Cruz Bromac, Shadow Sax versus Code Black and Tam Major, Dance Craze and Sparkling Success were just a sprinkling of the star-studded fields that ventured on the Victorian trials circuit this week.

Craig Rail's has run an eye over them all to gift us this week's Trial File.

Scroll to the bottom for the updated Blackbook.

STAWELL 10/09/20

Trial 1: - LOVE THE ACES hasn’t raced since a fourth at Ballarat in July. She is the winner of five races and was taking on an unraced juvenile in GOT THE LOOKS (Flying Jaguar – Renas Best) so she was entitled to get the prize even though she was a trotter against a pacer. She was able to score by a narrow margin. GOT THE LOOKS is a skewbald gelding by the unraced stallion Flying Jaguar, which has produced 50 live foals.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.75          Final Half: - 61.50    Margin: - Head

Trial 2: - SHADOW JUSTICE is now with trainer Jason Ainsworth after formerly being with Alison Alford. He won by a large margin over the unraced qualifier MAGICOOL SPIDER (Yankee Spider – Free Rider 2.3.8, 32,028), which is out of a handy race mare and is with trainer Peter Manning. SHADOW JUSTICE raced at Horsham on Thursday but was slow away from the standing start.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.2            Final Half: - 63.26    Margin: - 20m

SHEPPARTON 10/09/20

Trial 1: - MALCOLMS RHYTHM began quickly from a wide draw to get in and trail the leader PIRATE BAY before coming to the outside on the home turn. He was able to finish off best to win narrowly. He had a few unplaced trial performances prior to that victory but his effort appeared to be more promising. PIRATE BAY began very quickly to lead and kicked on strongly when challenged but went down narrowly. The leading duo dashed well clear of the remainder of the field approaching the home turn and staged a good battle down the straight. BUSTER BRADY ran into a distant third after settling six back on the markers, getting held up for a run at a vital stage and using the sprint lane, finishing off nicely at the end. SAVING MAJOR PERCY was competing a long way out of his class range so he did a good job to finish in fourth position after being three back on the markers throughout. ARTS DASH settled five back on the markers and moved away from the inside with 400m remaining. He finished fifth with WAYONBYE in sixth after settling down last of the eight and being the first to make a move with 800m remaining. MANGOCHILILIME was four back on the markers and dropped back into seventh late with CATCH A MOMENT being last. He may not have beaten a runner to the line but he was seventh on the markers, got held up for a run at a vital stage and was actually making up ground at the end so the run was much better than the finishing position suggests.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.3          Final Half: - 56.0               Margins: - Head, 15m

Trial 2: - RED WHITE AN BLOOM was four back on the markers, pulled hard and made his run from the 400m mark. He was giving the leader CMON CARL LEE a healthy start but he motored home at the end and was quite impressive. CMON CARL LEE was being challenged early but was able to hold his composure and lead around the first corner. He then pulled very hard in the run and lost his compass when drifting out badly under pressure in the final 150m. He held down second in front of NERVERACKING, which came from five back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail behind RED WHITE AN BLOOM at the quarter pole. VERRY CHEERFUL stepped away well from the stand and was several metres in front early but she couldn’t get across to the markers in the front running position and was forced to ease back into third position. She was held up for a run at a vital stage and was never asked to extend at any stage. NICKYS SON also made an unsuccessful challenge for the lead early before switching in behind the leader. He finished fifth with TEDS SECRET (Crazed – Secret Message) coming in last of the six runners.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.8            Final Half: - 60.0               Margins: - 3m, 12m

Trial 3: - CAPTAIN OH CAPTAIN began fast to lead, took a trail at the 1600m and circled back into the lead at the 1200m. It appeared as though he would win easily with 100m remaining but he was getting caught late. In saying that, he was never asked for a full effort. TINO TERE MAORI (Auckland Reactor – Elegant Art) put in an eye-catching trial performance. He showed gate speed and ended up being three back on the markers, gained a clear passage on the home turn and dashed home late. He has ability and will obviously win races but not necessarily at his debut run at Echuca on Sunday as he is meeting a couple of very smart pacers in that event. ZANZIBAR EXPRESS was left without cover, punched forward to lead at the 1600m and took a trail at the 1200m. He held his ground in the straight to finish third. ALICE ON THE BEACH (Sunshine Beach – Fulsome 1.56.3, $43,622) settled down last of the seven runners but came away from the inside at the half mile marker and gained a one out and one back trail with 500m remaining. She finished fairly well for fourth with BIDE OUR TIME (Bettors Delight – Bella Aurora 2.2.4, $5,470) being in fifth position after doing things wrong in the run. He settled three back on the inside, moved off the markers at the 500m and sprinted sharply up to third but started to pace roughly and broke stride momentarily on the home turn. He regathered some momentum and started to pick up ground late. HEADBANGER (A Rocknroll Dance – Real Bonus 1.55.4, $125,550) was six back on the markers for the majority of the trip and finished in sixth with OMBRA ARTOIS (Shadow Play – Grace Artois 1.56.3, $81,958) being the last one to greet the judge.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.5            Final Half: - 59.4               Margins: - 1m, 1m

