Five have been added to the Blackbook and several Pryde's EasiFeed Victoria Cup Night hopefuls stepped out this week as the Trial File again brings the good oil.

Andy Gath's pair Wolf Stride and Pacifico Dream both trialled at Melton in preparation for the $300,000 Grand Circuit feature, finishing fourth and second respectively in a trial won by Nathan Purdon's gifted mare Spellbound, who'll likely be on track for a tilt at the forthcoming Elizabeth Clarke Mares Triple Crown.

Scroll down to watch their replay below.

Other eye-catches include Machs Last and Just Hope, who both impressed in a Shepparton trial, Rays Daughter, Rocco Americano and Prince Sahara.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for the updated Blackbook.

SHEPPARTON 30/09/21

Trial 1: - SO SHE SAID began well and was able to trail the leader in the early stages. She moved away from the markers at the 400m mark and was able to get the better of the early leader UP THE ANTE to win narrowly. UP THE ANTE put in a tidy performance to finish second. He dashed across to lead from barrier seven, copped pressure from DYNAMIC LEGACY mid-race and went down fighting at the end. SO SHE SAID and UP THE ANTE are competing in the same race at Shepparton on Sunday and both should perform nicely. SWEET ON YOU settled six back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail, and came out wide in the home straight. He finished fast to be close up in third spot. It was a very good hit-out for his performance in the Holmfield at Bendigo tomorrow night but unfortunately, he has drawn poorly. ROMAN ARNIE (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – Whobro 1.59.3, $41,564) was three back on the inside, moved out to trail SO SHE SAID in the front straight and never peeled to the outside at any stage. He went to the line jogging, hard on the helmet of Gary Pekin (driver of the winner) and probably should have won the trial. COUNTRY MAJOR (Major Bronski – Mystic Bliss) settled seven back on the markers, moved into the running lane (1-2) and picked up fifth. SKY CHICKA settled four back on the markers and finished sixth. She backed up at Shepparton on Tuesday, broke stride in the back straight and picked up ground for an eye-catching fourth so there might be some form to come out of this trial. CRYSTAL FLAME finished second last after being five back on the markers throughout. She has drawn on the pole position at Shepparton on Sunday. DYNAMIC LEGACY was last early, moved to the outside at the 1700m, galloped shortly afterwards (losing 15m), moved up without cover, pressured the leader and was a beaten horse from the 600m.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.9            Last Half: - 58.9                Margins: - 1m, 1m

Trial 2: - MARENGO BAY was able to slide to the lead shortly after the start and always appeared to be in control of the trial. He ran away from his rivals to win by a large margin. He backed up to finish a game second behind Six Nations at Geelong on Wednesday night so it shouldn’t be long before he breaks through for his maiden success. LETTUCE TROT settled three back on the markers, moved to the outside at the 500m and chased hard in the straight. He beat the remainder of the field by a decent margin so he obviously has ability. WALKABOUT SUNRISE was four back on the markers and filled third spot. MAGIC MAID (Majestic Son – African Magic) followed behind WALKABOUT SUNRISE throughout and beat home FRENCH COMMANDO (Love You – Shes Commando 2.1.1, $91,642), which settled down in last position and YENTLS GOLDFINGER (Yentls Star – Gondoland), which pulled hard early and ended up being behind the leader, was the last horse to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.4            Last Half: - 60.1                Margins: - 12m, 20m

Trial 3: - MACHS LAST (Mach Three – Samantha Chloe) settled down seventh on the markers, moved to the outside in the back straight on the first occasion, found the lead at the 1400m and ran away from his rivals to win untouched in an impressive display. He is racing at Shepparton on Sunday and will prove very hard to beat. HIDALGO trailed the leader early then ended up being three back on the markers mid-race. He held onto second position ahead of JUST HOPE, which did a remarkable job to finish third considering the wheel came off the rim of the sulky. She was in fourth position, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 500m mark and was still making ground at the end. SASSINESS (Betterthancheddar – Bold Comment Lombo) was sixth on the markers, moved up without cover at the half mile marker and held on for fourth. SERENGETI SUNRISE (Somebeachsomewhere – Jo Louleonie 2.0.6, $30,650) was one out and one back, got into trouble when the pace eased, ended up in last position and picked up ground to finish fifth. He is competing at Shepparton on Sunday but is awkwardly drawn on the second line. VENETIAN (Roll With Joe – Miss Marron) was five back on the markers and finished ahead of BET SHEZA LADY (Betting Line – Shes Got It All 1.58.6, $13,841), which raced without cover early, before easing back to a rearward position. MAJOR SUSPECT (Art Major – Village Spy 1.58.4, $33,663) led out, took a trail and was the last one to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.4            Last Half: - 57.6                Margins: - 10m, 4m

