Craig Rail has been taken by the trial efforts of two unraced fillies, who have been included in his Blackbook ahead of their imminent debuts.
Geoff Webster-trained Dougs Diva will step out at tonight's Geelong meeting after a "very nice" trial effort at the same track, while Russell Jack's Captains Queen produced a "slashing victory" in a hit-out at Shepparton recently and will debut at Albury on March 2.
Rail also added two other horses to his Blackbook, including Gallifrey Direct and All Cashed Up.
Scroll down for replays of their wins and Rail's analysis, and roll to the bottom for his updated Blackbook.
SHEPPARTON 18/02/21
Trial 1: - BACARDI WOOD was without cover on the first turn, angled onto the markers in third position, trailed the leader at the 500m and came away from the inside just after the quarter pole. He finished off best to get the prize over HAMMERS MUSCLE, which began quickly and attempted to lead throughout. After winning the trial, BACARDI WOOD stepped out at Echuca on Thursday night and ran a creditable third. IMA DESTROYER settled four back on the markers, followed inside runs throughout and worked into third position via the sprint lane. APPEARFROMNOWHERE settled down in fifth and was able to beat home STAR MACEY, which galloped from behind the leader with 600m remaining and the juvenile trotting filly MILLEE (Rock N Roll Heaven – Jovial Jurno Lombo 1.57.6, $24,898) was last after beginning slowly.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.3 Final Half: - 59.6 Margins: - 1m, 16m
Trial 2: - The field of nine runners settled in single file with CAPTAIN DAN setting the speed. The order for the first lap of the trial was CAPTAIN DAN from GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER, ROCKS CAN ROLL, STAR OF TIMPANY, JANG PEL, RENWAY REACTOR, BELLA ROSA, ALLVICTORY HANOVER and TINAS DELIGHT was last after being out of position at the start by approximately 15m. ALLVICTORY HANOVER was the first to move away from the markers and got up without cover at the 800m mark. He went on to win the trial from STAR OF TIMPANY, which ran home nicely from fourth with RENWAY REACTOR being third after gaining the one out and one back trail behind ALLVICTORY HANOVER in the last lap. RENWAY REACTOR was heavily supported at Echuca on Thursday night and attempted to lead throughout but finished a close up fourth behind GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER in a memorable finish. ROCKS CAN ROLL continued to use inside runs and finished fourth ahead of GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER, which was held up for a run and went to the line with something in reserve. Interestingly, GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER was unlucky in the trial whereas RENWAY REACTOR enjoyed the perfect trip, yet there was no money for GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER at Echuca and he won at $22-70. CAPTAIN DAN was sixth after trying to lead throughout with BELLA ROSA (Blissfull Hall – Demille) beating a couple of her opponents to the line after switching away from the markers in back straight on the final occasion (1-2). JANG PEL ended up being last on the outside and finished ahead of TINAS DELIGHT (Bettors Delight – Garden Gate Tina $146,804), which never recovered from her slow beginning.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.9 Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - Neck, Head
Trial 3: - CAPTAINS QUEEN (Captaintreacherous – Fususi 1.59.2, $180,305) is a nicely bred juvenile pacer, which created a good impression with a slashing victory over HIDALGO (American Ideal – Our Options 1.59.5, $6,455). She settled three back on the outside, came out four horses wide on the home turn and finished off powerfully. HIDALGO trailed the leader and used the sprint lane to finish second with BEE GEE CEE being in third after snagging back to last, finding the one out and one back trail and racing roughly in the run to the finish. APHRODISIAC began brilliantly to lead clearly but peaked late and finished in fourth position. SERENGETI SUNRISE (Somebeachsomewhere – Jo Louleonie 2.0.6, $30,650) was out of position at the start and missed away by approximately 15m. She moved up without cover from the 800m mark and finished fifth ahead of NINETEENTH MAN (Captaintreacherous – No More Trouble 1.57.2, $132,944), which settled four back on the markers. WELL WELL was out of position at the start and settled five back on the markers. He was the last horse to greet the judge and backed up his trial performance with a fourth at Echuca on Thursday.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.7 Final Half: - 59.5 Margins: - 3m, 5m
BLACKBOOKER: - Captains Queen
Trial 4: - JOHNNYS CASH showed very good gate speed from barrier four to lead clearly. He set up a slow tempo and finished off in handy final sectionals to get the prize. LOPEZ gained a one out and one back trail, came out three horses wide from the 500m and finished off solidly for second. She backed up at Kilmore on Tuesday night and came from last to record a big win. GALLIFREY DIRECT is racing at Boort on Sunday and is worth following. He settled three back on the outside, came out wide approaching the home turn and finished off strongly, making ground on the subsequent winner LOPEZ at the finish. He has drawn favourably at Boort so he should run a big race. THE DIAMOND KING trailed the leader throughout and finished in fourth position with MILLION DOLLAR ART being fifth after being left stranded without cover throughout. MAJOR ZONE (Art Major – Here Comes Zoe 1.55.2, $113,996) dropped back to be last of the eight runners, moved into the running lane at the 1200m (1-3) and finished ahead of SASSKI (7th the markers) and WHATEVER WILL BE (Mach Three – Chi Serasera Lombo 1.59.0, $25,525) (5th the markers) was the last horse to greet the judge.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.0 Final Half: - 58.7 Margins: - 5m, 1m
