Craig Rail's Trial File Blackbook has swelled with five more going, including a modestly-rated pacer who looks ready to pounce and an eye-catching former Queenslander.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for Craig's updated Blackbook.
SHEPPARTON 07/05/20
Trial 1: - ROCKS CAN ROLL raced without cover and was extremely lazy when trying to get to the lead but eventually found the top with 1100m remaining. He was able to concentrate better once he found the markers and he held his rivals safely at bay. CONCORDE DAWN began well to lead and tried to restrain for cover but it took a long time for ROCKS CAN ROLL to get past her. She ended up trailing the leader and using the sprint lane. ISLAND ROCKYROAD (Pet Rock – Lara Cloe 2.0.7, $30,450) settled sixth on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 1200m and boxed on fairly well for third. AMARANDA settled fifth on the markers early then ended up being seventh on the markers mid-race. She worked home reasonably well for fourth. MY MATE COL (Rock N Roll Heaven – Nightn Georgia 2.0.4, $116,605) settled sixth on the outside then gained a one out and one back trail. He was inconvenienced half way down the front straight and finished off nicely in the latter stages. ILLAWONG NIGELLA was three back on the markers and finished sixth in front of BAD AS NOW (Bad Boy Truscott – Windcries Molly), which galloped away and lost 20m early.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.4 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 3m, 2m
Trial 2: - BYE LINE (Sportswriter – Virginia Khan 1.58.5, $29,480) raced without cover early before running to the lead at the 1700m when she blitzed her rivals for a very impressive win. DELIGHTFUL NIKKY (Bettors Delight – Nickle Miss 1.56.6, $66,050) was left without cover early, dropped back to be fourth on the markers and moved away from the inside again with 300m remaining. She worked home well in the latter stages and finished second. CAPTAIN DORIAN (Captaintreacherous – Spirited Storm USA 1.59.1, $3,435) led out then took a trail behind BYE LINE and finished in third position. CHEYELLA (Heston Blue Chip – Chiquita Bromac 1.58.7, $33,963) was fifth on the markers and gained a clear passage on the home turn. She finished off strongly for a game fourth, albeit beaten by a large margin. OUTLOOK (Art Major – Vista Bella $110,021) was slow to move and settled down second last. She also picked up some ground at the finish. MAJOR ZONE (Art Major – Here Comes Zoe 1.55.2, $113,996) trailed the leader before being shuffled back one position further and finished sixth in front of FLUFFN AROUND (Grinfromeartoear – Aventura), which was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Final Half: - 58.7 Margins: - 30m, 2m
BLACKBOOKER: - Bye Line
Trial 3: - SWEET ON YOU (Love You – Right Interest 1.59.7, $202,096) was able to lead throughout and scored very comfortably. She is a beautifully bred filly and she appears to be very promising. ROSHAMBO (I’m Stately – Bacardi Jade) settled three back on the markers and was approximately 40m behind the leader early. She gained a nice trail and used the sprint lane in the latter stages. AHMARRA QUEEN (Great Success – Ahm Shere 2.7.0, $22,650) trailed the leader throughout and hung out under pressure over the concluding stages. VALLEYSPEED (Bacardi Lindy – Apache Speed 2.5.4, $15,063) was slow to begin and was a clear last in the early stages. She then broke stride at the 1600m and lost all chance.