Trial 4: - FOREST FORCE began very quickly to lead, took a trail at the 1400m and came away from the inside at the 400m. He proved too strong in the run to the judge and won by a large margin. JUSTBLINGIT CRESCO began well and ended up being three back on the inside. He worked into second position ahead of APHRODISIAC, which was without cover early before settling fourth on the markers with 1100m remaining. ALLVICTORY HANOVER settled five back on the markers and finished fourth ahead of TOTALLY SHATTERED, which was last of the eight early before working into sixth at the bell. PANDA GIRL was one out and one back early, made a move at the 1400m mark to find the lead and disappointed in the latter stages. She did trial a lot better when driven with one last crack at the leaders five nights later. The trotter FATOUCHE settled in seventh behind CONCORDE DAWN and was dragged back by that tiring runner. She was well off the herd by the time she came to the outside. CONCORDE DAWN started yielding ground with a lap remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.7            Final Half: - 60.7               Margins: - 9m, 9m

Trial 5: - DAZY SUNDAZE (Majestic Son – Secret Sundaze 2.0.6, $42,535) began quickly to lead, set up a slow tempo and held on to win in a close finish. None of the first three runners across the line were asked to produce anything special over the later stages however. EVAS IMAGE (Father Patrick – She’s An Image 1.57.4, $233,824) settled three back on the markers, came out three wide on the turn and was getting home best of the leading trio. IMASOCIALBUTTERFLY trailed the leader and moved away from the markers at the 300m mark. She went down narrowly in third position. THE RED WARRIOR wasn’t beaten far in last position. He stuck to the inside and used the sprint lane in the home straight.

Mile Rate: - 2.16.5          Final Half: - 65.0               Margins: - Head, ½ head

Trial 6: - ONE TWO MANY was without cover early, went back to be sixth on the markers, moved up without cover again then dropped back to be third on the markers at the 1200m. He dashed into the sprint lane in the home straight and showed good acceleration to win. BLAZE COOPS showed gate speed to trail the leader, whipped around to find the top at the 1200m and kicked on well to finish a close second. THE KEW LEGEND showed gate speed to lead, took a trail in the back straight on the first occasion and moved away from the markers on the home turn. He finished in third position ahead of DESSIE GEE (Sweet Lou – Genazzano), which put in a nice effort. He was three then four back on the markers, gained a one out and one back trail at the 500m, came out three horses wide on the home turn and finished off strongly at the end. GIVEITATRY (American Ideal – Lagoon Lady 1.57.3, $203,183) finished fifth after being five back on the markers for the majority of the trip. He beat home WATCHMEDAZZLE (7 back markers, without cover at 1200m), SYZATE (Heston Blue Chip – My Little Black Dress $4,325) (broke at start, 6 back markers, 1-2 at 800m) and MILLY PATONE (Follow The Stars – Spur On Magpie 2.1.3, $4,750) (last markers, 1-1 at 1200m) was the last one to greet the judge.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.3            Final Half: - 59.3               Margins: - Head, 3m

BLACKBOOKERS: - Dessie Gee

Race 7: - MA KATIE settled three back on the outside, trailed up out three horses wide from the 400m (3-1) and came out even wider on the home turn. She produced a good finish to pick up CRESCO GOLDIGGER, which tried to lead throughout, with ARRAPS (Rock N Roll Heaven – Soho Joplin) being in third after trailing the leader. LASTING BOND was three horses wide early before angling across for the one out and one back trail then came out wide again at the quarter pole. He finished fourth ahead of OUR GEORGINA ROSE (Changeover – Our Georgia Reign $4,319), which settled four back on the outside and ran home strongly late. SHAKATIE (Bettors Delight – Shakali 2.0.9, $16,970) was without cover throughout and beat home SCULLY (Village Jasper – Sports Alive 2.1.9, $22,648) (5th markers) with AJAYS RACER (P B Bullville – Globes Mistake 2.3.2, $67,450) (7th markers) being last of the eight runners to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.2            Final Half: - 59.2               Margins: - ½ Head, 3m

Trial 8: - NOTORIOUS JOE showed very good gate speed to lead, rolled along at a genuine tempo and was able to get the prize. He wanted to hang out under pressure in the latter stages but he was able to cling on and win. SCORCHER settled last on the markers before moving up without cover from the bell. He loomed up as a winning chance in the straight and just failed to get the better of NOTORIOUS JOE. RHETTS JET began quickly and got in behind the leader, used the sprint lane and missed out narrowly in the run to the post. ROLLING ALONG settled fifth on the markers, gained a one out and one back trail at the 700m and finished fourth. BRING THE ACTION settled four back on the markers and yielded ground in the final 500m. He beat home MY MATE COL, which settled in third position but galloped with 450m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.6            Final Half: - 57.3               Margins: - Head, Head

BACCHUS MARSH 12/09/20

Trial 1: - IDEAL DAN hasn’t started since being unplaced in the final of the Bathurst Gold Crown in March but he is performing nicely at the trials and recorded a fast last 800m of 56.1 seconds. He defeated SUMOMENTSOMEWHERE by a narrow margin with JOANNA, the Bathurst Gold Tiara champion, being in third position. MOMENTSLIKETHESE finished last of the four runners but was taking on a quality field.