BLACKBOOKER: - Gallifrey Direct
Trial 5: - MAX DELIGHT prepared for his Miracle Mile qualifying event at Menangle on Saturday night with dominant victory. He charged to the lead early and zoomed through his last 800m in 55.3 seconds to score by a large margin. TIME TO REACT put in a very good performance to finish second, even though she was well beaten. She settled down in fourth position and by the time she came to the outside in the back straight, MAX DELIGHT was already a long way clear. She sprinted quickly and was able to get 30m clear of the remainder of the field. She backed up that performance with a big victory at Echuca on Thursday night. JUSCALLMECHIEF trailed MAX DELIGHT and was chasing hard before peaking on his run over the latter stages. FASHION SHARK settled down last of the five runners and was able to work past SHAKATIE in the final 50m of the event.
Mile Rate: - 1.55.6 Final Half: - 55.3 Margins: - 50m, 30m
Trial 6: - ROMANCES began quickly and was able to work to the front shortly after the start. She set up a slow tempo and was able to hold on in the run to the finish. She hit the line strongly when second at Echuca on Thursday night. LOVE GUN settled three back on the markers and ran home well in the run to the finish. Both the winner and the second placed horse went to the line with plenty in reserve. MONTANA MUSCLE settled five back on the markers and finished in third position ahead of STARLIGHT RUBY (Yankee Spider – Starlights Child 2.2.2, $60,315), which was four back on the markers for the majority of the trip. ALOTTA SPUR broke stride at the start, lost approximately 40m, tacked on at the 1100m and finished in fifth position with HADTOBEHARRY (Majestic Son – To Let Fly) filling sixth spot after trailing the leader and getting into trouble approaching the home turn. ATEGO TITAN began quickly but broke stride on the first turn and failed to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.6 Final Half: - 60.9 Margins: - 3m, 12m
MILDURA 21/02/21
Trial 1: - BEARTASTIC WRITER began quickly to find the lead and set up a moderate tempo. He kicked on when challenged in the straight and held on to win by a narrow margin. REDBANK ROCKABEAR was without cover early, restrained to last, gained a one out and one back trail at the 1300m and came out three horses wide at the 400m. He hit the line well for a nice second. He followed with a game second when starting at big odds at Mildura on Wednesday. ACES ARE COUNTED (Pet Rock – Count The Aces 2.0.7, $19,415) trailed the leader and finished in third position with HIDDEN FIGURE coming wide from last (1-2 at 1200m) to pick up fourth spot. AUCKLAND LASS (Auckland Reactor – Danamite Lass 1.55.9, $60,348) was three back on the inside early before moving into the death seat at the 1700m mark. She beat home WHERESMILZEE, which settled in fifth position and started yielding ground with 700m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.3 Final Half: - 60.4 Margins: - Head, 6m
Trial 2: - OUR AMAZING GRACE showed her usual brilliance at the start to draw across and find the lead before the first turn. She ran along at a genuine tempo and dashed well clear of her rivals in the run to finish. ITOK TO ROCK settled in the one out and one back trail, came out three horses wide on the home turn and chased hard for second. She was beaten by a large margin but she beat the remainder of the field by a considerable distance and followed with a handy fourth at Mildura on Wednesday. THE VERGINIAN trailed the leader and finished in third position with HAPPYASLARRY being fourth. He settled down fifth on the inside and came out three horses wide at the 400m mark before battling on fairly. ARCHER NORMAN pushed forward to race without cover, put some pressure on the leader and peaked on his run over the latter stages. EEZEE STREET (Live or Die – Washingtons Legacy 2.6.7, $7,970) was last on the markers and was able to pick up THE ANT KILLER (7th markers) over the latter stages.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.4 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 21m, 25m
Trial 3: - THE BOOST was without cover early and eased to be fifth on the markers. He moved up without cover again at the bell, hit the lead with 500m remaining and sustained the run to get the thick end of the prize. OHOKA DIESEL was three back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 500m and finished on solidly for second. HIS A DREAMER trailed the leader and finished third ahead of FIERY MAC, which settled fourth and came out three horses wide from the 600m mark. AUSSIE CASH began quickly to lead and ran along at a reasonable tempo. He was headed in the back straight and ended up in fourth position. RUBY REACTOR (Auckland Reactor – Larilla Lace 2.3.2, $13,585) was slow into stride and settled six back on the markers. She finished in sixth position with TWOBOBJACK failing to finish after having problems in the score up.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.5 Final Half: - 60.7 Margins: - 1.5m, 9m
