A select three former Kiwis have swelled the Trial File Blackbook to 22 after form analyst Craig Rail scoured the Victorian circuit to find exciting prospects.

Here's his latest report, scroll to the bottom for his updated Blackbook.

SHEPPARTON 22/10/20 (Note the official results are not listed on the website, results shown are as broadcast on the video replays).

Trial 1: - MACH HAMMER settled sixth on the inside, moved away from the markers at the 1600m and progressed forward to find the lead shortly afterwards. He was in complete control and dashed well clear in the latter stages to win by a large margin. LESTER settled seventh on the markers and moved up without cover from the bell. He was beaten by a large margin but he beat the remainder of the field comfortably. JUKEBOX JET settled fifth on the markers and was able to work into third ahead of ALICE ON THE BEACH, which showed gate speed, trailed the leader, got shuffled back to fourth, moved off the inside to get around into third then raced without cover for the final 600m. OUTLOOK started off being three back on the markers and was shuffled back to fifth mid-race and remained in that position late. BUNDLE OF NOTES was slow to begin and settled down last but picked up a couple late. EMRITES began quickly to lead, took a trail, was shuffled to fourth on the markers then got caught up badly behind the tiring RUN AND HIDE. She didn’t chase when the field went sweeping past on the home turn. RUN AND HIDE was four back on the markers, worked to the front at the 1700m, took a trail shortly afterwards and was starting to yield ground with 700m remaining.

Mile Rate: - Not Given   Final Half: - Not Given: -               Margins: - 35m, 8m (approximately)

Trial 2: - LETSROCKLETSROLL settled last on the markers, was aided by trouble at the 700m mark and ended up in third position in the back straight before using the sprint lane. He motored through and won very softly at the end. HEREHECOMES began quickly and was able to lead comfortably. He was holding out the challengers from out wide in the straight but couldn’t repel the finishing burst of LETSROCKLETSROLL. STARSBYTHEBEACH settled three back on the markers, trailed the leader from the 700m and came to the outside on the home turn. She appeared to be fully extended in third position but she stepped out onto the track at Shepparton on Monday and obliterated her rivals, which is a good form line for the two horses that beat her in the trial. BEAUTIFUL WOMAN was four back on the markers and was hampered by VILLACCI galloping at the 700m mark. She didn’t lose too much ground however and she ended up finishing in fourth position. GOTTA PARTY DOLL was severely checked when VILLACCI broke stride and never recovered. VILLACCI performed extremely well in two trials prior to last place, where he broke stride when trailing the leader with 700m remaining.

Mile Rate: - Not Given   Final Half: - Not Given                   Margins: - 6m, Nose (approximately)

Trial 3: - NIGHT SCHOOL returns from a spell at Shepparton this evening and should perform well based on his trial effort. He was without cover early, pushed forward to the lead at the mile marker, took a trail at the 1400m and quickly pounced on the lead at the quarter pole. He scored with plenty in reserve. FLYBYE EDEN was a very nice trial effort in second position. She was sixth on the markers early, moved up without cover from the 1600m, dropped back to third on the markers at the 700m and chased hard in the last lap. SMOOTH ROLLING settled seventh on the markers and worked home reasonably well for a distant third. ENCRYPTION was last on the markers, moved up out three horses wide from the 700m and got to fourth at the 500m. He finished a distant fourth in front of JITTERBUG ARDEN (5 back markers), HELENA (1-1, without cover, led 1400m) and ARIZONA QUEEN (lead early, shuffled to 4 back markers). ROYAL BLOOD came out quickly to lead, took a trail, circled around to lead again, took a trail for the second time and ended up being three back on the markers. He was under pressure from the 800m and dropped out in the latter stages.

Mile Rate: - Not Given   Final Half: - Not Given                   Margins: - 10m, 25m (approximately)

Trial 4: - CMON CARL LEE was behind the leader early, obtained an inside run on the first corner and found the front shortly afterwards. He enjoyed a lovely run throughout, did everything right and was able to win comfortably at the end. SWEET ON YOU settled three back on the markers, moved to the outside on the home turn and finished on well without being fully extended. HAMMERS MUSCLE was without cover early before slotting in behind the leader CMON CARL LEE around the first corner. He finished in third and was nicely clear of the Home Grown Classic winner SHEZA PLEASURE, which settled in fourth and came out three horses wide on the home turn. It was a good hit-out and standing start experience for her effort in the Redwood Classic on Sunday. TWIXTEN stepped away slowly and was trotting roughly throughout. She remained at the back of the pack with ALDEBARAN JETHRO finishing tailed off after breaking stride in the early stages. AHMURRA QUEEN jumped to the front but broke stride 100m after the start then again at the 1400m and was virtually retired out of the trial.

