The Victorian trials circuit was busy this week as the cobwebs were knocked off ahead of a race day assault, with the likes of Belladonna Girl, who races at Shepparton on Sunday, among those to catch the eye.
She's among seven additions to Crail Rail's Blackbook this week, as the race caller and form analyst helps trots fans and punters to find winners.
Scroll the bottom for his updated Blackbook.
SHEPPARTON 01/10/20
Trial 1: - DALTON raced without cover before pushing to the lead in the early stages. He was headed by CMON CARL LEE on the home turn but gained an inside run in the home straight and was able to drive through to claim the prize. CMON CARL LEE started from the handicap of 30m or 40m (not specified in the results), chased the pack to tack on at the mile marker, pulled hard when three back on the markers and came to the outside with 600m remaining. He dashed to the front on the home turn but lost his compass in the straight and drifted out extremely wide, allowing DALTON to drive through and score. VIOLETTA GIFT (Andover Hall – Shez Allrighty 2.2.4, $85,431) jumped away well but raced greenly at the start, which allowed DALTON to run to the lead. She trailed the leader thereafter and battled on fairly well for third. BUILDER BOB didn’t begin too well then broke stride on the first turn and was tailed off for the remainder of the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.5 Final Half: - 60.6 Margins: - 1m, 10m
Trial 2: - SYZATE (Heston Blue Chip – My Little Black Dress $4,325) showed very good gate speed to lead from the middle of the line, backed off the speed during the middle stages and was able to hang on to defeat OUTLOOK, which trailed and used the sprint lane. SHARMEY was three back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 500m and came out three horses wide on the home turn. He finished a narrow third and came in ahead of his stable mate HELIKAON, which settled seventh on the markers and was still 30m away from the leaders at the quarter pole before coming out four horses wide in the home straight and making up good ground late. HELENA (Art Major – Birds Can Sing USA 1.57.7, $6,375) was six back on the markers and finished fifth ahead of EVIES DRESSMAKER (5 back markers, without cover at 900m) and GIANNIS AY MACRAY (4 back markers).
Mile Rate: - 2.5.6 Final Half: - 60.8 Margins: - Head, Neck
Trial 3: - LETS DIG IT was an impressive winner of the third heat and appears to be a big winning chance at Shepparton on Sunday. He was forced to race without cover throughout in handy time, hit the front at the 400m and proved to be too strong in the run to the finish. RECKON IM SMART gained the one out and one back trail, moved onto the markers to trail the leader on the home turn and never peeled to the outside at any stage, going to the line under a hard hold in second position. He was a winner at Alexandra Park in July before heading to Australia and obviously has the ability to perform well when he next steps out onto the track. GOOD LOOKIN ROOSTER began quickly to lead, took a trail and finished in third position ahead of BRIE, which ended up being three back on the markers. REDBANK TOMMY was without cover in the early stages, pushed forward to lead at the 1800m and pulled hard before tiring into fifth position. PEPPA BLISS settled sixth on the outside (1-2) before pacing very roughly in the final 600m and finished in sixth spot. CAMSTAR ROAD came in seventh after settling four back on the markers and PEDRO (5 back markers) was the last horse to cross the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.3 Final Half: - 57.9 Margins: - 4m, 10m
BLACKBOOKERS: - Lets Dig It, Reckon Im Smart
Trial 4: - CRACKER JET produced a stunning performance to lead all of the way and win easily. He is taking on a class field in the Holmfield at Melton on Saturday night. LEXINGTON QUEEN ran a nice race in second position. She raced roughly at the start and balanced up in third position. She waited for the sprint lane and accelerated nicely to snare second. VERRY CHEERFUL appeared to have her chance after trailing the leader and being under pressure approaching the home turn. She finished third ahead of SO AWESOME, which was sixth on the markers then moved into the one out and one back trail at the 900m. The former New South Wales trained trotter FOX TROT HILL was a very good run despite finishing fifth. He broke at the start and lost approximately 40m, tacked onto the group at the 1600m and moved up without cover from the bell. He did extremely well to finish as close as he did. WILLDOMXAV was four back on the markers throughout and finished ahead of TEDS SECRET (Crazed – Secret Message), which settled five back on the inside and faced a tough task being an unraced qualifier against a classy group of horses.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Final Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 20m, 2m
