Fan favourite San Carlo "enjoyed a nice run" and won handsomely in his Shepparton trial on December 9, a tune up for his stepping out in the Blue Hills Rise Pace on Saturday's Cranbourne Cups night.
He was among Vicbred hopefuls and TAB Summer of Glory types who caught the eye of Craig Rail in this week's Trial File, which also saw three added to his Blackbook. The latter is updated at the bottom of the page.
SHEPPARTON 09/12/21 (results unofficial)
Trial 1: - HES A HAMMER settled three back on the inside, left the markers at the 600m mark and finished off strongly to record a handy victory. He went nicely but is meeting a strong field in a heat of the Super Series on Monday. LINDY GRACE began quickly and pushed forward to find the lead with 1800m remaining. She kicked on well for second with JESSIES SON being third after leading out then taking cover. LINDY GRACE is awkwardly drawn at Melton tonight but is not without a chance whereas JESSIES SON will compete in a strong heat of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday. YANKEE LOVER settled four back on the markers and finished fourth with SHOULD BE A BARKER (5 back markers, 1-1 at 600m) being not far behind in fifth. IM BOBBY was without cover for the first lap, but broke stride at the 1200m mark and dropped back to last. He is getting ready for a big weekend as he is scheduled to race at Melton tonight and also at Maryborough on Monday. He beat home ESSEX PLAYER, which galloped at the start, lost approximately 60m and was able to tack onto the group with just over a lap to run. KARAS DREAM was six back on the markers then broke stride with 600m remaining and lost all chance.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Last Half: - Not Given Margins: - 4m, 10m (approximately)
Trial 2: - BIG BAD OSSIE continued his very good trial form with a victory in the second event. He settled fifth on the inside, moved into the running lane (1-2) and came out four horses wide on the home turn. It appeared as though he was going to win easily but he appeared to switch off when he hit the front with 100m remaining. HERESHECOMESSASSY settled down a clear last early, moved up without cover at the 1300m and went with BIG BAD OSSIE in the straight. She fought on gallantly in the latter stages for a close second. WENDYS WISH settled three back on the inside, got held up for a run at a vital stage and finished fast for an eye-catching third. ROLLING REMONA filled fourth position after settling four back on the markers and battling on fairly well in the run to the finish. VILLA BETTYBOO trailed the leader and enjoyed a nice trail throughout. She finished fifth ahead of ROYAL EDDARD, which began quickly and pulled hard in the front running role. VICTORTHEINFLICTOR (6 back markers) and SHAKEN SANDS (7 back markers, 1-1 at 1200m) finished seventh and eighth respectively.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Last Half: - Not Given Margins: - 1m, 2m (approximately)
Trial 3: - SAN CARLO pushed forward to find the lead shortly after the start. He enjoyed a nice run throughout and was untroubled in getting the prize. He is competing in the open class event on Cranbourne Cup night on Saturday. NARUTAC PRINCE began quickly and angled in for the trail behind SAN CARLO. He came to the outside in the home straight but couldn’t make ground on SAN CARLO over the concluding stages. He backed up with a fifth placed effort behind Kimble in a heat of the Super Series at Kilmore on Wednesday night. BOOTS ELECTRIC settled last of the six runners, moved into the one out and one back track with 1500m remaining and came out wide on the home turn. He did well in what appeared to be a slick last quarter to pick up as much ground as he did. He is competing in the same race as SAN CARLO at Cranbourne tomorrow night. BRING THE FLAVE settled three back on the inside, used the sprint lane and finished fourth. He raced very fiercely and finished ninth in his heat of the Super Series at Ballarat on Thursday night. PUNTARNO STRIDE was in fifth position throughout on the markers and beat home JO ROCKS, which settled down four back on the inside before moving into the breeze with 600m remaining. PUNTARNO STRIDE is scheduled to compete at Cranbourne tomorrow night and is in a much easier race in comparison to SAN CARLO and BOOTS ELECTRIC.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Last Half: - Not Given Margins: - 5m, 6m (approximately)