Trial 4: - ROCKNROLL EYES prepared for his tilt at the Boort Cup on Sunday with a comfortable victory. He progressed forward to find the lead, backed off the tempo mid-race and scored easily at the end. He followed with a fourth behind Bernie Winkle at Mildura on Wednesday night. SMYNANNA MICKEY trailed the leader throughout and was held up for a run over the latter stages. GERONIMO DAN settled three back on the inside, came out three horses wide on the home turn and tried hard for third. He resumed from a long spell at Mildura on Wednesday night and made a promising start to his campaign by finishing fifth. APACHE SHARK was out of position at the start by approximately 25m, settled down last, moved up without cover from the 700m and sprinted sharply down the back straight but peaked a little over the latter stages. TWOBOBJACK was out of position at the start but got away safely and was four back on the markers for the majority of the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.0 Final Half: _ 59.7 Margins: - 6m, Head
MARYBOROUGH 21/02
Trial 1: - FLYING SCRIBE began quickly, ran along at an even speed and was able to lead all of the way. VAN GOGH settled down last of the five runners and moved up without cover at the 1100m mark. He appeared to be under pressure before the home turn but he rallied strongly in the straight. BENEATH THE SHADOW settled three back on the inside and made a move with 300m remaining. He battled into a distant third ahead of REAL DASH, which was four back on the markers before moving into the one out and one back trail at the 1100m with ATOMIC BLUE CHIP (trailed leader) being the last horse across the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.8 Final Half: - 57.3 Margins: - 1m, 10m
Trial 2: - IONA SPIDER began very quickly to find the lead shortly after the start. Being a National Ratings 60 assessed trotter, she was clearly the class runner of the trial and she dominated her rivals, dashing well clear at the finish to win easily. RIOTERRA began nicely and took the trail behind IONA SPIDER. He held down second with BUSLIN BRODY finishing in third after being three back on the markers throughout. JESSICAS STORY followed BUSLIN BRODY for the duration and BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE (Great Success – Whatta Tussle 2.3.7, $5,288) was tailed off after she broke stride in the score up.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.1 Final Half: - 61.0 Margins: - 20m, 5m
Trial 3: - OURBEACHBABE (Somebeachsomewhere – Tallulah Bay 1.57.6, $102,444) began brilliantly to find the front shortly after the start. She set up a slow tempo and was able to hold on in the run to the finish. She may have had a little bit left in reserve at the finish. WHATSWRONGNOW (Art Major – Beach Kat) trailed the leader and moved up without cover at the 700m. She battled hard in the straight and missed out by a narrow margin. There hasn’t been much separating the two fillies at the trials over the past two weeks and they are set to make their debut at Geelong this evening but they are meeting a couple of handy types including Mykorona, which created a good impression last week. TASSIEDEVIL STRIDE (Rock N Roll Heaven – Artful Lombo 2.5.3, $7,390) settled four back on the markers and ran into a distant third ahead of RANGER STRIDE (Excel Stride – Heavenly Cullen 1.54.8, $26,493), which was one position ahead of him in the run. BUNDY MAJOR (Major In Art – Notfitforsale) broke at the start and was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.0 Final Half: - 58.4 Margins: - Nose, 80m
Trial 4: - CAPTAIN BLING (Courage Under Fire – Kentucky Sarah 2.6.2, $5,350) was four back on the markers, gained a one out and one back trail at the 400m and came wide into the straight when he finished swiftly to defeat ISABELLA PRINCESS. The time was slow but he did extend nicely in the straight. ISABELLA PRINCESS was without cover in the early stages before forging to the lead with 700m remaining. She finished a close up second ahead of VAPAR FIRE, which settled three back on the markers before coming to the outside at the quarter pole. TALLARAS SHADOW was last of the four runners to cross the line after leading out then taking cover.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.4 Final Half: - 58.5 Margins: - Neck, 1m
Trial 5: - CEE VEE VEE settled three back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 700m and went to the line with something in reserve to win nicely. It would have been a good confidence boost for his effort at Boort on Sunday and he did record a nice final 800m of 57.8 seconds so he might be a value hope in that event. BALMY BOB (Modern Art – Kentucky Sarah 2.6.2, $5,350) is a half brother to the winner of Trial four in Captain Bling. He settled four back on the markers, followed CEE VEE VEE into the race before coming out three horses wide on the home corner. He tried hard in the straight for second and it was a handy enough performance to lead into his debut effort at Boort on Sunday. LOCAL ICON attempted to lead throughout and wanted to hang in a little over the concluding stages. He finished third ahead of THUMP, which trailed and used the sprint lane. The trotter MY SKYPOCKET was last of the five runners throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.4 Final Half: - 57.8 Margins: - 1m, 4m
