Harness Racing Victoria form guru Craig Rail has had his eye on the Victorian trial circuit during the past week and provides his regular report below.
SHEPPARTON 23/04/26
Trial 1: – WINSUM BELLA settled fifth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m and finished off best to get the prize. She has since travelled to Tasmania and will be racing at Launceston tonight. EXCELENTE began quickly to move up without cover then progressed forward to find the lead at the 1700m. He kicked well clear before the home turn but peaked in the last 50m and was run down late. SHES FROM TEXAS settled down last of the six runners, moved into the running lane (1-2) at the 600m and made ground over the latter stages to finish in third. ABERCROMBIE LIMBO settled four back on the markers, moved up without cover in the back straight and battled on fairly for fourth. She backed up with a Bendigo trial victory on Monday night and is scheduled to race at Shepparton on Tuesday.
Mile Rate: – 2.2.3 Last Half: – 60.6 Margins: – 5m, 2m
Trial 2: – HITCH TO HIS STAR settled three back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 500m and was able to grind out a victory at the end. He is competing at Shepparton on Sunday afternoon. IM ALL BUSINESS began quickly to lead, ran along at an even tempo and was beaten on the line. FOURTH RESPONSE trailed the leader and used the sprint lane and held his own to finish in third position. He is competing at Shepparton on Sunday. WE DEALIN DIAMONDS finished in fourth after settling five back on the markers and working past HEZASWEETIE NZ (4 back markers). WE DEALIN DIAMONDS is racing at Albury this afternoon.
Mile Rate: – 2.2.8 Last Half: – 60.0 Margins: – Head, 5m
Trial 3: – HES FROM HEAVEN NZ produced another very impressive display. He settled four back on the markers, came away from the inside at the 400m and finished off fast to win clearly in a last half of 55.7 seconds! He has been going extremely well at the trials and is returning from a break at Melton on Saturday night. JACKS ULTIMATE FURY NZ trailed the leader and was able to work into second position. ITS CONFIDENTIAL finished in third after attempting to lead throughout and DIAMOND ECLIPSE (3 back markers) and was last of the quartet across the line but it was a quality event.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.0 Last Half: – 55.7 Margins: – 10m, 3m
Trial 4: – ALABAMA ICE settled three back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 1600m and found the front at the 1400m. He went to the line untouched and scored clearly with a final half of 57.8 seconds so it was a good display. He boasts a National Rating of just 45 so he can be well placed when he next steps out onto the track. BET SHEZA LADY trailed the leader early and ended up being three back on the markers at the 1400m. She moved into the death seat at the bell, dropped in for a breather behind the leader in the back straight and held down second at the finish. IJUSTCALLEDTOSAY settled last of the seven runners, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 1300m and was left without cover in the back straight. He did well for a trotter against the pacers to hold down third position. ALIZA HILL settled last of the seven runners and picked up ground to finish a distant fourth. She is competing at Albury this afternoon.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.9 Last Half: – 57.8 Margins: – 10m, 7m
Trial 5: – POSTIT LAFITE showed very good gate speed to lead clearly early. He backed off the tempo mid-race and was able to finish off in a slick final half of 57.3 seconds to win. He is competing at Shepparton on Sunday afternoon. LOIERO trailed the leader throughout and never peeled to the outside at any stage, seemingly having something left in the locker. She backed up with a victory at Shepparton on Tuesday and is competing on that track again this Tuesday evening. ISLAND YANKEE settled four back on the inside, moved away from the markers at the quarter pole and was able to roll into third. He is also competing at Shepparton on Tuesday night. DEMBE settled three back on the inside and like LOIERO, just followed the horse in front and was never asked for an effort.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.1 Last Half: – 57.3 Margins: – 6m, 3m
Trial 6: – MY ROC settled three back on the inside, moved away from the markers at the 500m and hit the front on the home turn. He drew clear at the end and scored comfortably. HEAVENLY FLYER led out then took cover at the 1400m and used the sprint lane. She worked into second position with ONE OUTTA THREE being the third horse across the line after coming from five back on the markers. QUEEN OF SOUL settled four back on the markers and finished a distant fourth. The second placed HEAVENLY FLYER is competing at Shepparton on Sunday.
