Harness Racing form guru Craig Rail noticed several standout performers at the recent trials.
Hallebesofine ran a gallant second at Maryborough after a tough run.
At Ballarat, Staunton, Major Blitz and Affamato also put forward good performances.
SHEPPARTON 09/04/26
Trial 1: – HES FROM HEAVEN NZ won the open class trial and finished off in a sizzling final half of 55.0 seconds under the wet conditions so he appeared to be very sharp. He led from the outside draw and got away over the concluding stages. CALEXICO finished in second after sitting in the trail throughout and FOLLOWTHEACE was last of the three runners for the duration but sectionally, his run was still sound. Both CALEXICO and FOLLOWTHEACE are competing at Bendigo on Saturday night.
Mile Rate: – 1.56.0 Last Half: – 55.0 Margins: – 8m, 6m
Trial 2: – AMERICAN GUY settled five back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 1300m and found the lead at the bell. He hung out a little down the home straight but was able to win nicely. He backed up with a creditable third at Melton on Wednesday night. DUSTY PHILTRA finished in second position after working forward to find the lead at the 1700m and taking cover behind the eventual winner. She stepped out at Melton on Wednesday night and was able to get the prize emphatically. WHERE IT BEGAN was the fastest away before taking cover and being shuffled to three back on the markers. He moved up without cover with 600m remaining and was chipping away at the leader in the straight but didn’t help his cause by hanging in over the latter stages. He is competing at Shepparton on Tuesday night. THE PLACE settled six back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 1300m, was four back on the markers at the 900m mark and battled on fairly well for fourth.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.3 Last Half: – 59.9 Margins: – 4m, 6m
Trial 3: – It was a very slowly run trial but the winner STAR TO FALL was impressive. He settled four back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 600m and finished off best to win with plenty in reserve. He is competing at Wagga this afternoon and should go well. WE DEALIN DIAMONDS settled three back on the markers, pushed forward to find the lead at the 1600m, set up a slow tempo and was run down late. SCHEMING led out then took cover and used the sprint lane. She was a close up third and JOHN WAYNE NZ, which ended up being three back on the markers, was last of the quartet to finish. JOHN WAYNE NZ was subsequently unplaced at Melton on Wednesday night and SCHEMING is scheduled to compete at Bendigo tomorrow night.
Mile Rate: – 2.7.0 Last Half: – 58.5 Margins: – Neck, Head
Trial 6: – MAGIC BULLSEYE settled three back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the quarter pole and finished strongly to win on the line. She is by Art Major out of Magic Moment Lombo (1.57.4, $84,182) and is related to the two winners Shezza Beauty (1.59.2) and Magic Miki (2.0.1). LOCHINVAR CHANDON produced another handy trial performance after attempting to lead throughout and being beaten on the line. He made his debut at Kilmore on Thursday night and finished in fourth position. SHEZARAGER trailed the leader and was held up over the line. She was hard held at the finish so she had plenty more to offer. She is resuming from a spell at Maryborough on Monday afternoon. BONIFICENT settled four back on the markers and was the fourth horse across the line. MY ROC was fifth to greet the judge after settling six back on the markers. FIND A WAY settled last of the seven runners, came out three horses wide from the 500m and picked up ground before peaking a little in the straight. She is a filly by Captain Crunch out of Interest Me (1.58.1, $29,190), whose first foal Interestinme has shown promise from limited opportunities. FLYING JACKIE was the last horse across the line after settling five back on the markers. She is by Fear The Dragon out of Lady Juliette, the unraced daughter of Magic Moment Lombo, dam of the trial winner!
Mile Rate: – 2.2.6 Last Half: – 59.4 Margins: – Head, 5m
Trial 7: – SHARP INTEREST was without cover early, restrained to fifth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 400m and came out three horses wide on the home turn. She finished off best to win nicely. WHENIMREADY finished in second after leading early then taking cover at the 1100m. He came to the outside at the 400m and tried hard in the straight. He is competing at Geelong this evening. JINDALEA JACK trailed the leader early, ended up being three back on the markers and finished in third. CRAYONS TO PERFUME settled four back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 1300m and worked to the front at the 1100m. She was run down late and finished in fourth position. She is racing at Wagga this afternoon.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.0 Last Half: – 57.6 Margins: – 5m, 1m
BACCHUS MARSH 11/04/26
Trial 1: – DANCE AFFAIR hasn’t raced since September but he boasts the handy record of six wins from just twenty starts and has a personal best time of 1.54.6 to his credit. He was able to win the opening trial from WOTDIDUSAAAY, which hasn’t started since being stood down to trial at Ballarat in August. WICHITA KANSAS has a National Rating of 47, which was well short of his two rivals so he did a good job to finish as close as he did despite being the last horse across the line. He followed with an unplaced effort at Melton on Wednesday night.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.1 Last Half: – 58.9 Margins: – 2.5m, Head
Trial 3: – SEW HOPEFULL was unplaced in four attempts at the turn of the season then was given a break. She was able to win her trial over the juvenile pacer JANEWAY, which is prepared by trainer Jason Hackett. JANEWAY is by Captn Midnight out of White Star Twist, an unraced daughter of the handy mare Endeared (1.56.7, $244,650) and is the third foal. Endeared produced six winners including three $100,000+ earners in The Dapper Don (1.55.5), Elusive (1.52.5) and the good trotter Enrolled (1.59.0). POSTER PRINCE is an unraced 3yo gelding by Poster Boy for trainer Joe Fenech and was the third horse across the line ahead of COCO CRUNCH and RODGEE STORM. SEW HOPEFULL finished third after setting the speed at Kilmore on Thursday night and JANEWAY is making her debut at Maryborough on Monday afternoon.