Mile Rate: - 1.58.9          Final Half: - 56.1               Margins: - Head, 5m

Trial 2: - CODE BLACK scorched around the track in a brilliant final half of 54.8 seconds to take out the open class trial over stable mate SHADOW SAX. They will be taking on Lochinvar Art in their comeback performances at Bendigo on Saturday night. FOURBIGMEN went around in a solo trial at Ballarat a week prior and did well to finish third in front of FAKE SMILE and TAM MAJOR, in a quality trial where there was only eight metres separating the field of five runners.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.3          Final Half: - 54.8               Margins: - 2m, 4m

Trial 3: - EURYPHAESSA has shown the ability to win races in many trials this season and she has performed consistently at her three race starts to date. She took out the third trial for the juvenile trotters ahead of the pacing bred THAT’S NOT MY GAIT (Follow The Stars – Forever Happy 2.1.7, $3,535) with ALDEBARAN GWEN (Skyvalley – Aspenglow USA) being last of the three runners to cross the line.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.2            Final Half: - 60.4               Margins: - Head, 15m

Trial 4: - OUR SUMMER WIND recorded a handy final half of 58.0 seconds and was able to defeat the handy trotting mare SLEEPEE, which makes her return to the race track at Maryborough on Monday. STARZZ IN DISGUISE finished a distant third ahead of the two qualifiers CHANARA (Changeover – Kalahari Breeze) and LACHIE TITAN (Four Starzzz Shark – Bonnie Titian 1.56.5, $89,974).

Mile Rate: - 2.4.6            Final Half: - 58.0               Margins: - 8m, 30m

Trial 5: - URBADBOY was able to record fast time and defeated the Emma Stewart trained trio MACH DAN, MAAJIDA and JEMSTONE. He has been freshened since a fourth at Ballarat in mid-July. MACH DAN hasn’t raced since finishing seventh in the Bathurst Gold Chalice in March and he was narrowly beaten into second position. MAAJIDA and JEMSTONE finished together in third and fourth respectively.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.6          Final Half: - 57.0               Margins: - ½ Head, 6m

Trial 6: - HELASIN (Somebeachsomewhere – Eye Like Candy 1.55.8, $48,542) is out of a fast race mare in Eye Like Candy and is making his debut for trainer Alison Alford at Maryborough on Monday, where he is meeting a few classy types. MAGIC STORM (Village Jolt – Celine Castle) finished in second position and is making his debut in the same race on Monday. IDEAL JO (American Ideal – Magic Z Tam USA $83,819) finished in third spot ahead of her stable mate CALL ON ME (A Rocknroll Dance – Arts Image). PROMISE ME PLEASE (Bettors Delight – All Promises 1.56.5, $220,685) is out of the former outstanding Queensland mare All Promises and finished fifth ahead of TINAS DELIGHT (Bettors Delight – Garden Gate Tina CA $146,804).

Mile Rate: - 2.6.5            Final Half: - 60.8               Margins: - 4m, 5m

Trial 7: - WARRIOR is a brother to the top mare Berisari and scored at his only attempt in August 2019. He recorded reasonable time as a lead up to his first up appearance at Maryborough on Monday. QUICK STING hasn’t raced since October but she boasts a good record of two wins and a second out of just three starts. She finished second ahead of the speedy filly SWEET LOUISE. MISS DANGERFIELD was fourth ahead of the qualifier THE REGULATOR (Village Jasper – Regulatory Affair).

Mile Rate: - 2.0.9            Final Half: - 58.2               Margins: - 1m, 5m

Trial 8: - STAR ROCKER (A Rocknroll Dance – Starburst Girl 1.53.6, $143,670) is a nicely bred gelding for trainer Emma Stewart and was able to defeat DANCE CLASS (A Rocknroll Dance – Play Ball 2.3.5, $4,125) with THE CONSTITUTION finishing a close up third. DESIRE TO LIVE (Pet Rock – Our Burning Desire 1.55.9, $81,250) is a juvenile pacer and was taking on older horses. She finished last of the four runners.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.2            Final Half: - 58.8               Margins: - 1m, 2m

Trial 9: - The outstanding mare KUALOA has only started once since winning the 2019 Super Series Final in July and that performance was a second at Melton in March. She was able to slip home her last 800m in 56.4 seconds and defeated CONCEALMENT, which is resuming at Maryborough on Monday, with TWO TIMES BETTOR finishing last of the three runners but was just over a length from the winner.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.4            Final Half: - 56.4               Margins: - 4m, Nose

Trial 10: - ALDEBARAN MIDORI has shown a bit of talent from limited opportunities in his initial season of racing and defeated VELVETNLACE (Modern Art – Eskimo Jaack) by a comfortable margin in a trial field of just two runners.

