Vintage Cheddar’s strong hit-out at Tabcorp Park Melton during the week has raised the eyebrows of Craig Rail, who has swiftly placed the New Zealand import into his Blackbook.
Rail says Andy Gath’s new acquisition “should make his presence felt” on Australian debut at Terang on Saturday night when he contests the Pat Bellman Memorial Pace.
Vintage Cheddar, a winner of 11 races who is now owned by Gath’s long-time client Norm Jenkin, is one of six new Blackbook entries this week. Others are Romany Brown (Tim McGuigan), Be My Star (Nathan Purdon), Independent Belle (Kari Males), Captain Ravishing (Ahmed Taiba) and Illawong Larajay (Jess Tubbs).
Enjoy Rail’s report of the week’s trials and scroll to the bottom of the page for his updated Blackbook.
SHEPPARTON 10/02/22
Trial 1: - MOMENTUM SWING (Vincent – Night Vision) showed brilliant gate speed to lead and ran along at an even tempo. He was able to score by a comfortable margin and backed up in the opening juvenile event of the season at Geelong, where he finished solidly for fourth. AMBIGUOUS (Sportswriter – Show Me Amber 1.58.7, $64,151) continues to show ability at the trials and finished a game second. He settled down last of the five runners, gained a one out and one back trail at the 400m, came out three horses wide on the home turn and finished strongly. SIR VINCENT (Vincent – Yekaterina) trailed the leader and used the sprint lane to finish in third position. BE DAZZLED (Sweet Lou – Dazed and Confused 1.56.8, $172,444) settled four back on the inside and remained in fourth position at the end with NOOSA BOY (Sunshine Beach – Sheroselill) being the last one home after settling three back on the inside and moving away from the markers at the 400m.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.3 Last Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 4m, 1m
Trial 2: - YOEE (Bacardi Lindy – Lunars Last) began quickly from the standing start to find the lead before taking cover with a mile remaining. He waited for the sprint lane and was able to accelerate nicely to get the prize. ATEGO TITAN broke stride at the start and lost approximately 30m. He was quick to catch the leading duo with a slow early tempo and settled three back on the inside before making his move at the quarter pole. He finished off well for a close second. HEZ COOLAZ produced a big effort in third position. He broke stride 100m after the start, lost approximately 80m and tacked onto the group with 900m remaining. He came out three horses wide on the home turn and finished off strongly to pick up third position. If he can trot throughout when resuming at Gunbower on Sunday, he should prove hard to beat. QUAKERS ROYALE (Quaker Jet – Queens Rhapsody 2.4.7, $87,392) trailed the leader early before rolling to the top at the 1600m. He was headed on the home turn and was last of the four runners to cross the finish line.
Mile Rate: - 2.12.1 Last Half: - 62.6 Margins: - 1m, 1m
Trial 3: - REPELLING was clearly the class runner of the trial and he asserted his superiority at the end by racing away to score by a huge margin. He was without cover early before sliding to the front with 1600m remaining and was completely in control thereafter. ROCK ON WINSTON (Sweet Lou – Montana Zodiac 1.59.7, $5,371) began quickly to lead before finding cover behind the winner. He raced roughly and lost momentum at the quarter pole but he recovered to finish second. LADY OF THE ARTS was sixth on the inside but broke stride with 1100m remaining and lost approximately 15m. She picked up the pack, came out three and four carts wide from the 300m and did well to run into third. SO SHE SAID was four back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell. She finished fourth ahead of LASTING BOND, which left the pegs from five back at the 1100m and gave her the cart into the race. ZIEGFELD pulled very hard at the start and rolled to the top. He took cover behind ROCK ON WINSTON and ended up being three back on the markers but he did settle better once he had cover. He tired at the end and finished sixth with TREACHEROUS LASS (Captaintreacherous – Celebrity Lass 1.57.6, $30,967) (last markers) finishing at the tail of the field after being checked by the galloping LADY OF THE ARTS with just over a lap remaining.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.4 Last Half: - 58.1 Margins: - 30m, 1m