Mile Rate: - Not Given   Final Half: - Not Given                   Margins: - 5m, 2m (approximately)

Trial 5: - ALLSET trialled well at Shepparton prior to his Australian debut where he made a mistake at the start, endured a tough run and faded late. He went back to the trials and was impressive again. He led out, took a trail then dashed around to find the lead again at the mile marker. He was able to dash away in the final stages and won by a good margin. LETS DIG IT was able to warm for his Shepparton victory on Monday with a handy second. He settled three back on the inside, moved away from the markers at the 700m and chased hard in the latter stages. He finished ahead of JENARLI, which was fifth on the markers for most of the journey and was finishing off strongly late. SHAKATIE was six back on the inside for most of the journey and finished fourth ahead of BIG BLUE (4 back markers) and BINNO MAJOR, which settled down last, gained a good run in the early stages of the back straight to be in fourth but got held up badly behind tiring runners approaching the home turn. GUNNING was in fourth on the first corner but broke stride, perhaps due to CRYSTAL FLAME, racing greenly and sending a marker peg flying onto the track. He was able to get down trotting and came from tailed off to beat CRYSTAL FLAME (led, raced greenly, trailed leader 1600m) to the line.

Mile Rate: - Not Given   Final Half: - Not Given                   Margins: - 10m, 12m (approximately)

Trial 6: - YELLOW STONE trailed the leader, moved to the outside with 700m remaining and was able to assert his superiority in the run to the judge. He was untouched going to the line and could have won by further. He is racing at Shepparton tonight and he has won at his only start to date but he is taking on a very tough field this evening. WHERES WOOD WOOD settled three back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail over the latter stages and came out three horses wide in the home straight. She finished off quickly for second and backed that run up with a very good run at Bendigo on Wednesday night. LIFE OF BRIAN settled down in last position, trailed into the race from the 700m (1-2) and worked home quite well late for third. LIFEINQUESTION finished fourth after working to the front in the early stages and setting the speed. MY MATE COL was four back on the markers, moved through to trail the leader leaving the back straight and broke stride with 400m remaining. He finished ahead of MISS ARTEMIS, which travelled behind him and was severely checked at the quarter pole.

Mile Rate: - Not Given   Final Half: - Not Given                   Margins: - 4m, 6m (approximately)

Trial 7: - BACARDI WOOD pushed forward to find the front shortly after the start. He enjoyed a nice run mid-race and was able to hold off the challengers. APPEARFROMNOWHERE trailed BACARDI WOOD throughout and came to the outside at the 500m. She tried hard but couldn’t pick up the leader and BLACK CAT CLAW was in third position throughout the entire trial. LOVE GUN was in fourth position and beat home his stable mate MIELICKI, which settled down in last position and broke stride with 600m remaining.

Mile Rate: - Not Given   Final Half: - Not Given                   Margins: - 4m, 25m (approximately)

BACCHUS MARSH 24/10/20

Trial 1: - BRANDONS PRICE has paced a few times recently but he was able to win his trial by a comfortable margin. YANKEE VELVET hasn’t raced since a sixth at Melton in January but was able to beat home the juvenile trotting filly and recent race winner EURYPHAESSA.

Mile Rate: - 2.11.9          Final Half: - 62.8               Margins: - 20m, 30m

Trial 2: - LADY LANI is a former Western Australian trained mare, which has had four victories and earned $30,512 in stakes. She has joined trainer Luke Tabone and was able to take out her trial by a comfortable margin. TELEMACHUS (Somebeachsomewhere – Our Narissa Franco 2.2.3, $13,928) finished in second position for trainer Nathan Cahir and KISSOFDEATH, which returns to Victoria after having one start in South Australia, finished in third spot. BREATHE EASY (Live or Die – Ayr Affair 2.2.1, $4,376) finished a distant fourth ahead of MY LINDY ANGELS.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.5            Final Half: - 59.9               Margins: - 12m, 3m

Trial 3: - IM NO OUTLAW was able to take out the third trial, which consisted over only three runners. He hasn’t started since July but he was racing in good form when he was last in work. BULLYS DELIGHT finished in second position and for the second week in a row, MISS DANGERFIELD ran in a trial, which was outside of her class range and she wasn’t beaten by far, so that might be a lead to her chances at Geelong this afternoon.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.3            Final Half: - 59.2               Margins: - 1m, 3m

Trial 4: - The Bill Pace prepared filly SCOTTS RAIN (Big Jim – Roman Jasper) has had a few trials recently and was able to get away with the money from the juvenile pacer MERRY DANCER (Changeover – Lucky Merrywood 1.58.4, $51,128). A LIL BETTOR (Bettors Delight – Donna Rosso) was a close up third with CONFUSIONANDDELAY being the last of the four runners to cross the line.

Mile Rate: - 2.10.8          Final Half: - 63.3               Margins: ½ Head, 2m

Trial 5: - SAMMY SHOWDOWN finished fourth in the Chris Howe Cup at his latest racetrack performance and prepared for his tilt at the Free for All on Redwood Day with an effortless trial victory over CASH LOVER with the former New Zealander CYCLONE S ADAMS being in third position. CYCLONE S ADAMS joins trainer Tony Romeo after successive Cambridge victories in July.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.2            Final Half: - 58.7               Margins: - 25m, 2.5m

Trial 6: - IM SANDY BAY is a former Queensland pacer, which has joined trainer Bill Pace. He was able to defeat another former Queenslander in STEVIE DEE, which has been unplaced in two recent Victorian outings. LEBOWSKI finished in third position and MEANDMYBIGMOUTH finished a large distance away in fourth spot.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.8            Final Half: - 62.3               Margins: - ½ head, 8m

Trial 7: - The Tasmanian Derby winner MICTON MOUSE has only been placed once in seven starts since returning to Victoria but he was able to defeat THE BIG END OFTOWN, which has won at his past attempts, in the seventh trial so his performance was obviously sound but with no time and margin information, it is hard to get a strong lead. ACES JETT is now with trainer Alex Freeman and finished third in front of OUR SUMMER WIND

Mile Rate: - Not Given   Final Half: - Not Given    Margins: - Not Given

Trial 8: - ARU AND ME prepared for his effort at Melton on Wednesday with a victory in slow time over the juvenile trotter MAJESTIC MATADOR (Majestic Son – Auzzie Rose 2.3.2, $29,496) with the qualifier BREAKER OF CHAINS (Fling It – Carmelasoprano $9,806) for trainer Shane Taylor finishing last of the three runners.

