Wolf Stride had a final hit-out ahead of the Del-Re National A. G. Hunter Cup at Melton on Monday, which caught the eye of Trial File columnist Craig Rail.

It was "an excellent hit-out in preparation for his shot" said Rail, who added three Blackbookers this week.

Scroll down the replays of Wolf Stride's run and each of the new Blackbookers.

Trial Report 95

WARRAGUL 30/01/21

Trial 1: - STAY FOCUSED stepped away well and used the advantage of the inside to lead. He wanted to hang out and race greenly on the first turn but he was able to establish a big lead when his two rivals both broke stride so he cruised around in the wet conditions to win easily. SUNDAYS SHADOW (Majestic Son – Lazy Sunday 2.3.8, $23,778) stepped away okay but galloped just after the start. He was third when going around the first corner and ended up being in second position when MOJITO MADNESS (Bacardi Lindy – Sunny Folly 2.8.1, $27,778) broke stride on the first corner. He held down second in the run to the finish. MOJITO MADNESS also stepped away okay but galloped 50m after the start then again on the first turn and lost valuable ground. He ran a reasonable trial thereafter despite being last of the three runners.

Mile Rate: - 2.13.7          Final Half: - 64.79    Margins: - 65m, 2m

Trial 2: - SOVEREIGN MINX showed her usual good manners from the standing start to jump to the lead. She set up a slow tempo on the wet track and was able to kick on well at the finish to get the prize. The pacer GLENLEDI BOY commenced from the handicap of 30m and was third on the markers until moving into the death seat with 600m remaining. He moved alongside of SOVEREIGN MINX and didn’t get past but he went to the line with plenty in reserve. MASTER SPARK trailed the leader and started to yield ground from the home turn. CELESTIAL TOPAZ (Major Bronski – Celestial Diamond) broke stride at the start then again at the mile marker and was tailed off throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.10.0          Final Half: - 60.32    Margins: - Head, 15m

Trial 3: - LEOSABI began well and was able to angle in behind the leader MYSTIC CASTLE shortly after the start. He came to the outside with 400m remaining and dashed home to win with seemingly plenty left in the locker. He didn’t run on as expected at his first run back from a break but he should perform better at Yarra Valley on Monday. MYSTIC CASTLE finished second after setting the speed and SCRUFFY MOTO (Auckland Reactor – Magic Music 2.1.9, $28,855) settled three back on the markers to fill third position. The trotter CHRISKEN KIOSK was last of the four runners throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.4            Final Half: - 59.7               Margins: - 3m, 10m

OUYEN 31/01/21

Trial 1: - KATE KANARDLY is an Allan MacDonald trained mare, which finished fourth on debut at Mildura on December 09. She won the opening trial from WROXTONS FAREWELL. SHELLDOME hasn’t raced since March 2019 but managed to finish in third position ahead of the qualifiers TWO IN TENTS (Artspeak – The Whitney 2.3.2, $11,135) and JESSIES GIFT (Alta Christiano – Jessie Hill).

Mile Rate: - 2.9.0            Final Half: - Not Given    Margins: - Not Given

Trial 2: - MIRADERO was going nicely at the trials prior to her campaign commencing. She has struggled to find form recently but she has returned to trainer Murray Jardine and would have been able to build some confidence by winning her trial. ELPINE SALLY hasn’t raced since July 2019 but managed to fill second position ahead of AUSSIE CASH and WILLY GO. OPAL CROWN, which filled a place at a recent Mildura effort, was last of the five runners to cross the line.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.0            Final Half: - Not Given    Margins: - Not Given

MARYBOROUGH 31/01/21

Trial 1: - AMPLE POWER began quickly from barrier three and stormed to the front shortly after the start. He set up a genuine tempo and recorded a slick final quarter of 27.6 seconds to win nicely. FRANCO JOLTO trailed AMPLE POWER throughout and held his ground nicely in the latter stages. VALENTINA BRAVE settled three back on the markers and couldn’t go with the leading pair when the pace increased approaching the home turn.