Trial 4: - DAYLIGHT AT DAWN began quickly and was able to roll to the top around the first turn. He set up a moderate tempo and had a good kick left in the run to the finish. HAMMERS HELLPATROL settled three back on the markers and was able to weave a passage in the straight before sprinting quickly along the passing lane. He did well to run down the leader to a head margin. WINTON (Mr Feelgood – Katie Grangewood 1.58.2, $8,063) gained a one out and one back trail before coming to the outside on the home turn and held down third. STILLSOUNDSLIKALIE (Rock N Roll Heaven – Always Lacking 1.56.4, $23,515) was four back on the markers before angling in behind WINTON (1-2) with 1200m remaining. He was the widest runner turning for home and picked up good ground late. He has drawn awkwardly on the outside of the front line for his debut at Gunbower on Sunday. YELLOW STONE raced without cover throughout and beat home UPRIGHT, which led out then took cover on the first turn.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.0 Last Half: - 58.9 Margins: - Head, 8m
Trial 5: - SENITAS STRENGTH trailed the leader, moved to the outside on the home turn and sprinted sharply to win easily. CELEBRATION STRIDE began fast to find the lead and battled on reasonably well for second. The winner is a very smart mare and he beat the remainder of the field by a large margin so his effort was sound. IMA DESTROYER was five back then four back on the inside before moving into the death seat at the 1100m. He finished a distant third with ABBIE being in fourth after breaking stride at the 1700m. NICKYS SON was third on the pegs and was beaten at the 700m. He finished a distant fifth with SPEEDY LOVE (Love You – Right Interest 1.59.7, $202,096) finishing last after galloping away. IMA DESTROYER finished in fourth position in the Breed for Speed Bronze series at Shepparton on Wednesday night.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Last Half: - 59.6 Margins: - 15m, 25m
BACCHUS MARSH 12/02/22
Trial 1: - SPRING BLUE (Huntsville – Hectic 1.56.7, $97,745) is a beautifully bred juvenile for trainer Robert Conti. She was able to score narrowly from another juvenile pacer in SHIKOBA (A Rocknroll Dance – Calico Cat). BACCHANALIAN (Julius Caesar – Alkasada) has had several trial performances recently and finished in third position. OUR ESCAPADE was the only horse in the trial that has raced previously and finished fourth ahead of TWELVEWINDS (Highview Tommy – Windisinahurry), which finished a large distance off the pack.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.7 Last Half: - 62.1 Margins: - Head, 5m
Trial 2: - ALLANON was able to take out the second trial on the program and backed up with a handy second at Maryborough on Wednesday afternoon so he is working back to his peak form. BACARDI SPIRIT (Bacardi Lindy – Maybelina 2.1.4, $37,958) is a Jason Hackett trained gelding out of the former handy mare Maybelina. He finished second ahead of the nicely bred qualifier HEIR APPARENT (Creatine – Alta Rihannah 1.59.1, $154,437) with ROLL WITH ROSCO finishing last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.6 Last Half: - 62.0 Margins: - 3m, 15m
Trial 3: - DISTRICT ATTORNEY is building up a handy record having won three of his four starts and he was successful at Yarra Valley last week. He kept the momentum rolling to score over BLOOD MOON with the Chris Mifsud prepared colt SPORTSRAMA (Sportswriter – Rocknroll Rama) being in third position. MAAS BETTING AGAIN (Betting Line – Maastricht 1.55.3, $89,989) has had numerous trials leading up to her debut performance and was fourth across the line. POTRO is undefeated from two starts and finished ahead of JAGUAR JAY (Guaranteed – Black Cougar 1.56.9, 60,405) and BEHOLD was the last horse across the line. BLOOD MOON is competing at Cranbourne on Monday afternoon.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.3 Last Half: - 59.4 Margins: - 2m, 15m