Trial 5: - EVERYSECONDCOUNTS was three back on the markers moved up without cover at the 800m, took a breather at the 600m behind the leader and came away from the inside on the home turn when she defeated SWEET ON YOU, which trailed the leader early but made an error at the 900m mark. He chased hard in the final circuit and flew into second position late in what was an eye-catching trial performance. MOTORING HALL broke stride in the score up and missed the start by approximately 20m, moved up without cover at the 1300m and found the front at the bell. He battled on for a distant third in front of AHMARRA QUEEN (Great Success – Ahm Shere 2.7.0, $22,650), which was four back on the markers for the majority of the trip with OHNO COMMANDO filling fifth spot after leading out and galloping momentarily at the bell. ABBIE (Majestic Son – Aldebaran Peggy) broke at the start, losing approximately 40m, tacked on at the 1600m then broke stride again and was retired out of the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.14.5 Final Half: - 63.5 Margins: - 20m, 2m
Trial 6: - CATCH A MOMENT continued his very impressive trial form with a big victory. He stormed across the field to lead from barrier seven, ran along at a rapid rate and dashed away to score by 40m! MY MAGIC MERLIN was fifth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell and came out three horses wide from the 600m mark. He ran into a distant second and was able to beat home the handy filly TREASURE, which trailed the leader throughout. MANGOCHILILIME finished fourth after settling four back on the markers. DAYLIGHT AT DAWN (3 back markers) was able to beat home RETURN SOLDIER, which was the unfortunate horse that was forced to race without cover throughout in a fast mile rate of 1.56.8.
Mile Rate: - 1.56.8 Final Half: - 57.9 Margins: - 40m, 3m
Trial 7: - LOCHINVAR CHIEF settled sixth on the markers, moved away from the inside at the quarter pole but was still giving the leaders 35m start and motored down the outside to win very impressively. RHETTS JET raced without cover early, pushed forward to lead at the 1700m mark and just failed to hold off the smart juvenile LOCHINVAR CHIEF. CROWBAR JOHNSON began reasonably well, pushed forward to lead on the first turn then took a trail and pulled hard throughout. He finished a close up third in front of TROUBLE LOOMING, which settled last of the seven runners, came out three horses wide on the home turn and ran home well without being pushed. CRYSTAL FLAME (Courage Under Fire – Crystal Reign 2.3.3, $33,714) began quickly to lead, took a trail and ended up being three back on the markers. She was fifth while ALLVICTORY HANOVER (4 back markers) and OVER CHANGE (Changeover – Coiffeuse 1.57.8, $110,460) (5 back markers) finished sixth and seventh respectively.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.8 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 1/2Head, Neck
TERANG 04/10/20
Trial 1: - CELTIC CASH trailed the leader, moved away from the inside at the quarter pole and quickly hit the front. He drew clear to win by 25m and seemingly having plenty in reserve at the finish. SIERRA KEA tried to lead throughout but met a smarter horse on the day and KYVALLEY SHERRIF was last of the three runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.6 Final Half: - 59.7 Margins: - 25m, 25m
BLACKBOOKER: - Celtic Cash
Trial 2: - MUSCLE BART (Shadow Play – Malena) has the distinction of being the first of the new season juvenile pacers to trial officially for the season. With the new system in place and the season now commencing on January 01, he is technically still a yearling so to beat the older horses as well as he did was an outstanding performance. He settled three back on the markers, moved off the inside at the 400m and was never pushed at any stage, cruising to victory. He obviously has a bit of ability. ROCKINTHECITY finished in second position after setting the speed and FIRE OFFICIAL was last of the three runners to greet the judge after trailing the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.4 Final Half: - 61.5 Margins: - 5m, 5m
Trial 3: - ENLIGHTENED GIFT (Used To Me – Roydons Gift) recorded slow time but appeared to be very impressive. She was racing keenly when three back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 400m mark and drew away to win easily, without being pushed at any stage. She should perform nicely at her debut at Maryborough on Monday. MAORI AMOUR raced four back on the markers and went a little fiercely in the slow tempo mid-race. She came to the outside on the turn and finished off solidly late. ALDEBARAN DEKOTA (Yield Boko – Aldebaran Deegan) began quickly to lead, set up a slow tempo and was run down from the home turn. DOUBLE HELIX trailed the leader but broke stride with 250m remaining and lost her chance. She was the last horse to cross the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.5 Final Half: - 60.8 Margins: - 15m, Head