Mile Rate: - 1.57.8          Final Half: - 55.6               Margins: - 3m, 20m

Trial 2: - FLYING JO was left without cover and pushed forward to pressure the leader LEFTHOOKRIGHTCROSS in the early stages of the event. He found the front at the 1400m mark and remained strong at the finish to win well. BONAVISTA BOY settled down last of the seven runners but ended up being without cover when the field was disorganized by the galloping LEFTHOOKRIGHTCROSS approaching the bell lap. He joined FLYING JO half way down the back straight but couldn’t go with that pacer late. WALMARA was one out and one back early before being left stranded without cover when FLYING JO found the lead. He dropped onto the markers in fifth position at the bell and battled on okay in the final stages. CEE VEE VEE was three back on the markers when LEFTHOOKRIGHTCROSS galloped and he was checked at that point but he was able to recover quickly to move onto the leaders back. He battled on fairly for fourth with MARLA (3 back markers then 4 back markers) being in fifth. OVERREACTION settled near the tail of the field and finished sixth with LEFTHOOKRIGHTCROSS being the last one home after making an error with 1100m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.7            Final Half: - 59.0               Margins: - 5m, 10m

Trial 3: - COMANDANTE began safely and moved up without cover in the early stages. He kept progressing forward to find the lead at the 1400m then held off the challenge of FUN ON RUM to get the prize. FUN ON RUM began nicely and was behind COMANDANTE before being left without cover at the 1400m mark. He tried very hard in the home straight and went down narrowly. GEE CEE CALDER (I’m Stately – Calder Image 2.6.1, $62,270) led out then took a trail behind the winner mid-race. He finished in third position with PIESRIDINGSHOTGUN, which showed the most gate speed before being shuffled to three back on the markers, filling fourth spot. RAGNA THOR was fourth on the inside before finding the one out and one back trail. She was able to beat home CHANTILLY DEE (5th markers, 1-2) and ELLEN RUVAL was last throughout after galloping away.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.5            Final Half: - 59.1               Margins: - 1m, 6m

Trial 4: - MYPARIS did a bit wrong in the trial but was able to win convincingly. She was out of position at the start and missed away by 20m hence she settled last of the three runners. She came to the outside with 600m remaining but as soon as she did, she wanted to hang in. She was hanging badly for the remainder of the journey but showed enough speed to draw away over the latter stages with driver David Murphy trying to keep her on a straight course. She can show a lot of improvement when she learns how to race and might be worth following. JITTABUG attempted to lead throughout and finished second with TOTALLY SHATTERED being last of the three horses to complete the course after trailing the leader.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.3            Final Half: - 57.7               Margins: - 6m, 10m

Trial 5: - IGNITING STRIDE showed very good gate speed to lead clearly and was able coast along in the leading role. He got away from his rivals in the back straight on the final occasion and scored easily, without being pushed at any stage. He backed up that good performance with a victory at Maryborough on Thursday. SURPRISE TO ME began well but was checked when JESSICAS STORY galloped shortly after the start and drifted inwards. He lost 15m but was able to recover quickly to find the back of the leader then boxed on reasonably well over the latter stages. NANA EMJAY (Great Success – Lime And Lemonade 2.9.0, $9,913) was also hampered by the galloping JESSICAS STORY at the start. She settled three back on the inside and finished a distant third with THAT’S MY ARMBRO (Ambro Variable – Hickory Trick) being fourth for the duration. JESSICAS STORY lost valuable ground at the start, tacked onto the group at the bell but faded again late.