Mile Rate: - 2.12.2 Final Half: - 62.1 Margins: - 30m, 2m
Trial 4: - REACTOR NOW settled down in seventh position in the early stages but pulled extremely hard and went forward in the back straight. He found the front at the 1300m and was always in a dominant position. He ran to the line to win easily and with plenty in reserve. MIDNIGHT WHISPER (Art Major – Whisper Jet 1.55.5, $110,426) was without cover in the early stages and moved onto the markers to be in third before moving up without cover again at the 600m. She battled on well to finish second and THE TIGER ARMY finished third after being in the out and one back trail for the majority of the trip. He went to the line without being pushed. JUSTBLINGIT CRESCO (Grinfromeartoear – Illawong Fabulous 2.0.7, $33,790) showed good gate speed to lead then took a trail behind the winner REACTOR NOW. She finished in fourth position and didn’t do a bad job for a horse that hasn’t raced, competing against the winners of multiple races. She finished ahead of MONASH (4 back markers), TEX GOES BANG (1-1, without cover 1300m, 5 back markers 800m) and REGIONALFELLA (6 back markers). WENTHESTARZZZALINE tried to go forward in the early stages but was caught wide and had to be restrained to last. She beat home LETS JAZZ IT UP, which settled down at the tail of the field and broke stride mid-race.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.9 Final Half: - 58.5 Margins: - 15m, 3m
BLACKBOOKER: - Justblingit Cresco
Trial 5: - LITTLE MISS CHLO began quickly and pushed forward to find the lead. She set up a slow tempo and sprinted home quickly to win by a large margin. CMON CARL LEE produced a big performance to finish second. He broke at the start and was tailed off but chased very hard to tack on at the 1200m. He then moved up without cover and pulled extremely hard until dropping in behind the winner at the 900m. He possesses a lot of ability but he is still learning. CAPRIOSKA settled four back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 250m and ran home well in the latter stages for third. TETRA trailed the leader and had every chance, dropping off late for a distant fourth. DURANTEE (Majestic Son – Nirvana Castle) settled three back on the markers and finished fifth in front of SHEZA PLEASURE (Bacardi Lindy – Sheza Comment), which broke at the start and was tailed off throughout. HERES TO YOU JIMMY (Bacardi Lindy - Singing Creek 2.0.1, $59,178) was also beaten a long way after galloping in the early stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.1 Final Half: - 61.3 Margins: - 15m, 30m
Trial 6: - WILLIE GO WEST has been trialling impressively and was able to grab victory over SAN CARLO. He led out then took a trail behind TRENDY BROMAC before dashing along the sprint lane in the home straight. He won softly, seemingly with something in reserve. SAN CARLO started from about a fourth or fifth line and was well behind the mobile at release point. He moved into the death seat at the 1700m and had a brief look for the lead before settling without cover for the remainder of the trip. VENA MAY gained the one out and one back trail behind SAN CARLO and held her ground over the latter stages. TRENDY BROMAC pressed forward to find the lead from WILLIE GO WEST and pulled hard when challenged by SAN CARLO mid-race and held the leading position at the 1300m. She tired from the home turn and finished in fourth. FLEETING GRIN settled three back on the markers and started to yield ground with 500m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.2 Final Half: - 56.6 Margins: - 1m, 6m
TERANG 09/05/20
Trial 1: - MAORI AMOUR was a winner at Stawell in April so she appeared to be well placed in the opening trial. She took out the prize from SIERRA KEA (Peak – Diamond Insitu), a close relation to Sparkling Success ($425,120), Diamond Wes and I Stand Alone. The New Zealand bred trotter ALDEBARAN TESS (Muscle Hill – Solar Powered) finished in third position with TOUCHANDGO (Down Under Muscles – Honeylyptus) running fourth. Last of the five runners was MALLEE BOYZ (Skyvalley – Wannabeamaori), a 3yo qualifier for trainer Matthew Craven.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.0 Final Half: - 63.3 Margins: - 9m, 45m
Trial 2: - PINK GALAHS is a classy 3yo trotting filly and proved too good in the small field of three runners. Her stable mate ALDEBARAN KNOX finished in second and the John Meade trained 3yo KYVALLEY SHERRIFF (Trixton – Kyvalley Café) finished tailed off.