BLACKBOOKER: - Enlightened Gift
Trial 4: - KEAYANG DA VINCI began quickly to lead in the field of two runners with FATHER JUDGE trailing. He set up a moderate tempo early but was able to zoom home in a slick final 800m, dropping off his only rival from the 500m mark and winning easily.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.4 Final Half: - 56.5 Margin: - 25m
Trial 5: - BLUE VEIN FITZ raced without cover in the early stages, pushed forward to lead at the 1800m mark and was able to jog home to win easily. KEAYANG REMI led out then took the trail and finished in second position with FANCY PEACH running in third after being three back on the markers for the majority of the trial. BILUM (Mr Feelgood – Silvia Fisher 2.1.8, $14,894) was last of the four runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.8 Final Half: - 59.3 Margins: - 3m, 5m
Trial 6: - FREMARKSPOETRY is a very good trotter and was able to beat the pacers comfortably. She parked without cover in the early stages before pushing forward to find the lead with a mile remaining. She dashed home in a slick last quarter of 28.6 and scored by a little over a length. EL BANCO led out then took a trail and finished second. He never peeled to the outside at any stage and seemingly had something in reserve. FOR TONY was three back on the markers and used the sprint lane. He finished third in front of BAKERS BANDIT, which settled last of the six runners with WHATJETSTAR (1-1, without cover at 1600m) and SPORTY CULTURE (6th markers, 1-1 at 1600m) being fifth and sixth respectively.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.8 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - 5m, 2m
CRANBOURNE 03/10
Trial 1: - SOVEREIGN TIGER led throughout and was coasting down to the line to get the money. He only scored by a narrow margin but he kicked well clear on the home turn and was never fully extended in the home straight. ILLAWONG DANNY (Rock N Roll Heaven – Breenys Lady 2.3.3, $6,120) trailed the leader and was struggling to keep up mid-race but he rallied over the concluding stages and got close at the end. CELESTIAL TOPAZ (Major Bronski – Celestial Diamond) was without cover early, eased to be three back on the markers and moved up without cover again at the 800m but dropped off late to be the last horse to cross the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.12.3 Final Half: - 63.4 Margins: - Head, 50m
Trial 2: - DENIS WILLIAM was restrained at the start and eased to be last of the five runners. He remained in last position before coming away from the inside at the quarter pole. He produced a devastating burst of speed to hit the front in the straight and dashed away to win easily. It was an impressive performance but he does meet a powerful line up at Melton tomorrow night. KRAFTY BART was slow out and settled four back on the markers. He moved away from the inside with 400m remaining and was picking up ground quickly on the leaders but he couldn’t match the outstanding turn of foot shown by DENIS WILLIAM. MAGIC CRAFT (Betterthancheddar – Magic Music 2.1.9, $28,855) was three back on the markers before moving through to trail the leader at the bell. He finished third with VALLANI MAGIC in fourth after beginning quickly, taking a trail and being left in front at the bell. LOCH LEVEN (Auckland Reactor – Godine Diligent 1.59.9, $36,160) was the last one to greet the judge after finding the front at the 1700m but breaking stride with a lap remaining.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - 12m, 10m (approximately)
MARYBOROUGH 04/10
Trial 1: - GOODDEALEHEMILY is a handy former New South Wales pacer, which created a good impression. She began quickly to lead, ran along at a genuine tempo and won easily in fast time. FINAL PEACE began quickly to lead out, took a trail on the first turn and had her chance in the latter stages but was beaten by a smart horse on the morning. PERSPECTIVE dropped back to be last of the four runners early, moved into the death seat at the bell and pulled hard. He ended up finishing a distant third ahead of DYSLEXIC, which was three back on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.57.1 Final Half: - 56.7 Margins: - 10m, 6m