Mile Rate: - 2.9.7            Final Half: - 59.2               Margins: - 15m, 30m

Trial 6: - KATIES WAY (B G’s Folly – Rileys Way) trailed the leader throughout and came to the outside with 300m remaining. She hit the lead in the straight and was able to hold on to score. SKYE CRUISER (Julius Caesar – Mia Equity) was an eye-catching performance in second. She settled last of the four runners, only came to the outside when straightening for home and made up many lengths in the straight without being fully extended. She might be one to watch in the future when taking on the maiden class. LENNY T (Betterthancheddar – Our Pocket Princess) finished in third position after trying to lead throughout and SURBITON CHARDONNAY (Safari – Corkspopin 2.3.0, $5,915) (3 back markers) was last of the four competitors to complete the course.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.3            Final Half: - 58.6               Margins: - 2m, 6m

BLACKBOOKER: - Skye Cruiser

Trial 7: - DOUBLE THE HUNTER (Camlach – Double Header) was headed off at the start and settled three back on the inside. He moved away from the markers on the home turn and was able to poke his head in front right on the line. OURBEACHBABE (Somebeachsomewhere – Tallulah Bay 1.57.6, $102,444) dropped back to be last of the four runners, moved into the death seat at the 600m and wanted to race greenly approaching the home turn, which allowed DOUBLE THE HUNTER to secure a clear passage. He worked to the line well once he balanced up in the straight and finished a close second. OPHELIA CARMEN (Lincoln Royal – Carmen Atcha) began quickly and after a short tussle with SUNDAY MORNINGS (Julius Caesar – Black Magic Lady 2.2.7, $7,850), was able to find the lead. She set up a slow tempo and was overtaken late. SUNDAY MORNINGS led out, took a trail and finished last of the four runners but wasn’t beaten by far in a blanket finish.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.3            Final Half: - 61.6               Margins: - Head, Short Neck

Trial 8: - SURBITON ARMISTICE began well and trailed the leader THIS QUAKER throughout. THIS QUAKER broke stride at the 500m when nicely clear, which left SURBITON ARMISTICE in front and he was able to dash away and get the prize. QUALITY SUNSET began reasonably well and was in third position early. She broke stride with 1600m remaining and lost valuable ground. She made up many lengths and was finishing off determinedly but she galloped again on the line. She was second past the post but she did a bit wrong. The pacer OUR CHEEKY DEVIL commenced from the handicap of 30m and was a clear last early. He was able to get through into third late but he was past the trotter QUALITY SUNSET in the home straight. THIS QUAKER (Quaker Jet – This Way) stepped away nicely to lead. He showed good speed in the leading role and was 10m clear when he broke stride at the quarter pole. He galloped again at the winning post. He has a bit of speed but he is still learning.

Mile Rate: - 2.8.3            Final Half: - 64.1               Margins: - 10M, Head

Trial 9: - EVERYBODYLUVSKENNY (Majestic Son – Midnightatpinevale 1.59.6, $40,195) settled four back on the inside, came off the markers at the 600m mark to pursue, was able to drop onto the back of the leader momentarily to gain a breather and launched his winning claim on the home turn. He defeated a game STINGOFAWASP (Kvintet Avenger – Just Spur Me On 2.3.5, $20,141), which settled three back on the markers and finished off strongly late. YANKEES AVENGER (Kvintet Avenger – Yankee Truscott) began well and was able to hold his composure into the first corner to find the lead. He finished in third position with ZEUSES VENGEANCE (Kvintet Avenger – Truscott Photo 2.7.6, $12,606) being fourth after missing the start by approximately 15m and running a nice trial. IM WALKERVILLE (I’m Stately – Starlight Beau) broke at the start and finished fifth ahead of REMI WALKERVILLE (Kvintet Avenger – Spannerintheworks 2.8.4, $14,400), which stepped best but couldn’t get across to the markers and ended up slotting in behind the leader. He galloped with 500m remaining. EBONYS AVENGER (Kvintet Avenger – Death Defying 2.0.4, $87,493) was the last one to complete the course after settling five back on the markers in the early stages of the event.

Mile Rate: - 2.16.4          Final Half: - 62.3               Margins: - 3m, 10m

ECHUCA 31/01/21

Trial 1: - LORD COURT began quickly to find the lead from barrier four and set up a moderate tempo. He had a good kick left at the finish and held on to score. JANICE IVY trailed the leader, came to the outside on the home turn and finished second, picking up ground on the winner late. DALLAS PATRICK (Falcon Seelster – Hayley Franco) produced an enormous run to finish third. He missed away in the score up and gave away a huge start. He was able to tack onto the group mid-race and moved away from the inside with 400m. He continued to make up ground despite racing greenly and filled third spot. He will obviously benefit from the experience and is worth following. ROLL WITH THE RAIN settled three back on the markers and remained ahead of SUMMERDAYS (Village Jolt – Catchthat 2.1.8, $22,165), which trailed him throughout.