Trial 4: - TEDS SECRET began quickly and was able to lead all of the way. He kicked well clear before the home turn and started to get weary in the final 50m but he had enough to spare. He will be competing from an awkward draw at Cobram this afternoon. LOVE GUN settled three back on the inside and finished fast but just failed to pick up TEDS SECRET in the run to the line. There is no doubt he would have won if the race was another metre or two longer. He is racing at Maryborough on Monday but he is taking on a top field in a heat of the Super Series. STRATEGIC STRIDE settled four back on the inside and broke stride approaching the home turn. He finished a distant third with BERRIESANDCHERRIES being fourth after trailing the leader and breaking stride just past the quarter pole.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Last Half: - Not Given Margins: - Head, 50m (approximately)
Trial 5: - WILL HE PIKE began quickly to find the lead and appeared to enjoy a nice run. He had a good kick in the run to the finish and scored nicely. HES CHARLIES ANGEL settled down in seventh position and came to the outside at the 400m mark. He gave the winner a big start but he was charging home at the end and ran a big race for second. He endured a tough run and finished fifth in a heat of the Super Series at Shepparton on Tuesday night. PADDINGTON CENTRAL was third across the line after trailing the leader throughout. ENCRYPTION followed behind PADDINGTON CENTRAL all of the way and held his ground in the straight to finish fourth. MY TIME TO SHINE pushed forward to race without cover and battled on fairly well over the concluding stages to finish in fifth. The trotter CRACKER JET was in second last position for the entire journey and beat home SPICKS MCCAW (5 back markers). CRACKER JET will be competing in a heat of the Super Series at Melton on Tuesday.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Last Half: - Not Given Margins: - 6m, 8m (approximately)
Trial 6: - LOLA MONTEZ was an impressive winner of the final trial. She settled four back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail and came out three horses wide on the home turn before producing a strong finishing burst. ARE YOU WITH ME settled three back on the inside, moved up without cover at the 500m and kicked on well in the straight to finish in second place. LIKAVEEEIGHT was third after trailing the leader and using the sprint lane. She is returning from a break at Cobram this afternoon. The early leader NOBLE JULIA got tired in the concluding stages and was last of the four runners to finish.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Last Half: - Not Given Margins: - 8m, 2m (approximately)
CRANBOURNE 11/12/21
Trial 1: - ONEHANDONEBOUNCE was the only pacer contesting the opening trial so he appeared to be very well placed. He began fast to find the lead and dominated the trial to win by a good margin. AUSSIE MUSCLE finished in second position after trailing the leader throughout. The other pair in the trial FREE STARR and BLANCO CANYON (Red Samurai – Miss Sally) both made errors. FREE STARR galloped at the start and lost 40m, whereas BLANCO CANYON missed away by 30m before breaking stride again at the 300m mark. AUSSIE MUSCLE and FREE STARR will both contest heats of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.9 Last Half: - 60.4 Margins: - 20m, 50m
Trial 2: - LUNCHWITHARTHUR was a very nice winner of the final trial. He led out, took a trail behind the pacer GEE HEE ROCKS at the 1600m and produced a big finish in the final 100m to get the prize. He looked very sharp and could be getting back to his best form but he is meeting a very hard field at Melton on Tuesday. He might win a race at odds in the near future. GEE HEE ROCKS appeared to have a lovely run mid-race but had no answer for LUNCHWITHARTHUR late. ICANMOTOR settled three back on the markers and finished a distant third with SOUTHBOUND RED being the last one home after being slowly away, showing dash in the front straight with a lap remaining then dropping off again in the latter stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.0 Last Half: - 61.5 Margins: - 3m, 25m
BACCHUS MARSH 11/12/21
Trial 1: - KHANS CREED used the trial at Bacchus Marsh as a platform for his debut performance at Warragul two days later. He was able to take out his trial in reasonable time but struck bother at the races and finished unplaced. YOUNGGIFTEDANDBLACK was having her final hit-out before contesting a heat of the Super Series at Shepparton on Tuesday night, where she experienced difficulties and dropped out in the run to the finish. EXCLUSIVE MARIA was checked and lost her chance when on debut at Geelong and backed up with a third placed effort in her trial performance. The three qualifiers were the last three horses across the line with INGERMARLA (Pet Rock – Sherry Shannon 2.3.8, $11,650) finishing ahead of CAMIVELLS PRIDE (A Rocknroll Dance – Miss California) and BEHOLD (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – Amen 2.5.1, $5,433).