BLACKBOOKERS: - Mach’s Last NZ & Just Hope

Trial 4: - DAYLIGHT AT DAWN was without cover in the early stages before pushing forward to find the lead at the 1500m mark. He was able to dash home in a slick final half of 56.1 seconds to get the prize. He backed up with a big victory over Kissmelvis at Shepparton on Tuesday night. CHANGEOVER GIRL was four back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 800m before working home well for second. NOMORELYING was three back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 800m and battled on well in the latter stages. THINK ABOUT ME settled down last, moved into the running lane (1-2) at the 500m and finished in fourth position. WATTLEBANK FLYER led out then took a trail mid-race and finished in fifth spot. GRINNING ASSASSIN settled five back on the markers and was last of the six runners to greet the judge.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.0            Last Half: - 56.1                Margins: - 3m, 1m

Trial 5: - RED FOURTEEN began well and pushed forward to race without cover throughout. He was strong at the finish and kicked on too well to get the prize. He backed up without another strong performance to finish third at Geelong on Wednesday night. DIAMOND ECLIPSE started from the second line and was three back on the markers then moved into the running lane (1-2) at the 1300m and was out four horses wide at the 300m. He charged home out wide late and finished an eye-catching second. JANNALI settled in sixth position (1-2), found the one out and one back trail mid-race and was three horses wide from the 300m. She finished off quite well for third. HOLSTEIN settled down last, pulled hard and made ground at the end. He finished fourth ahead of stable mate GALACTIC GAL, which was three horses wide early before pushing forward to find the lead with a mile remaining. GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER led out then took a trail and beat home TEX GOES BANG, which was three back on the markers and began yielding ground at the 600m.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.5            Last Half: - 59.0                Margins: - 1m, 4m

Trial 6: - MORETON BAY jumped away well from the standing start, waited for his rival JESSIES SON to catch up on the first turn, moved out wide and let that runner through then angled in to trail the leader throughout. He moved to the outside at the 600m mark and charged away over the latter stages. He backed up to win impressively at Geelong on Wednesday night. JESSIES SON was slow to move but he did trot away then moved through to find the front. He was no match for MORETON BAY late.

Mile Rate: - 2.15.2          Last Half: - 59.5                Margin: - 40m

 

MILDURA 03/10/21

Trial 1: - REDBANK ROCKABEAR settled in the one out and one back trail, came out three horses wide at the 600m and sprinted home too well to win easily. He is awkwardly drawn at Mildura this evening but must be given a chance on that performance. THE BLUE WREN followed behind REDBANK ROCKABEAR throughout and finished off well for second. GLITZY ALL OVER pushed forward to find the lead and set up a reasonable tempo to finish in third position. She is meeting a very strong field at Mildura this evening. UNITED paced very roughly at the start, settled three back on the inside, pulled hard and came out three horses wide from the 500m. He paced roughly most of the way but was able to manage fourth. He will need some luck and would need to be pacing more fluently from the outside of the front row at Mildura this evening. TACTFILLY MAGIC is a former Queensland pacer, which has recently joined Frank Cavallaro and makes her local debut at Mildura tonight. She began quickly and trailed the leader before peaking on her run in the straight. She finished fifth in front of KATE KANARDLY, which broke stride in the score up and missed away by approximately 20m. MISS TWINKLE began quickly and drew three metres in front but couldn’t get across to the markers. She raced without cover throughout and faded over the concluding stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.1            Last Half: - 59.0                Margins: - 6m, 3m

Trial 2: - CEMETERY BAY began quickly and was able to find the lead. He set up a genuine tempo and was still travelling strongly across the line to win easily. He resumes from a break at Mildura this evening and appears to be the main danger to Ozzie Playboy. ITZOK TO ROCK settled three back on the markers, moved through to trail the leader at the 400m and tried hard in the straight to finish in second position. It wasn’t a bad effort so he is not without a chance at Mildura tonight. HILLBILLY TIME was a very good effort in third position. He broke in the score up, missed approximately 20m at the start, settled in fifth before pulling hard in the one out and one back trail. AUCKLAND LASS trailed the leader, moved away from the inside when leaving in the back straight and battled into fourth position. MISTA PUMBLECHOOK raced without cover throughout and yielded ground over the concluding stages to finish fifth. LADY MONICA broke in the score up and was tailed off for the entire journey.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.4            Last Half: - 58.9                Margins: - 3m, 15m