Trial 6: - HOWS THE SERENITY began quickly and trailed the leader MASAKE. She came to the outside on the home turn and proved to be too strong in the run to the finish. MASAKE ran along at a reasonable tempo and was beaten right on the line. HOWS THE SERENITY has drawn favourably but is taking on a reasonable field at Geelong this evening whereas MASAKE will receive every chance from the pole position at Boort on Sunday. REAL DUTCHESS was three back on the markers throughout and finished ahead of the qualifier THELONGROADOUT (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – Silmaril), which appeared to hang out at the start, contacted a sulky and lost 15m. FEELIN THE BEAT settled four back on the markers and broke stride with 300m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.4 Final Half: - 59.2 Margins: - Head, 4m
Trial 7: - STINGOFAWASP (Kvintet Avenger – Just Spur Me On 2.3.5, $20,141) stepped away safely and spotted the leader EDS DREAM (Dreamcatcher – Xena Hest) approximately 15m start in the early stages. He was able to work into the trailing position, moved away from the markers at the 500m mark and got up to win without being fully extended in the straight. EDS DREAM kicked on well for second position with EBONYS AVENGER (Kvintet Avenger – Death Defying 2.0.4, $87,493) being third after trailing the leader, galloping 30m after the start and being tailed off early. LUCY SAWYER was slow away then made an error at the 1300m mark and made several more mistakes during running so she was the last of the four runners to the past the post.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.0 Final Half: - 60.3 Margins: - Head, 30m
Trial 8: - ANGELS BREATH started from a handicap and settled down last of the five runners. She moved into the one out and one back trail at the 1300m and was left without cover at the 900m but ambled away in the straight to win with plenty left in the tank. JORDANS MATE trailed the leader then was three back on the markers and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 900m mark. He finished second ahead of SETTLE THE BILL (Danny Bouchea – No Dispute 2.10.4, $4,388), which led out, took a trail and raced roughly at the 600m peg. SMART CHA CHA left a trailing position to move up without cover from the 1700m. She found the lead with just short of a lap remaining but was run down late. SURBITON ARMISTICE led out and took a trail but broke stride with 700m remaining and failed to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.7 Final Half: - 60.7 Margins: - 6m, 6m
Trial 9: - SO VOGUE (Love You – Brylin Crescent 1.57.5, $74,586) was behind the leader early, moved away from the inside in the back straight on the final occasion and proved too strong in the run to the finish. ATOUT (Quaker Jet – Susuwe 2.6.6, $15,791) finished second after following SO VOGUE throughout and SIR EROS (Creatine – Shining Sun $53,932) was third across the line. He settled down last of the four runners, was picking up ground and was probably going to run second before breaking stride with 50m remaining. EARL PATRICK (Louey Louey Louey – Duchess Pat 2.2.8, $28,453) jumped away nicely from the standing start to lead but was run down over the latter stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.4 Final Half: - 60.5 Margins: - 6m, 8m
KYABRAM 21/02/21
Trial 1: - DANCES prepared for her effort at Echuca on Thursday night with a narrow victory over the pacers in the opening trial. She ran a reasonable race from the extreme draw when fifth at Echuca. NOBLE JULIA finished a close second in the trial and also backed up at Echuca but she took on a strong field and ended up in eighth spot. TANGAROA was third across the line and the trotter SUPER ANGUS was the last one to greet the judge.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.3 Final Half: - 64.2 Margins: - Head, 2m
Trial 2: - ARRAPS was stood down to trial after galloping at Cobram and was able to re-qualify for his effort at Echuca on Thursday night with a comfortable trial victory. He was unfortunately checked on the first turn and lost his chance at Echuca. APHRODISIAC backed up quickly from his trial effort at Shepparton several days earlier and finished second with WINGING GRIN being in third. VILLANELLE was last of the four runners to get to the winning post.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.5 Final Half: - 62.4 Margins: - 4m, Head
Trial 3: - LETTUCEVENTILATE has won several trials at Kyabram recently and was able to take out the last trial by a narrow margin. He followed with an eighth at Echuca on Thursday night after starting from the extreme draw. ROCKINWITH THEDEVIL is a former Queensland pacer, which hasn’t started since October 2018. He finished second with SUMMERDAYS (Village Jolt – Catchthat 2.1.8, $22,165) being in third. MILLY PATONE saw the field to be safely home in last position.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.5 Final Half: - 61.3 Margins: - 1m, 10m
CRANBOURNE 21/02/21
Trial 1: - MOJITO MADNESS (Bacardi Lindy – Sunny Folly 2.8.1, $27,778) broke stride momentarily early and lost 10m at the start but settled in second position and was able to find the lead when the early front runner SUNDAYS SHADOW broke stride at the 1300m mark. Once in front, MOJITO MADNESS travelled sweetly and there was a lot to like about the way he was stretching out going to the line. WICKED LIQUOR started off a handicap of 30m and was slow away so he settled a distant last but he was able to get past SUNDAYS SHADOW (Majestic Son – Lazy Sunday 2.3.8, $23,778), which galloped several times in the run.