Mile Rate: – 2.2.8 Last Half: – 59.6 Margins: – 15m, 6m
Trial 7: – SUMMER KISS is a juvenile trotter for trainer Mitchell Frost. She is by the French stallion Classic Connection FRA out of the unraced mare Illawong Summer and is the second foal. The second dam Shining Sun was a race winner and produced the very handy performers Illawong Sunny (1.58.4, $55,178), Illawong Helios (1.57.2, $272,867), Illawong Shimmer (2.1.2, $61,548) and Sir Eros (2.1.2, $65,830). SUMMER KISS won the trial after trailing the leader and coming to the outside with 300m remaining. ALIZA MEL finished in second after attempting to lead throughout and HIS DEVIL INSIDE was last for the duration.
Mile Rate: – 2.10.0 Last Half: – 64.2 Margins: – Neck, 10m
Trial 8: – MONEY TALKS began quickly to lead and copped some pressure in the early stages of the event. He eventually took cover at the mile marker and ended up being three back on the inside from the 1200m. He drove through to trail the leader in the back straight, made his move at the quarter pole and finished off best to win nicely. He didn’t have much luck after working hard early at Shepparton on Tuesday night and is backing up on that track on Sunday. HAMMER finished in second after settling last of the five runners, moving into the one out and one back trail at the 500m and battling on fairly in the run to the finish. RED KILLARNEY settled four back on the markers, ended up being three back at the 400m and finished a distant third. BODYBUILDER was three back on the markers and moved around to find the lead at the 1200m before being run down in the straight. JACKOFALLTRADES began quickly and pressured MONEY TALKS early before finding the front at the 1600m. He took cover mid-race then wanted to hang out in the run and was placed under pressure from the 600m mark. He was the last horse across the line.
Mile Rate: – 2.8.6 Last Half: – 61.7 Margins: – 10m, 8m
MILDURA 24/04/26
Trial 1: – ANGELS WATCHING hasn’t started since a Mildura victory in November. He has since been transferred to trainer Murray Jardine and was able to win his trial by a comfortable margin. He dashed home in a handy final half of 58.6 seconds so his effort was sound. PRIDDY CARSON was stood down to trial after breaking stride at his latest Mildura attempt. He was a winner at Mildura on March 27 and bounced back in the trial to finish in second, re-qualifying so he can race at Mildura this afternoon. FRENCH BEACH is an unraced mare by Art Major for trainer Andrew Vozlic. She was last of the three runners across the line.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.5 Last Half: – 58.6 Margins: – 3.5m, 30m
Trial 2: – ALS CHOICE is an unraced juvenile pacer, which continued his good trial form with a runaway victory against proven winners. He is nicely bred and appears to be very promising. RIMU VALLEY NZ disappointed last outing but he is the winner of six races. He finished in second ahead of CAULONIA BELLA, which hasn’t started since a third at Mildura back in December but is resuming this afternoon. DAYLIGHT was the fourth horse across the line but finished some distance behind the winner.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.0 Last Half: – 61.5 Margins: – 9m, 1.5m
BLACKBOOKER: – Als Choice
BACCHUS MARSH 25/04/26
Trial 1: – MIGHTY JOLT missed out narrowly after attempting to lead throughout at his first run since coming from Tasmania. He backed up with a trial victory in slick time so he is in peak form and should go well at Melton on Saturday night. ADMIRALOFTHEFLEET had the lowest National Rating of the five runners competing in the trial so he did a good job to finish in a close second. He is also competing at Melton on Saturday night but it is the same as the trial considering he is taking on a Metropolitan class field. WOTDIDUSAAAY wasn’t beaten by far in third position and RAKAROMPA NZ was the fourth horse across the line. NAKULA NZ was the last horse to greet the judge but she wasn’t beaten by far.
Mile Rate: – 1.58.0 Last Half: – 57.9 Margins: – ½ head, 1m
Trial 2: – BLAZIN BY was a winner at Kilmore late last season and hasn’t started since a sixth at Cranbourne on December 21. He was able to win the second trial over RODGEE STORM, an unraced entire by The Storm Inside for trainer Ken Tippet. GOZO STORM finished in a distant third and MISTER EVOLUTION was a clear last across the line.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.5 Last Half: – 59.0 Margins: – 3m, 10m
Trial 4: – TOPSIE BEWARE performed well at the trials prior to a debut victory late in March. He has been freshened since that success and was able to win his trial over the unraced son of Poster Boy in POSTER PRINCE. The two 3yo pacers were able to defeat the juveniles with MAKEOVER MIKI being in third and SIENA ROYALE being the last horse across the line. MAKEOVER MIKI is by Always Be Miki out of the top mare Gumdrops (1.53.1, $256,910), which has produced the race winner Raindrops (1.59.2, $12,330). SIENA ROYALE is by Sweet Lou out of the unraced mare Grumpy Sally, which has produced three winners including Happy Reg (1.54.1, $87,090).