Mile Rate: - 2.4.0 Last Half: - 58.7 Margins: - 2m, 8m
Trial 2: - CRUZ appeared to be extremely well placed considering he has a National Rating of 114 and his nearest rival MAJOR MEISTER is a NR83. CRUZ didn’t really fire in his three runs since returning from New South Wales and was given a short let up. He would have built some confidence with his easy trial success and will make the trek up to Mildura on Monday night, where he should run a cheeky race. BLISSFULL STRIDE hasn’t raced since February and was taking on a handy field so it was a pleasing effort in second. MAJOR MEISTER prepared for his effort at Ballarat on Thursday night with a third placed effort. He ran a cracking race in a heat of the Super Series at Ballarat, where he worked to the front and gave the smart pacer Pacifico Dream a fright in the straight. FRANCO was last of the four runners across the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.0 Last Half: - 56.7 Margins: - 8m, 3m
Trial 3: - PARIS FAITH was having her first run since July and was making her debut for trainer Sam Barker when she missed away then galloped on the home turn at Maryborough. She was able to produce a winning trial performance and defeated MAJUCKTE, which is competing at Melton this evening. TAKEN BY WINE (I’m Stately – Makarewa Monarch 1.59.0, $39,220) is a Matthew Purcell trained juvenile and finished in third position ahead of TIMELY INVASION with PEGSINTHECITY (Pegasus Spur – Majestic Eclipse) being the last runner across the line. The winner PARIS FAITH is competing at a high level in a heat of the Super Series on Monday.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.8 Last Half: - 60.3 Margins: - 4m, 15m
Trial 4: - HEAVENLY BELLE was given a final hit-out before her performance in a heat of the Super Series at Kilmore on Wednesday. She recorded handy time in her trial success but met an extremely tough field at Kilmore and finished in sixth position after gaining a nice trail on the markers. JOSHUA RICHARD won at his Australian debut at Yarra Valley before finishing unplaced at Swan Hill. He was given a short break after his latest performance and performed nicely with his second placed effort. CARMY DAN was a winner at Terang in October but broke stride several times in the run and was stood down to trial last outing. He finished third ahead of MAGIC CRUISER and SKEDADDLE SHANNON failed to complete the course but went around in a later trial on the program.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.6 Last Half: - 58.2 Margins: - 2m, 6m
Trial 5: - OUR BELLA LUCIA won at Melton on December 01 and prepared for her Ballarat performance on Thursday with a trial victory by a large margin and in handy time. She has performed well since coming from New South Wales and should continue to impress. CONSPIRATOR is a former New Zealand pacer, which has joined trainer Tayla Nicholson. He was unplaced in all of his five starts across the Tasman but it was a promising start to his Australian career with a second placed effort. FOUR EVER A STAR is a likely raced pacer for trainer Leon Conway and finished third ahead of PEDANTIC, which is competing against a strong field of mares in a heat of the Super Series at Melton this evening. FOUR EVER A STAR is not without a chance at Melton tonight. The qualifiers were all beaten by the horses that have raced previously. The first qualifier home was MY JUSTICE (Western Edition – Rogue Union) and he finished well clear of BOB LAY (Union Guy – Prettiest) and PATCHSKI (Major Bronski – Courageouslee).