Mile Rate: - 2.11.1 Final Half: - 61.9 Margins: - 44m, 113m
Trial 2: - CHEVRON FLIES is a pacer and was taking on two trotters so she was always going to be extremely hard to beat. She won three of her five starts in New Zealand and she ran through a sizzling quarter in the back straight before tiring in the latter stages but she had a massive lead and scored by over 150m. CALDERS DAY OUT (Muscle Hill – Missy Calder 2.4.1, $19,096) settled in third position and was able to work past ALDEBARAN MY over the latter stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.1 Final Half: - 59.9 Margins: - 155m, 8m
BENDIGO 21/02/21
Trial 1: - DELAROSE stepped away fairly but was able to burrow through and hold the lead into the first turn. She backed off the tempo mid-race and drew well clear over the final stages. She has drawn favourably at Boort on Sunday but it is a very fast front line. MY MATE MAX (Wind Cries Maori – Marong Miss) began well and was pressuring DELAROSE but broke stride 100m after the start. He was second in front of TRUMPIT LIL, which also galloped early and SHEZA SAILOR (Roll With Joe – Numismatic) was tailed off after being badly away.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.2 Final Half: - 2.9.2 Margins: - 45m, 12m
Trial 2: - MY HIGH PEAK (Peak – Yankee Poem 2.4.2, $5,300) began nicely and was able to trot to the front shortly after the start. He set up a slow tempo and was able to safely hold his rivals at bay. GRACIE ROSE (Pegasus Spur – Sister Beep 2.12.3, $6,360) finished in second position after settling three back on the markers and moving into the one out and one back trail on the home turn. ALLENS DELIGHT began nicely and trailed the leader, moved away from the markers at the 300m mark and broke stride with 50m remaining. He probably would have finished in second position had he remained in a trot. THE CHOOK (Life Sign – My Classsical Bell) settled four back on the inside and ducked into the sprint lane over the final stages. ELISE HALL (Angus Hall – Tender Annie 2.3.9, $23,650) broke in the score up and lost approximately 80m at the start, tacked on with 700m remaining but dropped off again in the latter stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.5 Final Half: - 61.7 Margins: - 2m, Head
Trial 3: - Abandoned
Trial 4: - Only two horses contested the fourth trial with ANGELIC SHE AINT (Alta Christiano – Pennies To Pearls 2.2.6, $12,235) leading throughout to defeat GUARANTEED SECRET (Guaranteed – Secret Bonus 2.4.1, $4,225). Both horses went to the line strongly and without being pushed.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.1 Final Half: - 57.7 Margin: - 9m
Trial 5: - SHAQ settled four back on the markers and moved up without cover with 800m remaining. He was able to grind out a victory, getting up to win right on the line. COSTLY MISTAKE began quickly and ran to the lead shortly after the start. He ran a quick last 800m but met one better on the day. He followed with an unplaced run at Echuca on Thursday night after he was driven aggressively to find the lead. ISOLATION trailed the leader, used the sprint lane and finished third with the trotter ROYAL CHARLOTTE being in fourth position. She meets a strong field but can use her gate speed to get handy early at Melton tomorrow night. REDDY MAJOR settled three back on the markers and finished last of the five runners.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.9 Final Half: - 56.9 Margins: - ½ head, 4m