Mile Rate: - 2.19.1          Final Half: - 67.2               Margins: - 3m, 5m

YARRA VALLEY 25/10/20

Trial 1: - TYABB WONDER led throughout to score in a mile of 1.57.1 at Cranbourne in June so he appeared to be well placed in the trial. He hasn’t raced since July but he was able to record reasonable time to get the prize. CHARISMA KING has been unplaced at his past six starts but he was able to finish second just in front of FINAL COUNTDOWN. MIR (Flightpath – Global Village 1.58.5, $51,019) is a juvenile for trainer Paul Stokes and finished fourth in front of the trotters ARCTURA SKY (Skyvalley – Flickering Flame 2.9.1, $3,960) and GET UP EARLY (Yankee Spider – Packed Up Early 2.7.6, $18,588). TIGER OF OLD (Major Bronski – Sentimental Life 1.58.9, $22,623) failed to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.4            Final Quarter: - 30.3       Margins: - 1m, 1m

HAMILTON 25/10/20

Trial 1: - ALLAWART BOB makes his return to the race track at Terang on Melbourne Cup Eve and prepared for that performance with a trial win over ICICLE, which competes in the same event on Monday. LYDIA LOVEDAY was ten metres away in third position, beating home JIMMY BINTANG (Allawart Ray – Cathrins Image), which was the only horse competing in the trial that hadn’t raced previously.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.7            Final Half: - 62.5               Margins: - 4m, 10m

Trial 2: - ASMILEANDAWINX is a juvenile pacer, which finished fourth at Stawell at his only race start to date but will have a busy weekend with a performance today at Geelong and also a start at Terang on Monday. She was able to defeat CULLECTNGO, which hasn’t started since July with FIRE OFFICIAL being in third position. The former Queenslander ANGEL I AM was last of the four runners to cross the line.

Last Mile: - 2.3.4             Final Half: - 59.12    Margins: - 10m, 25m

Trial 3: - DOUBLE HELIX was stood down to trial after breaking stride at Stawell last week and was able to score over the Jeff McLean trained qualifier KING JEWELIEN (Angus Hall – Black Curlew 2.7.3, $7,805). JACK OF THE GREEN finished twenty-five metres away in third position.

Last Mile: - 2.7.1             Final Half: - 62.7               Margins: - 2m, 25m

Trial 4: - SHADED has been freshened since an unplaced effort in September. She defeated MY PORSCHE, which hasn’t started since August and has joined trainer Janet Exell. STEAM BOAT hasn’t raced since December 2017 and finished last of the three runners. The winner SHADED is scheduled to return to the race track at Terang on Monday.

Last Mile: - 2.1.9             Final Half: - 59.6               Margins: - Not given

Trial 5: - TROUBADOR hasn’t started since May but he has won four of his seven starts since coming from New Zealand so he shows a lot of ability. He defeated his stable mate NANCYS BOY, which raced in the Queensland Derby last season and during his latest preparation, he took on some quality horses in the 4yo Bonanza, the Terang Cup and in the Gammalite Cup. PRESIDENTIAL ART was last of the three runners to greet the judge but he is due to race at Terang on Monday night.

Last Mile: - 2.2.7             Final Half: - 59.03    Margins: - 2m, 5m

TABCORP PARK, MELTON 26/10/20

Trial 1: - ALDEBARAN DIANNA stepped away quickly from the standing start to run to a clear lead on the first turn. She was unchallenged throughout and was able to score softly. CENTRAL OTAGO was a good run in second position. He settled in fourth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the quarter pole and hit the line strongly. ALDEBARAN GWEN was three back on the markers and moved to the outside with 400m remaining. She finished third in front of COTE DE OR (Love You – Donegal Flat), which trailed the leader and HAMMER SON (Majestic Son – Jingling Silver 1.58.4, $191,322) was last of the five runners throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.9.4            Final Half: - 61.70    Margins: - 2m, 10.5m

Trial 2: - The classy New Zealander MEXICANA strolled around for an impressive victory as a lead up to the Redwood Classic on Sunday. She jumped to the front and led comfortably then went to the line under a throttle hold to win clearly. She is poorly drawn in the Redwood but she has the class to be in the finish. TIPSY TURVY is undefeated from two starts and faces her toughest test in the Redwood Classic on Sunday. She stepped away well and trailed MEXICANA throughout but the New Zealander was able to get away from her in the straight. FLING ABOUT was fifth on the markers, moved up without cover at the 1200m and was able to slot onto the markers in third at the bell. He finished in third ahead of PARISIAN ARTISTE, which was four back on the markers for most of the trip and QUEEN INVASION was in fifth spot after settling in third, breaking stride at the 1100m and dropping back to fifth. ALDEBARAN URSULA has won four of her six starts in New South Wales and has come to Victoria for a shot at the Redwood Classic but she will need to improve on her manners as she galloped on the first turn then again with 1200m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.8            Final Half: - 59.08    Margins: - 11.5m, 12.5m