Mile Rate: - 2.17.9 Final Half: - 63.3 Margins: - 12m, 300m
Trial 3: - MADAZALWAYS has recently joined trainer Matthew Horsnell and was able to take out the open class trial in good time. JILLIBY MADONNA finished in second position ahead of GOODTIME JUNIOR, which hasn’t started since August. The outstanding trotter SPARKLING SUCCESS took on the pacers and finished last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.6 Final Half: - 57.7 Margins: - 4m, 12m
Trial 4: - EARLION has made a few errors at the races during his four starts to date but he took out the fourth trial from SURELY NOT (Skyvalley – Paula Swifty 2.4.7, $28,030) with KAYLASISTER finishing in third position.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.9 Final Half: - 64.1 Margins: - 6m, 10m
Trial 5: - JILLIBY DYNAMITE (Captaintreacherous – Jilliby Jitterbug 1.53.4, $212,480) is a beautifully bred colt being by leading first season sire Captaintreacherous out of the Australian Gold winning mare Jilliby Jitterbug. He recorded slow time but ran home in a reasonable final half and scored by a large margin. KIMBLE (Western Terror – I’m Wrongly Accused 1.58.5, $36,917) is a brilliantly named gelding being out of I’m Wrongly Accused and finished second. Hopefully he is not hard to catch when he gets to the races. MEROLAMAGIC (Somebeachsomewhere – Sterita 1.55.9, $145,241) is out of a fast race mare in Sterita and came in last of the three runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.5 Final Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 15m, 20m
Trial 6: - MOLLYS BEST is now with trainer Margaret Lee after formerly being with Peter Manning. She defeated VIKING CRUZ, which was solidly supported at his first start for trainer Paddy Lee at the last Terang meeting with TERRORINTHECITY in third position. LIGHTNING BLUECHIP was last of the four runners across the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.7 Final Half: - 60.3 Margins: - 2m, 2m
Trial 7: - LAVAUGHN boasted handy trial form prior to her first two starts and she had little luck after working hard at her latest Melton fifth. She took out the seventh trial from KEAYANG SILVAGNI (Roll With Joe – Keayang Princess 2.0.7, $35,378) with GOTTA SMUDGE (Grinfromeartoear – Primanproper Lombo 2.3.6, $5,075) in third position. SHADY CREDIT (Shadyshark Hanover – Total Credits) was fourth across the line and finished ahead of STELLAR RAINBOW (Roll With Joe – Starry Rainbow 1.58.2, $84,205) with TOODLE PIP (Art Major – Swift Retort 2.4.4, $4,606) being last of the six runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.1 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 1.5m, 15m
Trial 8: - JILLIBY DINGO (Rock N Roll Heaven – Slip Slop Slap 2.2.0, $4,500) is a close relation to Jilliby Kung Fu (1.48.8, $529,710) and defeated three proven winners in GOODTIME STRYKER, REACTOR FACTOR and KEVIN RICHARD so he obviously should prove hard to beat against the maiden class when he steps out onto the track. GOODTIME STRYKER hasn’t started since galloping at Cranbourne in November after a debut victory. He finished second with REACTOR FACTOR and KEVIN RICHARD finishing third and fourth respectively. WEERROOK BUDDY (Shadyshark Hanover – Tartan Dynasty) finished last of the five runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.3 Final Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 2m, 3m
BLACKBOOKER: - Jilliby Dingo
CRANBOURNE 09/05/20
Trial 1: - SOVEREIGN MINX prepared for her performance on Sunday with a trial victory from the standing start. She began reasonably well, trailed the leader TROUBLE GIERO and was able to get well clear when TROUBLE GIERO broke stride with 150m remaining. TROUBLE GIERO was far enough in front of MASTER SPARK (Majestic Son – Arcupandgo 2.4.9, $16,140) to hold down second despite making that error in the latter stages. MASTER SPARK was always tailed off after a slow beginning.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.3 Final Half: - 59.6 Margins: - 25m, 40m
Trial 2: - WRITTEN COURAGE (Sportstwriter – Reply Withcourage) is a juvenile for trainer Dylan Stratford and took out the second trial in slow time but by a comfortable margin. She settled down three back on the markers and came out three horses wide in the home straight, swooping to victory over the final stages. FINAL COUNTDOWN (Auckland Reactor – Ima Blue Bell 2.1.6, $13,799) trailed the leader and moved away from the markers on the home turn, finishing in second position. ILLAWONG PHOENIX was third after setting up a slow tempo early and HESABEACHBOY (Sunshine Beach – Bella Belucci) finished a distant fourth after settling down last and dropping off the bunch at the 700m mark. WHOSE ME MUM settled in fourth position but couldn’t go with the pacers from the half mile marker.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.9 Final Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 12m, 15m
Trial 3: - OHOKA DIESEL pushed forward to find the lead at the 1800m and was able to secure victory in the heavy rain. The trotter FEND OFF settled four back on the markers before moving to the outside at the 1200m. He steered a wide course and was nearly three horses wide for the remainder of the trip so his effort was very good. LAKEY LOU led out then took a trail behind OHOKA DIESEL and finished in third position with NITE NITE MISTER (3 back markers) running in last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.4 Final Half: - 61.6 Margins: - 10m, 8m
Trial 4: - GROOM has had a few difficulties at the start during his current campaign but he was able to begin quickly to find the lead in his trial victory. He set up a slow tempo and was able to hold off the challenge from WILL AND ANDY, which raced three back on the outside and came away from the markers at the 300m mark. PERSHING settled four back on the markers and finished in third position ahead of PEPE OLE, which went back to the sprint lane from last on the turn and WUNDURRA (trailed leader).