Trial 4: - ROMANY BROWN hasn’t raced since suffering a bleeding attack at Geelong back in June. He recorded slick time in winning his trial over a handy field and he appears to be hard to beat at Cranbourne on Monday. SATCHMO STRIKES has been showing ability but is still very green. He finished in second position with DREAMERS DELIGHT, which hasn’t started since October, being a distant third. VILLAGE VOICE was last of the four runners to cross the line. SATCHMO STRIKES is racing at Melton this evening and is a chance if he delivers a fool proof display.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.2 Last Half: - 59.9 Margins: - 6m, 20m
BLACKBOOKER: - Romany Brown
Trial 5: - GEE CEE CALDER finished third in the Super Series Silver Trot then was stood down to trial after breaking stride at Kilmore. He was able to win his trial over a handy field and is he capable of winning a race in the near future. FREMARKSPOETRY hasn’t started since May but she has won eight of her thirteen starts and will make her come back to the races at Melton this evening. She finished in second position and was well clear of the third placed FLOATING MOUNTAIN. REJUVENATE and BLUE SPARKLER were both beaten by a long way in fourth and fifth respectively.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Last Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 2m, 10m
Trial 6: - HOLDONTIGHT was able to take out the sixth trial on the way to competing at Maryborough on Wednesday afternoon, where she ran a game second so she is working back to her peak form. JAMES IN CHARGE produced a big finish and missed out narrowly when second at Melton but probably cost himself victory by hanging in over the concluding stages. He followed with a second in his trial performance and considering HOLDONTIGHT performed well at Maryborough, JAMES IN CHARGE should make his presence felt at Melton this evening. RONZEL SONNY hasn’t raced since galloping away at Melton in September. He finished third ahead of GO ACCUSED with SCHNAPPSHOT finishing in fifth position. SCHNAPPSHOT will resume from a spell at Melton this evening. JASPERINE was sixth and emulated that feat by finishing sixth again at Geelong on Tuesday night. UNION BOSS was last of the seven runners to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.8 Last Half: - 60.7 Margins: - 4m, Nose
Trial 7: - HARRY OVENS was able to win at Mildura on January 26 and kept the momentum rolling with a victory in handy time over stable mate BIGJIMVALENTINE, which hasn’t started since a victory in October. Both horses will be competing in the eighth event at Cranbourne on Monday afternoon. CARMY DAN finished in third position with ARDEN VOYAGER being last of the four. ARDEN VOYAGER was formerly with Andy Gath and has joined Tony Calabria. He hasn’t started since July.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Last Half: - 58.1 Margins: - 5m, 15m
Trial 8: - Only two horses contested the eighth trial and it was obviously just like track work as the mile rate was 2.19.3! JOSHUA RICHARD was able to defeat BLISSFULL STRIDE by a head margin but both horses are capable of going a lot quicker. JOSHUA RICHARD is scheduled to compete at Terang tomorrow night.
Mile Rate: - 2.19.3 Last Half: - 62.7 Margin: - Head
Trial 9: - HIGHLAND HILL hasn’t raced since October but he was in fine form at the end of his last campaign having had two wins and a second at his past three attempts. He was able to win the last trial over DARING ANGEL, which backed up at Warragul two days later and finished third. MAORI MAYHEM finished some distance behind the leading pair but was able to beat home the unraced mare WATCHINGIDAONTV (Bacardi Lindy – Mowbray Mates 2.6.5, $16,041).