Mile Rate: - 2.10.2          Final Half: - 60.8               Margin: - 12m

MARYBOROUGH 13/09/20

 

Trial 1: - SOHO SENNA began brilliantly to find the lead, set up a slow tempo and had a good kick left at the finish. He was nicely clear in the home straight but wanted to shift out under pressure over the concluding stages. He was very unlucky at Horsham on Thursday and is ready to break through for a win. JILLIBY ROY settled third on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 400m and appeared to be jogging before the home turn. SOHO SENNA had a very good lead by the time he came to the outside but he picked up good ground and went to the line with something in reserve so it was a nice performance. IMAGE OF STARZZZ was four back on the markers, moved up without cover from the 600m mark and battled on fairly for third position with JILLIBY DINGO finishing last of the four runners after trailing the leader throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.5            Final Half: - 57.9               Margins: - 5m, 6m

BLACKBOOKER: Soho Senna

Trial 2: - DON’T CARE was without cover in the early stages, progressed forward to find the lead at the 1500m and was strong at the finish, winning clearly at the end. IGNITING STRIDE (Peak – Rosemaryz Luck) began quickly to lead, eventually took cover and gained a nice trip thereafter. He came to the outside on the turn and picked up ground in the initial stages of the front straight before racing greenly near the line. He finished second and was well ahead of ROCKYBOMBA, which was three back on the inside throughout. SHE SAILZ and MAJOR MAX both broke stride at the start and were tailed off throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.4            Final Half: - 60.9               Margins: - 5m, 40m

Trial 3: - IM LADY MADELEINE was three back on the markers and moved up without cover with 600m remaining. She showed high speed at the end and bolted away to score by a large margin. VAPAR FIRE (Art Major – Arctic Fire 1.51.6, $357,872) began quickly to find the front and tried to lead throughout. He was no match for the winner but he defeated the remainder of the field by a large margin. ONEHANDONEBOUNCE (A Rocknroll Dance – Anna Blue 1.57.8, $11,311) trailed the leader throughout and finished in third position with INDIANAS WISH (Lincoln Royal – Braeview Babe 2.0.2, $10,988) being last of the four after being without cover and being restrained to the tail of the field in the early stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.4            Final Half: - 59.2               Margins: - 15m, 15m

Trial 4: - WHATS STANLEY GOT was third on the markers early but quickly dashed to the lead at the 1600m and never appeared to be in any danger of defeat. He raced away from his rivals and scored by a large margin. HUEY TREVOR (Auckland Reactor – Eastern Art) trailed the leader early and ended up being last of the three before moving to the outside with 650m remaining. He wanted to hang in over the latter stages and ended up being deep into the sprint lane but he finished second and was well clear of WALMARA (leader, behind leader at 1600m) at the finish.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.3            Final Half: - 57.4               Margins: - 30m, 25m

Trial 5: - DEALERS KNOCK went back to last and was sixth on the markers with the field being in single file. He moved through to be three back on the markers at the 500m, gained a run through the middle in the home straight and accelerated nicely to secure victory. IM READY JET was fifth on the markers before moving to be three back on the outside (1-2) mid-race. He came out very wide on the home turn and stormed home out wide on the track. SHAKARA (Wind Cries Maori – Go Glory 2.3.2, $32,149) trailed the leader and used the sprint lane to finish in third position. The early leader IMAMAORIJET broke stride when still in front with 150m remaining and ended up in fourth position ahead of QUAKER MAKER, which moved up without cover from three back on the markers at the bell. SPEEDWAY QUEEN was four back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail and finished last of the six runners.

Mile Rate: - 2.11.5          Final Half: - 62.3               Margins: - Nose, 4m

Trial 6: - ALDEBARAN LEROY began safely from the standing start and was without cover early. He pushed forward to find the lead at the 1500m and trotted faultlessly to the line to win comfortably. TIARA STRIDE led out then took a trail behind the winner in the back straight on the first occasion. She held down second position in front of KYVALLEY FRANK, which was last on the markers before moving around SKYRANGER SLOANE (Skyvalley – Sharendoo Lass 2.6.8, $70,887) at the bell. SKYRANGER SLOANE started off trailing the leader but was yielding ground with 1100m remaining and dropped off the bunch in the final circuit. He finished fourth ahead of ARAIGNEE FLAIR, which settled third on the markers but broke stride with 300m left to run.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.3            Final Half: - 62.0               Margins: - 10m, 10m

BENDIGO 13/09/20

Trial 1: - MAR PACIFICO jumped last of the four runners, moved around the galloping BULLAPARK BENO to be in third on the first corner then moved into the one out and one back trail from the 600m mark. She sprinted home nicely in the straight to score over IM DADDY WARBUCKS, which jumped to the front, took a trail and moved to the outside half way down the back straight on the final occasion. SHOWEMYOURMUSCLES tried to lead all of the way and was run down in the latter stages. BULLAPARK BENO (Changeover – Jomeka 2.5.4, $6,006) broke stride 50m after the start and was tailed off throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.7            Final Half: - 60.4               Margins: - 1m, 12m

Trial 2: - CHISSY produced a big performance to win the trial. He was slowly away from the standing start and missed away by approximately 20m. He was last of the five runners before moving up without cover from the 700m mark. He sustained a long run to get up and win on the line over TRAVEL BUG in what was a handy trial field. He is resuming from a long spell at Echuca on Sunday but performed well enough to suggest he will be very competitive in that event. TRAVEL BUG pressed forward to find the front, set up a slow tempo and was run down on the line but seemingly had something in reserve. FRATELLINO led momentarily, took a trail and used the sprint lane to finish in third position. MARVELLOUS MAX was fourth on the markers early, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m mark and came out three horses wide on the home turn to finish a close up fourth. PINEVALE VICTORIA was last of the five runners to cross the line after being three back on the markers throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.9.8            Final Half: - 58.7               Margins: - Nose, 2m