Trial 3: - RAYS DAUGHTER (Roll With Joe – Rayner Storm 1.59.7, $25,653) was in the one out and one back trail, got left without cover, pulled hard, pressured the leader then dropped in behind with 900m remaining. She came to the outside at the 500m, sprinted brilliantly and won with ease. She recorded a fast mile rate and appeared to be very impressive. SEEKING AMNESTY settled three back on the markers, came out three horses wide at the 400m and ran into a distant second. She has drawn on the pole position in the tenth event this evening. MEXICAN STANDOFF began quickly to lead, copped some pressure and tried to kick on in the run to the finish. He takes his place in the final event on the program this evening but has drawn widely. LAST ARTIST was caught wide early, restrained to last, gained a one out and one back trail, before being left without cover at the 1000m mark. He battled on fairly for fourth with BEAUDIENESGOLD being fifth after trailing the leader. LAST ARTIST and BEAUDIENESGOLD are drawn favourably for their efforts this evening. PEREGRINEINFLIGHT settled seventh on the inside and was the last one to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.1          Last Half: - 59.8                Margins: - 20m, Neck

BLACKBOOKER: - Rays Daughter

Trial 4: - LORNE BEACH began brilliantly to find the lead and set up a reasonable tempo. He kicked away on the turn and just held off the challenge of COME ON ELVIS in the run to the finish. COME ON ELVIS settled three back on the markers, obtained an inside run and finished fast for a narrow second. He is taking on a good field including Treacherous Saint and the former New Zealander Mailman at Mildura this evening. LOVIN EVERYDAY trailed the leader, came to the outside at the 400m and peaked on his run to finish third. She was competing outside of her class range so it wasn’t a bad performance. ORAMA settled down last of the five runners and finished in fourth position. FILCARLO settled four back on the markers and was the last horse across the line.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.1          Last Half: - 58.5                Margins: - Neck, 20m

 

MARYBOROUGH 03/10/21

Trial 1: - RADIUS trailed the leader and came to the outside. He emerged out of the fog, hitting the lead and he went on to win the trial. He makes his return to the track against a strong field at Bendigo tomorrow night. ROCKASAKI settled four back on the markers and was doing her best work at the end to finish a close second. I AM MARQUEZ was in third position after setting the pace and SOHO SENNA (3 back markers) was last of the four runners across the line but wasn’t beaten by a large margin.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.1            Last Half: - 57.2                Margins: - 1m, Head

Trial 2: - IONA SPIDER began quickly to find the lead, set up a slow tempo and was able kick on too well in the run to the finish. TURTLE trailed the leader throughout and never peeled to the outside at any stage. YANKEE TWISTER was three back on the markers and also wasn’t asked to extend over the concluding stages. SMART CHA CHA was four back on the markers throughout and remained in fourth position at the end. FREEZEFRAMEBOUCHEA (Framework – Isabella Bouchea) broke at the start and was retired out of the trial.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.7            Last Half: - 61.4                Margins: - 2m, 2m

Trial 3: - ROCK PHONE (Pet Rock – Wenona Maggie 1.58.9, $23,856) came out quickly to find the lead, ran along at an even tempo and shot away over the concluding stages to win by a large margin. He is terribly drawn on the outside of the second line for his debut at Shepparton on Sunday but h has ability. HELLO I TEA sat in the trail throughout and held onto second position. HUNTRESS STRIDE (Excel Stride – Sapphire Stride 1.52.2, $134,115) settled three back on the inside and remained in third position with FREEZEFRAMEBOUCHEA (Framework – Isabella Bouchea) having another shot at the trials after missing away in trial two. He was four back on the markers throughout and finished in front of MAJOR ANNIE (Art Major – Annie Morva 1.52.9, $135,413), which broke at the start and was tailed off throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.2            Last Half: - 58.3                Margins: - 25m, 10m

Trial 4: - MON BEL ANGE pulled very hard at the start and was just able to be restrained to gain the trail behind the leader. She continued to race fiercely and popped around to find the lead with 1600m remaining. She was able to hold on over the concluding stages and got the prize by a narrow margin. It was a good effort and she should go well from the pole position at Shepparton on Sunday, particularly if she settles better. DANCEFORME began very quickly and found the lead, took a trail at the mile marker and tried hard in the straight. He finished well and just failed to pick up the leader. He is drawn nicely but is meeting a couple of handy ones at Mildura this evening. ON WATCH was three back on the markers, used the sprint lane and made ground in the straight to finish a close up third. WENDYS WATCHING was four back on the markers and finished in fourth position. JAXON BEACH (Somebeachsomewhere – Baracks Angel 1.57.4, $17,258) raced without cover throughout and finished in fifth position. PIXIU (Shadyshark Hanover – Joyfull Day) was five back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 700m and was wide on the turn. She was last of the six runners to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.7            Last Half: - 57.8                Margins: - ½ Head, 1m