Trial 2: - CREDIT TO CHRIS has been promising a win since coming from New South Wales and should break through for his maiden Victorian success in the near future, possibly at Maryborough on Monday. He settled down in fifth, gained a one out and one back trail at the 1100m and came out three horses wide from the 300m so it was a tidy display to finish fast and get the prize. MEET MICHAELANGELO gained a one out and back trail early, was left in the breeze shortly afterwards and pressed to the front at the 1500m mark. He set up a slow tempo thereafter and went down narrowly. DONTSHOWYOURACES was restrained at the start, settled sixth on the markers and pulled hard before running home well out wide on the track. He picked up third in front of SURBITON PRETENDER, which led out, took a trail at the 1700m and was shuffled back on the markers mid-race. ORLANDOS GIFT pushed forward to lead then took a trail behind MEET MICHAELANGELO and had his chance in fifth spot. SHIPS SUCCESS started off being four back on the markers but was left stranded without cover from the 1500m and dropped back to be last of six runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.9 Final Half: - 60.3 Margins: - 1m, 5m
Trial 3: - CORK was three back on the markers and when he started his run with 300m remaining, he was giving the leader IGNITING STRIDE a big start but he knuckled down in the straight and was able to swoop home to claim the prize. He is a winning chance at Maryborough on Monday based on that performance. IGNITING STRIDE showed gate speed to lead and kicked clear approaching the home turn but was run down in the latter stages. QUAKER MAKER finished a distant third after trailing the leader throughout. ELLEN RUVAL (Danny Bouchea – Joan Ruval) was four back on the markers for the entire trip and beat home YES MAATE (5 back markers) and NANA EMJAY (Great Success – Lime And Lemonade 2.9.0, $9,913), which broke stride early and missed away by approximately 25m. DREAM ON ANGUS (Angus Hall – Orlandos Dream 1.59.1, $46,750) was last of the seven runners throughout and dropped off the pace in the final circuit.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.4 Final Half: - 59.7 Margins: - 10m, 12m
Trial 4: - LOST FOUR WORDS continued her impressive run at the trials and led throughout. She extended nicely in the final lap and recorded a slick final quarter of 27.7 seconds to win easily. She is racing at Mildura this afternoon and will prove very hard to beat. SURBITON HARTBREAK was three back on the markers and moved into the death seat at the 600m mark. He rolled into second with MARKLEIGH CAZ trailing him throughout and finishing in third. OSCAR BRAVO came in last of the four after trailing the leader for the entire journey.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Final Half: - 56.6 Margins: - 10m, 1m
Trial 5: - VAPAR FIRE was able to dash to the front, set up a slow tempo and sprint home quickly in the final lap. He held off a late challenge from ISABELLA PRINCESS (Hurrikane Kingcole – Tennison Drive), which trailed the leader and moved to the outside with 500m remaining. The trotter MAORISHADOW settled three back on the markers, moved up without cover from the 800m, gained a one out and one back trail behind ISABELLA PRINCESS and finished in third. Considering the final sectionals were very quick (57.0, 27.7), she performed nicely. MY SHADY MATE (Shadyshark Hanover – Tarzar Jah) was four back on the markers throughout and beat MILA ALLOVER (Changeover – Earl Bella 2.9.9, $10,431) (3 back markers, trailed leader at 600m) to the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.1 Final Half: - 57.0 Margins: - Head, 8m
Trial 6: - CARRAMAR BROMWICH was three back on the markers, moved to the death seat at the 600m and was able to hold on and get the prize in the final trial. LORIMERMAJOR (Art Major – Rose of Hollywood) was a good run in second position. He was three back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell, switched on the markers again in fifth at the 600m, got held up for a run at a vital stage and finished off quickly late. THE NOTORIOUS was a close up third after trailing the leader throughout and finished in front of SURBITON CHARDONAY (Safari – Corksapopin 2.3.0, $5,915) (4 back markers, without cover at 1100m) and the early leader DEE MACH came in at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.2 Final Half: - 58.6 Margins: - 1m, 3m
BENDIGO 04/10
Trial 1: - Only two horses contested the standing start trial with the pacer THE DEAL beginning slowly, trailing the leader DOWNUNDER BARKERS and moving to the outside at the 300m mark. He was able to edge past the leader in the straight but it was just like track work as the pair crossed the line together and neither horse was fully extended at any stage.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.6 Final Half: - 59.9 Margin: - 1m
Trial 2: - POWDERKEG pushed forward to race without cover, pressured the leader and found the front running role at the 1500m. He then rolled along at a reasonable tempo and never appeared to be in any danger of defeat. WATCH AND ACT is a juvenile trotter and was taking on the 3yo’s so he did a good job to finish in second position. He was four back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m and finished off quite well over the final stages. He appears to be a chance at Maryborough on Monday if he can hold a forward spot from the pole position. SHEZA CHOCOLATIER began quickly, took a trail and ended up being three back on the markers when POWDERKEG ran to the top. She moved into the death seat with 700m remaining and was able to hold down third. JENNYSFAVOURITE settled fifth on the markers and finished in fourth position with IM MISS ROYALTY being fifth after coming out of the gate fast, working to the front and taking cover with 1500m remaining. WILL PATRICK finished last of the six horses after racing without cover, restraining to last then breaking stride with 400m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.8 Final Half: - 59.2 Margins: - 10m, 4m