Mile Rate: – 2.3.5 Last Half: – 59.1 Margins: – 1m, 3m
Trial 5: – SAM NIEN hasn’t raced since being unplaced in the Super Series Silver event back in November. He won the Nutrien Classic last season and was placed in both the Need for Speed Prince and the Holmfield so he is a quality trotter when at his peak. He won his trial by a comfortable margin over BUCKLES FOR BERRY, which hasn’t started since an unplaced effort at Ballarat in December. RIGHT OF REPLY finished in third and was well ahead of LUCKY YOU. LUCKY YOU backed up at Ballarat on Thursday night and finished down the track.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.6 Last Half: – 59.5 Margins: – 8m, 4m
ECHUCA 26/04/26
Trial 1: – POSTER PERFECT was left parked on the outside of the leader in the early stages and appeared to be content to remain in that position. He was strong at the finish and worked past the early leader CROCODILE BLOOD to record a strong victory. He is backing up at Shepparton on Sunday afternoon. CROCODILE BLOOD battled on well for second and was clearly ahead of the third placed CAMNAT, which trailed the leader throughout. Both horses are engaged to race at Shepparton on Tuesday night. SPESHAL broke stride at the start and finished a distant fourth while BLAZING JAZZ (four back markers) was last of the five runners across the line. SPESHAL is resuming at Shepparton on Sunday afternoon.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.0 Last Half: 59.6 Margins: – 3m, 20m
Trial 2: – MADDALEEZ began quickly from a wide draw to find the lead and was always in control of the trial. She is backing up at Shepparton on Tuesday night. STARZZZOFTERRY trailed the leader throughout, came to the outside on the home turn and battled on fairly well for second. He is also racing at Shepparton on Tuesday. HEYNOWHEYNOW settled three back on the markers, waited for the sprint lane and finished off nicely for third. ALLTHEWAYTOROYALTY settled five back on the markers and worked into fourth position. He is another pacer that is going to back up at Shepparton on Tuesday night.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.0 Last Half: – 58.3 Margins: – 3m, Head
MARYBOROUGH 26/04/26
Trial 1: – The open class mare EBONYS AVENGER hasn’t raced since early March and recorded reasonable time at her trial success. HALLEBESOFINE continued her very good trial form with a second placed effort. She returns from a spell at Menangle on Saturday night, where she takes on a top field in the New South Wales Oaks. The two trotters were able to defeat the two pacers with TACTICS ARE ROLLIN and RYTA being third and fourth respectively.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.6 Last Half: – 58.4 Margins: – 3m, 6m
Trial 4: – ELEGANT SPIRIT produced a career best performance to finish in second on April 20. She backed up that performance with her runaway trial victory so she is showing improvement with the benefit of experience but she unfortunately struck bother in the Kindergarten Stakes Final at Bendigo on Wednesday night. Her stable mate LUCKY AVENUE has been unplaced in all of her four starts to date but was the second horse across the line in the trial. She also galloped at Bendigo on Wednesday night. ITZ CLASSIC GOLD finished in a distant third. ATEGO DIAMOND is an unraced juvenile trotter and finished last of the four runners at her second trial performance.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.7 Last Half: – 60.2 Margins: – 12m, 15m
Trial 5: – REGAL GALA finished third at his debut, followed it with a victory and was in the firing line approaching the home turn but broke stride at his next attempt. He recorded reasonable time at his trial success and followed with a nice third in the Kindergarten Stakes Final at Bendigo on Wednesday night. He defeated CRONK, which hasn’t started since July 2024. ATEGO ANGEL finished some distance away in third position.