Trial 6: - SIXTY settled four back on the markers, moved into the death seat with 800m remaining and was strong at the finish, scoring by just under a length. RED HOT TOOTH settled fifth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail behind SIXTY and chased determinedly for second. She has come up with an awkward barrier draw in the Australian Grand Prix tomorrow night but she did trial up to her usual high standard. BARBIE MATTGREGOR settled three back on the markers and finished third ahead of the early leader HANCOCKS HERO. REVA was without cover early and dropped back to be last of the six runners. She was able to pick up CARL MATTGREGOR (trailed leader) over the concluding stages.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.2 Final Half: - 56.9 Margins: - 2m, 5m
GEELONG 22/02/21
Trial 1: - GOODTIME HALO (Sportswriter – Goodtime Marjie 1.54.4, $74,543) settled down in fourth position then moved up without cover. She was able to dash past her stable mate and early leader GOODTIME CRACKER (Sweet Lou – Cracker Three) to win nicely in the run to the finish. GOODTIME CRACKER kicked on well to run second with DOUGS DIVA (Betterthancheddar – Winsome Glory) coming from last (7th markers, 1-2 at 800m) to grab third. It was a very nice trial performance by the Geoff Webster trained filly. She hit the line hard and went to the line under a strong hold. She makes her debut at Geelong tonight, where she is meeting a couple of handy fillies but she trialled well enough to suggest she will win races. BEHOLD (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – Amen 2.5.1, $5,433) settled fifth on the markers and finished fourth ahead of LA KERINGLE (Betting Line – Soho Socialize), which raced roughly at the start before ending up in the one out and one back trail. JAGUAR JAY (Guaranteed – Black Cougar 1.56.9, $60,405) began quickly and was in front momentarily before taking cover at the 1400m. He was the last one to greet the judge.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.2 Final Half: - 60.0 Margins: - 3m, 2m
BLACKBOOKER: - Dougs Diva
Trial 2: - NEXT THRU settled last of the five runners, moved up without cover from the 1100m and was able to edge away from his rivals in the straight to win nicely. DON ABRASCO settled fourth on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 900m and picked up ground in the straight to finish second. SANGREAL led out then took a trail and was three back on the markers from the 1400m. She moved away from the inside with 500m remaining and battled on well for third. EMERALD HILL began quickly to lead originally, took cover behind SANGREAL and was shuffled back on the markers. She pulled hard and when looking for a run with 300m remaining, was checked and galloped, losing her chance. It did appear that she was going to be very competitive before striking bother. CLAUDYS ICEMAN (Pegasus Spur – All Finesse) was three back on the markers early, moved around the field to lead at the 1400m but broke stride with 300m remaining and ran in at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.8 Final Quarter: - 30.3 Margins: - 5m, 2m
Trial 3: - GENERAL DODGE began quickly to get to the markers first, took cover behind ARDEN VOYAGER and moved away from the inside with 300m remaining. He extended beautifully in the straight and continued his impressive trial form with a runaway success. ARDEN VOYAGER ran a very good overall time and recorded slick final sectionals but he just met a better horse on the night. MAJOR EXCLUSIVE was three back on the markers throughout and remained ahead of REGAL CHEVAL.
