There are plenty of eye-catching 'Stride' horses in Australian trots and Craig Rail's found another worthy of Blackbook status on the Victorial trial scene this week.
Four more have been added to the famed Blackbook, scroll to the bottom of the page for the latest.
SHEPPARTON 25/06/20
Trial 1: - WATCHMEDAZZLE began very quickly to lead, pulled hard mid-race and rolled away to win easily. SWEET ART JOLIE (Art Major – Dee Jay Jolie 1.55.3, $36,925) settled three back on the markers and moved up without cover from the 700m. She went to the line untouched and could have finished a little closer. FLY BYE EDEN (Art Major – Tombstone Eden 1.55.4, $74,222) settled four back on the markers, gained a one out and one back trail at the 700m and finished third. CAPTAIN LOMBO (Captaintreacherous – Tricka Treat Lombo) trailed the leader throughout and finished fourth while TORIKINA PRINCE was tailed off after breaking stride at the start.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.1 Final Half: - 59.8 Margins: - 25m, 1m
Trial 2: - LETSROCKLETSROLL was nearly headed off at the start and burrowed through to lead early then took a trail. He moved away from the inside on the home turn and sprinted quickly to win nicely. He has been impressive at his past two trial victories. WILLEM began quickly and was out three horses wide early before running to the lead in the back straight. He raced keenly throughout and battled on fairly well in the run to the finish. MAJOR DELICO began quickly and got three metres in front early but couldn’t get across LETSROCKLETSROLL then angled in behind. He ended up being three back on the markers and used the sprint lane in the final stages, running home well without being fully extended. SOME CHANGE settled four back on the markers, was held up for a run at a vital stage and finished off strongly for an eye-catching fourth. ZUBERI settled sixth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 700m and finished fifth. COLDPLAY ROAD settled five back on the markers, moved up without from the 800m and finished in sixth position.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.0 Final Half: - 57.8 Margins: - 2m, head
Trial 3: - ATREACHEROUS (Captaintreacherous – Lombo Sleek Streak 1.56.0, $39,438) settled four back on the markers and moved up without cover at the 600m. He dashed to the lead on the home turn and scored with plenty in reserve so he appears to have a promising future. LITTLE DEMON (Modern Art – Davids Lady 1.56.2, $46,288) continues to trial well and he began very quickly to lead before taking a trail at the 1500m. He moved away from the inside at the 300m and battled on well at the finish. BEACH COMBER was without cover at the 1700m and pushed forward to find the lead at the 1500m before being run down over latter stages. FOURSTAR FLYER (Four Starzzz Shark – Modern Society 2.2.2, $29,969) trailed the leader, was shuffled to three back on the markers mid-race and finished fourth with FREDA JESS LOMBO (Western Terror – As I See It Lombo 2.1.6, $4,418) running fifth after settling down last, gaining a one out and one back trail and hanging in over the latter stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.9 Final Half: - 60.3 Margins: - 10m, 10m
Trial 4: - MIDNIGHT WHISPER began quickly to lead, took a trail at the 1500m and moved away from the inside at the 300m. She was very strong at the finish and drew away to win easily. SPORTY BEN settled fifth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail in the back straight and finished off fairly well. PENITENTE was four back on the markers early, moved around to find the lead at the 1500m and was run down from the home turn. LOMBO EYE WATCH (Lombo Pocket Watch – Soft Classic) settled third on the markers, was shuffled back to last mid-race and moved away from the inside at the 650m before ending up being three horses wide at the 300m She finished in fourth spot ahead of JANICE IVY, which trailed the leader before being three back on the markers at the 1500m.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.2 Final Half: - 60.2 Margins: - 12m, 1m
Trial 5: - MAJESTIC TIME stepped away quickly to find the lead, set up a very slow tempo and proved to be too quick in the sprint up the straight. DANCES settled last on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 500m and continued to pick up ground in the final stages. LITTLE TEDEY (Peak – Mother Nature 2.4.5, $37,030) trailed the leader and started to yield ground in the back straight on the final occasion. He is an unraced juvenile trotter and was taking on a couple of proven winners so it was no surprise he dropped out in the latter stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.14.6 Final Half: - 62.0 Margins: - 3m, 30m