Trial 5: - SUMMERHILL settled three back on the markers, came out three horses wide with 250m remaining and finished strongly. He got up to win by a narrow margin but he looked to have a lot left in the locker. He should go well from the pole position at Melton this afternoon. SUGOI ALTO trailed the leader, moved to the outside on the home turn and tried hard in the straight to finish in second position. IMAGE OF COURAGE attempted to lead throughout and missed out by a narrow margin. ARISTOCRAT CHESTER was last throughout but wasn’t far away after using the sprint lane in a close finish.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.2            Last Half: - 59.7                Margins: - Head, Neck

Trial 6: - IM LADY MADELEINE trailed the leader early, moved away from the inside at the 1400m and quickly found the front running role. She rolled along at a genuine tempo and was safely able to hold her rivals at bay. She is meeting quite a strong field in the last race at Melton this afternoon. ROCKELLA (Rock N Roll Heaven – Acella) led out then took a trail and was shuffled to three back on the markers. She moved away from the inside at the 500m and tried hard in the straight to finish in second. LADY PEBBLES was four back on the inside, went back to the sprint lane and made ground late to pick up third position. THE CHEROKEE GIRL (Roll With Joe – Jazzy Malone 1.59.0, $15,400) settled last of the five runners and was able to pick up SUNDAY MORNINGS (Julius Caesar – Black Magic Lady 2.2.7, $7,850) in the run to the finish. He was without cover early, took a trail and peaked on his run over the concluding stages.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.2            Last Half: - 58.2                Margins: - 2m, 1m

Trial 7: - ITS DIAMOND CREEK (Creatine – Singing Creek 2.0.1, $59,178) bounced to the lead and was able to establish a nice break on his rivals during the middle stages. He continued to build on his lead over the final 400m and won by a large margin. BACKINTHESKY settled four back on the markers, moved to the outside in the latter stages and was able to roll into second position. He was beaten by a large margin but he was well clear of his other two rivals. THATSMYARMBRO finished in third position after trailing the leader and OUR WARRIOR was three back on the inside, moved into the death seat at the 600m and ended up finishing last of the quartet.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.2            Last Half: - 60.3                Margins: - 30m, 20m

Trial 8: - BENEATH THE SHADOW began quickly and was able to run to the lead shortly after the start. He backed off the tempo mid-race before sprinting home in a slick final half of 57.1 seconds to get the prize, seemingly with plenty in reserve. SWEET ANNIE MAY (Sweet Lou – Sancerre) trailed the leader and used the sprint lane. She tried hard in the straight and it wasn’t a bad run considering the final sectionals were fast and she is a qualifier while BENEATH THE SHADOW has won three races previously. YANKEE BOOT FLAT (Changeover – Fancy Falcon 1.59.1, $34,264) was three back on the markers and came to the outside with 800m remaining. He battled into third ahead of KARMA QUEEN (4 back markers, 1-1), which trailed him throughout. KARMA QUEEN backed up with a fifth placed effort at Maryborough on Wednesday. CHARLIES HEIR (Cullen’s Hope – Current’s Delight 2.1.9, $6,888) broke stride at the start and lost 50m so he was always at the tail of the field. YANKEE BOOT FLAT has shown some ability at the trials and is scheduled to make his debut at Shepparton on Sunday but he is awkwardly drawn on the inside of the second row.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.0            Last Half: - 57.1                Margins: - 2m, 10m

Trial 9: - MONTANA CHEVELLE (Sebastian K – Hilltown Ashley) trailed the leader, moved to the outside at the 500m mark and loomed alongside of the leader JUST STELLA MAGIC. They staged a good duel down the straight with MONTANA CHEVELLE just doing the better on the line. ALDEBARAN DAPHNE (Aldebaran Eagle – Aldebaran Daisy 2.0.2, $39,099) was last of the three runners throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.10.9          Last Half: - 61.2                Margins: - ½ Head, 15m

 

CRANBOURNE 03/10/21

Trial 1: - MYSTIC CASTLE trailed the leader FLIGHT OFFICER, used the sprint lane and finished off best to get the prize by a comfortable margin. FLIGHT OFFICER held down second position after setting up a moderate tempo in the leading role and CELESTIAL GOSSIP was third after being three back on the markers before making a move at the 250m mark. CHRISKEN KIOSK was slow out and missed the start by approximately 10m, settled down last and broke stride at the 800m hence coming in last of the four runners.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.2            Last Half: - Not Given    Margins: - 3m, 3.5m

