKBOOKER: - City Nights

Trial 10: - TWEEDLEDEE NZ is a former New Zealand pacer that joins trainer Andy Gath. In New Zealand, he was starting off big handicaps in handy grade but he did possess a powerful finishing burst. He was impressive at his trial victory as he led throughout and finished off in a slick last quarter of 28.0 seconds. Adding to the importance of the trial win was the fact he had the lowest National Rating of those competing so he appears to be a winner in the near future. HARRY STAMPER NZ settled three back on the inside, trailed the leader on the home turn and used the sprint lane to fill second place. COPACABANA trailed the leader and came away from the inside approaching the home turn. She finished third with VISIONARY making up ground from last of the five runners in the latter stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.3                           Last Half: - 57.98       Margins: - 4.5m, 2m

BLACKBOOKER: - Tweedledee NZ

Trial 11: - SOHO SERAPHINE began very quickly to find the lead and ran along at a genuine tempo. She was able to hold off her rivals to win nicely. The eye-catching run of the trials came from BOLLINGER NZ. He finished eighth on his Australian debut in June then was spelled. He settled last of the six runners, waited for the sprint lane and finished very quickly in slick final sectionals to be beaten less than a length. He has ability and is worth following. HITTHEROADJACK NZ trailed the leader and came to the outside with 300m remaining. He finished third with VINCENZINA being in fourth after settling three back on the inside.

Mile Rate: - 1.57.2                         Last Half: - 56.81       Margins: - 2.5m, neck

BLACKBOOKER: - Bollinger NZ

Trial 12: - PERFECT CLASS led out, took a trail at the 1600m and made his winning move from the quarter pole. He boasts a handy strike rate and should continue to build on his impressive record. MAJOR FIRE NZ settled four back on the inside, came out wide on the track from the 400m and finished quickly for a game second. She remains undefeated in four Australian starts and should continue to do well. She returns from a spell at Kilmore on Sunday. COMPETE was without cover early before pushing forward to find the lead at the mile marker. He was third and finished ahead of DUFFY HOLLOW NZ, which settled three back on the inside.

Mile Rate: - 1.57.5                         Last Half: - Not Given             Margins: - 2.5m, Nose

 

KILMORE 09/08/23

Trial 2: - ALDEBARAN CAMPBELL is a gelding by Muscle Hill out of the American bred mare Aldebaran Turnpike (1.59.6, $20,625), which won five races in Victoria for Chris Lang. He progressed forward to find the lead at the mile marker and went on to record a comfortable victory. He will make his debut at Kilmore on Sunday night. ALEPPO RAIN led out then took cover and finished in second with STARTLING coming from four back on the markers to fill third spot. STARTLING will also make her debut at Kilmore on the weekend.  

Mile Rate: - 2.7.0                           Last Half: - 62.5                        Margins: - 6m, ½ head

Trial 3: - SON OF THE SHARK has performed better at the trials than he has at the races thus far but he shows enough ability to turn that statistic around. He was stood down to trial after galloping last outing and bounced back with an easy victory. He settled three back on the markers, moved around to find the lead at the 1100m and completely dominated his rivals to win by twenty-five metres. HEAVENS GIFT came from last of the four runners to pick up second place and ALLFORSHOW was third after being behind the leader before being shuffled to three back on the inside.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.9                           Last Half: - 61.3                        Margins: - 25m, 1m

 

STAWELL 10/08/23

Trial 1: - The handy juvenile trotter CENTURION DREAM won the pre meeting trial at Stawell. She uncharacteristically galloped at Kilmore last outing but has performed very nicely at the trials since. MALANI JOH hasn’t raced since a fourth at Horsham in March but finished in second with the unraced filly SPORTS BOU finishing in third. SPORTS BOU is the first foal out of the good race mare Bou Chard (1.54.2, $66,670).

Mile Rate: - 2.6.98                         Last Half: - 60.4                        Margins: - 1.5m, 14.5m