Trial 6: - DYNAMIC LEGACY began very quickly and dashed to the lead in the early stages. He enjoyed a nice run throughout and was able to hold on in the latter stages. BACARDI WOOD began quickly and trailed the leader throughout. He tried hard in the straight and missed out narrowly. ITSARAPT broke stride in the score up and missed the start by fifteen metres. He tacked on and was fourth early before moving up without cover from the bell. He loomed as a big winning chance on the home turn and battled on well over the latter stages. CMON CARL LEE was three back on the markers, pulled hard and gained a one out and one back trail at the 500m. He looked to be a chance in the home straight but he shifted out in the final stages. MYNAMESGRAHAM broke stride at the start and lost 40m early so he was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - Neck, 1m
KILMORE 26/06/20
Trial 1: - SAY YOUR PRES stepped away in second position, trailed the leader and used the sprint lane. She sprinted through to hit the lead on the line. OUR KINGS LANDING jumped away slowly to settle last of the three runners and moved into the breeze at the 300m. He finished in second position with the early leader FATHER CHRISTMAS being in third. The three stable mates went to the line in unison in a trial that was just like a training run with all three runners going to the line with plenty left in reserve.
Mile Rate: - 2.12.2 Final Half: - 60.4 Margins: - ½ head, head
Trial 2: - ALIENS EXIST (Courage Under Fire – Low Velocity 1.56.8, $121,993) trailed the leader before moving to the outside at the 300m. He dashed away in the straight and wasn’t fully extended so it was a nice performance. NIKI NAH NAH was three back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail at the 300m. She came out three horses wide on the home turn and worked to the line fairly well. PEPPERBERRY came out very quickly to lead, set up a slow tempo and was run down in the latter stages. MADAME TESS (Western Terror – Madame Lily 1.57.6, $140,824) was restrained at the start and settled last of the five runners. She was inconvenienced at the 1100m and lost approximately 15m before picking up some ground in the final circuit. VARIEGATED (Armbro Variable – Denzel Prada) was four back on the markers and broke stride at the 1100m. He then paced roughly throughout the final circuit and finished a distant last.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.4 Final Half: - 59.9 Margins: - 6m, 4m
Trial 3: - HEZ COOLAZ (Zooma – Peps Pride) trailed the leader early and was able to find the lead via an inside run at the 800m mark. He wanted to shift out under pressure in the latter stages but was able to hang on at the finish. HIGHWAY HUNTSMAN was three back on the markers, raced roughly on the first bend and went through to trail the leader. He worked home well to be beaten narrowly. KYVALLEY SURFERGIRL led early, hung out at the 800m corner and sat without cover for the last lap before hanging out again on the final corner. She finished in third position with KYVALLEY COPYCAT running last of the four after galloping away.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.3 Final Half: - 60.6 Margins: - Head, 6m
Trial 4: - JAMIESON STEELE began quickly to find the lead and set up a reasonable tempo. He appeared to be in trouble over the final stages but he kicked on well when challenged and scored by a narrow margin. DELIGHTFUL MIA trailed the leader and used the sprint lane. She fired through late but just couldn’t get past JAMIESON STEELE in the run to finish. ADELAIDE BAY broke stride in the score up, lost 15m and settled down last, moved away from the inside at the 250m and tried hard over the latter stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Final Half: - 58.1 Margins: - Nose, 6m
Trial 5: - ROBBIE ROYALE settled four back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail and came out three horses wide at the 250m. He finished off well in the run to the finish and got up to score on the line. HEZA BRAXTON began quickly to lead and set up a slow tempo. He was just run down on the line with STORM CLOUD in third after gaining a position in the one wide line (1-2) and coming out four horses wide on the home turn. TARZALI was slow away and missed the start by fifteen metres, settled four back on the outside, trailed up behind STORM CLOUD and ran home well without being extended at any stage. COULD BE WOODY settled third on the markers, moved up without cover from the 500m and ended up dropping back to fifth with MONTY MAJOR (Art Major – Court Safely) coming in last of the six runners after trailing the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.4 Final Half: - 59.9 Margins: - Nose, 3m