Trial 3: - MULBERRY PIE began quickly to lead, took a trail then moved away from the inside at the 250m mark. She sprinted home nicely and was able to win by a comfortable margin. PARTYTIME (Majestic Son – Dizzyinterest 2.0.5, $33,367) was without cover early, restrained to last of the four runners, moved into the death seat again at the 700m and battled on well for second place. HIGHLAND HILL was three back on the inside, moved into the death seat at the 1800m then progressed forward to lead at the mile marker. He was run down in the straight and finished third with BLIS VALLEY being the last one to cross the line after being three back on the markers for the majority of the trip.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.7 Final Half: - 59.9 Margins: - 5m, 5m
Trial 4: - GRENADE began quickly to lead and set up a slow tempo. He kicked on well when challenged in the straight and was able to score by a narrow margin. MADAME TESS (Western Terror – Madame Lily 1.57.6, $140,824) was last of the four when settling down, moved into the death seat at the 500m and finished on well for a narrow second. MADAM AUCKLAND (Auckland Reactor – Madam Altissimo 1.56.4, $44,825) trailed the leader, used the sprint lane and missed out narrowly in a good finish. SUMMERDAYS (Village Jolt – Catchthat 2.1.8, $22,165) was three back on the markers and was under pressure 300m from home, finishing last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.6 Final Half: - 60.3 Margins: - Neck, Nose
Trial 5: - BELLADONNA GIRL has been performing very nicely at the trials and will prove very hard to beat first up at Shepparton on Sunday based on her recent performances. She began very quickly to lead, raced keenly and drew well clear in the straight to win untouched by a large margin. KIDWITHAGRIN was three back on the markers and moved up without cover with 400m remaining. He was able to find the line nicely for second in front of JUST A PHILTRA, which trailed the leader throughout. AMELIA ROCKS (Rock N Roll Heaven – Onedin Spur) was four back on the inside before finding a one out and one back trail. She was fourth past the post and finished in front of CASINO BARRY (5 back markers, pulled hard, 1-1 at 400m, 3 wide turn) and LEOTARDANDLACE (restrained to last, 6 back markers).
Mile Rate: - 2.2.7 Final Half: - 58.3 Margins: - 13m, 3m
BLACKBOOKER: - Belladonna Girl
Trial 6: - WHATAROCKSTAR showed good gate speed to lead and rolled along at a reasonable tempo. He held on to defeat LAGOM, which trailed and picked up ground in the latter stages, with LONGASULOVEME being in third after coming from last. THREE SHADOWS broke stride at the start, losing approximately 10m, settled 3 back on the markers and was last of the four runners to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.2 Final Half: - 57.4 Margins: - 1.5m, 9m
Trial 7: - ACE DUIGAN settled three back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 800m mark and quickly dashed to the lead. He ran a quick last 800m to land the prize. VILLACCI ran an eye-catching second. He settled four back on the markers, was held up for a run at a vital stage and dashed through the middle late, seemingly with plenty in reserve. MILLAH JOY was last on the markers, pulled hard and made her run from the 800m mark. She finished third in front of DANMAN, which set the speed and PLAYING THE ACE was the last one to greet the judge after trailing the leader, getting a run through the middle at the 600m and failing to run on at the end.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.2 Final Half: - 56.7 Margins: - 4m, 3m
BLACKBOOKER: - Villacci
Trial 8: - ZADAKA was fifth on the markers, moved into a trailing position (1-2) at the 800m and came out three horses wide at the 500m. He produced a good run in a quick final half to land the prize by a narrow margin. AJAY BREEZY ROSE should go close at Mildura this afternoon after her game second. She trailed the leader, moved up without cover at the 800m mark and went down fighting in quick time. ALLIES MATE was four back on the inside and latched onto the back of AJAY BREEZY ROSE in the back straight on the final occasion. He finished third in front of DALLAS NIKOLAY, which was three back on the markers throughout. CLAUDYS PRINCE was last on the markers for the entire journey but was able to pick up the early leader REVA over the final stages.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.3 Final Half: - 56.1 Margins: - Nose, 10m