Mile Rate: – 2.2.9 Last Half: – 61.9 Margins: – 6m, 20m
ARARAT 27/04/26
Trial 1: – SPORTY ROCKS is an unraced mare by Sportswriter for trainer Rebecca East. She recorded good time in winning the opening trial over PERFECTLY ROGUE, which backed up his reasonable trial effort at Terang a week earlier. Both horses are competing at Terang on Tuesday night and appear to be reasonable chances. KEAYANG NIGHTFIRE finished in third position at her first trial attempt. She is by Tall Dark Stranger out of Heavens Trend (1.52.1, $385,683), whose first four foals have all been good winners. They are Heavenly Sign (1.54.5, $109,903), Captain Tom (1.51.6, $100,153), Smokescreen (1.56.2, $67,555) and Iveseenheavenslight (1.54.7, $199,378). The second and third dams Trend Setter and Trendy Brooke were both top mares also so KEAYANG NIGHTFIRE is definitely bred to run. TORQUE TO FARROH finished in fourth and followed with an unplaced effort in the final of the Kindergarten Stakes at Bendigo on Wednesday night. He finished ahead of the unraced juveniles SHEZA MAJOR CRUNCH and HAPPYSHARK. SHEZA MAJOR CRUNCH is by Captain Crunch out of the good mare Itzamajor Surprise (1.56.1, $120,945) and is the first foal. HAPPYSHARK is a colt by Be Happy Mach out of the unraced mare Lilly The Shark and is also the first foal.
Mile Rate: – 1.59.4 Last Half: – 60.1 Margins: – 14m, 23m
Trial 2: – BAARLINEE was able to win the trial for the trotters by a large margin. She hasn’t started since April 2025 but she is the winner of ten races so she is a handy mare when racing at her peak. LAIN NZ is a New Zealand bred trotter that started his career in Queensland. He has joined trainer Matthew Craven and finished a distant second. The three juvenile trotters finished at the tail of the field in the trial with KEAYANG JUNIOR backing up his Terang trial fourth a week earlier with a third placed display. ILLINOIS HEAT was the fourth horse across the line at his first ever trial performance. He is by On A Streak USA out of the unraced mare Du Quoin, whose first foal Casualconnection has had one start. The second dam is the French mare Glenferrie Unixa FRA, which has produced four winners including the Group 1 winning mare Une Belle Allure (1.56.9, $176,810) and Beau Garcon (2.2.3, $94,610). CALLINAN has had several trials for trainer Peter Manning and was the last runner across the line.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.2 Last Half: – 61.8 Margins: – 90m, 4m
BENDIGO 27/04/26
Trial 1: – STAR VISION is an unraced colt by Always B Miki for trainer Emma Stewart, which is shaping up nicely. He trailed the leader, came to the outside on the home turn and finished off in a blistering final quarter of 27.4 seconds to win extremely well. ALL OVER IT was backing up after his impressive debut victory. He attempted to lead throughout and was run down over the latter stages but appears to be a strong winning chance at Shepparton on Sunday afternoon. ROMAN SCRITTORE settled three back on the inside and finished in third with WICKED ONE (4 back markers) being fourth after trying to commence a run at the 500m. ROMAN SCRITTORE is scheduled to race at Shepparton on Tuesday night.
Mile Rate: – 1.58.5 Last Half: – 57.9 Margins: – 2m, 7m
BLACKBOOKER: – Star Vision
Trial 3: – SOME AMERICAN began quickly and pushed forward out three horses wide to find the front at the 1600m. He rolled along at a genuine tempo and dashed well clear over the latter stages to win easily. IM ALL BUSINESS produced a very nice trial performance for second. He settled last of the four runners, came to the outside at the 600m mark and chased hard in the final part of the event. I AM THE STORM began quickly and tried to hold a forward position at the start but was eventually headed off and ended up being three back on the inside. He moved away from the markers on the turn and rolled into third. SUNSTAR was driven aggressively early and eventually found the markers before taking cover at the 1600m. The early effort took a toll and he peaked over the latter stages.
Mile Rate: – 1.57.9 Last Half: – 56.1 Margins: – 16m, 7m
Trial 4: – SOME HIGH began quickly to find the lead, back off the tempo mid-race and finished off in a slick final quarter of 27.7 seconds to win clearly. He is by Ride High out of Somerocksomeroll (1.53.3, $64,450), whose first foal Some American won trial three (1.54.6, $225,755). CARDIGAN BOOM ran an eye-catching second. He settled four back on the markers, waited for the sprint lane and finished off fast to pick up the second prize. He is by Ride High out of the unraced mare Soniq Boom, whose first foal Leavitt (1.57.1, $14,250) has had one start for one win. RUNNING BEAR trailed the leader and finished in third. He is a colt by Downbytheseaside out of Art In Paris (1.56.2, $53,741) and is closely related to Paris Princess (1.55.9, $67,648). AUSTON was last of the four runners after settling three back on the inside and coming away from the markers on the home turn but he was hanging out over the latter stages and lost momentum. He is a colt by Art Major out of Hannah Again and is related to the race winner Miss Poppys Friend (1.57.7, $25,469).