Trial 6: - KYVALLEY CHIEF trailed the leader early before finding the lead at the 800m when the early leader BEAU GARCON ran off the track at that point. He was always in control in the final circuit and scored comfortably. BEAU GARCON recovered after his misdemeanour at the 800m and boxed on for second. MAJOR MAX (Majestic Son – Nicky Newky 2.7.0, $18,305) broke stride at the start and missed away by 35m. He settled last on the markers and ended up finishing a distant third. FIELDS OF KYVALLEY settled three back on the markers but broke stride at the 1300m and lost all chance.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.8 Final Half: - 61.5 Margins: - 4m, 70m
TERANG 27/06/20
Trial 1: - KEAYANG TARA (Western Terror – Emma Jade 2.1.8, $5,048) is the first foal of the race winning mare Emma Jade and took out the opening trial by a narrow margin over the juvenile pacer OCTOBER REIGN. LYDIA LOVEDAY (Art Major – Shy Star 2.3.6, $4,676) was fifteen metres away in third position and DISTINCTIVE MISS (Rock N Roll Heaven – Mystery Moment) was last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.1 Final Half: - 57.7 Margins: - Head, 15m
Trial 2: - The star trotter SPARKLING SUCCESS was able to defeat the pacers and recorded a reasonable mile rate of 2.1.8. LEICA GEM hasn’t raced since March and finished a close second ahead of the unraced 3yo pacer GLAMOUR RAINBOW (Art Major – Hay Sharon 1.58.3, $20,953) with SHOWEM SHIFTY being last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Final Half: 59.5 Margins: - Head, 5m
Trial 3: - SHE SAILZ (Used To Me – Elle Galleon $11,277) appears to be a promising juvenile trotter that is still learning but is very good when she puts it altogether. She was able to defeat her more mature rivals by a comfortable margin. DOUBLE HELIX finished in second position with ALDEBARAN KNOX, which hasn’t raced since a fifth in the Home Grown Classic in December, coming in third. TOUCHANDGO and the unraced 3yo trotter KYVALLEY SHERRIF (Trixton – Kyvalley Café) were fourth and fifth respectively.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.1 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 4m, 15m
Trial 4: - KEAYANG SILVAGNI has been successful in several trials since his incredible debut victory where he overcame an early error. He was able to score by a large margin over KOLOVOS, which has done a good job since coming from New Zealand. The two unraced 3yo pacers SECURITY CHECK (Big Jim – Village Guest) and SAFE UNDER FIRE (Courage Under Fire – Talk Safely 1.58.1, $20,103) were third and fourth respectively.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.8 Final Half: - 58.1 Margins: - 15m, 15m
BACCHUS MARSH 27/06/20
Trial 1: - LUCKY PATS SON continues to perform nicely at the trials and was able to take out the standing start trial for the trotters. STUNNING JASPER has been freshened since his latest run back in April and was narrowly beaten in second position with BRANDONS PRICE filling third spot.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.5 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - ½ head, 6m
Trial 2: - SOMETHING BETTOR has only had the one start and wasn’t beaten by far in a fast mile rate of 1.55.2. He recorded a handy time in defeating SPEAKOFTHEDEVIL (Artspeak – Oh Shenandoah) with BYE LINE finishing a close third. MISTER NIEN (Somebeachsomewhere – Lady Of My Life 2.0.8, $16,545) was a distant fourth with ARTS CLASSIC (Artspeak – Classic Amy 2.1.6, $33,760) finishing fifth. The final two runners across the line were KING FOR LIFE (Modern Art – No Good At Maths 1.58.9, $11,475) and LET GO MARSHALL.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.7 Final Half: - 60.0 Margins: - 2m, Head
Trial 3: - MAJESTICAL BELLE is a handy trotter, which won at Melton at her latest race track appearance. She is yet to race from the standing start and won her trial from behind the tapes by a comfortable margin. FROSTY RECEPTION finished in second position with ALPINE SHIRE (Armbro Invasion – Midnight Maori 2.10.4, $4,156) being last of the three runners to cross the line.