 

BENDIGO 04/10/21

Trial 1: - HILLSIDE settled down last of the four runners, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 700m, trailed the leader on the home turn and used the sprint lane. He was able to accelerate nicely to get the prize over JESSIES SON, which was backing up quickly from his trial second at Shepparton on the Thursday night and attempted to lead throughout. SHEZA MAJESTIC was three back on the markers, moved into the death seat at the 700m and tried hard for third. BLONDIES BLIS trailed the leader and started to yield ground with 500m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.9            Last Half: - 61.0                Margins: - 1m, 3m

Trial 2: - APPEARFROMNOWHERE began quickly and was able to find the lead shortly after the start. He was unchallenged throughout and was able to jog down to the line to win comfortably. ROCKFORD PEACH settled three back on the inside, moved out three horses wide at the 300m mark and finished in second position. JESSICAS STORY began well and was able to trail the leader throughout. She enjoyed a nice trail and had her chance but she only missed out on second by a narrow margin. TIARA STRIDE raced roughly at the start, settled four back on the markers, moved up without cover at the bell, hung in then broke stride on the home turn. She did a lot wrong in the run and finished last of the quartet.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.7            Last Half: - 59.8                Margins: - 7.5m, ½ Head

Trial 3: - KYVALLEY HOTSPUR began quickly and trailed the leader. He moved to the outside with 400m remaining and was able to win nicely. It was a confidence building run for his effort in the Holmfield at Bendigo tomorrow night. LA SERENA was four back on the markers then three back, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 300m and came out three horses wide on the home turn. She ran home well for second with the early leader DYNAMIC LEGACY, showing better manners than he had at the Shepparton trials on Thursday but tiring into third place. DYNAMIC LEGACY returns from a spell at Melton this afternoon. SULTAN SASS settled six back on the markers, gave the leaders a big start and continued to make ground after making her move from the 700m to finish fourth. She is taking on a top field including Tornado Valley and Tough Monarch at Melton this afternoon. BLIS VALLEY was four back on the markers and finished fifth ahead of COUNTESS CHIRON, which broke stride in the score up and tacked on at the 1700m with TRUMPIT LIL (5 back markers) being last of the seven runners to cross the line.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.3            Last Half: - 59.7                Margins: - 4.5m, 20m

Trial 4: - OZZIE PLAYGIRL settled three back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m, angled in behind the leader on the home turn and speared through along the sprint lane to win with plenty in reserve. MARSDEN HEIGHTS began very quickly to find the lead shortly after the start. He rolled along at a decent tempo and finished second. CONFUSE ME was five back on the markers and made ground for third with CRACKER MISS being fourth after trailing the leader and making a move at the 600m mark. TWISTA (Roll With Joe – Sukari 1.57.8, $29,368) settled in a rearward position, pulled hard and wanted to hang out so she raced very greenly. She was able to get past HURRIKAANI (4 back markers), which was last of the six runners to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.1            Last Half: - 57.0                Margins: - 6m, 3m

Trial 5: - LIGHTNING JASH settled down in last position, gained a one out and one back trail at the bell and finished off strongly to get the prize. PAS GUARANTEE produced a very good run to finish second. He was without cover early and pressured the leader but couldn’t find the front so he angled across to be three back on the markers at the 1100m before running home strongly late to be beaten by a narrow margin. LOLLIPOP (Somebeachsomewhere – Lucky Ha Ha 1.57.4, $6,693) trailed the leader, moved away from the inside at the half mile marker, hit the front at the 700m mark and was run down in the straight. She was trying to kick on but broke stride with 100m remaining. JERSEY SAM (Genuwine – River Reos 2.4.0, $2,250) settled three back on the markers, moved into the three wide lane at the 700m and was four horses wide at the 400m, sprinting sharply up to the leaders. He ended up finishing fourth with EPIC ORION (Changeover – Starlit Orion) being fifth after settling in fourth position, moving into the death seat at the bell and being forced out three horses wide with 700m remaining. RAINBOW REACTOR (Auckland Reactor – Mystical Rainbow) led and copped some pressure before being headed off by LOLLIPOP with 700m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.0            Last Half: - 58.7                Margins: - Head, 15m