Trial 3: - SEASIDE SISTER (Sunshine Beach – Indigo Smile 1.59.1, $28,550) is a Maree Caldow trained debutante, which showed a nice sprint at the end to take out the third trial. She settled four back on the inside, moved away from the markers at the 400m and worked past SHAZZAM in the straight. The concerning part of the trial was she galloped approximately 20m after the line but she did show ability. SHAZZAM began quickly and tried to lead throughout but finished in second with ALAKAZAM (3 back markers) being in third position. DEVIL OF A SMILE showed gate speed and trailed the leader but peaked late into fourth and QUICK DAN settled in last position before trying to work home late. TREBEK was five back on the inside throughout and was overtaken by QUICK DAN late.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.9          Final Half: - 58.49    Margins: - 1.5m, 7m

Trial 4: - ELECTROJET showed brilliant gate speed to lead from a wide alley. She rolled along at an even speed and was able to hold on in the run to the finish. HOMONYM began well and was able to angle in behind the leader. She came to the outside in the home straight and it took her a while to hit top gear but she was picking up ground on the winner late. She contests the Ralph Ford Memorial Trot on Redwood Day. HOPEFUL BEAUTY settled three back on the markers and filled third position with CONSTANTINOPLE (Trixton – El Scorcho 2.2.6, $14,255) being fourth after settling four back on the markers and being some distance away from third at the 800m mark. JUST OSCAR (5 back markers) and ARABELLA SHOWDOWN (Great Success – Alabama Showdown) (6 back markers) were fifth and sixth respectively.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.9            Final Half: - 58.92    Margins: - 1.5m, 7m

Trial 5: - BELMONT ROYALE trailed the leader, moved away from the inside with 500m remaining and was able to hold off a strong challenge from TOWN ECHO in the run to the judge. TOWN ECHO boasts strong credentials in New Zealand and performed nicely after she was restrained at the start to settle down last, moved up without cover at the 600m and was forced to go out three horses wide from the 300m. She went to the line with plenty in reserve. AZTERIAN showed good speed and was able to draw across BELMONT ROYALE to find the lead. She battled on quite well for third in front of ILLAWONG AWESOME (Mach Three – Miss Astronomical), which settled three back on the markers and made up some ground after using sprint lane. YEAH MATE was four back on the markers and came wide into the straight. He finished last of the five runners but he wasn’t beaten by far.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.7          Final Half: - 58.40    Margins: - ½ Neck, 4m

BLACKBOOKER: - Town Echo

Trial 6: - ROGUE GENTLEMAN began quickly and was able to zoom to the lead shortly after the start. He did everything right and he cruised to victory without being pushed at any stage. ROSIES PRIDE finished in second position. She was three back on the markers, moved to the outside at the quarter pole and tried hard. ALDEBARAN MY dropped back to last of the three runners after trailing the leader throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.4            Final Half: - 60.70    Margins: - 20m, 21m

Trial 7: - ARDEN VOYAGER began quickly to lead, backed off the tempo mid-race and had a good kick left at the finish. He dashed home in a slick last quarter of 26.7 seconds and scored comfortably over HULI NIEN, which trailed him throughout and wanted to hang in a little when he came to the outside approaching the home turn. ARDEN VOYAGER takes on a strong field in the My Lightning Blue Free for All at Melton tomorrow night. SAHARA SIROCCO followed the markers in third position throughout and held his ground late in fast final sectionals.

Mile Rate: - 1.57.0          Final Half: - 56.71    Margins: - 3m, 3m

Trial 8: - MUSZTANG was without cover early and pushed forward to find the lead at the 1300m mark. He was pressured in the final lap but he was able to fend off the challenge of ROGERVALERIO LOMBO to win by a narrow margin. ROGERVALERIO LOMBO was on his worst behaviour at his first run since returning from New South Wales but he did trial respectably. He showed some early speed but ended up being three back on the markers, came to the outside at the 600m mark and pressured MUSZTANG for the remainder of the journey. He has drawn barrier one at Geelong this afternoon and is not without a chance on that effort. HEAVENLY CHARM (Rock N Roll Heaven – Sentimental Charm) was seventh on the inside, got held up behind tiring runners and ran home well via the sprint lane for a nice third. She makes her debut at Terang on Monday and she might be able to run a handy race in that event. OUR GEORGINA ROSE (Changeover – Our Georgia Reign $4,319) is also a threat in her race at Shepparton tonight. She settled fifth on the markers, pulled hard and battled on solidly in the run to the finish. Her past two trial efforts have been sound. HER HEART OF GOLD settled six back on the markers and finished fifth in front of SUMMER GRIN (led, trailed leader 1300m) and TERROR BULL GIRL (4 back markers).