Mile Rate : - 2.15.3 Final Half: - 62.6 Margins: - 3m, 50m
Trial 4: - FLOATING MOUNTAIN is a handy trotter and has a consistent record. He took out the fourth trial comfortably with AUNTY ETHAL in second position. QUICK WITTED is now with trainer Rob O’Connell after a stint in New South Wales. He finished third with HEY LISTEN (Crazed – Catchya Maya) being close up in fourth position. HES THEMIGHTYSPIN and THREE ONE TWO ONE were fifth and sixth respectively.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.9 Final Half: - 59.8 Margins: - 5m, 12m
Trial 5: - TRENT FROM PUNCHY won at Ballarat when he charged home from near the tail of the field. He continued his good run with a trial victory over the John Nicholson trained MICTON MOUSE (Tasmanian Derby winner) with AMERICAN SWEETHART, a newcomer for trainer Rob O’Connell, finishing in third. STUNNING I AM was in fourth position and finished ahead of SHADOW STYLE and MACHANICAL.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.6 Final Half: - 57.5 Margins: - 4m, ½ head
Trial 6: - CHAMPAGNE CHARLEY (Used To Me – Bella Cheval 2.1.7, $38,638) is a juvenile trotter for trainer Fred Spiteri and won comfortably over TELEPHONE TILLY. TOUCH OF BRINBA (I’m Stately – Brinba 2.9.4, $10,045) finished a distant last of the three.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.9 Final Half: - 63.9 Margins: - 15m, 100m
Trial 7: - ULTIMATE EXCLUSIVE is a talented juvenile pacer and returned to form with a victory in a trial against older horses. WHERES SEGGY is a former Queensland pacer, which has joined trainer Joe Pace. He is a winner at Redcliffe at his latest attempt and finished only a length from the winner. THE BIG END OFTOWN finished in third position ahead of BRONSKI MOMENT and MISTER GLEE. BETTERTHANFLYHIGH has only had the one start to date and he finished sixth in front of ARCTIC WIND (Roll With Joe – Windchill 2.3.2, $9,600) and DAWN OFA NEW DREAM (Dawn Ofa New Day – Real Dreamz).
Mile Rate: - 2.1.4 Final Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 3m, 15m
Trial 8: - MASAKE is an experienced maiden but she has shown improvement at the trials recently and she was able to score from IDEALISTIC FELLA, which hasn’t started since December. ROCKATOKA (Auckland Reactor – Rocka Hula 2.1.3, $15,104) had several trials in New South Wales before heading to Victoria. He finished third in front of ACES JETT and BILLYNJED (Major Bronski – Essmarelda Lombo). MEANDMYBIGMOUTH should be getting fitter after several recent trial performances and finished sixth in front of NELLIESLITTLEANGEL and IOWA HANOVER.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.3 Final Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 12m, 5m
Trial 9: - CHRISSY DIVINYL recorded a sub two minutes mile rate to end the program with her narrow victory over FRANCO. FORTY THIEVES hasn’t raced since early April and made it a good finish by running just behind the leading pair. MODERN BLISS finished in fourth position ahead of MORVAH and TRAVELININSTYLE.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.8 Final Half: - 58.8 Margins: - Nose, 1m
MARYBOROUGH 28/06/30
Trial 1: - BITOFADREAM showed very good gate speed and led throughout to defeat MARINE PARADE, which trailed the leader and tried hard in the straight. The open class trotter NEPHEW OF SONOKO was third on the markers throughout and went to the line under a hard hold with GOLLAHGOLD being last after missing the start by approximately 50m and tacking on at the mile marker.