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Last Half: - 58.5 Margins: - 25m, 3m
Trial 6: - UNKNOWN SON has recently returned from a long stint in Queensland and is now with trainer Denis Grieve. He has a few tricks up his sleeve but he shows a lot of potential and was able to win the sixth trial by a comfortable margin. GEE CEE CALDER finished in second spot and the maiden performer ANOTHER NIP was last of the three runners to cross the line. Both the winner UNKNOWN SON and the runner up GEE CEE CALDER will compete in Super Series events at Melton on Tuesday.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.7 Last Half: - 61.6 Margins: - 8m, 20m
Trial 7: - CARUSO STAR is a maiden from fourteen starts and hasn’t raced since September but he defeated a handy field and recorded a last half of 58.5 seconds so he might show improvement when he next steps out onto the track. ALAKAZAM finished a close second and DEADLY ERROR finished in third position on the way to her effort at Ballarat on Thursday night. SKEDADDLE SHANNON failed to finish in trial four but was able to finish fourth at his second attempt on the day. He blitzed his rivals at his Victorian debut then galloped away at his next three attempts. Hopefully for his connections, he will be on his best behaviour and will return to form at Melton this evening. BET THE LIMIT was being trained by Matthew Purcell back in 2017 and he took the drive on the gelding for new trainer Ian McMahon in preparation for his first run since August 2019. He finished fifth and beat home MIYAGI BOY.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.4 Last Half: - 58.5 Margins: - Head, 1.5m
Trial 8: - MADENA BAY has been placed in three of his past five starts including a Ballarat victory on October 28 and was able to keep the campaign rolling with an easy trial victory. MURTAGH KAI (Down Under Muscles – Subitize 2.9.7, $6,106) has had several trials recently and finished second ahead of the lightly raced trotter WILLASTON BAY.
Mile Rate: - 2.15.5 Last Half: - 62.9 Margins: - 50m, 15m
MOOROOPNA 12/12/21
Trial 1: - BUS STOP (A Rocknroll Dance – Cunning Kate 1.58.8, $51,735) is a nicely bred 3yo pacer being out of the handy mare Cunning Kate. He was able to take out the opening trial from PHELINGOOD PHILTRA, which hasn’t raced since July 2019 and is now with trainer Caitlin Guppy after previously being with Damian Wilson. The unraced juvenile pacer JASPER DURANTE (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – New Age Babe 2.1.7, $12,825) was the last runner to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.7 Last Half: - 60.8 Margins: - 1m, Distanced
Trial 2: - SPANMATILDA hasn’t raced since being stood down to trial at Shepparton back in July. She took out the final trial from MILLOO GUNSLINGER (Western Terror – Cross The Line), which has shown some promise in several recent trial performances and the trotter WALKABOUT CASCADE was the last one to complete the course. WALKABOUT CASCADE will compete in a heat of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.7 Last Half: - 59.5 Margins: - 20m, 25m
MARYBOROUGH 12/12/21
Trial 1: - YOUAREMY SUNSHINE is a classy pacer and was taking on the trotters so he was always going to be hard to beat. He was able to zoom to the front shortly after the start, ran along at a genuine tempo and won by a large margin. He started to swish the tail close to the line, which is a good indication that he was starting to feel the pinch and will be improved by the run. DOWNUNDER BARKERS was a big effort in second. He settled three back on the inside, moved off the markers at the 1100m to get around DEALERS KNOCK and chased hard in the final circuit. Considering the mile rate of 1.57.3 and the last half of 57.0 seconds, he did very well to keep chasing over the final stages. He returns from a spell at Melton on Tuesday and must be considered as a winning chance. LITTLE YANKEE was last of the four runners for the majority of the trip and was able to work past DEALERS KNOCK in the home straight. LITTLE YANKEE is also racing at Melton on Tuesday and DEALERS KNOCK ran a good race at Charlton on Thursday after coming out four horses wide from the back at the 400m mark.
Mile Rate: - 1.57.3 Last Half: - 57.0 Margins: - 30m, 10m
BLACKBOOKER: - Downunder Barkers
Trial 2: - SHEZAGEM began quickly to lead, set up a slow tempo and was able to cruise down to the line to win untouched. She will be competing in a heat of the Super Series at Melton on Tuesday. ALFIE ALWAYS began well and trailed the leader throughout before using the sprint lane. He finished in second position with MAJOR MAX being third after settling down last early and moving up without cover from the bell. Both ALFIE ALWAYS and MAJOR MAX are backing up at Maryborough on Monday, where they take on a top field in a heat of the Super Series. EARL PATRICK (Louey Louey Louey – Duchess Pat 2.2.8, $28,453) was three back on the markers throughout and finished ahead of DELTASKY (Skyvalley – Deltasu) (4 back markers).