Mile Rate: - 2.6.3            Final Half: - 62.0               Margins: - 2m, 8m

BLACKBOOKER: - Dallas Patrick

Trial 2: - WELL SAID JESS trailed the leader throughout and moved to the outside on the home turn. She finished off well and claimed victory right on the post. YARRARA BEN began fast to lead and had a good margin to spare at the quarter pole but was run down late. He is racing against must stronger opposition at Swan Hill on Tuesday night. ROCKWITH THEDEVIL was four back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the bell and kicked on nicely for third. FLAMIN ALICE settled down in last position and moved away from the markers at the 500m mark to follow behind ROCKWITH THEDEVIL. She finished fourth with LOMBO SALLY (Auckland Reactor – Lombo Solitaire 1.56.8, $31,304) being the last horse to greet the judge from her position of being three back on the markers.

Mile Rate: - 2.3.9            Final Half: - 61.6               Margins: - ½ Head, 5m

TABCORP PARK, MELTON 1/2/21

Trial 1: - ROLLWITHALADY (Roll With Joe – Our Ladylight 1.56.7, $38,414) settled three back on the inside and moved off the markers with 400m remaining. She finished off boldly, hitting the lead with 150m remaining and winning by a clear margin. VALOUR STRIDE (Well Said – Gypsy Stride 1.54.9, $30,110) settled four back on the markers, angled into the clear late and finished off solidly for a game second. POPCORNFRIDAY (Camlach – Christmas Cleo) showed very good gate speed to lead, rolled along at a genuine tempo early and produced a nice trial performance to finish in third. ANDREW (Always B Miki – Drewsam 2.2.7, $6,875) began quickly to trail the leader, raced keenly in the early stages and finished fourth. MAJOR MAJOR (Art Major – Garden Gate Tina CA, $146,804) settled down last, moved up without cover at the 1300m and finished last of the five runners.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.7          Final Half: - 60.48    Margins: - 5.5m, Head

Trial 2: - COURAGE STRIDE (Muscle Hill – Nitengale Stride USA) is a juvenile trotter for trainer Chris Lang and he appeared to be very professional whereas his three rivals all made errors. He began quickly to trail the leader, obtained an inside run when the leader ASTRO galloped with 600m remaining and was able to hold a margin down the straight without being fully extended. ASTRO (Love You – Auravale 2.8.2, $30,650) began quickly to lead, galloped in the back straight and lost 15m before pushing forward out three horses wide to join the leaders again. He was raising a good effort down the straight but galloped again on the line. HOTEL KYVALLEY looked to be the likely leader but he broke stride shortly after the start and lost approximately 30m. He was able to tack onto the group but galloped again at the bell. He did well to finish as close as she did. TRANQUIL BILL (Danny Bouchea – Aldebaran Stiltz 2.7.9, $9,074) was three back on the inside, moved up without cover with 500m remaining but broke stride shortly afterwards and finished at the tail of the field.

Mile Rate: - 2.9.1            Final Half: - 64.39    Margins: - Neck, 55m

Trial 3: - COCORA (Sunshine Beach – Rockin In Eden) is a juvenile pacer trained by Marty Miles and produced a good trial performance to get the prize. She began quickly to trail the leader, moved to the outside on the home turn and got home best at the finish. LADY STRIDE (Somebeachsomewhere – Exotic Stride 2.5.3, $2,840) began quickly to lead and backed off the tempo mid-race. She worked home in reasonable final sectionals but couldn’t hold off COCORA in the latter stages. MARTINI STRIDE (Somebeachsomewhere – Pearl Stride 2.1.7, $18,828) settled down three back on the markers and finished in third position. She came out three horses wide on the home turn and was finishing off very nicely late. IDEAL HEAVEN (American Ideal – Fashion Heaven) settled down last of the five runners, moved away from the inside at the 500m and was able to pick up OUR SENORITA (Pet Rock – Major Celebration) (4 back markers) in the straight.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.4            Final Half: - 58.46    Margins: - 1.5m, 2m