Mile Rate: 2.3.7 Final Half: - 60.2 Margins: - 10m, 4m
Trial 2: - IGNITING STRIDE (Peak – Rosemaryz Luck) appeared to be very impressive after shooting to the lead in the early stages. He blasted away coming out of the back straight and scored by a large margin. LUCY SAWYER (Tennotrump – Annies Last 2.9.2, $4,508) finished second after trailing the leader throughout and COULD DOWITHARAIN (Danny Bouchea – Lily May 2.2.6, $18,512) was in third position for the entire journey. OUTBACK LOU (Louey Louey Louey – Bella Swan 2.6.1, $11,165) settled down last on the first corner and remained in that position throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.8 Final Half: - 62.5 Margins: - 50m, 20m
BLACKBOOKER: - Igniting Stride
Trial 3: - IT’S A BORG was a strong winner of the third trial. She began quickly to lead, copped plenty of pressure early and ran through a quick early sectional but was still able to kick away before the home turn. She never looked like being beaten and won by a comfortable margin. GOTONEBETTOR settled three back on the markers but was inconvenienced in the back straight and lost 25m. He came out four horses wide on the home turn and finished off strongly for an eye-catching second. ROXY ROYALE was fifth on the markers early before moving into the one out and one back trail. She finished third in front of SHARKBITE ALTO (Shadyshark Hanover – Sugar Alto), which moved up without cover from last at the 1200m. JOLTED JOURNEY finished fifth after being four back on the markers and out three horses wide on the home turn with IZAKATIE coming in last after going very hard early, pressuring the leader and dropping in to trail from the 1600m.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.0 Final Half: - 62.6 Margins: - 5m, Head
Trial 4: - DOLLYS LAW (Lawman – Our Dolly Would 1.58.7, $117,447) settled third on the markers, moved into the 1-2 trail at the 500m and was out three horses wide from the 400m. She was forced out a little bit wider on the home turn but finished quickly to get the prize. SCOFFLAW (Majestic Son – Insulated 2.8.1, $15,640) was slow to begin and missed the start by approximately ten metres. He settled in fifth position, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 900m mark then peeled out three horses wide with 300m remaining. He was outgunned by DOLLYS LAW in the straight but he wasn’t fully extended either. SELF EXCLUSION was fourth on the markers before moving into the death seat at the 900m. He finished third in front of JENNYSFAVOURITE (Skyvalley – Aldebaranfavourite 2.5.4, $38,062) (trailed leader, held up momentarily home turn) and the early leader CLAUDYS ICEMAN (Pegasus Spur – All Finesse) broke stride when being overtaken in the home straight.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.7 Final Half: - 63.2 Margins: - 8m, 4m
Trial 5: - UNITED (Union Guy – Lite Energy 1.59.7, $95,713) began quickly to lead, appeared to be in bother on the home turn but kicked back determinedly to score by a narrow margin. CASH BOOST (Blissfull Hall – Hayza) trailed the leader, moved to the outside at the 400m and finished off well. SPEAK TO LUCKY (Artspeak – Frances Lombo) settled down last of the five runners, came away from the markers at the 900m, broke momentarily, raced greenly then charged up to join the leader at the end of the back straight but he wasn’t very fluent at all late and ended up in third position. COCOROCKS was the fourth horse on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail. He beat home THE CHEROKEE GIRL (Roll With Joe – Jazzy Malone 1.59.0, $15,400), which was three back on the markers but broke stride at the 500m.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.4 Final Half: - 60.8 Margins: - 3m, Head