Mile Rate: - 2.9.4 Final Half: - 61.6 Margins: Neck, 10m
MILDURA 10/05/20
Trial 1: - MAJOR MAL is now with trainer Boris Devcic and he impressed with his all of the way trial victory over his stable mate PRELIMINARY, which trailed him throughout. MAJOR MAL did win a race by a large margin at Mildura in the early stages of his campaign before his form tapered when back in the South East. He might be better suited in the Sunraysia. RAYS DAUGHTER (Roll With Joe – Rayner Storm 1.59.7, $25,653) settled four back on the inside and moved up without cover from the 600m. She finished a distant third with AUSSIE CASH (McArdle – Mama Jules) coming from five back on the markers and picking up a little bit of ground late for fourth. BEAUTYS SHADOW was fifth after being three back on the markers and IM JIMMIES GIRL (Shadow Play – Priddy Good 2.0.1, $5,125) was last throughout, yielding ground from the 800m mark.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.5 Final Half: - 59.5 Margins: - 6m, 15m
Trial 2: - GOLDEN SCRIBE was able to find the lead shortly after the start, ran along at an even tempo and scored over POLONIS OUR MATE, which should have won. He began quickly to lead but broke stride 200m after the start, losing 30m before tacking on at the 1200m and being beaten just 7m on the line. A ROCKNROLL KING trailed the leader and started to drop off the pace 500m from home. NO EMOTION broke stride on the first turn, lost 40m and was tailed off for the remainder of the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.6 Final Half: - 60.6 Margins: - 7m, 20m
Trial 3: - GOVINNI hasn’t raced in Victoria since December 2016 and has been in Queensland for the past few seasons. He was very impressive at his trial victory where he settled down last early, came out three horses wide at the 600m mark and rushed straight past his rivals, scoring by an ever increasing 40m. GENUINE EXCUSE trailed the leader and moved away from the markers on the home turn to finish second ahead of the early leader RAINBOW RAIN. OPAL CROWN settled three back on the inside and moved away from the pegs to race without cover from the 1400m. He dropped back at to finish last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.7 Final Half: - 60.2 Margins: - 40m, 3m
BLACKBOOKER: - Govinni
MARYBOROUGH 10/05/20
Trial 1: - ADELAIDE BAY broke stride in the score up and lost 10m, pushed forward to lead at the 1800m and hung out badly at the 600m but was still able to score by a reasonable margin. The former Tasmanian pacer is still learning but obviously has ability. LORIMER LADY settled four back on the markers and came out three horses wide from the 400m mark. She ran into second with TOM KAT in third. TOM KAT led out, took a trail behind ADELAIDE BAY then was presented a very good run along the inside at the 600m. VAN GOGH (Modern Art – Hotgossip) was four back on the markers and circled around FINAL BOW (Bitobliss – Georgina Bow) coming up to the bell to be three back on the inside but ended up finishing in fourth. FINAL BOW was struggling to hold his position a long way from home and finished at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.0 Final Half: - 58.0 Margins: - 8m, 4m
Trial 2: - ANGELS BREATH settled 3 back on the inside, moved up without cover from the 500m mark and proved too good in the run to the judge. KYVALLEY FRANK finished second after setting up a moderate tempo in the lead and SAMS A YANK (Muscles Yankee – Flash And Flair) trailed the field in after sitting behind the leader but unfortunately breaking stride with 300m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.4 Final Half: - 61.7 Margins: - 10m, 30m
Trial 3: - TIARA STRIDE (Amore Stride – Nitengale Stride USA) was a 3yo trotter taking on two juvenile trotters so she appeared to be well placed and was able to lead all of the way to score nicely. LOVEE DOVEE (Love You – Sister of Sonoko 2.3.3, $14,103) trailed the leader and finished in second position with LUCY SAWYER (Tennotrump – Annies Last 2.9.2, $4,508) settling three back on the markers and remaining in third and last position throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.1 Final Half: - 61.3 Margins: - 20m, 10m