Mile Rate: - 2.0.7            Final Half: - 58.88    Margins: - ½ Head, 11.5m

Trial 9: - MAJESTICAL BELLE trailed the leader and moved away from the markers at the 500m before getting the better of the early leader ROYAL CHARLOTTE in the straight. She was then able to show some determination to hold out RUM JUNCTION in the run to the finish so it was a tidy performance. RUM JUNCTION trialled nicely in second position. She settled three back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail behind MAJESTICAL BELLE and ran home nicely at the end without being pushed. Both MAJESTICAL BELLE and RUM JUNCTION are making their return in the Gold Bracelet at Maryborough on Sunday. ROYAL CHARLOTTE dropped back to third after setting the speed and MAJESTIC MANNEQUIN was last of the four before galloping with 100m remaining. She stepped out to win at Bendigo two days later so it is a good form line for the horses that beat her to the line.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.2            Final Half: - 59.28    Margins: - Head, 3.5m

Trial 10: - SOEXTRA was five back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m and ran home well out wide to pick up victory on the line. YANKEE GOLD showed gate speed to lead and was shuffled to three back on the markers at the 1100m when he used the sprint lane to accelerate and home well at the end, missing out narrowly in a quality event. He is returning from a spell at Terang on Monday night where he takes on another smart former New Zealander in Arden Roanoke. ARTS DASH was without cover early, worked to the front at the 1200m and took a trail shortly afterwards. He finished a close up third with HEAVENS SHOWGIRL coming from last of the six runners to finish fourth. MAXINES DELIGHT was three back on the markers, worked away from the inside and worked to the front with 1100m remaining. She was run down in the latter stages but wasn’t beaten by far and MADEEBA was shuffled back on the markers early before moving into the death seat at the 600m mark.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.7            Final Half: - 57.79    Margins: - ½ head, ½ neck

MILDURA 26/10/20

Trial 1: - COURTNEY KATARINA began quickly to lead and was able to hold off a determined challenge from PENNIES FOLLOWING to land the prize by a narrow margin. She backed up the trial victory to win at massive odds at Mildura on Thursday night. PENNIES FOLLOWING trailed the leader, broke stride momentarily on the first turn and ended up being three back on the inside before starting her run with 300m remaining. The minor error on the first turn was the difference between winning and losing. DEAKIN AVENUE settled four back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail behind PENNIES FOLLOWING. He finished third in front of WROXTONS FAREWELL, which was without cover momentarily before switching in to trail the leader. MEXICAN STANDOFF (Changeover – Cindy Shiraz) raced roughly shortly after the start and was always at the back of the pack and DEEKAYS MAJOR (Major In Art – Gemma Rouge 1.59.5, $14,285) raced without cover but broke stride with 600m remaining and failed to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.4            Final Half: - 60.3               Margins: - Short ½ head, 25m

Trial 2: - CALGARY BAY began quickly but couldn’t head off HILLDALE SUNRISE and angled in behind. She came to the outside on the home turn and was able to get up and beat HILLDALE SUNRISE on the line. MAXWELL JOHN was three back on the markers and moved away from the inside at the 300m but couldn’t go with the leading pair and finished a distant third. IM JIMMIES GIRL settled five back on the markers and finished fourth ahead of SANDOVAL, which came from last after moving away from the markers at the 700m mark and picking up some ground in the last lap. PRINGA CUP was four back on the inside and moved away from the pegs at the 500m mark. He was sixth ahead of OUR LITTLE ROCK (Pet Rock – Buckland Belle 2.1.4, $37,646), which settled down second last on the inside.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.6            Final Half: - 60.3               Margins: - Short ½ Head, 25m

Trial 3: - ROCKNROLL EYES was clearly the class runner of the trial but just scrambled home at the end. He trailed the leader, moved up without cover from the 900m and had to be given a few reminders to just get the better of the early leader BOSS MAJOR in the run to the judge. HEART OF COOPER settled three back on the inside and finished third. He backed up at Mildura on Thursday and didn’t run a bad race behind Beat City. He is showing ability but he is on a very tough mark. BAYONET SOLDIER hasn’t raced since February 2019 and met a strong field for his comeback trial. He did everything right but was last of the four runners throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.5            Final Half: - 58.5               Margins: - Short ½ Head, 6m

BENDIGO 26/10/20

Trial 1: - MULBERRY PIE stepped away slowly but safely from the standing start and was fifteen metres behind the second horse on settling down. She remained in last of the three runners before moving to the outside at the 700m then chased down her rivals to win with something in reserve. LADY LIL trailed the leader before moving around to find the lead at the 1300m mark. She battled back strongly in the straight and went down narrowly. WILL PATRICK was able to lead out, took a trail and raced roughly when the pace quickened in the back straight on the final occasion. He eventually rolled into a gallop at the quarter pole and lost his chance to finish with his two rivals.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.3            Final Half: - 60.0               Margins: - 1m, 70m

Trial 2: - POLONIS OUR MATE began quickly to find the lead, set up a slow tempo and was able to hold on and get the prize. He wasn’t asked to do much in that trial performance and he has been a bit unlucky in several of his recent efforts on the race track. THE TOOTH FAIRY showed gate speed and trailed the leader. She came to the outside with 500m remaining and picked up some ground on the winner but never really looked threatening in the straight. HEEZALITTLECAESAR was four back on the markers, moved to the outside with 600m remaining and finished third with VISION AND COURAGE (3 back markers) being in fourth. SELAPHOBIA broke in the score up and lost approximately 60m at the start. He made up ground but was never a chance at any stage.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.2            Final Half: - 60.2               Margins: - 1m, Head