Trial 6: - VAN GOGH (Modern Art – Hotgossip) showed brilliant early speed to lead from a wide draw. He enjoyed a nice run in front and had a good kick left to win comfortably at the finish. MORE THAN A WOMAN settled three back on the markers and was without cover for most of the last lap. She kicked on for second in front of RADIANT ROSE, which was fifth on the markers before gaining a one out and one back trail. OUR LITTLE GODDESS was sixth on the inside before finding the back of RADIANT ROSE in the one wide lane (1-2). She picked up good ground late and was fourth in front of GOELITZ (Roll With Joe – Jelly Belly 2.3.1, $4,815) (last markers, 3 wide 600m) and BUNDY WRANGLER (4th markers, trailed leader 500m). GOT NO IDEA (Rock N Roll Heaven – Im Smouldering 1.55.3, $327,967) trailed the leader, went into the sprint lane coming up to the bell and the remainder of the field then steered a wide course to get around him for the entire last lap. He started yielding ground in the back straight on the final occasion.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.2 Final Half: - 59.7 Margins: - 8m, 1m
Trial 7: - WENDYS WATCHING (He’s Watching – Miss Saxony 1.59.1, $34,955) trailed the leader DEALERS KNOCK, came to the outside on the home turn and sprinted home too well in the straight. DEALERS KNOCK kicked on well for a narrow second and WIPE THE CANVAS (Art Major – Wenona Maggie 1.58.9, $23,856) came from last to finish in third position. SWISS LIGHTNING settled three back on the inside and wanted to hang in over the latter stages, coming in last of the four runners.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Final Half: - 60.6 Margins: - 2m, 6m
Trial 8: - IONA SPIDER trailed the leader, was shuffled back to last of the three when ALEPPO MURPHY made his run then manoeuvred away from the markers at the 600m. She was quite impressive in the latter stages, dashing to the lead and winning with something in reserve. ALEPPO MURPHY started from a big handicap (approximately 40m), tacked on at the bell and came to the outside to lead at the half mile marker. He tried hard but couldn’t match IONA SPIDER late. MISTER CHISOLM was last of the three after leading out then taking a trail with 800m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.8 Final Half: - 60.2 Margins: - 15m, 5m
BLACKBOOKER: - Iona Spider
TABCORP PARK, MELTON 30/06/20
Trial 1: - MY MATE YANKEE (Angus Hall – Yankee Stella) was slightly inconvenienced at the start by the galloping TOUCH OF BRINBA but being the only horse of the three that remained trotting, he was able to lead comfortably. He was always a long way clear and scored by a large margin. TIPSY TURVEY (Bacardi Lindy – Titillate 1.59.7, $36,675) broke stride in the score up and lost approximately 60m at the start. She finished a distant second with TOUCH OF BRINBA (I’m Stately – Brinba 2.9.4, $10,045) being tailed off completely.
Mile Rate: - 2.15.2 Final Half: - 63.13 Margins: - 63.5m, 220m
Trial 2: - ROYAL HART (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – Miss Sweethart) trailed the leader and was able to dash along the sprint lane to grab the prize by a narrow margin. ALAKAZAM (Well Said – Mumbai Majik 1.59.2, $20,727) began quickly to find the front and ran along at a reasonable tempo. He tried to repel all of the challengers in a close finish but missed out narrowly. RUBY WINGATE (Union Guy – Alberts Belle) settled fourth on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail. She came out three horses wide on the home turn and finished third in front of SWINGINGWITHSIERRA (Art Major – Sierra Tango 2.0.7, $26,475), which parked without cover, and OUR KINKY BOOTS (Pet Rock – Lauper 1.57.2, $40,638) was last after galloping away.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.7 Final Half: - 59.01 Margins: - Nose, 1.5m
Trial 3: - ALLANON began quickly to lead and ran along at a genuine tempo. He travelled nicely throughout and scored comfortably from HES THEMIGHTYSPIN, which settled last of the three runners and moved away from the markers at the 450m mark. THE GIRLS GOTFLAIR was the last horse to cross the line after trailing the leader throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.8 Final Half: - 59.59 Margins: - 4.5m, 8.5