Trial 6: - DENNY ROCKS began quickly to find the lead and ran along at an even tempo. He fought on strongly in the straight to win by a narrow margin. He is racing at Shepparton on Sunday but has drawn on the outside of the front line. TOOBY GOLD trailed the leader, moved away from the inside on the home turn and tried hard in the straight for a close second. SASSINESS (Betterthancheddar – Bold Comment Lombo) was backing up from her trial effort at Shepparton on the Thursday night and did well to pick up third. She settled down last of the six runners, moved up without cover from the 700m mark, got up to third with 400m remaining, angled in behind the leading pair on the turn and used the sprint lane. She makes her debut at Shepparton on Sunday. ALBALOU (Sweet Lou – Albietta 1.59.0, $26,253) settled three back on the inside and finished fourth in front of MAC CHEDDAR (Betterthancheddar – Union Ally 1.56.8, $55,545), which broke stride in the score up, settled five back on the markers and moved away from the inside with 400m remaining. GUARANTEED SECRET finished last of the six runners after being four back on the markers throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.5            Last Half: - 58.4                Margins: - ½ head, 4m

Trial 7: - RICK REILLY was four back on the markers early, moved into the one out and one back trail, angled in behind the leader on the home turn and used the sprint lane to drive through and get the prize. He backed up to win at Kilmore at Kilmore on Thursday night. BEACH WRECK began fast and was able to roll to the top. He ran a very quick final 800m but met a better horse on the night. SHECANDOIT was three back on the markers, came away from the inside at the 600m mark and held her ground for third position. CLEM MCARDLE dropped back to last in the early stages and picked up SASSYS A TERROR, which trailed the leader and started to yield ground with 600m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.6            Last Half: - 56.7                Margins: - 2m, 3.5m

Trial 8: - SICARIO dropped out at the start to be five back on the markers, moved up without cover at the bell and was able to draw to the lead in the straight before holding off the late challenge of his stable mate I CAST NO SHADOW. I CAST NO SHADOW followed SICARIO all of the way before making a late challenge in the home straight and missing out by a head margin. That pair are competing in the Popular Alm Free For All on Victoria Cup night at Bendigo tomorrow night. BLASTER RANGER began fast to find the lead, backed off the tempo mid-race and found the two open class pacers to be too quick for him in the run to the post. He has drawn on the pole position at Bendigo tomorrow night. VANITY BAY trailed the leader and tried hard for fourth with the Julie Douglas prepared horses TOBY OGARA (3 back markers) and WHERE YA BIN (4 back markers), both of which raced exceptionally well last week, being second last and last respectively. VANITY BAY is racing at Melton this afternoon whereas WHERE YA BIN and TOBY OGARA raced at Kilmore last night, where they finished third and fifth respectively.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.5            Last Half: - 56.9                Margins: - Head, 2m

Trial 9: - ROCCO AMERICANO did a bit wrong but his ability was able to get him home in the last trial. His driver Glenn Douglas didn’t want to lead and tried to restrain at the start but ROCCO AMERICANO had other ideas and pulled his way to the top. He wanted to hang out with 300m remaining but he kept on rolling along and won by a comfortable margin. He does show enough ability to win a number of races when he is able to put it altogether. HAVANA trailed the leader, obtained an inside run and finished in second with ANGELIC SHE AINT (Alta Christiano – Pennies To Pearls 2.2.6, $12,235) coming from last to finish third. She was without cover early, restrained to last then moved into the death seat again at the 800m mark so she didn’t have much luck. LETTUCEVENTILATE was three back on the markers but was under pressure with 600m remaining and was the last one across the line.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.6            Last Half: - 59.7                Margins: - 5m, 10m

BLACKBOOKER: - Rocco Americano

 

TABCORP PARK, MELTON 05/10/21

Trial 1: - KYVALLEY HACIENDA was without cover early, dropped to be sixth on the markers, gained a one out and one back trail at the 1100m and came out three horses wide at the 300m when he got home best to win in a slowly run standing start trial. The overall times throughout the trials were slow, mainly due to a strong wind blowing on the day. The horses were running against it in the home straight. TENNERSON was four back on the markers, moved into the running lane at the 700m mark (1-2) and ran home fairly well to be in second position. DA PREZ (Used to Me – Yankee Stella) is a juvenile trotter and was beaten by two 3yo’s so it was a handy performance. He trailed the leader, was held up momentarily on the turn and ran home well via the sprint lane. KRAKEUR (Sebastian K – Mia Mosca 1.59.9, $52,216) settled fifth on the markers, moved up without cover at the 1100m and filled fourth spot. FLING IT ALL ABOUT attempted to lead throughout and was run down from the home turn. He finished ahead of the two juvenile trotters ROYAL DAN (Orlando Vici – Royal Treat 2.3.2, $38,075) (3 back markers), which galloped at the 300m and SIR ED (Peak – Aldebaran Queenie), which broke stride 100m after the start.