Trial 4: - KURUN EXPRESS began quickly and was in the middle approaching the first turn. He kept on pressing forward to find the lead then dominated proceedings, kicking well clear in the straight and winning easily. CLASSY COUNTESS began fast and tried to hold the inside advantage. She ended up trailing the leader throughout and tried hard in the straight for second. RADAR STRIDE was three back on the markers and finished well via the sprint lane for third. ORCHID STRIDE was four back on the markers, moved into a trailing position at the 1600m (1-2) and finished off stylishly out wide late for a nice fourth. ISLAND BLUE CHIP was sixth on the markers but was forced to move into the death seat at the mile marker when WHATISAYGOES galloped momentarily ahead of him. He was without cover for the remainder of the trip and finished fifth. ISLAND FIRE DANCE began fast and was looking for the lead early but was caught three horses wide on the first turn. She eased to be four back on the markers with 1800m to travel. She finished sixth ahead of WRITTEN COURAGE (8th the markers, 1-3) with WHATISAYGOES (Grinfromeartoear – Crystal Journey 2.0.2, $113,185) finishing at the tail of the field after being five back on the markers early, making a slight error and ending up in the one out and one back trail.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.4            Final Half: - 58.38    Margins: - 6m, 1/2Neck

Trial 5: - MAJOR MEISTER settled last of the four runners, moved up without cover from the 600m and claimed victory on the line. He wasn’t fully extended and it was a quick final half so he put in a tidy performance. He faces his toughest test since coming to Australia when he competes in the 4yo Bonanza (Group 1) on Saturday night. BLISSFULL STRIDE began quickly and ran to the lead 100m after the start. He looked to be the winner in the home straight but was claimed right on the line. OHOKA MAXIMUS was three back on the markers throughout and angled out wide on the track moving around the final corner. He hit the line strongly for a handy third. WHERES SEGGY led out then took a trail and finished a close up fourth in a good finish.

Mile Rate: - 1.59.8          Final Half: - 56.26    Margins: - Head, 3.5m

Trial 6: - FLASH KYVALLEY was in the one out and one back trail early before being left stranded without cover from the 1800m mark. He made a bid for the lead approaching the bell lap and was able to slide onto the markers. He kicked clear approaching the home turn and proved to be too good in the run home. PINEVALE VICTORIA showed very good gate speed to lead, took a trail behind FLASH KYVALLEY then lost ground approaching the home turn. She picked up again in the home straight and finished on well for second. MARIACHI was without cover early, switched back to be four back on the markers at the 1800m, moved up without cover again at the bell and battled on well for third. She performed well enough to be considered as a good chance at Yarra Valley on Monday. WILCANNIA was midfield on the markers throughout and finished ahead of YOU REALLY GOT ME, which settled behind the leader before being shuffled back one position further. He moved away from the inside with 500m remaining but failed to run on over the latter stages. THREE ONE TWO ONE was second last on the markers for most of the trip and STRAWBERRY MOUSE followed him throughout and remained at the back of the pack.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.9            Final Half: - 59.56    Margins: - 3.5m, 2.5m

Trial 7: - WOLF STRIDE worked to the front comfortably and enjoyed a good run throughout. He was allowed to stride over the latter stages and blasted home in 26.85 seconds for his last quarter. It was an excellent hit-out in preparation for his shot at the A.G Hunter Cup at Melton on Saturday night. LEXUS ON THE BEACH settled last of the three runners, came to the outside of VEE ROCK with 500m remaining and was just able to get the better of that pacer in the home straight.