Mile Rate: - 2.11.3 Last Half: - 61.6 Margins: - 2m, 20m
MARYBOROUGH 13/02/22
Trial 1: - WELL DEFINED prepared for his tilt in the Terang Trotters Cup on Saturday night with an impressive victory over the pacers. He settled last of the four runners, came to the outside on the home turn and sprinted like a startled gazelle to win easily. BUSTERS GRIN began quickly to lead and set up a moderate tempo. He finished second ahead of VAPAR FORTUNE, which found the markers first before taking cover and PESCI was the last horse across the line after settling three back on the markers and waiting for the sprint lane. Even though PESCI was last to finish, it wasn’t a bad effort as he went to the line with something in reserve and wasn’t beaten by a large margin. He backed up at Swan Hill on Thursday night and finished a distant third behind Beach Life.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.2 Last Half: - 58.5 Margins: - 6m, 2m
Trial 2: - SOUNDS LIKE FUN (Western Terror – Sounds Alive 1.54.6, $66,941) began quickly and found the front shortly after the start. He enjoyed a lovely trip and went to the line hard held to get the prize easily. VAPAR BRENDA was fifth on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail at the bell. She came out three horses wide at the 300m and ran into second with VAPAR FIRE (4 back pegs, 1-2 at 700m, 3-1 at 300m) being in third. VAPAR FIRE backed up at Maryborough on Wednesday and was runner up behind Pursuitofhappyness after he led out then took cover. TELEMACHUS began well from the pole position but ended up being three back on the inside. He finished fourth ahead of CARRAMAR KASIANO, which settled down last and moved up without cover at the bell. CARRAMAR KASIANO backed up at Swan Hill on Thursday night and finished unplaced in the Blue Pearl Classic. RUSTICA RUBRA (Union Guy – Fire Lilly) trailed the leader but yielded ground late and finished at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.5 Last Half: - 59.2 Margins: - 2m, 2m
Trial 3: - CHILLIN (Captaintreacherous – Hot Chili Stride) trailed the leader and came to the outside with 500m remaining. He hit the lead turning for home and was able to record a convincing win at the end. SWEET EMMYLOU was three back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail when turning out of the back straight on the final occasion. He went to the line under a hard hold in second position but he was taking on much tougher opposition at Swan Hill on Thursday night, where he finished a distant fourth. DEFENSE ATTORNEY (Sweet Lou – Charms On A Roll 1.53.5, $46,187) began quickly to lead and set up a moderate tempo. He was collared on the home turn and finished in third spot. The trotter INSPIRE (Angus Hall – Amelia Darling 1.59.1, $74,703) broke stride at the start and was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Last Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 8m, 2m
Trial 4: - TE AMO began well but ended up being last of the three runners in the early stages. He moved into the breeze with 600m remaining and was able to draw to the lead in the final 100m to win, seemingly with plenty in reserve. IONA SPIDER progressed forward and was able to roll to the top past THE GIRLS GOTFLAIR with 1800m remaining. She tried to repel the challenge of TE AMO in the straight but came up short by two metres and THE GIRLS GOTFLAIR lost some ground in the straight to finish last of the trio.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.5 Last Half: - 61.8 Margins: - 2m, 10m
Trial 5: - MONTANA CHEVELLE began quickly and was able to find the front with her only other rival WHATS THE TEA (Tell All – Poets Glory 2.6.9, $10,610) taking the trail in behind. MONTANA CHEVELLE did want to race greenly and hung out at the 800m turn and also on the final corner but was able to hold WHATS THE TEA at bay.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Last Half: - Not Given Margin: - 2m (approximately)
MOOROOPNA 13/02/22
Trial 1: - HARD ROAD hasn’t raced since being unplaced at Shepparton in October. He was able to win the trial by a large margin over the unraced juvenile HELLO SWEETHEART (Sunshine Beach – Egyptian Art 1.57.7, $71,968), which is the first foal of the fast mare Egyptian Art and MILLY PATONE was last of the three runners to cross the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.9 Last Half: - 61.7 Margins: - 25m, 5m
Trial 2: - A PERFECT DREAM (Four Starzzz Shark – Supersonic Bek) is the first foal of the Mach Three mare Supersonic Bek, which is a daughter of the good producer Rebekah, whom had four good performers including the Metropolitan class pacer Calcavado (1.54.7, $122,446). She won the final trial over BUCKLEDOWN CHRISSY (Alta Christiano – Glory Glory) and UPRIGHT was last of the three runners to complete the course. BUCKLEDOWN CHRISSY makes her debut from the pole position at Gunbower on Sunday.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.6 Last Half: - 60.0 Margins: - 1m, 2m