BLACKBOOKER: - Chissy

Trial 3: - LOLA DEVEREAUX was without cover early, gained the lead at the 1800m and ran along at an even speed. She was being run down in the final stages but she did enough to cling on and win. MEADOWVALLEY LOVER began quickly to lead, took a trail and came to the outside in the straight. He finished quickly and missed out by a narrow margin. He would have won in another stride and performed extremely well. KYVALLEY HACIENDA (Andover Hall – Kyvalley Lily) finished in third position after being three back on the markers for the majority of the trial and holding his ground in the straight. TIARA HALL (Angus Hall – Maoris Crown 2.6.2, $57,060) started from the second row and settled last of the four horses before dropping off the pack over the concluding stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.7            Final Half: - 60.8               Margins: - Nose, 5m

Trial 4: - MIRAKURU showed gate speed to lead, enjoyed a nice run in the early stages and blasted home in a last quarter of 26.9 seconds to win easily. He is a tough type and looked good in the run to the post. ROCKING BUGATTI trailed the leader and used the sprint lane to finish second with PROSECCO BOY being in third position. The top trotter SPARKLING SUCCESS is now with trainer Chris Svanosio and he was last of the four runners throughout, dropping off in the latter stages but he did go to the line hard held.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.7            Final Half: - 55.6               Margins: - 6m, 5m

Trial 5: - LONGASULOVEME began well to trail the leader, moved around to take the lead with a lap remaining and held off the challengers to win by a narrow margin. REALY UNDER FIRE began very quickly to lead, took a trail and used the sprint lane. He made a lunge at the leader on the line but missed out narrowly. JESSIES GIRL was three back on the markers and moved up without cover from the 500m mark. She finished in third position with VIKING CRUZ being last of the four runners throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.9            Final Half: - 57.0               Margins: - Head, 1m

Trial 6: - SHE WILL ROCK showed very good gate speed to lead, enjoyed a nice run throughout the middle stages of the event and sprinted home quickly to win comfortably. CROCROCK was third on the markers, gained a one out and one back trail and came out three horses wide at the 150m mark. He was hitting the line strongly and grabbed second on the line. ISOLATION (Bettors Delight – Misty Miller 1.58.1, $144,711) trailed the leader, moved away from the inside to challenge from the quarter pole and tried hard for third. LEOTARDANDLACE (Down Under Muscles – Estee Poppy) was slow to begin from the pole position, settled down last of the four runners and saw the field safely home.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.2            Final Half: - 57.8               Margins: - 4m, Head

TABCORP PARK, MELTON 15/09/20

Trial 1: - SEBS CHOICE settled three back on the markers, moved around to find the front at the 1200m and dashed home in a quick final half to win easily. KIA ORA BEAUTY (Rock N Roll Heaven – Universal Alice 2.1.7, $22,326) led out and set up a slow tempo early before taking a trail behind SEBS CHOICE. She was no match for the winner but managed to finish ahead of ALL THE FOURS (Art Major – Vertigal 1.55.8, $317,380), which trailed the leader early, ended up being three back on the markers and held his ground in the latter stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.5            Final Half: - 56.79    Margins: - 11m, 2.5m

Trial 2: - OUR SEQUEL began quickly to lead, set up a slow tempo and was just able to fend off the challenge of JEMSTONE GLORY, which trailed the leader and came to the outside at the 300m. REGAL CHEVAL settled last of the four runners and was able to pick up third on the line just in front of MOONLITE DRIVE, which used the sprint lane from three back on the markers.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.0            Final Half: - 57.41    Margins: - ½ head, 2m

Trial 3: - I AM PEGASUS commenced from the second line and was last of the three runners in the early stages. She started to race fiercely mid-race and made a move from the 1200m to work to the front with 900m remaining. She was strong at the finish and was able to win by a comfortable margin. COBARGO GRIN led out then took a trail behind I AM PEGASUS and came to the outside with 300m remaining. He picked up some ground before the home turn but couldn’t sustain the run and finished nearly three lengths from the winner at the end. VALLEY OF TERROR trailed the leader early then ended up being last on the markers but dropped off from the quarter pole and finished a distant last of the three runners.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.7            Final Half: - 59.09    Margins: - 8.5m, 48m

Trial 4: - ALBY TWO CHAINS settled third on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 700m mark and asserted his superiority in the final half to win comfortably on the line. WRITTEN COURAGE (Sportswriter – Reply Withcourage) trailed the leader, moved around to find the lead at the 1400m mark and kicked on quite well in a handy final half of 57.83 seconds to finish second with GIUSEPPE MOON being in third position after leading out then taking a trail.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.9            Final Half: - 57.83    Margins: - 5.5m, 4m

Trial 5: - SCOOTIN AROUND was without cover early, pushed forward to find the lead on the first turn and was always in control. She shifted out in the front straight but was nicely clear of her rivals at the time. SILENT REVERIE (Pegasus Spur – Sunny Folly 2.8.1, $27,778) led out and took a trail before using the sprint lane. She picked up a little bit of ground on the winner in the initial stages of the home straight but SCOOTIN AROUND held her safely at bay in the final 150m. FREE STARR (Majestic Son – Amelia Pond 2.7.1, $14,090) stepped away okay from the standing start but settled last of the three runners and finished eight metres from the winner on the line.