Mile Rate: - 1.57.0 Final Half: - 55.0 Margins: - 12m, 20m
Trial 4: - OUR SUMMER WIND showed very good gate speed to lead, ran along at an even tempo and waltzed away with the prize, scoring by 20m. He will appreciate a slight drop back in class at Geelong this evening and is not without a chance based on that trial performance. ROCKARIA settled down last of the four runners, was held up for a run at a vital stage and worked home late for second. He makes his return to racing at Yarra Valley on Monday and he is drawn to run a handy race. LETS GO LOHI finished third after trailing the leader and OVERREACTION was the last one home after settling in third position and moving into the death seat at the 700m mark.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.0 Final Quarter: - 28.8 Margins: - 20m, 2.5m
Trial 5: - JUST AS WELL (Well Said – Justalittlebettor) continued his impressive trial form with a victory over WHISKY AND RYE. He led throughout and recorded a handy final half of 57.0 seconds to win well. WHISKY AND RYE followed the winner throughout before peeling to the outside on the home turn. HURRICANE HUSSLER (Warrawee Needy – Im Sue Pernatural) settled three back on the markers and finished in third position with the nicely bred juvenile filly FLIRTING (Art Major – Endeared 1.56.7, $244,650) being last of the four across the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.5 Final Half: - 57.0 Margins: - 2m, 5m
Trial 6: - FYNN FROST is a former New Zealander, which appeared to be a bit one paced and did most of his racing in long distance standing start events across the Tasman so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to short course mobile racing in Victoria. He led out, took a trail at the 1700m, moved away from the inside at the 600m and scored comfortably enough, although he did pace roughly when turning out of the back straight. It was a promising start to his Australian career. ROCK ON PLAYBOY settled four back on the inside and finished in second position ahead of THE BIG END OFTOWN, which ended up being three back on the markers from the 1700m. THE BIG END OFTOWN is meeting a handy field of pacers at Geelong this evening but he does possess very good gate speed. LETHERHAIRDOWN was without cover early, pushed forward to find the lead but hung out under pressure on the home turn and was the last one to cross the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.2 Final Half: - Not Given Margins: - 5m, 3m
Trial 7: - HURRICANE ED has won several trials in preparation for his comeback to racing at Yarra Valley on Monday. He was able to find the lead on the first turn and set up a very slow tempo. He had two unraced juveniles as his opponents and he wasn’t knocked around in the run to the finish, winning with plenty to spare. COURAGE STRIDE (Muscle Hill – Nitengale Stride USA) led out, took a trail and came to the outside with 300m remaining. He tried hard in the straight and was striding out nicely but the experience of HURRICANE ED won the day. ALDEBARAN MISTY (Skyvalley – Mason Magic) was three back on the on the markers throughout, stuck to the inside and used the sprint lane in the straight. She wasn’t beaten by far and she is out of an unraced daughter of the champion mare Sumthingaboutmaori.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.8 Final Half: - 61.2 Margins: - 2m, 3m
ARARAT 22/02/21
Trial 1: - DANCEFORME prepared for her performance at Echuca on Thursday night with a trial victory at Ararat. She chased hard and went close at Echuca so she is ready to break through for a win. ROCKNROLL OPAL won two races in a row before his latest ninth. He was given a short break and was able to finish a close second in his trial. He is racing at Stawell today where he is awkwardly drawn but will be strongly fancied. TELL A TALL STORY hasn’t raced since April and beat home the trotter DUBLIN CHUBB.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.5 Final Half: - 59.9 Margins: - Neck, 1m
Trial 2: - STRAIGHT UP was able to win his trial, which consisted of mostly qualifiers, by a handy margin. He was able to score at Boort in January so he did appear to be well placed in the trial. The Peter Manning trained NARRA VANE (Auckland Reactor – Narra Sands 1.57.9, $11,875) filled second spot ahead of IM LADY EVELYN. JUDES DUDE (Major Bronski – Pridenachievement 1.57.2, $8,145) was able to beat home the juvenile pacers TORQUE NO FEAR (Sunshine Beach – Torque Attraction 1.58.7, $35,432) and RIGHTYO (Well Said – Christian Miracle 1.55.2, $47,538).
Mile Rate: - 2.4.3 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 20m, 40m
Trial 3: - JIMMY BINTANG has only had the one start in his career to date but he took on two juvenile trotters so he had age and experience over his rivals. He took out the trial from PLYMOUTH CHUBB (Majestic Son – Pocket Fantasy 2.5.3, $38,135) with MANGANA JOE (Majestic Son – Garston Girl 1.57.3, $65,570) being in last position.
Mile Rate: - 2.26.7 Final Half: - 64.7 Margins: - 70m, 30m
TERANG 23/02/21
Trial 1: - ME PAT MALONE was able to lead throughout to win the opening trial comfortably. ITSALLANDOVER trailed the leader, moved to the outside with 300m remaining and tried to chase but couldn’t peg back the margin. HALLOFASUDDEN was slow out and was detached from the leading duo. She couldn’t recover and finished a distant last.