TERANG 14/02/22
Trial 1: - KEAYANG FROGGY (Betting Line – Keayang Torah 1.57.1, $53,240) began slowly and was last of the six runners early but he worked into the race nicely with a trail out three carts wide (3-1) behind KEAYANG CRIPPA (Captaintreacherous – Keayang Princess 2.0.7, $35,378) at the 600m. He produced a strong finish out wide on the track and impressively got the prize. KEAYANG CRIPPA was fifth to begin and was out three horses wide from the 600m mark. He battled on strongly at the end to finish second. SMILE WITH A GRIN was fourth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m mark and finished off reasonably well for third. RANGER RICK was three back on the inside early, made a move at the 1700m to work to the front and peaked on his effort late to be fourth across the line. FIRE OFFICIAL trailed the leader early, ended up being three back on the inside and moved into the breeze half way down the back straight on the final occasion. She yielded ground late and finished a distant fifth but she does meet a suitable assignment at Melton this evening. JILLIBY ROY showed brilliant gate speed to lead, took a trail at the 1700m but raced fiercely mid-race and had nothing left at the finish.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.7 Last Half: - 59.2 Margins: - 8m, 4m
Trial 2: - ROCKIN CHARMER (Pet Rock – Sentimental Charm) trailed the leader and moved to the outside with 600m remaining. He quickly ran to the front at the quarter pole and ran away from his rivals to win easily. KEAYANG ZENDAYA (Andover Hall – Keayang Yankee 1.55.4, $51,240) was three back on the markers and moved onto the back of ROCKIN CHARMER (1-1) in the back straight. She tried hard but the pacer got away from her over the concluding stages. KEAYANG DUCHESS (Muscle Mass – Icantremember) broke at the start and lost approximately 30m. She tacked onto the group and wasn’t beaten by far at the end so it was a nice performance. LOTTIES PLACE (Sportswriter – Very Good 2.0.9, $14,419) began quickly to lead and set up a slow tempo but was overtaken with 400m remaining and finished at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.7 Last Half: - 61.7 Margins: - 10m, 4m
Trial 3: - ME PAT MALONE began quickly to lead and backed off the tempo mid-race. He only just held on in the run to the finish but he appeared to have plenty in reserve. ICICLE settled last of the three runners, came out three horses wide with 300m remaining and chased hard to be beaten by a narrow margin. Both the winner and the runner up of the trial will be competing at Terang tomorrow night. KEAYANG SAMBUCA (Sam Bourbon – Bohemian Queen 2.4.1, $13,170) trailed the leader and came to the outside with 700m remaining. He loomed alongside of ME PAT MALONE in the straight and tried hard in a close finish.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.4 Last Half: - 61.8 Margins: - Neck, Head
Trial 4: - EASTBRO JESSE was formerly prepared by Rebecca East and is now with Steven Fennell. He was four back on the markers, came to the outside in the back straight on the final occasion and switched in behind the leader at the quarter pole. He waited for the sprint lane and drove through late to get the prize. YOUR A SHOCKER began quickly to find the lead and backed off the tempo in the middle stages. He fought on well in the run to the finish and was beaten by a narrow margin. He is also a newcomer to the Steven Fennell stable after previously being with William Drury. MIRADERO was five back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 300m mark and came out three horses wide on the home turn. She was doing her best work late to finish a close third. BE THE ONE trailed the leader but wanted to race fiercely before coming to the outside with 600m remaining. He finished fourth with CHARLIES HEIR (Cullens Hope – Currents Delight 2.1.9, $6,888) being at the tail of the field from his early position of three back on the markers.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.5 Last Half: - 59.2 Margins: - 1m, ½ head
Trial 5: - KEAYANG JACKIE raced without cover early before progressing forward to find the lead with 1800m remaining. She is retuning from a long break in the Pat Bellman Memorial at Terang tomorrow night. Also in that race is the second placed SILENT MAJOR and the fourth placed MASTER MOONLITE. SILENT MAJOR has joined trainer Matthew Craven since his latest effort in the Bendigo Cup. He trailed the leader early before being shuffled to three back on the markers at the 1800m and moved into the death seat at the half mile marker. JILLIBY SELWOOD led out then took a trail behind KEAYANG JACKIE shortly after the start. He finished third with MASTER MOONLITE being in fourth after settling last of the six runners in the early stages. JILLIBY SELWOOD is meeting an easier field in the opening event at Terang tomorrow night. JILLIBY ZAGAMI was five back on the markers and was following LAMANDIER so he was lucky to avoid LAMANDIER when it galloped and stumbled with 500m remaining. JILLIBY ZAGAMI is competing in the Dalvui Dominator event at Terang tomorrow night.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.3 Last Half: - 56.9 Margins: - 3m, 1m