Mile Rate: - 2.7.3 Last Half: - 59.2 Margins: - 3m, 8m
Trial 3: - ROYAL DIVISION (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – Verdant 1.59.6, $31,588) led early then took cover at the 1700m mark. He was able to regain the lead via an inside run in the back straight on the final occasion and raced away over the final stages to score easily. GOLDEN ACE STRIDE settled three back on the inside, moved up without cover at the 600m mark and finished a distant second. PAIGETHEHURRIKANE began quickly and worked to the lead at the 1700m mark. She hung out and ran right off the track with 600m remaining then couldn’t regather her momentum. SAMUARAIS SURPRISE (Red Samurai – Bio Kiss) failed to score up in the desired manner and was immediately retired out of the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.9 Last Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 15m, 10m
Trial 4: - PLAINS IN HEAVEN (Rock N Roll Heaven – Illawong Bella 1.59.6, $15,045) has been showing some ability at the trials and was untouched in taking out the final event. He trailed the leader, moved to the outside on the home turn and won without being extended at any stage. He makes his debut at Terang on Sunday and it will be interesting to see how he performs against a very strong line up. SHARDONANT began fast and was able to lead comfortably. He travelled quickly down the back straight but was run down over the final stages. He competed from the pole position at Ballarat on Thursday night. SAMURAIS SURPRISE (Red Samurai – Bio Kiss) backed up after failing to finish in trial three. He was out of position at the start by approximately 40m, settled down in last position and was one out and one back from the bell. He finished ahead of JAXON BEACH, which left a trailing position in third to race without cover from the bell.
Mile Rate: - Not Given Last Half: - Not Given Margins: - 1m, 12m (approximately)
BENDIGO 12/12/21
Trial 1: - The Metropolitan class pacer GOBSMACKED was taking on two loosely assessed trotters so he was always going to win the trial. He stepped to the front from the standing start and continued to build on his lead in the final circuit. SURBITON ARMISTICE trailed the leader and finished second with THE RED WARRIOR being last of the trio. THE RED WARRIOR did gallop at the 1800m and gave SURBITON ARMISTICE a big start so he did do a big job to get within a length of that trotter over the concluding stages. SURBITON ARMISTICE is scheduled to compete at Melton on Tuesday night.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.6 Last Half: - 59.4 Margins: - 50m, 3m
Trial 2: - APPEARFROMNOWHERE showed brilliant gate speed to lead and put in a big trial considering the horse in the trail ZAREM has a National Rating that is 21 points higher and couldn’t run her down over the latter stages. She won easily with ZAREM being second after moving away from the markers to try and chase from the quarter pole. SKYRITA was a distant third but was making ground via the sprint lane over the final stages from four back on the inside. SURBITON PRETENDER was three back on the inside and LEOTARDANDLACE was last for the majority of the trial, moving away from the inside at the 600m and trying to pursue but failed to make ground. The winner APPEARFROMNOWHERE might be able to run a bit of a race at odds in a heat of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.1 Last Half: - 60.2 Margins: - 9m, 15m
Trial 3: - WISH UPONA DREAM trailed the leader and moved up without cover at the 600m before producing a big sprint to win impressively over WAIKARE COLLEEN, which attempted to lead throughout. INSPIRE broke stride at the start and lost all chance. He chased hard mid-race and picked up some ground on the leading duo. The winner WISH UPONA DREAM takes on stiff opposition in a heat of the Super Series on Monday.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.6 Last Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 20m, 50m
Trial 4: - LOLLIPOP trailed the leader in the early stages and pushed around to find the lead at the 1800m mark. She set up a slow tempo and had a good kick left in the run to the finish, winning easily at the end. COTCHINELLIE (He’s Watching – Loving Life Lombo 2.0.9, $80,648) began quickly to find the lead before taking a trail. She tried hard for second with ARIANA SPRINGFIELD (Sportswriter - Darlin Springfield) being in third after settling down last of the quartet before moving into the death seat at the half mile marker. THE GREEN JACKET (Bling It On – Magic May) settled three back on the inside and broke stride at the 600m mark hence was the last horse to complete the course
Mile Rate: - 2.5.6 Last Half: - 59.6 Margins: - 8m, 1m