Mile Rate: - 2.10.6          Last Half: - 61.76               Margins: - 2m, 2.5m

Trial 2: - YORKSHIRE stepped away steadily from the standing start and was last of the three runners early. He came to the outside at the 400m mark, quickly swept to the lead in the home straight and was given an easy time at the end. BULLYS DELIGHT was the best to begin and attempted to lead throughout. He kicked on strongly after being headed but the winner did appear to be cruising. MICTON MOUSE trailed the leader and was last of the trio to salute the judge. MICTON MOUSE resumes from a break at Yarra Valley on Monday.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.2            Last Half: - 57.40               Margins: - 1.5m, 4.5m

Trial 3: - IRON LOVE progressed forward to find the lead at the 1800m. He wanted to race fiercely throughout the middle stages but he was strong to the finish and scored by a comfortable margin. BERATINI (Andover Hall – Star Spangled Rama 2.4.6, $35,725) led out then took cover and waited for the sprint lane run. She held her ground in the straight and finished in second position. KINGS GUARD settled last of the six runners, gained a one out and one back trail at the 800m and was out three horses wide from the 500m. He finished strongly and produced a very good effort to run into third. HESALLMUSCLE (Muscle Hill – Lotalov 2.1.9, $81,389) was five back on the inside, moved up without cover with 800m remaining and battled into a distant fourth. ORPHAN ANDY was three back on the markers throughout and finished ahead of KARAKA OF A TOOTH, which settled one position behind him and was the last one to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.7.6            Last Half: - 60.65               Margins: - 3.5m, 4.5m

Trial 4: - UHURA settled five back on the markers, moved to the outside at the 900m mark and sprinted very quickly to dash to the front with 700m remaining. She was able to sustain the run to win impressively. She backs up at Yarra Valley on Monday and must be considered as a winning chance based on that performance. SYMPHONY STRIDE began quickly and was able to stride to the front at the 1800m mark. She was outgunned by UHURA in the back straight but struck to her task nicely and finished second. LETSDANCETILLDAWN (A Rocknroll Dance – La Belle Aurore 2.1.6, $18,425) led out, took a trail and waited for the sprint lane. She finished third in front of INVINCIANO (Art Major – Magical Delight 1.56.2, $98,250), which was four back on the markers and gave the leaders a big start at the quarter pole. MAGNETIZE (Art Major – Mesmerizing 1.57.9, $179,221) settled three back on the inside and was the last one to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.4            Last Half: - 59.26               Margins: - 3m, 19.5m

Trial 5: - PEAKED (Peak – Miss Borderline) trailed the leader, came to the outside with 250m remaining and was able to grind out a victory in the home straight. CHAMPAGNE CHARLEY attempted to lead throughout but was edged out on the line. PETRICHOR PHOENIX was last of the three runners throughout but was able to trot all of the way.

Mile Rate: - 2.10.7          Last Half: - 61.73               Margins: - ½ Head, 17.5m

Trial 6: - OOGA CHAKA began quickly and was without cover early before pushing to the front with 1800m remaining. He dashed home in quick final sectionals in the windy conditions and ran away from his rivals to win easily. It was a very good performance leading up to his effort at Shepparton on Sunday, where he must be considered as one of the leading chances. STRAPPING RED settled four back on the inside, moved to the outside with 600m remaining and made ground to get up to second. He dropped in for a breather behind the leader on the home turn and used the sprint lane in the straight. TWILIGHT BEACH (Somebeachsomewhere – Niki No No 1.55.6, $294,455) began quickly to lead before taking a trail. She finished in third position ahead of GENERAL LINCOLN, which raced three back on the markers for most of the journey. FEISTY JANE (Pet Rock – Satimer Sunset) was last of the five runners throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.5            Last Half: - 57.20               Margins: - 16m, 15m

Trial 7: - SANGREAL was three back on the markers early, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m and came out three horses wide from the 250m when she dashed home to win nicely. PHARISEE finished second after showing gate speed but being left without cover and getting dragged back to last. He moved up without cover again shortly afterwards so he did endure the toughest run in the race. HES THE MIGHTYSPIN trailed the leader and finished in third and COMANDANTE, which was competing outside of his class range, dropped out to last after setting the pace and being headed at the 400m mark. He was able to trot all of the way, which was encouraging.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.8            Last Half: - 61.18               Margins: - 4.5m, 10m

Trial 8: - SPELLBOUND took on a very strong field so it was an outstanding display to take out the open class event. She settled three back on the markers, gained a one out and one back trail at the 400m mark, came out three horses wide on the home turn and sprinted sharply over the latter stages. PACIFICO DREAM began quickly and was able to slide to the lead with 1800m remaining. He set up a reasonable tempo but was run down at the finish. ZOLIVER led out, took a trail and moved to the outside at the quarter pole. He finished third with WOLF STRIDE being the last one to finish after being last on the markers and getting a saloon passage through to trail the leader on the home turn before using the sprint lane. PACIFICO DREAM and WOLF STRIDE are both taking their place in the prestigious Victoria Cup at Bendigo tomorrow night.