TABCORP PARK MELTON 06/10/20
Trial 1: - Only two horses contested the opening trial with SILENT REVERIE (Pegasus Spur – Sunny Folly 2.8.1, $27,778), which is due to make her debut at Maryborough on Monday leading throughout to defeat KYVALLEY HELEN (Muscle Hill – Aldebaran Revenue) by a comfortable margin.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.0 Final Half: - 62.77 Margin: - 20m
Trial 2: - PRESTIGE STRIDE began very quickly to lead, ran along at a reasonable tempo and dashed home in a slick final quarter to defeat a gallant YAMBUKIAN (Bettors Delight – Coppagoodone 1.57.0, $13,423), which ran a big race for an unraced qualifier. He was three back on the markers and launched a claim from the 600m mark. SEE YOU THERE (Artistic Fella – Sibling Rivalry) finished a distant third after trailing the leader and ALL THE FOURS was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.8 Final Half: - 57.08 Margins: - 1.5m, 30m
BLACKBOOKER: - Yambukian
Trial 3: - MEYDAN (Andover Hall – Showmethemaori) showed good gate speed to lead, backed off the tempo mid-race and had a good kick left at the finish with win nicely over AMUNET which trailed the leader throughout. HAMMERS PEGASUS dropped back to be last over four competitors early but was able to work past BAARLINEE (Peak – Drop Us Aline 2.0.4, $103,393) in the final circuit.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.9 Final Half: - 59.80 Margins: - 10.5m, 1.5m
Trial 4: - VANQUISH STRIDE is a former New Zealander, which has been placed in two of his four starts to date and joins trainer Anthony Butt. He scored over JO ROCKS, which won on debut back in April with WHISKEY AND RYE finishing in third position. TREBEK was last of the four runners to greet the judge.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.7 Final Half: - 57.83 Margins: - 3.5m, 4m
Trial 5: - I AM PEGASUS won the Breed for Speed Gold Final in February and hasn’t raced since an unplaced run at Melton in May. She is a fast mare and was able to get the prize over MOONLIGHT DREAM with PHARISEE finishing in third position. KHEIRON was in winning form back in April and hasn’t raced since an unplaced effort at Bendigo in June. He finished ahead of the standing start specialist in SONNY BROOKE.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.2 Final Half: - 59.42 Margins: - 2m, ½ head
Trial 6: - CRUZ BROMAC wrapped up his Victoria Cup preparation with a trial victory against a small but classy field. The New Zealand Cup winner disappointed when resuming and is poorly drawn in the Victoria Cup but he would have gained some confidence with his trial victory. IM ANOTHERMASTERPIECE appears to be beautifully graded in the last race on Victoria Cup night and will be a lot sharper from his second placing and the great New Zealand mare OUR PRINCESS TIFFANY filled third position. PICK UP LINE was last of the four runners but competed in a field of exceptional quality.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.3 Final Half: - 56.53 Margins: - 5m, 1.5m
Trial 7: - FEAR THE YANKEE showed gate speed to lead and dashed home in quick final sectionals to land the prize over DREAMCATCHER SWE, which settled fourth on the inside and moved up without cover at the 500m mark. FLOATING MOUTAIN finished third after trailing the leader throughout and HES THEMIGHTYSPIN ended up in fourth spot after being three back on the markers and breaking stride with 350m to run. OHNO COMMANDO was slow away and missed the start by approximately 30m, continued to lose ground and was retired from the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.4 Final Half: - 58.02 Margins: - 18m, 17.5m
Trial 8: - LETS GET SHORTY was able to win a trial in which there were many changes mid-race. He was four back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell and came out three horses wide at the 800m then quickly hit the front half way down the back straight. He held on to defeat THEULTIMATE, which settled down in fifth, ended up in the one out and one back trail at the 600m mark and came out three horses wide with 450m remaining. SHE WILL ROCK was sixth on the markers and trailed forward behind THEULTIMATE when he made his move. She finished on well for a close up third. THE CHANCER (Bettors Delight – Fairest One Youare 1.57.4, $61,259) was driven with plenty of aggression and missed out narrowly in a thrilling finish. He was without cover, pressured the leader, took a trail at the mile marker, came away from the inside at the 1400m and had another crack for the lead before eventually finding the top. He relented to the pressure from LET’S GET SHORTY in the back straight then used the sprint lane so his run was excellent. BETTERTHANFLYHIGH trailed the leader early, was shuffled back on the markers and moved up without cover at the bell. SCOTTS RAIN (Big Jim – Roman Jasper) was the last one to complete the course after copping pressure in the lead early and eventually taking cover with 1300m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.7 Final Half: - 58.45 Margins: - Head, ½ Head