Mile Rate: - 2.11.8          Final Half: - 60.33    Margins: - 6m, 2m

KILMORE 15/09/20

Trial 1: - BULLION HARRY (Muscle Hill – Miss Bullion 1.59.6, $75,075) was able to lead comfortably and set up a very slow tempo. He only recorded a mile rate of 2.23.2 but there was a lot to like about the way he stretched out in the final 150m. CELESTIAL TOPAZ (Major Bronski – Celestial Diamond) trailed BULLION HARRY throughout and lost ground in the home straight but wasn’t asked for the supreme effort. ABUNDANCE broke at the start and was tailed off for the remainder of the trial.

Mile Rate: - 2.23.2          Final Half: - 65.4               Margins: - 15m, 200m

Trial 2: - SWISS MISS boasts good credentials in New Zealand and is out of the very good trotting mare Motu Miss Anna. She led throughout and dashed home in a quick final half to get the prize. ALDEBARAN ZEUS produced another very game performance, particularly for a juvenile trotter taking on horses with a much higher National Rating. He trailed the leader, only came to the outside with 150m remaining and chased hard in the latter stages. NORQUAY settled fourth on the markers and by the time she came to the outside on the home turn, the leaders had raced clear. She trotted into a distant third ahead of PEREGRINE PHOENIX, which was five back on the markers, with ALDEBARAN JAYTEE (3 back markers), coming in last after pulling hard throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.3            Final Half: - 57.6               Margins: - 2m, 25m

Trial 3: - RED WHITE AN BLOOM was an impressive winner of the third event. He settled three back on the markers, trailed the leader at the 700m, moved away from the inside at the 300m mark and finished off strongly late, without being fully extended. DAQUIRI showed good gate speed and drew three metres in front but couldn’t get across to the markers on the first turn. He angled in behind the leader shortly afterwards, pulled hard and dashed to the front with 700m remaining. He kicked on well but couldn’t match the speed of RED WHITE AN BLOOM in the run to the finish. WILANKA began quickly and was able to burrow through to find the lead. He set up a reasonable tempo but was a beaten horse 700m from home and finished a distant third. COMANDANTE broke stride in the score up, at the 1700m and also at the 1400m before being retired out of the trial.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.5            Final Half: - 59.8               Margins: - 2m, 100m

BLACKBOOKER: - Red White An Bloom

Trial 4: - ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK (A Rocknroll Dance – Spred It Round) trailed the speed, moved away from the inside to pressure the leader NIGHT SPIRIT from the 500m mark and produced a strong performance to draw clear in the latter stages. NIGHT SPIRIT appeared to have his chance in second with LOLA MONTEZ finishing an eye-catching third after settling down last of the four runners, giving the leader a big start and flying home at the end. She is on a hard mark being a National Ratings 60 assessed mare but she did produce a big performance. THE BOOST settled three back on the markers and dropped out to be last of the four runners to cross the line.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.5            Final Half: - 57.2               Margins: - 5m, 6m

BLACKBOOKER: - Lola Montez

Trial 5: - ORCHID STRIDE began very quickly from the outside of the front line and ran to the lead. She set up a solid tempo and was able to dig deep when challenged by STIR ME UP in the final 100m. STIR ME UP trailed the leader, came to the outside and chased hard to run a game second. OUR ARABELLA was three back on the markers throughout and finished in third position ahead of GIVEITATRY (American Ideal – Lagoon Lady 1.57.3, $203,183), which followed OUR ARABELLA throughout. ISLAND FIRE DANCE was a disappointing fifth after she settled five back on the inside and gained a one out and one back trail with 1300m remaining. She was struggling from the quarter pole and only beat ANAHITA (Somebeachsomewhere – Arterial Way 1.55.8, $37,258) to the line with ANAHITA doing the most work in the race having been without cover throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.1            Final Half: - 58.7               Margins: - 2m, 15m

Trial 6: - CRUZ BROMAC led throughout to win but probably wasn’t as comfortable as most would have expected. He wasn’t fully extended but he wasn’t exactly jogging to the line either but he got the job done and made it two trial victories in successive weeks. STAR OF MEMPHIS trailed CRUZ BROMAC, came to the outside at the 300m and fleetingly appeared to be a winning chance. He finished second and BOY FROM BONDI, which was last of the three runners throughout but for a National Ratings 64 assessed pacer against two horses rated 100+, he did a great job to finish as close as he did.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.3          Final Half: - 56.4               Margins: - 4m, 3m