Trial 4: - ROSE COOPER began quickly to lead early, took a trail and moved away from the inside at the quarter pole. She was just able to prevail from JIMMY HAMBONE (A Rocknroll Dance – Truffieres), which was without cover early before dropping onto the markers in fourth at the 1300m. He started his run with 400m remaining and was out three horses wide on the home turn. He finished off nicely and missed by a narrow margin. PUNT FOR PLEASURE was third after setting the speed and finished in front of PLAYFUL MISS (3 back markers) with BEAU HART being last of the five runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.4 Final Half: - 60.06 Margins: - ½ Head, 4.5m
Trial 5: - Only two horses contested the fifth trial with BACARDI CHARDY leading throughout over THREE ONE TWO ONE, which lost her back over the final stages. BACARDI CHARDY has a history of doing things wrong and was on her best behaviour apart from wanted to shift out in the final 600m.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.2 Final Half: - 62.07 Margin: - 19.5m
Trial 6: - ROCK N ROLL CHAPEL was an extremely impressive winner as he dashed to the front in the early stages and kept on rolling to record a mile rate of 1.53.8! He would certainly be in the black book category if he wasn’t a free for all pacer. Most, if not all metropolitan open class pacers can run a mile rate of 1.54.0 or better in the modern era. VOUCHERS finished a distant second after trailing the leader throughout and COURAGEOUS AFFAIR was third after settling down in last position and moving away from the markers with 300m remaining. MOONLITE DRIVE was four back on the markers and came away from the inside on the home turn. HEADLINE ACT was the last one to greet the judge after settling down in third position.
Mile Rate: - 1.53.8 Final Half: - 56.92 Margins: - 42m, 56m
SHEPPARTON 30/06/20
Trial 1: - LITTLE DEMON (Modern Art – Davids Lady 1.56.2, $46,288) powered through from the second line to roll to the lead at the 1800m. He was well and truly headed off by ATREACHEROUS (Captaintreacherous – Lombo Sleek Streak 1.56.0, $39,438) leaving the back straight but came again at the finish for a good win. He has been trialling very well at Shepparton over the past few weeks. ATREACHEROUS was fifth on the markers before moving up without cover at the 800m. He shot to the lead at the 500m but couldn’t sustain the run late. MAJOR BILL (Auckland Reactor – Chicka Chicka 1.59.1, $22,017) settled sixth on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail at the 700m. He battled into a distant third ahead of FOURSTAR FLYER (Four Starzzz Shark – Modern Society 2.2.2, $29,969), which ended up being three back on the markers mid-race. ELECTRIC EYE was four back on the inside before moving into the running lane (1-2) with 600m remaining. He finished fifth in front of MACH HAMMER (7 back markers), TORIKINA PRINCE (leader, behind leader) and BEACH COMBER, which was last of the eight runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.9 Final Half: - 59.4 Margins: - Head, 12m
BLACKBOOKER: - Little Demon
Trial 2: - SUNSUP (Muscle Mass – Aldebaran Sunset) settled three back on the markers, moved away from the inside with 400m remaining and was able to grind out a victory from IMA DESTROYER (I’m Stately – Strike Destroyer 2.5.3, $36,119), which trailed the leader and flashed home along the sprint lane late. APPEARFROMNOWHERE (Majestic Son – Don’t Question This) tried to lead throughout and finished third with VALLEYSPEED (Bacardi Lindy – Apache Speed 2.5.4, $15,063) being last of the four for the entire journey after beginning slowly.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.4 Final Half: - 63.9 Margins: - Head, Neck
Trial 3: - TROUBLE LOOMING began quickly to lead, set up a very slow tempo then took a trail at the 600m mark. He went back to the sprint lane in the home straight and was able to amble through to win with something in reserve. The mile rate was a ridiculously slow 2.13.6 but he gave the impression that he could do a lot more. ARTMANIA settled in third position, moved away from the inside to race without cover at the 800m and found the lead at the 600m. He kicked on fairly well in the straight for second with LILBITAHENRYTEE finishing third after settling down fourth and moving into the death seat at the 600m. HANOVER JACK (Shadyshark Hanover – Libinski) moved onto the back of LILBITAHENRYTEE from last in the back straight and finished ahead of FEELING ENERJETIC, which trailed the leader early, ended up three back on the markers when ARTMANIA made his move then broke stride with 450m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.6 Final Half: - 64.2 Margins: - Neck, 2m