Trial 3: - I AM MARQUEZ showed gate speed and was without cover early, trailed the leader from the 1800m and popped to the outside again at the 500m. He enjoyed the genuine tempo throughout and proved to be too strong in the run to the finish. MAJADORE showed gate speed to lead, ran along at a rapid rate and was gunned down in the final 100m. She finished second with CLEM MCCARDLE coming from four back on the markers to pick up third. MY SHADY MATE was five back on the inside and beat home REVA (6 back markers) and ITS BLUE FOR BOYS (trailed leader, 3 back marker). THE PAUA DIVER was the only horse racing away from the markers for the majority of the trial and wanted to hang in on the corners. He endured the toughest run of the trial and dropped out to finish at the tail of the field.

Mile Rate: - 1.58.7          Final Half: - 57.4               Margins: - 4m, 12m

Trial 4: - YOUR NICKED began quickly to lead, set up a slow tempo and was able to hold his rivals safely at bay. KYVALLEY FRANK trailed the leader, moved away from the inside on the home turn and tried hard in the straight, picking up some ground over the latter stages. SOUTHBOUND RED (Bacardi Lindy – Stardust Annie 2.8.8, $19,190) was slow away and was 20m away from KYVALLEY FRANK shortly after the start. He wasn’t asked for the supreme effort in third position and remained in a fluent trotting gait throughout. PRINCESS FAITH broke stride at the start and lost valuable ground before tacking onto the group at the 1300m. The early effort took a toll and she faded in the latter stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.8            Final Half: - 62.0               Margins: - 1m, 14m

Trial 5: - LUTETIA began quickly and was able to roll to the front shortly after the start. She enjoyed a nice run throughout and was able to score without being pushed. SHEZA CHOCOLATIER finished second after trailing the leader and MISS BROOMFIELD put in a big performance to finish third after pacing and breaking stride early then making up ground from a tailed off position to finish only eight metres behind the winner. BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE (Great Success – Whatta Tussle 2.3.7, $5,288) settled third on the markers and 25m behind SHEZA CHOCOLATIER early. She ended up finishing last of the four runners.

Mile Rate: 2.9.3               Final Half: - 61.2               Margins: - 1m, 7m

Trial 6: - OZZIE DAYBREAK began quickly and was able to lead clearly. He broke stride momentarily with 1200m remaining but he retained the lead and was able to hold his rivals at bay in the run to the finish finish. HARRYHOO settled three back on the markers early and ended up in fourth before moving to the outside half way down the back straight on the final occasion. He ran home well and missed out narrowly. YELLOW BOW finished third after ending up being last on the markers and moving into the one out and one back trail at the 500m mark. YANKEE ANGEL (American Ideal – Arty Alice $16,274) began well and was without cover early but wanted to hang in and ended up settling three back on the markers at the 1400m. She appeared to be jogging on the home turn with no clear run but she didn’t really extend when she gained a clear passage. It would have been interesting to see what she could have done had she got out earlier. MACDYMOND (Mach Three – Dymondee 1.58.1, $110,294) finished last of the five runners after trailing the leader throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.7            Final Half: - 58.2               Margins: - 1m, 7m

Trial 7: - ADAM CROCKER began quickly to find the lead and ran along at a reasonable tempo. He remained strong at the finish and was able to score by a comfortable margin. SHAQ settled sixth on the markers, moved up without cover at the 1700m mark and was able to grind out a second placing. LETS MAKE TRACKS settled five back on the markers and worked into clear in the back straight on the final occasion. He picked up ground to finish in third position. SASSYS A TERROR trailed the winner throughout and finished in fourth with ROQUEFORT CHEESE being fifth after settling down in last position and moving into the one out and one back trail with 1400m remaining. MONY MONY (3 back markers) and MIDNIGHT CALM (4 back markers) were sixth and seventh respectively.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.4          Final Half: - 58.4               Margins: - 4m, Head

SHEPPARTON 27/10/20

Trial 1: - STAR OF TIMPANY is a former New Zealander, which recently joined trainer Isabel Walsh. She scored at Forbury Park at her latest performance across the Tasman and it shouldn’t be long before she wins her first race in Australia based on her trial effort. She showed gate speed to lead and absolutely jogged home over MACH HAMMER, which won a Shepparton trial by 35m only four days earlier. MACH HAMMER was fifth on the markers and moved up without cover with 800m remaining. He picked up second in front of LESTER, which followed him all of the way (6 back markers, 1-1 at 800m). WEMADE FREO (McCardle – No Apology 2.2.4, $13,810) was four back on the markers throughout, raced a little greenly and finished fourth in front of SMOOTH ROLLING, which settled three back on the inside. FOURSTAR FLYER (Four Starzzz Shark – Modern Society 2.2.2, $29,969) showed gate speed and trailed the leader but yielded ground late, finishing sixth with EMRITES failing to finish after galloping at the start.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.2            Final Half: - 58.0               Margins: - 5m, 2m