BENDIGO 14/02/22
Trial 1: - Only two horses contested the opening trial on the program with MY MATE MAX being too good for the THE CHOOK. It was a standing start event and both trotters stepped away safely but MY MATE MAX jumped to a clear lead and was never challenged.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.7 Last Half: - 65.9 Margin: - 40m
Trial 2: - TIBER began very quickly to find the lead and moved along at an even tempo. He is a tough type so he was always going to be hard to catch in the front running role and he scored by a comfortable margin at the end. STICK WITH ME was three back on the markers and came to the outside to chase with 600m remaining. She moved into a distant second with INSPIRE (Angus Hall – Amelia Darling 1.59.1, $74,703) being third after trailing the leader throughout. SMART CHA CHA was four back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail approaching the home turn. He finished ahead of DECLAN HENRY, which settled fifth before being held up for a run at a vital stage and using the sprint lane. NEXTA NUNN was slow in the score up, tacked on at the 1400m, moved away from the markers at the 800m and tried to chase but the early effort took a toll and he dropped out to finish at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.9 Last Half: - 61.7 Margins: - 12m, 4m
Trial 3: - KARUMA KEV (Guaranteed – Sharnica) trailed the leader, moved away from the inside on the home turn and dashed home to score in a slowly run trial with only two competitors. FUMIA REACTOR began quickly to lead and enjoyed a nice trip but couldn’t repel the challenge of KARUMA KEV in the latter stages. FUMIA REACTOR backed up at Swan Hill on Thursday and finished in fourth position behind Balmy Bob.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.7 Last Half: - 59.4 Margin: - 1.5m
Trial 4: - PLATINUM STRIDE dropped back to be last of the four runners early, gained a one out and one back trail at the 500m and came out four horses wide at the 300m when he sprinted sharply to score. It was a very easy victory and gave him some confidence for his effort at Swan Hill on Thursday but he ended up finishing fifth in a slick mile rate of 1.54.2. SAINT WIN was three back on the inside, moved into the breeze at the 500m and ended up being out three horses wide from the 300m. He found PLATINUM STRIDE to be too quick for him but he beat his rivals by a comfortable margin. IM JOLLYGOOD began quickly to trail the leader, moved to the outside at the 300m and finished in third with MISTER NIEN being last of the quartet to finish after beginning fast to set the speed.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.3 Last Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 4m, 8m
Trial 5: - EQUITY STRIDE settled last of the three runners and moved to the outside with 800m remaining. He sustained a good run in a slick final half and was able hold on and win. ONECROWDEDHOUR trailed the leader, gained a run through the middle and finished off well over the final stages to miss out by a narrow margin. He is resuming from a break in the final event at Gunbower on Sunday afternoon. HESTON CASH began quickly to find the lead and enjoyed a nice run throughout the middle stages but he couldn’t repel the challenge of his two rivals in the home straight.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.0 Last Half: - 57.1 Margins: - ½ head, 3m
TABCORP PARK, MELTON 15/02/22
Trial 1: - BE MY STAR (Captaintreacherous – Smyrna Duruisseau USA 1.56.0, $20,231) showed brilliant gate speed to find the lead from barrier five. She wanted to hang out a little on the home turn but kicked on strongly at the end to win the opening trial. She is bred to be a good pacer considering she is by exciting young sire Captaintreacherous out of the former quick mare Smyrna Duruisseau, which has produced five pacing winners, including the outstanding juvenile and now sire Follow The Stars (1.53.8, $707,237). She dashed home in a slick last quarter of 28.3 seconds so she is worth following. FLOATING MOUNTAIN settled three back on the inside, moved into the death seat at the 600m and loomed alongside of BE MY STAR on the home turn. He battled on well at the end to finish a narrow second. MARIACHI trailed the leader and used the sprint lane to finish a close third. ICEEYALOOKIN was four back on the inside before moving into the one out and one back trail at the 600m mark. She held her ground over the concluding stages. CALDERS DAY OUT and HEIR APPARENT (Creatine – Alta Rihannah 1.59.1, $154,437) finished fifth and sixth respectively after being in the same positions throughout.