Trial 4: - THE LAST CHANCE was four back on the inside before moving into the one out and one back trail. He came out three horses wide from the 300m, wanted to hang in a little under pressure but produced a big finish to get up and score. RAMBLENROLLER was without cover early before finding the lead at the 1800m. He set up a genuine tempo and was run down on the line. COLDPLAY ROAD settled down last before moving up without cover from the bell. He only got tired late and held down third position. BE MY BABY led out then took a trail but wanted to hang out badly on the home turn, losing ground and momentum. She beat home SPORTY BEN, which was three back on the markers for most of the trip.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.8 Final Half: - 58.9 Margins: - Head, 10m
BLACKBOOKER: - The Last Chance
Trial 5: - FOREST FORCE has done a lot of travelling throughout his career. He started off in Victoria, went to South Australia, moved to Victoria (Mildura) then had a stint in New South Wales and is back in Victoria for a third time, now being trained by Glenn Freeman. He led, pulled hard and kicked on well to score narrowly at the finish. AMBER ALERT was the run of the trial after being without cover early, dropping back to fourth at the 1400m and moving up without cover again with 650m remaining. She tried hard in the latter stages and went down narrowly. EVIES DRESSMAKER trailed the leader and finished third in front of CRESCO GOLDIGGER, which was fifth on the markers before latching onto the back of AMBER ALERT in the back straight on the final occasion. WINNING GRIN was three back on the markers and finished fifth while TOTALLY SHATTERED was slow to begin, raced very roughly and never looked to be comfortable throughout the entire trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.4 Final Half: - 59.8 Margins: - Neck, 6m
Trial 6: - ENFORCE THE LAW was three back the markers, moved away from the inside at the 1700m and was able to find the back of the leader BACARDI WOOD at the 1400m. He moved into the death seat again with 500m remaining and was able to edge past BACARDI WOOD in the straight. BACARDI WOOD battled on well over the latter stages and was well clear of EVERYSECONDCOUNTS, which settled down last of the four runners. THE BEST DREAM broke at the start but was able to trail the leader then broke stride again at the 1600m, losing 80m and any chance she had of capturing a trial victory.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Final Half: - 60.9 Margins: - 2m, 50m
STAWELL 01/07/20
Trial 1: - The 2yo colt DANCEFORME (A Rocknroll Dance – Shake It Up Baby) dashed home in a quick final quarter of 28.6 seconds to win the opening trial on the program. STARFISH (Art Major – Kapalua Beach) finished in second position ahead of SPORTING MODEL (Art Major – All On Eyes On Me 1.51.0, $349,926), which is out of the former star Queensland mare All Eyes On Me. BONDI LOCKDOWN (Somebeachsomewhere – Without Guile) finished in fourth spot ahead of JIMMY BINTANG (Allawart Ray – Cathrins Image).
Mile Rate: - 2.4.8 Final Half: - 59.8 Margins: - 4m, 2m
Trial 2: - FURIOSA is a lightly raced filly for trainer Aaron Dunn, which hasn’t started since December. She won her trial from LOCAL IDOL (Grinfromeartoear – It Is What It Is 2.5.3, $7,463) with FEELIN THE BEAT finishing in third position. The qualifier THE NAKED FARMER (Auckland Reactor – On Her Game) was fourth and beat GILDED to the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.65 Final Half: - 60.35 Margins: - Nose, 4m
Trial 3: - Only two trotters competed in the final trial and a nose separated them in a close finish. ALLAWART BOB, which was placed at Stawell on June 24, defeated JACK OF THE GREEN, a Jim Barker trained gelding that hasn’t been to the races since March.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.52 Final Half: - 63.36 Margin: - Nose
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