Mile Rate: – 2.6.6 Last Half: – 61.0 Margins: – 2m, 4m
Trial 4: – SHE DRIVES ME is a lightly raced trotter that had been placed in one of her first six attempts then was placed again after the trial at Melton on Wednesday night. She won the fourth event in slow time ahead of the juvenile trotter ALDEBARAN JERICHO for trainer Darren Pace. ALDEBARAN JERICHO is by Muscle Mass out of Endsino (1.58.1, $185,203), which has produced the two winners Aldebaran Jensen (1.54.4, $166,137) and Aldebaran Jazmine (2.7.6). The second dam is the Group 1 winning mare Jauriol (1.59.9, $248,824) so there are several star performers in his maternal line. AMICA VALLIS finished in third position on his way to his debut performance at Maryborough Monday afternoon and was nicely clear of the fourth placed FORTUNATE BELLE.
Mile Rate: – 2.10.4 Last Half: – 62.6 Margins: – 6m, 5m
Trial 6: – MATRIARCH DAISY finished fifth on debut back in September and was sent for a break. She finished off in a slick final half of 57.7 seconds to win easily so she has obviously benefited with some time to mature. She is returning from a spell at Geelong this evening. ILLUMINATE ME was able to lead throughout at his latest Geelong performance. He finished in second in the trial and was a long way clear of VILLAVOS and LIV ON LOVE.
Mile Rate: – 2.3.6 Last Half: – 57.7 Margins: – 8m, 15m
MARYBOROUGH 12/04/26
Trial 1: – LIFE ON THE HILL was the only 3yo taking on the juvenile trotters and was able to dominate from the front, leading throughout to win easily. QUEEN ISABEAU settled three back on the markers, came to the outside at the quarter pole and worked into second. HALFA SHOT began well to trail the leader and tired into a distant third. NORTHERN SKYE was last of the quartet throughout.
Mile Rate: – 2.5.8 Last Half: – 61.0 Margins: – 12m, 15m
Trial 3: – SIR EROS was successful in the trial of the day. He was out three horses wide early, progressed forward to pressure the leaders and found the front with a mile remaining. He ran along at a genuine tempo thereafter and remained strong at the finish to score convincingly. HALLEBESOFINE ran a gallant second. She raced up without cover early, got to the lead and took cover once pressured with a lap and a half remaining. She chased hard and finished in second, well ahead of the third placed BETTOR MAN. BETTOR MAN was four back on the markers early and ended up being three back at the 1200m mark. He finished a distant third ahead of EL UNO, which went quickly early before taking cover and being shuffled back to fourth at the 1200m.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.1 Last Half: – 59.5 Margins: – 3m, 25m
BLACKBOOKER: – Hallebesofine
Trial 4: – DELIGHTFUL CHARM was clearly the class runner of the trial and was able to record a convincing victory. She was without cover early, restrained to be last of the three runners and made her move at the 700m. She sustained a strong run to score nicely, seemingly with something in hand. HURRIKANE DUSTY attempted to lead throughout and finished in second. TACTICS ARE ROLLIN trailed the leader throughout and was the third horse across the line.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.1 Last Half: – 57.8 Margins: 3m, 20m
MILDURA 13/04/26
Trial 1: – MISTER BOOMBASTIK began quickly to find the lead from a wide draw and ran along at an even tempo. He dashed well clear over the latter stages and won by a large margin. ALS CHOICE is an unraced juvenile pacer for trainer Ian Watson and did a good job for second. He settled five back on the markers, moved forward to fourth at the bell and angled away from the markers at the 500m. He beat the remainder of the field by a good margin. He is by American Ideal out of the top mare Flojos Gold (1.54.0, $202,575), which has produced Flojos Best (1.58.4, $25,310).