Trial 7: - EVAS IMAGE (Father Patrick – Shes An Image 1.57.4, $233,824) trailed the leader, moved away from the inside with 300m remaining and cruised to victory. ALDEBARAN ALISSA is a former New Zealander that has joined trainer Chris Svanosio. She tried to lead throughout and went down by a narrow margin. KYVALLEYHONEYBUNNY was three back on the markers and obtained an inside run in the latter stages. She finished third with JAYBEEOHDEE (Angus Hall – Maori Vale 1.59.5, $35,615) being in fourth after settling down last, moving up without cover and coming out three horses wide from the 300m. ZARLENNA (Fling It – Yvonn 2.4.6, $32,400) settled four back on the markers and finished fifth with SOVEREIGN TIGER being tailed off throughout after galloping at the start.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.5            Final Half: - 59.9               Margins: - 1m, 10m

Trial 8: - SHESALWAYSDREAMING began quickly to find the lead and dominated her rivals, scoring by a large margin. HEZA BRAXTON trailed the leader throughout and finished in second position with OUR GEORGINA ROSE (Changeover – Our Georgina Reign $4,319) being third after settling four back on the markers, gaining a one out and one back trail at the 500m and coming out three horses wide on the home turn. She finished a distant third from KNOW REPLY (Heston Blue Chip – That’s All Right 1.59.9, $24,127), which settled in third, left the markers with 500m remaining and battled late. TRYNA PORTRAY dropped back to last, was the widest runner turning for home and just held her ground in the latter stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.8            Final Half: - 57.8               Margins: - 12m, 4m

BALLARAT 15/09/20

Trial 1: - GO DANCING (A Rocknroll Dance – Celebrity Guest 1.55.2, $68,155) has been impressive at the trials and showed very good gate speed to lead throughout in fast time. He dashed home in a quick final half of 56.2 seconds and should be winning a race at short notice, perhaps at Maryborough on Monday. BELMONT ROYALE (Betterthancheddar – Royal Spin) produced a good trial performance in an event that may end up being a good form reference. He settled three back on the markers, moved away from the inside on the home turn and picked up nicely in the latter stages. KEAYANG ARIZONA (He’s Watching – Keayang Gertie) finished in third position after trailing the leader throughout and was able to beat home the nicely bred BEACH MUSIC (Somebeachsomewhere – Muscial Delight 1.53.1, $248,910) (4 back markers) with SHAZZAM (A Rocknroll Dance – Embraced 1.59.7, $27,410) being last of the five runners throughout.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.9          Final Half: - 56.2               Margins: - 8m, 5m

Trial 2: - SOUNDS OF CASH began very quickly to lead, backed off the tempo mid-race and finished off in a slick final half of 56.4 seconds to win easily and seemingly with something in reserve. CALCULATING DANCER (A Rocknroll Dance – Calculating) was in second spot after trailing the leader throughout and FLYING ART remained last of the three runners for the entire journey.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.7          Final Half: - 56.4               Margins: - 20m, 3m

Trial 3: - TECHYS ANGEL began quickly and ran to the front. She set up a genuine tempo and was just able to hold off OUT TO PLAY in the run to the judge. OUT TO PLAY was a great run and if he wasn’t an open class pacer or didn’t already have a big reputation, he would go down as a horse to follow. He dropped back to be last of the three runners, was giving the leader at decent start when he came to the outside at the 600m and sprinted quickly up to the home turn. He joined the leader turning for home but went to the line hard held. MELANNA BEACH trailed the leader but started to drop out when the speed quickened sharply coming out of the back straight and was virtually retired out of the trial.

Mile Rate: - 1.57.5          Final Half: - 57.8               Margins: - Short ½ Head, Retired

Trial 4: - IMAMAORIJET was without cover early, angled onto the markers to be three back on the first turn, came out to the outside at the 400m and sustained a strong run to win nicely. MEYDAN (Andover Hall – Showmethemaori) began quickly to lead and finished in second position with the juvenile trotter UTOPIA being a close up third after trailing the leader throughout. HONEY BOURBON (Sam Bourbon – This Way) was slow out from the pole position, settled last of the four runners and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 300m. He was the last one to cross the line but he wasn’t far from the winner.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.2            Final Half: - 59.0               Margins: - 2m, 1m

Trial 5: - HOPEFUL BEAUTY trailed her stable mate MEGEVE and was able to get up and win in a trial field of just two runners. The pace was slow mid-race and the final quarter was run in a handy 28.8 seconds so she did a good job to race on the outside of the leader for the last 400m and get the prize. MEGEVE was beaten narrowly but she did break stride just after the line.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.5            Final Half: - 59.1               Margin: - Neck

Trial 6: - ALWAYS READY settled down last of the three runners, circled around to lead at the bell and ran away from his rivals to win impressively. LITTLE YANKEE led out then took the trail behind ALWAYS READY and couldn’t go with that classy trotter over the latter stages but still kicked on for second. GOODMAN trailed the leader and was relegated to last at the bell. He picked up some ground on LITTLE YANKEE in the final 100m but he was the last horse to greet the judge.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.6            Final Half: - 58.1               Margins: - 15m, 2m

Trial 7: - DANCE CRAZE began quickly from barrier three and ran to the top shortly after the start. She went slowly early but produced a dazzling final half of 56.4 seconds and appeared to win with something in reserve. IMSETTOGO was last of the three runners, moved through to trail the leader at the 500m mark and held on well in fast final sectionals to finish second. ILLAWONG ARMSTRONG did a bit wrong in third place. He raced roughly when allowed to stride at the start and settled behind the leader, seemed to race very greenly throughout and hung out badly from the 550m. He ended up being in the middle of the track turning for home and even wider at the finish hence he was the last of the trio to go past the post.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.6            Final Half: - 56.4               Margins: - 4m, 35m