Mile Rate: - 1.57.0          Final Half: - 55.54    Margins: - 45m, Head

Trial 8: - KYVALLEY HOTSPUR put in a very good performance. It was a quality trial and he came from last to pick up the major share of the prize. He moved away from the inside at the 600m mark and continued to make up ground before hitting the lead in the shadows of the post. HAVE NO FEAR began quickly and found the lead shortly after the start. QUEEN ELIDA trailed the leader and used the sprint lane to finish a close up third. The maiden WAR DAN STRIKES took on a very strong field and was three back on the markers for the trip. He was still with the pack on the home turn but peaked late. KYVALLEY HOTSPUR might prove hard to beat in the second event at Melton tonight and QUEEN ELIDA did trial well enough to be competitive in that race also.

Mile Rate: - 2.4.6            Final Half: - 58.87    Margins: - Head, 2.5m

BLACKBOOKER: - Kyvalley Hotspur NZ

Trial 9: - JAFFA JOSH settled in the second half of the field (1-2, 1-3) and made his move out four horses wide approaching the home turn. He ambled up to the leaders in the straight and jogged past to win impressively. The overall time and sectional breakdown weren’t fast but he won with ease and is obviously worth following. ILLAWONG LORD gained a one out and one back trail, came out three horses wide on the home turn and tried hard for second. SHADY CREDIT trailed the leader MY CEDUNA and was held up for a run at a vital stage before switching back to the sprint lane over the concluding stages. He finished off strongly for third and it was a particularly good trial effort for a horse with a National Rating of 47. TREMBITA was left stranded without cover and had a crack for the lead in the back straight on the first occasion. He couldn’t get across to the markers and was forced to race without cover for the remainder of the trial so he did more work than any of his rivals. He finished fourth ahead of SCHNAPPSHOT, which was three back on the markers before angling into the running lane (1-2). MY CEDUNA (Modern Art – Manwarra Artemis 2.4.1, $15,825) showed gate speed and led comfortably but raced very fiercely when TREMBITA applied the pressure mid-race. She yielded ground and finished sixth ahead of BRAD CULLEN and BLISSFULL SAPPHIRE (Blissfull Hall – Dark Blue Sapphire 1.57.1, $21,880) dropped off the herd shortly after the start before retiring out of the race.  

Mile Rate: - 2.1.6            Final Half: - 59.39    Margins: - 3.5m, Short ½ Head

BLACKBOOKER: - Jaffa Josh NZ

Trial 10: - TAILORED ELEGANCE began nicely to trail the leader and enjoyed the perfect trip. She switched into the sprint lane in the home straight and accelerated nicely to claim victory on the line. She is one of the leading chances in the fifth event at Melton this evening. ROBBIE ROYALE began quickly to lead and set up a moderate tempo. He kicked on well in the straight but went down narrowly. WOBELEE eased at the start and settled last of the four runners. He came to the outside with 300m remaining and worked home well without being pushed. ANYWHERE HUGO was last of the four runners to greet the judge after he raced three back on the markers throughout. Both ROBBIE ROYALE and WOBELEE are contesting heats of the Great Southern Star this evening but they have a tough task as they have both drawn on the outside of the front line in their respective heats.

Mile Rate: - 2.1.8            Final Half: - 57.44    Margins: - ½ Head, 5.5m

Trial 11: - It was an exciting finish to the eleventh trial with REACTOR FACTOR and FLEETWOOD ROCK staging a great duel in the home straight. REACTOR FACTOR prevailed by a narrow margin and it was a good performance considering he settled down in fourth position before moving into the death seat at the 700m mark. FLEETWOOD ROCK made a bold bid to lead all of the way and beat the remainder of the field by a large margin so it was a good performance. ULTIMATE ME settled three back on the inside and finished third ahead of BIT OF A DREAM, which trailed the leader. SHADOW STYLE was five back on the markers, gained a nice trail in the one out and one back position behind REACTOR FACTOR but couldn’t accelerate with him at the business end.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.4            Final Half: - 56.70    Margins: - ½ head, 25.5m