Mile Rate: - 1.58.8          Last Half: - 55.78               Margins: - 4m, ½ Neck

Trial 9: - WOBELEE settled three back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 300m mark and was able to win softly in the run to the judge. HAVE NO FEAR finished in second position after enjoying a nice run in the leading role. He has drawn favourably in the Holmfield at Bendigo tomorrow night. IS THAT A BID settled down in last position and ran home very nicely out wide on the track late for third. It was an eye-catching performance leading up to his effort at Melton this afternoon but he is taking on a very strong field. The former New Zealand trotter CUCHULAINN trailed the leader throughout and dropped back to be last of the four runners but she is eligible for easier races considering she has a National Rating of 67.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.1            Last Half: - 57.89               Margins: - 2.5m, 3m

Trial 10: - PRINCE SAHARA (Four Starzzz Shark – Sahara Sunrise 1.59.9, $15,685) settled three back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail and came out three horses wide at the 300m mark. He produced a good finish to win nicely and it did seem as though he would benefit greatly from the experience. SUNSTAR attempted to lead throughout and was able to kick on for second spot. LOVE TO DEAL (American Ideal – Jazzee Valentine 1.59.5, $45,086) was behind the leader, used the sprint lane and held his ground in the straight without being fully extended. He makes his debut at Yarra Valley on Monday. STORM STRIDE settled down in last position and moved into the death seat at the 900m mark. He beat home OUR TRUE COLOURS (Betting Line – Lauper 1.57.2, $40,638), which was four back on the markers before moving into the running lane (1-2) in the final circuit.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.4            Last Half: - 58.12               Margins: - 4m, 2.5m

BLACKBOOKER: - Prince Sahara

Trial 11: - SUPER SEB (Mach Three – Nightshade Franco) was four back on the inside before moving up without cover with 600m remaining. He was able to grind out a victory over SEE YOU THERE, which trailed the leader before moving to the outside on the home turn. UP AND ABOUT (Mach Three – My Lishi 2.0.7, $32,060) began fast to lead, set up a slow tempo and was run down in the final 200m. EUROKING was six back on the markers and picked up ground in the straight without being fully extended to finish in fourth. RAFATOM (Camlach – Atom Bomb Belle 1.58.1, $75,703) was three back on the inside and finished ahead of IM ALRIGHT JACK (Village Jolt – Phoebe Jack 2.1.4, $11,180), which was one out and one back for the last 600m after being second last in the early stages of the event.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.1            Last Half: - 58.83               Margins: - Head, 8m

Trial 12: - ITSEBONYNIVORY was four back on the inside, moved into the death seat with 900m remaining and did well in a slick final 800m of 56.01 seconds to get the prize albeit by a narrow margin. SHESMYBABY was five back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail, came out three horses wide on the home turn and ran home strongly in the run to the finish. AROCKNATTHEPARK trailed the leader JEAN LUC, used the sprint lane and fired through along the inside late to finish in third. JEAN LUC was fourth after setting up a reasonable speed and DOUBTLESS BAY finished just behind in fifth after coming from three back on the markers. The smart pacer PRIVATE EYE dropped back to last, wanted to pace roughly at various stages and finished last of the six runners. He was making ground at the end and he wasn’t beaten by far. JEAN LUC is competing at Bendigo tomorrow night.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.9            Last Half: - 56.01               Margins: - ½ head, ½ head

Trial 13: - ROCKINGWITHSIERRA began well, angled onto the markers to be three back, moved up without cover at the 700m and produced a stunning final half to win the trial by 75m! RADICAL MAJOR was behind the leader, moved to the outside at the 600m and tried to pursue but couldn’t match the brilliant turn of foot shown by the winner. The early leader ROYLANCE battled away over the final stages and finished third ahead of SOMEGLITZSOMEWHERE, which settled down in last position and was able to pick up CALEDONIAN TERRA (4 back markers).

Mile Rate: - 2.0.5            Last Half: - 57.00               Margins: - 75m, 1.5m