Trial 4: - SINGING THE GIRL began brilliantly from the standing start and zoomed to the lead shortly after the start. She set up a slow speed and she did everything right where the qualifiers behind her did things wrong. DON’T CARE (Used To Me – My Dreamweaver $33,763) raced roughly at the start and settled in last of the three but was able to get past CLAUDYS ICEMAN (Pegasus Spur – All Finesse), a close relation to the great mare Claudys Princess ($401,803) and Claudys Prince ($98,605), which broke stride mid-race.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.7 Final Half: - 64.0 Margins: - 40m, 80m
BENDIGO 10/05/20
Trial 1: - MAJESTIC MAJOR gained a one out and one back trail from the 1600m, came out three horses wide coming out of the back straight and quickly put the issue beyond doubt when he pounced on the leaders and raced to a very easy victory. He is very tightly assessed being a National Ratings 83 assessed runner and with the lack of claiming races, his task has been difficult since coming from New South Wales but at least the trial win would have boosted his confidence. ACE DUIGAN raced without cover for the last mile of the journey and was able to snare second with OUR BEACHSOMEWHERE being third after trailing the leader. FOURSTARZZZSPECIAL dropped back to fourth after trying to lead throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.8 Final Half: - 57.1 Margins: - 18m, 1m
Trial 2: - MAGIC SMILE (Grinfromeartoear – Cobargo Magic 1.56.1, $82,919) began quickly from barrier three to slide to the lead and raced to an easy victory, dashing home in a slick final quarter of 28.2 seconds. JET JOCKEY (Art Major – Eilish Mary 2.1.6, $19,395) finished in second position after settling four back on the markers and moving into the one out and one back trail from the 600m. LESVOS LAD (Jet Laag – Molly Ridge) settled fifth and last early but was able to work into a distant third in the latter stages. SPORTING MODEL (Art Major – All Eyes On Me 1.51.0, $349,926) left a trailing position in third to move up without cover from the 600m and finished fourth ahead of her stable mate FABULOUS KAYJAY (Art Major – Shortys Treasure 1.58.8, $24,110), which broke stride from behind the leader in the back straight on the final occasion.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.4 Final Half: - 57.8 Margins: - 15m, 10m
Trial 3: - SWEET APPEAL (Sweet Lou – I’m Tammy) has been impressive at the trials and was able to score nicely. She trailed the leader, came to the outside on the home turn and finished off strongly to win with plenty in reserve. BABYLON BAMBI (Western Terror – Realexpectation 2.1.5, $26,768) finished in second position after setting up a reasonable speed and was well clear of LEOTARDANDLACE (Down Under Muscles – Estee Poppy), which settled last on the markers with SAINT WIN (Art Major – Torridon 2.1.2, $39,325) finishing last after being three back on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.0 Final Half: - 58.4 Margins: - 7m, 120m
Trial 4: - FRATELLINO was last on the inside before moving into the one out and one back trail at the 600m when he swept past his rivals to score easily. SPIDERS DEVIL settled three back on the markers and moved into the death seat at the 600m. He was no match for FRATELLINO but the winner had a bit of class on his rivals being a National Ratings 71 assessed trotter. MULBERRY PIE was a nice trial performance. She showed gate speed to lead early, took a trail and went to the line hard held in third position. ARMBRO HUGH raced without cover early before working to the lead at the 1600m and finished fourth with FETCH IT being last of the five runners after being without cover early and drifting back to last.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.4 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 12m, 4m
Trial 5: - BALL PARK stepped away okay and trailed the leader TIP TOP EURASIAN before peeling to the outside and rolling away to win comfortably in a slowly run trial. The juvenile trotter IRENE ROSE (Tennotrump – Box Brownie) was taking on much more experienced horses and finished last of the three runners. She stepped away slowly but safely and was approximately 30m away from the leader early then gradually lost ground.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.8 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 12m, 60m
BALLARAT 11/ 05/ 20