Trial 12: - KYVALLEY BARNEY stepped away well and missed the trouble at the start so he was able to angle across and trail the leader. He came to the outside with 250m remaining and sprinted sharply in the home straight to get the prize. He returns from a break in the last race at Melton this evening but is competing in a mobile start event and he can have troubles in getting away safely. NEXT THRU stepped away in third position but was checked on the first turn when the leader KRAKUER (Sebastian K – Mia Mosca 1.59.9, $52,216) raced greenly and switched off in front, which caused a reaction through the field. JUST OSCAR contacted the sulky of the leader, galloped and dropped back sharply and losing valuable ground. NEXT THRU lost about 20m but was able to recover and settled three back on the markers before coming to the outside in the straight and running on well. KRAKUER is an unraced 3yo trotter and was taking on the winners of multiple races. She raced greenly when in the lead early and shifted out under pressure when challenged in the home straight but considering the class of horse that was competing in the field, it wasn’t a bad performance. FLING ABOUT was slow away, locked wheels with NEXT THRU and lost approximately 20m on the first turn. She was fourth on the markers and remained in that position. JUST OSCAR trailed the leader on the first turn but contacted the sulky of the leader, broke stride and lost valuable ground. He broke stride again at the 1200m mark and lost all chance.

Mile Rate: - 2.9.2            Final Half: - 61.67    Margins: - 23m, 4m

Trial 13: - HOLY BASIL took out the final trial in a deceptive finish. He trailed his stable mate WILLIE GO WEST throughout, came to the outside on the home turn and finished alongside WILLIE GO WEST at the finish, getting the judges nod by a narrow margin. WILLIE GO WEST stepped away the best from the standing start and found the lead. He raced very roughly throughout the entire trial but kicked on well when challenged in the home straight.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.2            Final Half: - 56.49    Margin: - ½ head

SHEPPARTON 02/02/21

Trial 1: - SUPER ANGUS trail the leader and moved to the outside turning for home. He hit the front with 100m remaining and was being held together down the straight but broke stride right on the line. He was first past the post. SWEET ON YOU settled four back on the markers and was the widest runner turning for home. He finished off strongly to finish second with HADTOBEHARRY (Majestic Son – To Let Fly) in third position. HADTOBEHARRY was five back on the markers, switched to the sprint lane and finished off solidly late. MALHANA MUSCLES (Down Under Muscles – Hanabration 2.6.9, $6,119) stepped away well and was without cover early, angled onto the markers to be three back at the 1500m and finished fourth. The early leader KEPT MY WORD dropped back into fifth position while MARENGO BAY (I’m Stately – Escandolo) and ALOTTA SPUR finished tailed off after missing the start.

Mile Rate: - 2.11.2          Final Half: - 60.9               Margins: - 1m, 2m

Trial 2: - HAMMERS HELLPATROL began well and trailed the leader for most of the trial. He moved away from the inside approaching the home turn, gained a clear passage at the right time and staged a good battle with his stable mate SHARMEY, winning narrowly on the line. SHARMEY was seventh on the inside early, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 1200m and angled out very wide approaching the home turn before finishing off well. The qualifier UP THE ANTE (Pet Rock – Fijian Smile) produced a very nice run in third. He settled four back on the inside, angled into the running line in the back straight (1-3) and was out wide on the track for the final 400m, running home well. BELLAROSA (Blissfull Hall – Demille) was caught without cover early, dropped back to be fifth on the markers at the 1400m and moved into the running lane coming up to the bell (1-2). She finished fourth in front of the early leader HEAVENS WAY. EM OTTEY (Western Ideal – Vera Mac 2.4.2, $4,949) settled sixth on the markers, moved into the death seat with 1300m remaining, hit the front before the home turn and peaked late to finish sixth. WONGA LAKE (3 back markers) and BUCKTHETREND (Warrawee Needy – Mary Mon 1.57.0, $57,486), which missed the start by approximately 20m, were seventh and eighth respectively.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.8            Final Half: - 59.6               Margins: - Head, 10m