Mile Rate: -2.4.0 Last Half: - 58.85 Margins: - Neck, Neck
BLACKBOOKER: - Be My Star
Trial 2: - JUST BURNFORU (American Ideal – Red Hot Rita 1.58.7, $32,564) began sharply and dashed to the lead shortly after the start. She set up a genuine tempo and was able to hold on in the run to the finish. INDEPENDENT BELLE (Sportswriter – Bellas Delight 1.54.3, $442, 523) produced a top effort to finish second. She settled three back on the markers, moved to the outside with 700m remaining and chased hard in a handy mile rate of 1.57.3. That was her first trial performance since a victory at Shepparton in March 2021 and she is out of the former top mare Bellas Delight so she is worth following. FEMALE ASSASSIN dropped back to last in the early stages, raced very greenly and ran into a distant third. LAYDEN (Rock N Roll Heaven – Ruby Slippers 1.56.5, $48,488) is a juvenile pacer and was taking on older horses. He trailed the leader, raced greenly and yielded ground over the concluding stages.
Mile Rate: - 1.57.3 Last Half: - 57.34 Margins: - Head, 11m
BLACKBOOKER: - Independent Belle
Trial 3: - CONSTANTINOPLE was four back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 700m, raced wide on the home turn and dashed clear over the latter stages to win nicely. ABBRACCIAMI settled three back on the inside, gained a one out and one back trail at the 300m and finished off well for second. ROGUELADY (Majestic Son – Yankeeiron $13,674) attempted to lead throughout and was run down from the home turn. She beat home FLYIN FIRST CLASS, which sat in the trail throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.4 Last Half: - 58.8 Margins: - 5.5m, 7.5m
Trial 4: - CAPTAIN RAVISHING began quickly and took a trail behind COMMANDER BUZZ, which ran along at a rapid rate. He came to the outside at the 300m and showed brilliant speed at the end to power away and win untouched in a mile rate of 1.53.3! It was an outstanding performance by an exciting talent. COMMANDER BUZZ was run down and beaten just over 10m on the line but he lost no admirers with his handy display. He should run a big race at Cranbourne on Monday afternoon. IDEAL JO was last of the three runners throughout and was battling from the 700m but he was taking on two class horses.
Mile Rate: - 1.53.3 Last Half: - 55.54 Margins: - 10.5m, 94m
BLACKBOOKER: - Captain Ravishing
Trial 5: - ELECTROJET began quickly to find the lead, took a trail and commenced her move at the 400m mark. She showed good acceleration at the end and raced to an easy victory. EASY PICKINGS settled three back on the inside and moved to the outside on the home turn. He was able to work into second position with the early leader SKY EAGLE dropping back into third after pulling very hard in the run. EASY PICKINGS has drawn on the second row but is a chance at Melton tonight and SKY EAGLE will take his place at Terang tomorrow night. FORGET THE PRICE TAG galloped wildly at the start and was tailed off early. He chased hard to tack onto the leading trio and did a mighty job to finish as close as he did, only half of a length behind SKY EAGLE at the end.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.7 Last Half: - 59.58 Margins: - 10.5m, 11m
Trial 6: - SOLESSEO MATUCA began very fast to find the lead shortly after the start and set up a genuine tempo. He went to the line strongly without being pushed at any stage and scored softly. HEAVENLY GIPSY trailed the leader and came to the outside on the home turn. She fleetingly looked a chance before holding her ground late and finishing two metres behind the winner. WHERE SEGGY settled five back on the markers, moved up without cover at the 700m and ran into third position. PELICAN FLY was three back on the markers throughout and used the sprint lane. He finished ahead of DANCING WITH FLO (4 back markers) with JAWBREAKER being last of the six runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.2 Last Half: - 56.04 Margins: - 2m, 5m