Trial 1: - CROMPTON BAY did a good job to take out the first trial. He settled five back on the inside and sustained a strong run in the final stages after popping away from the markers at the 700m mark. MAJOR MISCHIEF (Major In Art – Zolong 2.2.1, $24,504) trailed the leader, moved away from the markers at the 300m and battled on well for second position. FIGHTNFURY (Bettors Delight – The Waratah 1.57.9, $40,861) was beaten narrowly into third spot after beginning quickly and setting up a moderate tempo. LORIMERLAGG broke stride at the start and lost approximately 20m. She settled six back on the markers and picked up a bit of ground late. DIEGO DELGADO (Union Guy – Miss Earl) settled four back on the markers and finished fifth in front of PLAIN ED (Heston Blue Chip – Shalackin 1.56.8, $27,125), which settled three back on the markers after being slowly away from the pole position.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.7 Final Half: - 59.0 Margins: - Head, Neck
Trial 2: - MISSBLISSFULLBEACH trailed the leader before moving to the outside at the 600m. She hung in going around the home turn but balanced again in the straight and was able to get up to win from CANDY MANDY, which settled three back on the markers and moved through to trail the leader when MISSBLISSFULLBEACH vacated that position. LENNY TEE (Betterthancheddar – Our Pocket Princess) settled last on the markers and picked up some ground in a slow last quarter to finish in third. SUMMER GRIN (Grinfromeartoear – Goingonsafari) began quickly to lead and finished in fourth position ahead of URGOODBOY, which moved into the one out and one back trail from fourth at the 600m.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.5 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 1/2m, 3m
Trial 3: - URBADBOY was wide in the early stages but progressed forward and found the lead at the 1400m. He ran along at a genuine tempo and completely dominated his rivals to win easily. MYPARIS (Mr Feelgood – Eden Bromac) settled last of the seven runners, moved up without cover from the 700m and picked up ground on the beaten brigade to finish a distant second. LA PUDDIE (Somebeachsomewhere – La Machane 1.54.6, $335,268) settled three back on the inside and finished in third with MEANDMYBIGMOUTH running fourth after leading out then taking cover. WARPIE was fifth throughout and beat home VALLA REINE (6 back markers, 1-1 at 700m) and JAY JAY LLOYD (Falcon Seelster – Lorimerjane) (4 back markers).
Mile Rate: - 2.0.9 Final Half: - 58.0 Margins: - 50m, Neck
Trial 4: - ABSTRACTOR settled last of the three runners, came to the outside at the 250m and finished off best to win. It was a tidy display to get up in a reasonably handy final half of 57.2 seconds. HECTOR MACRAY trailed the leader and came off the markers underneath of ABSTRACTOR on the home turn before kicking on well in the centre for second. GO IN STYLE finished last of the three runners after setting the speed.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.6 Final Half: - 57.2 Margins: - 1.5m, 2.5m
Trial 5: - NORMANDY BELLE trailed the leader and moved away from the markers from the 600m when she scored nicely albeit in slow time. The performance of the trial was put in by ALDEBARAN LEROY, which galloped away and lost approximately 50m early. He tacked on and moved into the death seat at the 1200m before dropping onto the markers in third at the bell. He was still coming at the finish and was able to run second. CADENZA led and broke stride with 250m remaining hence losing his chance to be competitive. He finished a distant third in from of the juvenile trotters MAJESTIC SAINT and MADGE EGAN.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.8 Final Half: - 60.9 Margins: - 10m, 60m
Trial 6: - EGEE MONEY settled last of the three runners before moving away from the inside at the 300m. She finished off well to get up and defeat the early leader FORGOT TO REMEMBER with ME PAT MALONE finishing at the tail after trailing the leader, coming to the outside in the back straight and breaking stride at the quarter pole.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.7 Final Half: - 60.2 Margins: - 2m, 15m
Trial 7: - Only three horses contested the standing start trial and the National Ratings 74 assessed trotter DOUG had a bit of class on his rivals. He won as expected after settling down last and coming out three horses wide on the home turn. MEGEVE (The Best Madrik – The Kahmotion) finished second after trailing the leader and coming to the outside on the home turn. RUBY ROULETTE stepped away swiftly and set the speed before being run down in the home straight.