BLACKBOOKER: - Star of Timpany

Trial 2: - BEAUTIFUL WOMAN trailed the leader early, was shuffled to four back on the markers and moved away from the inside to park without cover. She knuckled down in a quick final half to win the trial over WAYONBYE, which was one out and one back early, got left stranded without cover then progressed forward to find the front at the 1400m. WESTERN SONADOR worked forward to find the front at the 1600m, took a trail shortly afterwards and used the sprint lane. He held his ground in the straight and finished in third. HEAVEN IN LOCKSLEY led out, took a trail and ended up being three back on the markers. He finished fourth ahead of SHOSHONE BRAVE, which finished strongly from last of the eight runners and produced an eye-catching performance. UBETCHA was fifth on the markers and came to the outside at the quarter pole. He beat home GETBUSYFIZZY (7 back markers) and EMRITES, which was backing up from trial one, was the last one to greet the judge.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.1            Final Half: - 56.8               Margins: - Head, 3m

Trial 3: - MEADOWVALLEY LOVER was three back on the inside early before pushing around to find the lead with 1500m remaining. She enjoyed a nice run in the lead and was able to hold on at the finish to score narrowly. LOVE GUN trailed the leader early, ended up being three back on the markers and came to the outside at the quarter pole. He chased hard and went down narrowly. MIELICKI was fifth on the markers and came out wide on the home turn. He finished on reasonably well for third in front of THREE BROS (Dejarmbro – Right Yankee), which led out, took a trail and raced roughly from the 300m mark. PATCHWORK was four back on the markers throughout and beat home OHNO COMMANDO, which broke stride at the 1400m then again at the 1200m and was tailed off for the remainder of the trial.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.0            Final Half: - 60.1               Margins: - Neck, 20m

Trial 4: - SPRING IN HIS STEP began quickly and was able to burrow through to hold the lead early. He kicked well clear in the back straight on the final occasion and just when it seemed like he was going to be gunned down late, he found a kick at the finish to score narrowly. ONE TWO MANY was three back on the markers and when he came away from the inside at the quarter pole, he was giving SPRING IN HIS STEP a big start. He sprinted sharply coming up to the home turn and he loomed up to win with 50m to travel but he may have just peaked on his run late. The last 800m was run in a sizzling 56.3 seconds so his run was exceptionally good. SHAKATIE (Bettors Delight – Shakali 2.0.9, $16,970) began quickly and was two metres in front early but couldn’t cross to the lead and eased in behind SPRING IN HIS STEP. She held on for a distant third in front of BIG BLUE (Modern Art – Rosetta Lombo), which was four back on the markers and was being driven along with 600m remaining. REDBANK TOMMY settled five back on the inside and finished fifth ahead of MARCHELLO GOLD (6 back markers) and SKY CHICKA was last of the seven runners for the duration.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.6            Final Half: - 56.3               Margins: - Head, 25m

Trial 5: - THE BEST DREAM began quickly to lead, took a trail and came to the outside in the straight. She only scored by a narrow margin but she wasn’t asked to do anything special over the concluding stages. MYNAMESGRAHAM pressed forward to find the lead and was kicking on well but he just found THE BEST DREAM to be a little too strong for him in the run to the finish. BELLA LUCY was three back on the markers throughout and finished third ahead of DALTON, which was last early, moved up without cover from the 1100m but broke stride in the back straight of the final occasion. VIOLETTA GIFT (Andover Hall – Shez Allrighty 2.2.4, $85,431) was three then four back on the markers, gained a one out and one back trail at the 800m but broke stride shortly afterwards. She got going quickly but broke stride again with 500m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.11.7          Final half: - 63.8               Margins: - Neck, 10m

Trial 6: - TIME TO REACT began quickly to lead, took a trail then was shuffled back on the markers mid-race. He worked into the clear on the home turn and charged home to win easily. JANJUC was fifth on the markers and moved to the outside with just over a lap remaining. He was left stranded without cover for the last 900m and battled on well for second. SHEZA MAMACITA trailed the leader early, was shuffled back on the markers then moved into the one out and one back trail in the final circuit. She finished third from MY MATE COL, which pushed around the field from fourth to find the lead at the 900m mark then paced very roughly from the quarter pole and was almost galloping. He angled down into the sprint lane turning for home to steer clear of his rivals that were caught behind him. SPRING DELIGHT led out then took a trail and was held up badly behind MY MATE COL approaching the home turn. GUNNING settled down in last position, broke stride at the 1200m and remained in last for the remainder of the journey.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.6            Final Half: - 59.8               Margins: - 5m, 12m

KILMORE 27/10/20

Trial 1: - HOLI STARZZZ pushed forward to find the lead at the 1800m mark and backed off the tempo mid-race. She finished off in a quick final half and held off her stable mate OUTA THE BLUE to score by a metre. OUTA THE BLUE led out, took a trail and moved off the inside on the home turn. She chased hard and finished a game second. TREACHEROUS ROCK settled three back on the markers and used the sprint lane. He held his ground in the straight to finish third with HELANSIN being last after moving to the outside with 300m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.2            Final Half: - 57.2               Margins: - 1m, 4m