Trial 5: - HARRYHOO took the trail behind THE KEW LEGEND shortly after the start. He peeled to the outside on the home turn and produced a big finish to win by a large margin. He followed with a seventh in a strong heat of the Super Series at Kilmore on Wednesday night. THE KEW LEGEND began very fast to lead and battled on quite well in the run to the finish. He has a tough draw from the outside of the front line at Cobram this afternoon. ABBIE LINCOLN settled down last of the quartet, moved to the outside at the quarter pole and finished a distant third with SURBITON CHARDONNAY being the last one home after commencing from the second line and settling three back on the inside.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Last Half: - 56.3 Margins: - 11m, 10m
Trial 6: - CROSSROADER dropped back to last in the early stages then moved into the death seat with 500m remaining. He hit the lead on the turn and had to be driven out to the line but he got the job done at the end. SURBITON HARTBREAK trailed the leader, moved off the inside at the 300m mark and finished in second. RINGER RUSS was three back on the inside before peeling wide approaching the home turn and beat home the early leader BRAGHETTA.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.6 Last Half: - 59.4 Margins: - 8m, 3m
MILDURA 13/12/21
Trial 1: - MISS TWINKLE was driven very aggressively and responded with a win by a comfortable margin. She worked out of the gate but couldn’t lead, dropped to being three back on the markers before making her move at the bell. She shot clear before the home turn and sustained the run to win by ten metres. TRINITY BEACH GIRL (Sunshine Beach – Jennas Beach Girl 2.0.7, $57,786) continues to display ability at the trials and finished off solidly from behind the leader to get into second place. HIDDEN FIGURE was five back on the inside, came wide on the home turn and did her best work at the end to finish third. ULTIMATE REZZIE was four back on the markers throughout and beat home PINKIE PROMISE, which was without cover early before easing back to last. MAJOR ZONE showed very good gate speed to lead but was placed under pressure from the 500m and dropped out to finish last of the six runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.3 Last Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 10m, 15m
Trial 2: - GOODTIME MADDIE was the class runner of the trial and was driven with confidence after racing without cover throughout. She shot away over the concluding stages and won by a large margin. It was a confidence building effort for her performance at Mildura on Monday night where she has drawn on the pole position. WOODY NIGHTSHADE was out three horses wide early, restrained to last (1-2) then came out three horses wide again at the bell. He battled on well for second place albeit twenty-five metres behind the winner. EEZEE STREET gained a one out and one back trail and finished third in front of the early leader SPRINGFIELD SHADOW. COURTNEY KATARINA was fifth across the line after trailing the leader and WHERESMILZEE was the last horse home from his position of being three back on the markers. WOODY NIGHTSHADE and EEZEE STREET will both be racing at Mildura on Monday night.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.5 Last Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 25m, 20m
ARARAT 13/12/21
Trial 1: - GRACIE CULLEN is an honest mare that has won seven races and was able to record fast time in her easy trial victory over PANANIA NORTH, which hasn’t raced since May and has joined trainer Jason Ainsworth after formerly being prepared by Lance Justice. CAESARION has been in very good form recently and finished a distant third with MUCKINBAR DIVA being the last horse across the line.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.5 Last Half: - 57.9 Margins: - 10m, 50m
Trial 2: - THELONGROADNOWHERE hasn’t raced since a sixth in September but was able to post a victory in a genuinely run trial, where the mile rate was 2.1.4 but the final half was just 63.0 seconds. JITTABUG has joined trainer Brooke Hansen since his last run for Mark Boyle back in March. He finished second with ZERO DOUBT being in third. KOTARE ART was stood down to trial after his debut sixth and finished fourth ahead of ONEFORALLALLFORONE, which hasn’t started since May 2020.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.4 Last Half: - 63.0 Margins: - 1.5m, 5m
Trial 3: - DANCINGALLALONE hasn’t raced since winning at Wedderburn back in January. He has been lightly raced without his career but he has always shown some ability and he won his trial by a comfortable margin. MORSURE DAMOUR hasn’t raced since finishing sixth in the Homegrown Classic back in March but returns for a shot at the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday. He finished second ahead of SHADOW JUSTICE and COURTESY CHANCERY, both of which were stood down to trial from their latest attempt.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.3 Last Half: - 63.8 Margins: - 15m, 15m