Mile Rate: - 2.10.0 Final Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 7m, 100m
Trial 2: - JILLIBY CHEVY hasn’t raced since an unplaced effort in the 2019 Geelong Cup but he did appear to be very sharp. He trailed the leader, found the front at the 1100m and ran away from his rivals in the straight to score by a large margin. CRIME WRITER hasn’t raced since August and finished second ahead of his stable mate ITZAMAJOR SURPRISE. The 2018 South Australian Cup winner SHADOW SAX has been very lightly raced over the past few seasons. He has joined trainer Matthew Craven and things didn’t quite go right at his comeback trial. He began quickly to lead but sustained a flat tyre and retired out of the trial with 1200m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.2 Final Half: - 56.1 Margins: - 35m, 2m
Trial 3: - BOTANIST (Roll With Joe – Rocktheniteaway) raced greenly but was able to get the prize. He settled down in third position and was relegated to last when BRIEN (Auckland Reactor – Miss Moyneyana) made his run from behind him at the bell. He dropped off at the half mile marker but picked up again in the back straight to be in the one out and one back trail then sprinted home nicely in the home straight to win. BRIEN settled down last, moved up without cover from the bell and dashed to the front coming up to the turn but was run down by BOTANIST in the straight. BETTOR ISOLATE (Bettors Delight – Ashlees Babe 1.57.3, $334,117) is a nicely bred 3yo pacer and went to the line hard held in third position. He trailed the leader and could have finished much closer at the end. The early leader GOODWOOD (American Ideal – Four Sisters 1.59.9, $54,916) was run down on the turn and dropped out to be last of the four runners at the end.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.0 Final Half: - 60.0 Margins: - 7m, 1m
Trial 4: - FEND OFF is now with trainer Matthew Craven and won his trial easily but not without making errors. He galloped at the start and lost 20m early, trailed the leader then broke stride momentarily at the mile marker and again at the 700m peg. VELVETNLACE (Modern Art – Eskimo Jaack) began well and found the lead but broke stride with 300m remaining. STAR GAZING led out, broke stride 50m after the start, lost 25m and settled in last position.
Mile Rate: - 2.18.0 Final Half: - 63.5 Margins: - 20m, 30m
Trial 5: - NOTNEGOTIABLE began quickly to lead, backed off the tempo and was able to win comfortably at the end. BATMAN BARRY settled four back on the inside, moved up without cover at the 600m mark and finished in second position. SMILE WITH A GRIN settled three back on the inside and was held up for a run over the concluding stages, finishing third. TEDKANE trailed the leader and used the sprint lane to finish fourth ahead of BILUM (Mr Feelgood – Silvia Fisher 2.1.8, $14,894), which was last throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.0 Final Half: - 58.0 Margins: - 3m, 3m
Trial 6: - SHADOW SAX may have missed out with a flat tyre in his comeback trial earlier in the day but he stepped out to win the last trial. He settled down fourth, moved off the markers at the bell, hit the front at the 400m mark and was dominant at the finish. JILLIBY DYSON attempted to lead throughout and finished in second position and REACTOR FACTOR finished third after trailing the leader and moving to the outside at the quarter pole. HELGART was three back on the markers and finished ahead of KAHLIADENISE LOMBO, which was last for the duration.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.6 Final Half: - 56.4 Margins: - 7m, 3m
BALLARAT 23/02/21
Trial 1: - PATRIOT STRIDE was without cover early and pushed to the lead at the 1300m mark. He enjoyed a nice run throughout and was able to safely hold his two rivals at bay. CELEBRATION STRIDE led out, took a trail and obtained an inside run on the home turn. He finished second with the juvenile trotter EVERYBODYLUVSKENNY (Majestic Son – Midnightatpinevale 1.59.6, $40,195) being last of the three runners to cross the line. He trailed the leader early, ended up being in last position when PATRIOT STRIDE made his move then moved away from the inside at the 400m mark.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.1 Final Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 3m, 7m
Trial 2: - RUBY WINGATE showed good gate speed to lead and was able to dash home in a slick final quarter of 27.3 seconds to win nicely. RADAR STRIDE trailed the leader throughout and finished second ahead of stable mate ORCHID STRIDE, which settled down in third and moved into the death seat with 300m remaining. The juvenile pacer LIGHTNING DAN (Captaintreacherous – Beninjurd) was last of the four throughout but this trial might be a good form reference as the time was fast and all of the horses appeared to roll up to the winning post without being pushed.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.4 Final Half: - 56.0 Margins: - 3m, 2m
Trial 3: - ALL CASHED UP began well and took cover behind COVER OF DARKNESS. He peeled to the outside on the home turn and finished off strongly to win the trial. COVER OF DARKNESS speared to the lead but raced very fiercely throughout, which was detrimental to his finishing burst at the end. GEE CEE CALDER has only had the one race track appearance and was taking on two proven Group 1 performers so it was understandable that he dropped off over the latter stages.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.9 Final Half: - 59.0 Margins: - 2m, 70m
BLACKBOOKER: - All Cashed Up
Trial 4: - TWO TIMES BETTOR began fast and dashed across to find the lead shortly after the start. She ran along at a genuine tempo and trounced her two rivals but she is a proven Classic performer and is a National Ratings 90 assessed pacer whereas her opponents have a rating of less than 50. DREAMERS DELIGHT was second in the trial throughout and finished well ahead of BIGJIMVALENTINE.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.6 Final Half: - 56.7 Margins: - 80m, 100m