Trial 2: - WHATA GLIMPSE began quickly to find the lead and set up a moderate tempo. He was able to sprint home quickly in the front straight and scored over the trotter NORQUAY, which settled four back on the markers and moved to the outside with 1100m left to travel. COBARGO GRIN trailed the leader throughout and never peeled to the outside or used the sprint lane at any stage down the front straight. BEAT THE DRUMS settled fifth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail and only moved to the outside with 30m remaining. She picked up a bit of ground very late in the event. MONTY MAJOR settled three back on the inside, was under pressure from the 700m and started yielding ground shortly afterwards.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.1            Final Half: - 59.1               Margins: - 2m, 4m

Trial 3: - SON OF A WHIZ began quickly to find the lead and dashed home in a quick final 800m to win nicely. He is competing in the Ralph Ford Memorial at Maryborough on Redwood Day. TAILORED ELEGANCE settled five back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the quarter pole and motored to the line for an eye-catching second. Considering the last 800m was run in a quick time of 57.9 seconds, she would have to be a threat in the Gold Bracelet at Maryborough on Sunday. EMERALD STRIDE settled four back on the inside, moved away from the markers at the quarter pole but was approximately 25m behind the leader. She found the line strongly but not quite as fast as TAILORED ELEGANCE in the latter stages. PICKLES MAGEE trailed the leader and finished fourth with IM HECTOR (3 back markers) seeing the field to be safely home.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.2            Final Half: - 57.9               Margins: - 5m, Head

Trial 4: - ABUNDANCE led throughout and was the only horse in the trial that did everything right so she naturally got the prize. ASTRO (Love You – Auravale 2.8.2, $30,650) trailed the leader and raced roughly in the back straight before breaking stride with 500m remaining. ALDEBARAN YAHTZEE broke at the start and was tailed off in the early stages so she was retired out of the event.

Mile Rate: - 2.12.4          Final half: - 63.9               Margins: - 40m, retired

Trial 5: - THE PANTHEIST was without cover early, pushed forward to find the lead at the 1800m and zipped home in a sizzling final half of 56.9 seconds to easily win the trial over her stable mate PUNTARNO STRIDE, which led out, took a trail and came to the outside with 600m remaining. JIMMY COME HOLME settled three back on the markers and finished in third position with MADAME ANNIE being fourth after using the sprint lane from four back on the markers. DEEKAYS DOLLAR was last on the inside, moved to the outside at the 500m and was out three horses wide on the home turn. He was working home reasonably well before peaking late but the last half was very quick.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.9          Final Half: - 56.9               Margins: - 6m, 8m

Trial 6: - CHEDDAR VALLEY is a former New Zealander, which created a very good impression. He settled last of the five runners, moved up without cover at the 600m and sprinted very quickly in the final stages. CUT FROM ROCK began quickly to find the lead and tried to kick away on the home turn but couldn’t repel the challenge of CHEDDAR VALLEY in the latter stages. PACIFIC ROCK settled four back on the markers and finished a distant third with MISS CULLENREACTOR (3 back pegs) being in fourth. TRADE WHISPERS finished last of the five runners after settling behind the leader around the first corner.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.2            Final Half: - 58.8               Margins: - 1m, 10m

BLACKBOOKER: - Cheddar Valley

Trial 7: - WATTS UP MAJESTIC settled three back on the markers, came out three horses wide on the home turn and sprinted sharply to score impressively. THAT’S NOT MY GAIT trailed the leader, moved away from the markers at the 500m and quickly dashed to the front. She fought hard in the straight but couldn’t hold off the challenge of WATTS UP MAJESTIC in the straight. The pair are competing in the John Ashby Memorial Trot at Maryborough on Sunday. MAGICAL tried to lead throughout and finished third ahead of FAIRFIELD FLYER (4 back markers) with ALDEBARAN YAHTZEE repeating her effort from trial four and galloping in the early stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.3            Final Half: - 60.2               Margins: - 3m, 15m

BALLARAT 27/10/20

Trial 1: - VAPAR FIRE was without cover in the early stages and pushed forward to find the lead with 1100m remaining. He dashed home in a quick final half of 57.8 seconds to win over WELEASE WOGER (Barna Straide – Seven Nations 1.59.5, $63,000), which was last early before moving up without cover at the half mile marker. ASHFORD SECRET led out then took a trail before yielding ground in the final 400m.

Last Mile: - 2.0.2             Final Half: - 57.8               Margins: - 4m, 40m

Trial 2: - GOODTIME FLOYD pushed forward to find the lead, ran along at a genuine tempo and produced a very good performance to win easily. He seemingly had something in reserve and recorded a slick mile rate in the process. GOTTA SMUDGE led out then took a trail before coming to the outside with 500m remaining. He kicked on well for second with ROYAL APOLLO being third throughout. OSCAR BRAVO settled last on the markers, came to the outside with 600m remaining and was able to work past MARLA (4 back markers) over the concluding stages.

Mile Rate: - 1.58.0          Final Half: - 56.3               Margins: - 8m, 8m

Trial 3: - FORGOT TO REMEMBER was able to lead throughout in a field of two runners. She got away over the concluding stages and recorded an easy victory. STAR GAZING finished 25m behind the winner after trailing the leader throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.9            Final Half: - 59.3               Margin: - 25m