TABCORP PARK, MELTON 14/12/21
Trial 1: - It is always an exciting time to see the new season juveniles make an appearance on the track and there were two trials for the rising two years old pacers on the program at Tabcorp Park. MYSTIQUE STRIDE (Always B Miki – Sparkling Stride) was successful in the opening trial after trailing the leader early then moving around to find the lead at the 700m mark. OUR PRINCESS DI (Huntsville – Diamond Castle 1.57.6, $54,165) finished second and showed promise. She settled three back on the inside, moved up without cover at the 600m, raced greenly on the home turn and rallied in the straight without being filly extended. DYNASTY STRIDE (Rock N Roll Heaven – Gypsy Stride 1.54.9, $30,110) began quickly to lead, raced greenly at the bell, took a trail shortly afterwards and waited for the sprint lane. She finished a close up third with ROCKAWAY BEACH (Downbytheseaside – Soho New York 1.57.2, $65,710) being not far away in fourth after being four back on the inside and one out and one back at the 600m.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.7 Last Half: - 58.93 Margins: - ½ Neck, 2m
Trial 2: - MAYWYN ROCKFIELD settled three back on the inside and moved up without cover at the 700m. He was able to grind out a victory from BROADWAYS GIRL (Bling It On – Isabelle Delacour 1.54.3, $74,170), which attempted to lead all of the way with KAPTAIN KIDD (Captaintreacherous – Aniteattheopera 2.1.6, $13,300) finishing in third after trailing the leader throughout. EYE SEE AMOUR (Betting Line – Parfait Amour 1.59.9, $6,025) settled three back on the inside, gained a one out and one back trail and came out four horses wide on the home turn. She finished off nicely for fourth with MACHANE SAID (Well Said – La Machane 1.54.6, $335,268) being a close up fifth after being without cover early and dropping to be four back on the markers. INGERMARLA (Pet Rock – Sherry Shannon 2.3.8, $11,650) was backing up quickly from her unplaced effort in a Bacchus Marsh trial on Saturday and was last of the six runners for the duration.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.9 Last Half: - 59.44 Margins: - 2.5m, 1.5m
Trial 3: - ROHAAN continued his excellent trial form leading up to the Vicbred Super Series, where he will contest a heat at Maryborough on Monday. He was able to lead throughout and only scored by a narrow margin but he had a little bit left in the tank. CRAVACHE DOR was three then four back on the markers, gained a one out and one back trail at the 600m and produced a big finish to go down narrowly. He is a very smart trotter and lines up against the season’s top juvenile Plymouth Chubb in a heat of the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday. TRIPOD began quickly and was able to angle in behind the leader. She switched to the sprint lane and finished nicely for third position. She will make her return to the track at Melton on Tuesday night. GOODTIMEDONTHESASH was without cover early, eased to be three back on the markers then moved to the outside approaching the home turn. She finished just behind the place getters so it was a good performance. STRATEGIC STRIDE (Love You – Glory Stride) settled down in eighth position, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 1400m and finished in fifth spot. SELLUNE was five back on the markers and beat home TIPSY TURVY, which made a move from seventh to race without cover at the 1400m mark but broke stride when leaving the back straight. TIPSY TURVY will have to be on her best behaviour in her Super Series heat on Monday. HIS AN OMEN (Majestic Son – Moni Bea 2.3.4, $45,338) commenced off the second line, settled sixth on the markers and started to yield ground with 700m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.0 Last Half: - 58.64 Margins: - ½ head, 1.5m
Trial 4: - The fourth trial was the second division for the rising two years old pacers and it was won by MATRIAT (Art Major – Iridium Castle), which trailed the leader, moved to the outside at the 500m and just got up on the line. SEA SILK (Downbytheseaside – Gotta Go Electobet 1.54.0, $66,441) began very quickly from barrier five, found the lead and backed off the tempo mid-race. She was beaten on the line so she gave a good showing. She is prepared by Robert Conti whereas all of the remaining eight youngsters across the two trials were prepared by David Miles. LAST CALL (Four Starzzz Shark – Significantlee 2.3.3, $2,123) was the last to begin, moved into the one out and one back trail at the half mile marker, got shuffled back one position further and came out four horses wide on the home turn. She finished quickly and produced a good performance to finish third. MOLLYS LINE (Betting Line – Paintball 1.54.4, $100,508) was four back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 500m and came out three horses wide on the home turn. She finished fourth and WONDA (American Ideal – The Stunning One 1.58.9, $16,528) was the last one home after being wide early then angling onto the markers to be three back.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.4 Last Half: - 61.63 Margins: - ½ Head, 2.5m