Mile Rate: – 2.1.4 Last Half: – 58.1 Margins: – 6m, 1m
BLACKBOOKER: – Cardigan Boom
Trial 5: – ALDEBARAN EMJAY trailed the leader early and ended up being three back on the markers at the 1200m mark. He came away from the inside on the home turn and finished off best in a trial in which most of the field galloped. LOLLY was slow in the score up but was aided by several of the gallopers early and was able to push forward and find the lead. She was run down on the line. NOSTRA NIPOTINA led out then took cover and finished in third. The remainder of the field made errors at some stage of the trial. HALFYOURSHALFMINE (Elite Stride – Miss Blissfull NZ 1.58.5, $118,728) finished fourth, the 3yo trotter CHASIN MISCHIEF was fifth and the David Miles trained pair ROCKINWITHSASS (Aldebaran Eagle – Rockin Shiraz 1.58.8, $24,450) and LOVE THAT BIRD were the last two runners across the line.
Mile Rate: – 2.8.2 Last Half: – 61.6 Margins: – Head, 4m
Trial 7: – CARDIGAN SNIPER began well and ended up being behind the leader on the first turn. He came to the outside on the home corner and finished off best in a slick final quarter of 27.6 seconds. He is by Ultimate Sniper out of the unraced mare Pastels, which has produced five winners including Paidnfull (1.57.1, $52,159) and Loco Diablo (1.56.1, $25,710). KAHULA began quickly and drew to the lead in the early stages. She kicked on strongly at the end and was beaten by a narrow margin. She is by Bettor’s Delight out of the Group 1 winning mare Kualoa (1.55.8, $323,940), whose first foal Kualight (1.59.5) has performed well from limited opportunities. LATHER IN GOLD settled three back on the inside and finished in third at his second trial attempt. BLUE SQUADRON was last of the four runners for the duration. She is a filly by Vincent out of Quick Jet (1.57.2, $51,881), the producer of four winners including Long Weekend (1.52.2, $270,488) and Hy Leinvincible (1.55.8, $57,835).
Mile Rate: – 2.2.6 Last Half: – 58.0 Margins: – Head, 12m
MELTON ENTERTAINMENT PARK 28/04/26
Trial 1: – HOORAH PHILTRA settled three back on the markers, came to the outside at the 400m mark and finished off best in a sizzling final quarter of 27.4 seconds to win the trial nicely. She is backing up at Melton tomorrow night. DANCE AFFAIR attempted to lead throughout and finished in second with OLLIES THE BOSS being the third horse across the line after trailing the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: – 1.56.4 Last Half: – 55.8 Margins: – 4m, 6m
Trial 2: – VERBICI was in a trailing position early before being left without cover at the 1300m. He progressed forward to find the lead at the bell and completely dominated his rivals thereafter, winning by a large margin. VOLSTEADSDELIGHT settled five back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 900m and tried hard for second. WHERDASUNDONTSHINE is a beautifully bred juvenile colt being by Majestic Son out of the top mare Gluteus Maximus (1.59.6, $104,855). She has produced the four winners Derrie Aire (1.58.1, $68,730), Kyvalley Shaunie (2.3.4, $46,723), Utopia (1.58.6, $83,280) and Darcys Fireball (1.55.2, $74,296). WHERDASUNDONTSHINE led out, took cover and ended up being three back on the markers from the bell before working home quite well for third. ALDEBARAN SKYLAR broke stride early, settled six back on the markers and recovered for a distant fourth.
Mile Rate: – 2.8.0 Last Half: – 60.2 Margins: – 19.25m, 2.5m
Trial 3: – BOULEVARD BART began quickly to lead and delivered a terrific front running display, dashing home in a slick final quarter of 27.7 seconds to win comfortably. SCHWARZ trailed the leader throughout and finished in second with ROMEO finishing off boldly from six back on the markers to be the third horse across the line. KARTIARE settled in seventh, moved up without cover at the 700m and got to second before peaking in the final 50m. He was the fourth horse across the line.