Mile Rate: – 2.0.9 Last Half: – 59.4 Margins: – 40m, 21m
Trial 2: – LOSEASHOE began quickly to lead, set up a slow tempo and had a good kick left in the run to the finish. He was able to dash away in the run to the finish and scored by a large margin. HESASTAR settled three back on the markers and finished in second position. BETTOR DOO NZ was the third horse across the line after trailing the leader throughout. MERRYWOOD MAX was last of the quartet throughout. The first three place getters across the line are all racing at Mildura this afternoon.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.5 Last Half: – 58.2 Margins: – 21m, 2.5m
Trial 3: – CEMETERY BAY began quickly from a good draw and found the lead shortly after the start. He ran along at an even tempo and proved too strong in the run to the finish. RIO ROCK was without cover early, restrained to last on the markers at the 1500m and worked into the one out and one back trail at the 500m. She came out three horses wide on the home turn and tried hard in the run to the finish. LE SPARTACUS trailed the leader early, moved up without cover with 1000m remaining and battled on fairly well for third. WATCH THE ATTITUDE settled three back on the markers and was the last horse across the line.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.7 Last Half: – 60.0 Margins: – 2.5m, 1.5m
HAMILTON 13/04/26
Trial 1: – ADELAIDE RED hasn’t raced since winning the Breeders Crown in December but is resuming at Maryborough on Monday. She was able to record reasonable time at her trial success over SNICKERS EXPRESS, which failed to finish and was stood down to trial at his latest race track performance. IJUSTCANTSEEIT hasn’t raced since winning the Homegrown Classic in December but is resuming at Bendigo tomorrow night. She was last of the trio to greet the judge.
Mile Rate: – 2.2.2 Last Half: – 59.7 Margins: – 11m, 37m
Trial 2: – ITGETSBETTER galloped at the start and lost all chance at his first run since December. He was able to win the final trial by a large margin over the unraced juvenile trotter CALLINAN, which has had several trials leading up to his debut performance. MAORIS AVENGER was last of the three horses to cross the line and was beaten by a large distance.
Mile Rate: – 2.6.5 Last Half: – 63.5 Margins: – 40m, 52m
BENDIGO 13/04/26
Trial 1: – FRANCO NICKELBACK NZ began quickly to find the lead and backed off the tempo mid-race. He dashed home in handy final sectionals (56.5, 27.9) to hold off his rivals and win the prize. FRANCO NOVELIST NZ put in a top effort for second. He settled last of the six runners, moved into the running lane (1-2) at the 500m mark and was the widest runner turning for home. He finished off very fast and just failed to overhaul the winner. He is backing up at Menangle on Saturday night but has a poor draw to overcome. FOURTH RESPONSE was the third horse across the line after trailing the leader throughout. HITCH TO HIS STAR settled fifth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m and came out three horses wide on the home turn. He battled on fairly well for fourth.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.5 Last Half: – 56.5 Margins: – Nose, 5m
Trial 2: – VERBICI was able to lead throughout in the trial for the juvenile trotters. He backed up from his Melton trial fourth with a game performance in the second trial of the night and should keep improving with the benefit of experience. DANCE DANCE DANCE gained a prominent position in the early stages and battled on well in the straight for second. MY LADY MAC got in behind the leader approaching the final corner and finished in third. She is making her debut in the Kindergarten Stakes at Maryborough on Monday. The two trotters that hadn’t been to the trials previously finished second last and last respectively. ALDEBARAN SKYLAR is by Dancinginthedark M USA out of Sultry Lady USA (2.3.0, $41,247), which has produced Aldebaran Fonz (2.1.8, $41,734). LOLLY is by On A Streak USA out of Sullanders Pride making her related to the three winners Sonnyboy (2.0.5, $55,385), April Sun (2.0.4, $38,715) and Karbine (2.0.0, $20,915), all of which has been to the races over the past few weeks.
Mile Rate: – 2.6.3 Last Half: – 59.4 Margins: – 2m, 3m
Trial 3: – BOYSTROUS was able to lead throughout and win the 2yo+ 3yo pacing trial. He dashed home in a sizzling final quarter of 27.7 seconds to win easily so he continues to impress after winning at his debut on March 30. RAGING DAISY finished in second after trailing the leader throughout. She is by Raging Bull out of Need You Now and is the first foal. She will be competing at Cranbourne on Sunday night. ORION ART settled three back on the markers and finished a distant third. She is by Vincent out of Village Art (1.53.0, $44,975) and is related to Community Art (1.58.5, $34,610). ASHANTE BOURBON finished fourth after being four back on the markers and racing greenly in the early stages.