Trial 5: - ROLL WITH EUNICE began quickly to find the lead, set up a slow tempo and was too quick in the run to the finish. ASANTE SANA trailed the leader and used the sprint lane to finish in second. STUNIN WARRIOR (Stunin Cullen – Lady Fashion) settled three back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 500m and loomed up on the turn but peaked a little over the concluding stages. He finished third with AZELLIAS FAME being last of the four runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.3 Last Half: - 58.42 Margins: - 2.5m, 2.5m
Trial 6: - MAJESTICAL BELLE was without cover early, angled in behind the leader at the 600m, hit the front at the 500m and dashed well clear of the concluding stages. It was a welcome return to form leading up to the Super Series at Melton on Tuesday. PATCHED trailed the leader early, ended up being three back on the markers and was held up for a run at a vital stage. He stormed through the middle late and finished a game second. ANDOVER SUN was five back on the inside, moved into the death seat at the 700m and battled on fairly well for third. SILENT REVERIE began very quickly to find the lead and finished in fourth position. QUAKE PROOF settled four back on the inside and was held for a run before using the sprint lane. He dashed home late, despite finishing in fifth position. MEADOWVALLEY LOVER settled in last position and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 700m. She was last of the six runners across the line but she met a very strong field. Every runner in the field apart from PATCHED will compete in a heat of the Super Series either on Monday or Tuesday.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.6 Last Half: - 57.72 Margins: - 9.5m, 3m
BLACKBOOKER: - Patched
Trial 7: - IM OFF N GONE led and set up a slow tempo in a field of two runners. She finished off in a sizzling final quarter of 26.64 seconds. She has a very strong record in New Zealand and has earned nearly $160,000 in Stakes so she is a quality filly. She makes her Australian debut at Cranbourne tomorrow night and will be very hard to beat. SMITHSTARS LEXUS trailed the leader and held his ground over the final stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.1 Last Half: - 56.68 Margin: - 5m
BLACKBOOKER: - Im Off N Gone NZ
Trial 8: - ALDEBARAN ZEUS settled fifth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m and ran home strongly to get the prize. It was a very good performance by the Breeders Crown winner and was a good hit-out in preparation for the Super Series at Maryborough on Monday. ROYAL CHARLOTTE began quickly to find the lead, took a trail at the 700m and battled on well in the final stages. OFORTUNA trailed the leader early then ended up being three back on the inside. She finished off quickly in the final 100m and ran a game race for third. FREMARKSPOETRY was four back on the inside and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 1400m, came out three horses wide at the 800m, sprinted quickly to hit the front in the back straight and peaked in the final stages. She finished fourth ahead of RULES DON’T APPLY, which settled three back on the inside and used the sprint lane. TEETREETOMMY raced without cover throughout and finished last of the six but wasn’t beaten by far. OFORTUNA, RULES DON’T APPLY and TEETREETOMMY are all competing in Super Series events at Melton on Tuesday.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.8 Last Half: - 58.34 Margins: - 1.5m, 2m
Trial 9: - SHANIA TEE burst to the front in the early stages, pulled hard and set up a genuine tempo. She remained strong at the finish and did a good job to land the prize. IAMWINGATE trailed the leader until making his move at the 300m mark. He tried very hard in the home straight and finished less than a length from the winner. SECRETO (Bells And Whistles – Small Freckle) settled four back on the inside and moved away from the pegs at the half mile marker. She finished third and MEGAFELLA was the last one across the line after settling three back on the inside and yielding ground from the 800m.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.0 Last Half: - 58.78 Margins: - 2.5m, 84m