Mile Rate: - 2.12.3 Final Half: - 62.4 Margins: - 2m, 4m
STAWELL 13/05/20
Trial 1: - SWISS LIGHTNING raced in the opening juvenile event of the season when second then was transferred to trainer Marnie Bibby. He was unplaced at his next attempt then was spelled. He returned to track with a trial victory. CAESARS REIGN (Julius Caesar – Miss Rainmaker 2.1.6, $21,120) is an unraced pacer for trainer Stuart Cocks and finished second ahead of SOURCE OF MARTYR. KIMBLE (Western Terror – Im Wrongly Accused 1.58.5, $36,917) finished in fourth position after backing up quickly from a Terang trial a few nights earlier and was ahead of ZERO DOUBT (Shadyshark Hanover – Problem Solved 1.59.0, $27,361) at the finish.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.7 Final Half: - 62.4 Margins: - 1m, Head
Trail 2: - TIC TACT has been unplaced in all of her three starts since coming from Queensland but she has shown some improvement at the trials. She took out the second event ahead of FEELIN THE BEAT, which has also shown some improvement at the trials and at the races recently. SURELY NOT (Skyvalley – Paula Swifty 2.4.7, $28,030) has had numerous trials recently and finished in third position ahead of AERODYNE GUY and the trotter JUST STELLA MAGIC.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.7 Final Half: - 61.8 Margins: - Neck, 40m
Trial 3: - SHADY AZZ hasn’t raced since an unplaced effort in the George Croxford Tribute in February but he has obviously come back to the track in good order. He was able to produce a runaway trial success over his stable mate COOL AND CALCULATING with FIFTYSHADES CRESCO in third and LETTUCE NHEAVEN (Rock N Roll Heaven – Lettucereason 1.55.9, $180,073) ended up finishing last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.8 Final Half: - 59.08 Margins: - 20m, 8m
Trial 4: - LOVE THE ACES hasn’t raced since winning the Elmore Cup in 2018. She is a good trotter that boasts a handy strike rate and she defeated the South Australian Cup runner up THE PENNY DROPS in what was a strong trial to complete the program. ALLAWART BOB finished third and the 3yo qualifiers ALDEBARAN TESS (Muscle Hill – Solar Powered) and JIMMY BINTANG (Allawart Ray – Cathrins Image) finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.1 Final Half: - 62.50 Margins: - 4m, 25m
KILMORE 14/05/20
Trial 1: - QUEEN INVASION (Muscle Hill – Invasions Pride 2.5.6, $36,765) settled three back on the markers and moved away from the inside at the 600m mark. She showed a good turn of speed at the finish and won with plenty in reserve. ASTRO (Love You – Auravale 2.8.2, $30,650) possesses speed and ability when he puts it altogether but unfortunately for his breeder, owner and trainer Bill Milner, he has been making errors. He led and was approximately 25m clear of his rivals when he galloped in the back straight on the final occasion, ended up a joint leader and three horses wide coming up to the home turn then galloped again when in second position with 50m remaining. KYVALLEY HACIENDA (Andover Hall – Kyvalley Lily) finished third after stepping away slowly but safely and being last of the herd. LUNA (Used To Me – Auravalley) trailed the leader and gained an inside run when ASTRO broke stride in the back straight but finished last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.18.8 Final Half: - 67.1 Margins: - 5m, 8m
Trial 2: - EVAS IMAGE (Father Patrick – Shes An Image 1.57.4, $233,824) settled four back on the inside and was giving the leaders a healthy start at the 600m but manoeuvred to the outside on the home turn and picked her rivals up effortlessly to win well. ALDEBARAN MIDORI (Muscle Hill – Aldebaran Malibu USA $40,235) began quickly and worked to the front. She wanted to hang in and drift into the sprint lane over the latter stages but she held onto second position. SUNNYBOY (Majestic Son – Sullanders Pride) was without cover early before angling in to be three back on the markers. He wanted to hang in several times in the back straight on the final occasion and lost momentum but was able to pick up again and give chase. His effort to finish third was sound. IM JOSEPHINE was the only trotter in the trial to have started previously and began quickly before trailing the leader. She finished fourth and ALDEBARAN TAKARA (Trixton – Aldebaran Turnpike 1.59.6, $20,625) was last of the five runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.12.3 Final Half: - 63.8 Margins: - 6m, 3m