Mile Rate: – 1.57.4 Last Half: – 56.7 Margins: – 8m, 14m
Trial 5: – KING SAINT began quickly and was able to lead clearly in the early stages. He set up a strong tempo and finished off in a slick final quarter of 27.6 seconds to win comfortably. He is backing up at Wagga this afternoon. FLOJOS BEST also began swiftly to find the markers behind the leader. He held his ground nicely in fast time and finished about a length behind the winner. BET SHEZA LADY settled midfield and was doing her best work late for a handy third. JANSEN settled three back on the markers and was the fourth horse across the line.
Mile Rate: – 1.58.7 Last Half: – 56.7 Margins: – 4m, 16m
Trial 6: – JETAWAY SAINT raced without cover early then pushed forward to find the lead at the 1400m. He took off mid-race and established a big lead, sustaining the run to win by a good margin. KOUFAX was three then four back on the markers, moved off the pegs at the 700m and sprinted quickly in the back straight. He did pick up a lot of ground on the winner to finish in a clear second. WATTS UP THE HILL settled last of the five runners, came to the outside at the 400m and finished a distant third.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.4 Last Half: – 60.6 Margins: – 12m, 25m
Trial 7: – BETTING ATTACK followed his comfortable trial victory at Maryborough the day earlier with another effortless display. He was without cover in the early stages, progressed forward to find the lead and shot clear in the home straight. ROCKNROLL ROSANNA led out then took cover and used the sprint lane to finish in second. She paced very roughly over the latter stages. JOEYS HANGOVER finished in third from three back on the markers and JAPANESE MIKI settled down fourth before racing without cover over the final 1200m, finishing in fourth. JOEYS HANGOVER is scheduled to compete at Shepparton on Tuesday night and JAPANESE MIKI is travelling to South Australia to race at Globe Derby on Monday afternoon.
Mile Rate: – 2.4.2 Last Half: – 58.6 Margins: – 10m, 2m
BALLARAT 14/04/26
Trial 1: – It was a juvenile trial to open proceedings with all four runners being prepared by leading trainer Emma Stewart. STAUNTON was able to find the lead shortly after the start and dominated his rivals. He looked to be striding out very nicely in the run to the finish and appears to have a promising future. He is by Sweet Lou out of Star of Timpany NZ (1.57.4, $20,088) and is the first foal. COMEANDSEE settled three back on the markers and was able to run into second. She is by Cattlewash out of State of Euphoria, which has produced Poppy Wah Wah (1.52.4, $37,878). CARDIGAN SNIPER finished in third after trailing the leader throughout. He is by Ultimate Sniper out of Pastels, an unraced Artsplace mare, which has produced six winners including Paidinfull (1.57.1, $52,159) and Loco Diablo (1.56.1, $25,710). The second dam Laconic (2.0.2, $59,480) was able to win at Listed level. ESTELLA HERGE was last of the four runners throughout. She is by Tintin In America out of Bella Stella (2.1.8, $11,260), whose second foal Tommy Time has been placed.
Mile Rate: – 2.0.3 Last Half: – 56.9 Margins: – 10m, 2m
BLACKBOOKER: – Staunton
Trial 2: – HIGH TEMPO began quickly to find the lead and backed off the tempo mid-race. He dashed home in a slick final quarter of 28.1 seconds to win untouched. TREACHEROUS DAN finished in second after trailing the leader and coming to the outside at the 300m mark. He tried hard in the straight but was no match for the winner. ARUVAL broke stride at the start and was always detached from the leading duo.
Mile Rate: – 2.1.7 Last Half: – 57.9 Margins: – 4m, 30m
Trial 3: – AFFAMATO settled three back on the markers, gave the winner SCHWARZ a reasonable start and sprinted sharply in a slick final quarter of 28.1 seconds to win very nicely. He has a National Rating of 50 so he should have a prosperous campaign. SCHWARZ finished in second after trying to lead throughout. LOUROCKLOUROLL settled behind the leader and was last of the three runners to cross the line.
Mile Rate: – 1.58.8 Last Half: – 56.2 Margins: – 8m, 2m
BLACKBOOKER: – Affamato
Trial 4: – Trainer Allan McDonough would have been extremely satisfied after his two horses performed impressively at the trials as MAJOR BLITZ emulated AFFAMATO with a dazzling burst of speed at the finish. He trailed the leader HUNGRY HIPPO in a field of two horses, came to the outside at the quarter pole and finished off in a last quarter of 27.2 seconds, seemingly with something in reserve. Adding to his impressive display was the fact he worked past a horse that has won five of his seven starts in Tasmania to date and has a National Rating that is twenty points higher. HUNGRY HIPPO shied at the winning post with a lap remaining so his mind wasn’t completely on the job but he still performed creditably to finish close to the winner in fast final sectionals (55.8, 27.2).
Mile Rate: – 2.0.3 Last Half: – 55.8 Margin: 2m (approximately)
BLACKBOOKER: – Major Blitz