Mile Rate: – 1.56.0 Last Half: – 56.4 Margins: – 3.75m, 10m
Trial 6: – THE PREACHER continued his good trial form with a comfortable victory over DEEP LOVE NZ. He settled fifth on the markers, moved up without cover at the 600m mark, was wider around the home turn before finishing off best to win untouched. DEEP LOVE NZ settled last of the six runners, followed up behind THE PREACHER in the back straight, angled out four horses wide on the home turn and finished off well for second. FRITSCH began quickly to find the lead, backed off the tempo mid-race and was run down at the end. SIOUX WARRIOR led out then took cover and made his move at the 300m mark. He battled on fairly well for fourth.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.4 Last Half: – 61.4 Margins: – 4.5m, 2m
Trial 7: – COMEANDSEE was an extremely impressive winner of the seventh event after she led throughout and ran her rivals ragged. She is by Cattlewash out of State Of Euphoria, which has produced the race winner Poppy Wah Wah (1.52.4, $37,878) and she appears to be very promising. ESTELLA HERGE began well and angled in behind the leader shortly after the start. She chased very hard for second in fast time and was well clear of the remainder of the field. She is by Tintin In America out of Bella Stella (2.1.8, $11,260) and is the third foal. The second foal is Tommy Time, which has been placed in one of his five starts to date. RONAN finished in third position after settling three back on the inside. ROCK THE CAPTAIN came from sixth to pick up fourth position.
Mile Rate: – 1.56.3 Last Half: – 56.0 Margins: – 9m, 31m
BLACKBOOKER: – Comeandsee
Trial 8: – SUSAN IS HER NAME hasn’t raced since her memorable victory in the MacArthur Mile at Menangle in record time nearly a year ago, where she became the first and only horse thus far to have defeated the champion mare Keayang Zahara. She trailed the leader, came to the outside at the 150m mark and finished off swiftly to win the trial impressively. GATESYS GEM attempted to lead throughout and finished in second. OLLIVICI NZ was out of the position at the start, settled last of the three runners and lobbed along at the back without being fully extended. He is competing at Melton on Saturday night.
Mile Rate: – 1.56.2 Last Half: – 56.6 Margins: – 3m, 10m
Trial 9: – SMACK BANG BART did a very job to win the ninth event. He began quickly to lead, took cover shortly after the start and came to the outside with 400m remaining. He finished off best in a slick quarter of 27.8 seconds to claim victory on the line. He is by Rock N Roll Heaven out of Art Start (1.58.2, $45,936), which has done a phenomenal job as a broodmare considering she has produced eight winners, seven of which have earned $100,000+. The better performers out of the mare are Expensive Ego (1.48.6, $992,307), Bodhi Tree (1.52.1, $192,854) and Arts Treasure (1.50.9, $152,542). STAUNTON backed up his impressive trial win at Ballarat with a close second after setting the speed. IDEAL FRANKIE finished in third after settling three back on the markers and waiting for the sprint lane. She is by American Ideal and is the second foal out of Pistol Abbey (1.55.6, $253,060) with the first being the classy performer Silver Pistol (1.53.5, $61,451). CRUNCH TIME TYCOON was last of the four runners for the duration. He is by Captain Crunch out of the unraced mare Weona Miss Timed, which has produced six winners including Justrollingaround (1.53.7, $181,766) and Tiger Band Wagon (1.50.1, $193,508).
Mile Rate: – 1.57.7 Last Half: – 57.3 Margins: – Nose, 4m
BLACKBOOKER: – Smack Bang Bart
Trial 11: – HIGH TEMPO is an unraced colt by Ride High for trainer Emma Stewart and continued his good trial form with a victory over MUFASA BART. He settled four back on the markers, came to the outside at the 500m mark and finished off best. MUFASA BART settled three back on the inside, moved onto the back of HIGH TEMPO approaching the home turn and chased hard for a close second. He appeared to be a very good winning chance at Terang on Tuesday night but has been withdrawn from that engagement. UP AND ABOUT led out then took cover and was held up for a run at a vital stage before working home reasonably well for third. TRICODE settled six back on the markers and worked home okay for fourth position.
Mile Rate: – 1.59.6 Last Half: – 57.9 Margins: – 1.5m, 13m
Trial 12: – SWEET IDEAL hasn’t started since being unplaced in the Make Mine Cullen at Melton in January but she produced a stunning display to win the last trial. She led throughout and roared away in the straight to score in a slick mile rate of 1.54.4. HITTHEROADJACK NZ finished in second after trailing the leader throughout with TOMAHAWK BART being a distant third from his position of being three back on the markers.
Mile Rate: – 1.54.4 Last Half: – 55.2 Margins: – 19m, 6m