Trial 3: - SHADY JESS trailed the leader CALYPSO MISTRESS and came to the outside with 500m remaining. She lost her compass turning out of the back straight and drifted out 3-4 horses wide before getting closer to CALYPSO MISTRESS on the home turn. She hit the front during the initial stages of the front straight but again wanted to drift out to the centre of the track. She did enough to get the prize but it was a slow final quarter of 31.1 seconds. CALYPSO MISTRESS finished second and KNOW REPLY (Heston Blue Chip – That’s All Right 1.59.9, $24,127) ran her race in patches from three back on the markers where she dropped off at the quarter pole but was coming on strongly at the finish. CASINO BARRY (Heston Blue Chip – Casino Princess 1.59.7, $31,715) galloped at the start and lost 15m before tacking onto the group in last position. He remained on the inside and switched to the sprint late over the latter stages but still finished at the tail of the field, albeit not too far from the winner.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.7 Final Half: - 59.9 Margins: - 3m, 2m
Trial 4: - STARLIGHT SAFARI was on his best behaviour at the start and pushed forward to find the lead on the first turn. He appeared to be in danger of defeat on the home turn but he kicked on well at the finish. FOUR LONELY NIGHTS led out and got a little keen in the early stages before taking cover behind STARLIGHT SAFARI. He came to the outside and appeared to be a chance on the home turn but the leader kicked on too well. ALBERIO produced a good trial performance even without considering his assessment (NR44, the winner Starlight Safari is a NR55). He settled down in fourth position, started to pick up ground in the back straight and finished determinedly out wider off the track. The classy trotting mare PANTZUP settled down last, moved around COULD BE WOODY on the final bend and ducked back into the sprint lane in the straight, working home well without being extended. COULD BE WOODY settled three back on the inside, wanted to hang in on the final corner and dropped out to be last of the five runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.8 Final Half: - 59.6 Margins: - 1m, 1m
Blackbooker: - Alberio
Trial 5: - HEY LISTEN (Crazed – Catchya Maya) won nicely after settling three back on the markers and working home well. He only scored by a narrow margin but he seemed to have a little bit more left at the end. MAORI MAYHEM (Pegasus Spur – Happy Maori 1.59.6, $89,365) led out, was taken on by COMANDANTE in the back straight during the first lap then took a trail. She was presented the lead when COMANDANTE wanted to pull up and run off the track at the quarter pole but she was gunned down by HEY LISTEN at the end. COMANDANTE galloped at the start and lost approximately 25m. He tacked onto the group then was set alight in the back straight, racing to the lead before rolling along at a genuine tempo and establishing a big lead. He got to the 400m mark and pulled out wide on the track but once he was overtaken, he got going again late. KYVALLEY SURFERGIRL was four back on the inside and dropped off the pace during the middle stages. She finished fourth and AMOUR FRATERNELLE (Repeat Love – Mybrotherwasastar) was slowly away and was always detached from the group.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.5 Final Half: - 65.3 Margins: - Head, 20m
Trial 6: - DABYMINGA (Betterthancheddar – Shishi 1.58.6, $30,365) led from the pole position, set up a slow tempo and just prevailed in what was a thrilling finish at the end. DEVIL OF A SMILE (Devilish Smile – Hilton Dream 2.1.6, $38,269) trailed the leader, came to the outside in the straight and made a late lunge but just failed. REGAL BREEZE (Lincoln Royal – Safari Breeze 1.55.4, $176,150) raced very greenly in the score up, was about ten metres behind at release point and didn’t extend when the raced commenced. He was retired from the trial in the early stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.0 Final Half: - 59.6 Margins: - ½ Head, retired
Trial 7: - The outstanding trotter WOBELEE wasn’t exactly switched on for the entire trial but he took on a reasonable field of pacers and got the job done. He was working to the front at the 1800m but turned his head, pricked his ears up and wanted to pull up before being urged across to the markers. He wasn’t happy at the same point on the turn into the back straight on the second lap as well. The ambulance was parked on the inside on the track at that point and the shadows of the light poles were almost stretching onto the racing surface so they are two possible reasons for his lack of concentration. He really extended at the business end however and dashed home in a slick final quarter of 28.2 seconds. BLAZIN CRACKER gave chase from three back on the markers and finished second. MYZARMI was an extremely good run in third as he was last and out four horses wide on the home bend before working home very nicely in the final 100m. PADDY MACH led out and took a trail behind WOBELEE in the early stages. He finished last as the judge called a halt but he wasn’t far from the winner.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.6 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 2m, 2m
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