Trial 9: - IMA DENNY TOO was able to trail the leader and use the sprint lane when he accelerated through to win in a quality trial. ALICE KAY started from the second line and was fourth on the inside early before moving up without cover at the 600m mark. She pushed up on the outside of the leader BLAZIN CRACKER turning for home but couldn’t repel the challenge from IMA DENNY TOO. BLAZIN CRACKER kicked on for a close up third. MAJOR EXCLUSIVE is racing at Shepparton on Sunday and there was nothing wrong with his trial performance. He settled six back on the markers, moved up without cover at the 800m mark, found the one out and one back trail shortly afterwards and finished close up with something in reserve. FOCUS STRIDE meets a top field at Melton on Saturday night but he was brilliant in his Kilmore trial success then followed with his trial fifth, where he settled five back on the markers and went to the line jogging with no clear run. ITS BEAUJOLAIS settled three back on the markers and finished last of the six runners but wasn’t far away and was restricted for room in the home straight.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.5 Final Half: - 56.86 Margins: - Neck, ½ head
Trial 10: - ELITE STRIDE has only suffered defeat once in nine starts and was outstanding in winning the Need for Speed Prince Final at Melton in February. He was given a good hit-out for his first up run in the Holmfield at Melton on Saturday night with a trial success over IS THAT A BID. He trailed the leader, only came to the outside with 150m remaining and showed terrific speed at the end to win untouched. He is a brilliant trotter and should go very well, despite the tough draw in the Holmfield. PROSTHESIS was last of the three runners throughout but met two very good 3yo trotters on the day.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.2 Final Half: - 58.02 Margins: - 2m, 27.5m
Trial 11: - This trial was run in three parts. The early section of the trial had VISION AND COURAGE in front from GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER in the trail. LOCH LEVEN was pulling hard without cover and COBARGO GRIN was one out and one back. The last three horses were all in the running lane and in order they were LOOKS THE PART (1-2), BETTOR MY DREAMS (1-3) and TRE COOL (1-4). LOCH LEVEN galloped at the 1700m and fell back through the pack rearranging the order. After that point the order in the trial became VISION AND COURAGE (Leader) from LOOKS THE PART (behind leader), BETTOR MY DREAMZ (without cover), COBARGO GRIN (3 back markers), TRE COOL (1-1), GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER (4 back markers) and LOCH LEVEN (Auckand Reactor – Godine Diligent 1.59.9, $36,169) was tailed off. LOOKS THE PART popped off the markers to race without cover and at the 700m mark pushed past the tiring leader VISION AND COURAGE with GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER also working into the clear and coming up out wide on the track as another change swept over the trial. TRE COOL ended up being the victor after he got around VISION AND COURAGE, switched to the inside and went back into the sprint lane in the straight. LOOKS THE PART tried to sustain his run from the 700m and finished second with BETTOR MY DREAMS being a close up third. GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER tried hard for fourth in front of COBARGO GRIN, VISION AND COURAGE and LOCH LEVEN.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.0 Final Half: - 58.95 Margins: - 1/2neck, Neck
Trial 12: - HAVE NO FEAR is an Anthony Butt trained juvenile trotter that was very impressive in his runaway success over the former New Zealander ONE OVER DA SON. He stepped away well from the standing start, angled in behind the leader, came to the outside at the 500m and won with plenty left in the tank. He has had one start for a win at Addington and is likely to be set for the Redwood Classic. ONE OVER DA SON boasts good credentials in New Zealand being the winner over three races. He came out three horses wide from fifth at the 300m and finished off nicely for second. BULLAPARK BENO tried to lead throughout and finished a distant third with ABUNDANCE (3 back markers) being in fourth position. ALDEBARAN JAYTEE was four back on the markers for the majority of the trial and moved away from the inside with 600m remaining. He finished fifth ahead of THE SARGENT (Skyvalley – Redneck) (6 back markers).
Mile Rate: - 2.6.6 Final Half: 59.46 Margins: - 18m, head
BLACKBOOKER: - Have No Fear
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