Trial 7: - The classy former New Zealand pacer VINTAGE CHEDDAR strolled to an effortless victory at his first public appearance in Australia. He trailed the leader and stable mate FYNN FROST, came to the outside at the 700m and dashed to an easy victory, finishing off in a sizzling final quarter of 26.87 seconds. He makes his Australian debut in the Pat Bellman Memorial at Terang tomorrow night and he should make his presence felt. SUPREME DOMINATOR settled last of the three runners, came to the outside with 100m remaining and finished off nicely. FYNN FROST was able to get away cleanly after he galloped away at his previous race track attempt. He attempted to lead throughout but met a couple of very smart horses.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.7 Last Half: - 55.11 Margins: - 5m, Neck
BLACKBOOKER: - Vintage Cheddar
Trial 8: - CHUCHULAINN is competing in the Terang Cup under the standing start conditions on Saturday night and he stepped away quickly from the handicap of 20m to trail the leader on the first turn. He moved away from the inside on the home turn and finished fast to win in handy time. RED WHITE AN BLOOM settled three back on the inside, waited for the sprint lane and finished off quickly for a game second. ILLAWONG LARAJAY was able to score at her latest race attempt at Bendigo and she indicated that there are more wins in store with a fine display. She was meeting much stronger opposition, jumped to the front and set up a strong tempo before being run down in the home straight. BENJI HALL was slow away and was last of the four runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.7 Last Half: - 58.58 Margins: - 9.5m, Nose
BLACKBOOKER: - Illawong Larajay
KILMORE 16/02/22
Trial 1: - OUR PRINCESS DI (Huntsville – Diamond Castle 1.57.6, $54,165) began quickly and was able to lead throughout in the trial for juvenile pacers. She held out the challenge of ROCKAWAY BEACH (Downbytheseaside – Soho New York 1.57.2, $65,710), which settled fifth on the markers and moved up without cover at the bell. MYSTIQUE STRIDE (Always B Miki – Sparkling Stride) broke at the start and lost 20m, settled last of the six runners, moved into the one out and one back trail at the bell and finished nicely without being pushed at any stage. It was a good performance and she appears to have a promising future. DYNASTY STRIDE (Rock N Roll Heaven – Gypsy Stride 1.54.9, $30,110) trailed the leader and finished in fourth position with TIN TIN JO (Tintin In America – Promise Me Robin) being fifth after being without cover early before moving onto the markers to be in third position. The Rita Burnett trained filly KATIES LEGEND (Betting Line – Spirited Storm USA 1.59.1, $3,435) was the only runner in the field that wasn’t prepared by David Miles and settled four back on the markers. She raced a little roughly in the final circuit and was last of the six runners to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.3 Last Half: - 60.7 Margins: - 2m, 10m
Trial 2: - THEYALLENDINY began brilliantly to find the lead and was unchallenged from start to finish. He went to the line with plenty in reserve to score by a length. CINKARI trailed the leader and moved to the outside with 100m remaining. He held his ground over the concluding stages and finished a clear second. WILLASTON BAY settled three back on the inside and lost ground from the 600m mark. ALDEBARAN DINO (Andover Hall – Aldebaran Maori 2.1.7, $74,581) broke stride at the start and was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.3 Last Half: - 63.3 Margins: - 3m, 110m
Trial 3: - TRYNA PORTRAY began very quickly to find the lead and ran along at a genuine tempo. She was strong at the finish and won by a comfortable margin. SHALLOW BEACH trailed the leader throughout and tried hard but couldn’t peg back the margin over the latter stages. He returns from a spell in the opening leg of the Quaddie at Cranbourne on Monday. HEART OF OAKLANDS settled three back on the inside, raced roughly in the back straight on the final occasion and lost ground on the leading duo. MY LADY NATASHA was slow to move and was last of the four runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Last Half: - 61.6 Margins: - 10m, 30m