SHEPPARTON 15/09/20

Trial 1: - BLAZE COOPS showed good gate speed to lead and ran along at a genuine tempo early with the field being well strung out. He lifted when challenged in the straight and was able to get the prize. ONE TOO MANY was without cover momentarily, dropped onto the markers to be in fourth position, moved up without cover from the 600m and finished well for second. He wanted to turn his head a little in the straight but he seemingly had a little more to give at the finish. ZANZIBAR EXPRESS trailed the leader, used the sprint lane and tried hard in third. HEADBANGER (A Rocknroll Dance – Real Bonus 1.55.4, $125,550) settled fifth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m and finished off fairly well for fourth. CLAUDYS PRINCE was six back on the markers before moving off the inside at the quarter pole. He was fifth in front of CAUSING STRIFE (8 back markers, 7 back markers at 1200m), PEDRO (3 back markers) and CONCORDE DAWN (7 back markers, 8 back markers 1200m) finished last of the eight runners.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.4            Final Half: - 58.0               Margins: - Neck, 1m

Trial 2: - CMON CARL LEE has a lot of ability when he puts it altogether and was able to record a big victory over EVERYSECONDCOUNTS. He pulled very hard in the score up and was also very keen mid-race, came to the outside with 600m remaining and blasted away to win by a large margin. He did plot a much straighter path to his trial performance at Shepparton five days earlier.  EVERYSECONDCOUNTS set the speed but was no match for CMON CARL LEE late. COHEN ROAD KATE was four back on the markers early before sliding into third position. She was approximately 30m behind the leading duo in the early stages but gradually lost ground and ended up finishing a distant third. IMA DESTROYER galloped at the start and lost 40-50m. He was never a chance thereafter and OHNO COMMANDO was last to cross the line after breaking stride with 1700m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.3            Final Half: - 60.7               Margins: - 30m, 70m

Trial 3: - JUSTBLINGIT CRESCO showed very good gate speed to lead, took cover at the 1500m mark and came away from the inside approaching the home turn. He finished off well to score in front of TOTALLY SHATTERED, which pressed forward out three horses wide early, found the lead at the 1500m and kicked on well at the finish. The former New Zealander PANDA GIRL was four back on the markers for the majority of the trial. She was held up for a run at a vital stage and finished hard out wide on the track for an eye-catching third. She was fully extended in the run to the post but she did hit the line well enough to suggest she is a chance at Echuca on Sunday. It was a much sharper trial performance than the effort she produced five nights earlier. AWAYOVERNIGHT trailed the leader early and ended up being three back on the markers. He finished fourth in front of APHRODISIAC, which raced without cover for the entire journey. LETHAL LOVER gained a one out and one back trail, came out three horses wide at the 700m but was floundering and went back into a trailing position leaving the back straight. She finished ahead of GEEJAYLEE, which settled down last on the markers before trailing up behind her (1-2) in the final circuit.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.0            Final Half: - 60.6               Margins: - Neck, 4m

Trial 4: - SCORCHER backed up his handy trial second on the Thursday night with a big win in fast time five nights later. He is bred to be a nice horse and he has shown ability at his limited opportunities thus far. MA KATIE also backed up nicely from her trial victory five nights early. She is a speedy filly that hasn’t raced since February. ROLLING ALONG finished in third position ahead of WHAT A PLEASURE and SAVING MAJOR PERCY. STARSBYTHEBEACH was placed in the Breeders Crown Final during her juvenile season and contested heats of the New South Wales and Victoria Oaks earlier this term. She hasn’t started since a Shepparton victory in March but she is getting ready for another campaign. EMESSGEE and SAMMARI finished in seventh and in eighth respectively.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.2          Final Half: - 57.2               Margins: - 12m, 5m

Trial 5: - JETS ART was four back on the markers before moving into the death seat with 600m remaining. He continued to press forward and was able to get the better of YELLOW STONE (Yankee Spider – Lombo Luvbird) as the judge called a halt. YELLOW STONE was hanging out badly at the start and was reluctant to edge across to the running lane. He was eventually able to get close to the markers then progressed forward to find the lead with 1600m remaining. He was travelling better once he found the front and he kicked on well at the finish. SCULLY (Village Jasper – Sports Alive 2.1.9, $22,648) was behind the leader early before ending up being three back on the markers. She finished third in front of NANANELLIE (Somebeachsomewhere – Aventura), which was 6 back on the markers and moved away from the inside at the quarter pole. OVER CHANGE (Changeover – Coiffeuse 1.57.8, $110,460) led out then took a trail and finished ahead of the trotter SO AWESOME, which travelled well in fifth mid-race and went to the line hard held with no clear run in sixth position. SO AWESOME should have finished a lot closer and is first up from a break at Maryborough on Monday. LASTING BOND was last of the 7 runners throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.8            Final Half: - 59.9               Margins: - Neck, 12m