Trial 3: - CALL HER ARI (Sunshine Beach – Lady Jillet Lombo 2.2.9, $8,290) began quickly and was without cover early before finding the lead. She enjoyed a nice run in the lead and took some coaxing to hit top gear but she shot away over the concluding stages. MITZI SAID began quickly to lead but broke stride 50m after the start and lost 15m. She ended up being three back on the markers and contacted the sulky of the horse in front then galloped momentarily again. She remained three back on the markers before moving into the death seat with 600m remaining. It was a good effort to finish in second. ALWAYS BE CHLOE (Always B Miki – As It Is In Heaven 1.58.4, $42,325) began quickly and angled across to trail the leader on the first corner. She used the sprint lane and finished in third position. BEACH MEMORIES (Somebeachsomewhere – Distant Memory 1.55.1, $173,155) broke stride 50m after the start and lost approximately 30m. He settled fifth on the inside, came out three horses wide approaching the home turn and showed good speed to loom up as a chance before peaking a little late. He showed promise despite finishing fourth. ULTIMATE BELLA (Pet Rock – Lettucependitrita) was four back on the inside and yielded ground from the 500m.

Mile Rate: - 2.5.0            Final Half: - 60.4               Margins: - 10m, 2m

Trial 4: - ELECTRIC EYE was last on the markers, moved around DALLAS PATRICK to be sixth on the inside and made his move from the half mile marker. He sprinted sharply in the back straight and continued to roll over the latter stages to win by a large margin. WHATA ROCKSTAR began fast to find the lead and ran along at an even tempo. He was run down over the latter stages but was able to hold down second. He has drawn barrier one at Swan Hill on Tuesday night over the sprint distance so he should be in front for a long way. LETHAL LOVER settled three back on the markers and finished a distant third ahead of DALLAS PATRICK, which raced greenly and was making up ground in the final stages. He is still learning but is showing the ability to win races and he could run a bit of a race on debut at Swan Hill on Tuesday night. ERNESTO (Grinfromeartoear – Laras Theme Lombo) was four back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 700m and battled into fifth position. SPLIT EAR began quickly to find the back of the leader and appeared to have every chance. SASSKI was the last horse to cross the line after being five back on the markers.

Mile Rate: - 2.2.0            Final Half: - 60.0               Margins: - 20m, 12m

Trial 5: - COMANDANTE began quickly to find the lead and backed off the tempo mid-race. He kicked clear on the home turn and proved too strong in the run to the finish. BAD AS NOW began well and was able to angle in behind the leader on the first turn. He used the sprint lane and picked up some ground in the latter stages. LOVE GUN was sixth on the markers but gained a one out and one back trail with 800m remaining. He came to the outside at the 400m mark and worked home quite well in the straight. DANCES finished fourth after being four back on the markers throughout. WATTS UP SKYE (Skyvalley – Rainbow Maori) was three back on the markers for the duration and finished in fifth spot. LUCKY SERINA was five back on the markers and beat home STARLIGHT RUBY (Yankee Spider – Starlight’s Child 2.2.2, $60,315) (8 back markers) and MONTANA MUSCLE (Down Under Muscles – Madiskita 2.6.3, $31,875), which moved up without cover from seventh at the bell and was going to finish mid-field but broke stride with 150m remaining.

Mile Rate: - 2.9.1            Final Half: - 61.5               Margins: - 4m, 6m

Trial 6: - RUSTY CRACKERS settled four back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 1200m mark then dashed to the front at the 700m and continued to roll in the final stages to win by a large margin. BIG JACK HAMMER settled sixth on the inside, moved off the markers with 700m remaining and trotted home nicely for second. ALDEBARAN CRESCENT was fifth on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 700m mark and loomed up to second in the straight before being overtaken by BIG JACK HAMMER late. MONASH settled down in last position and picked up some ground to pass some of the tiring runners over the concluding stages. COLDPLAY ROAD raced without cover, ensured there was a genuine tempo and dashed to the front at the half mile marker but was quickly challenged by RUSTY CRACKERS and faded into fifth. ACE MONTANA trailed the leader and was yielding ground from the 600m but he is a National Rating 57 assessed pacer and was taking on tougher opposition. YARRARA BEN faded into last position after setting up a strong tempo in the lead.

Mile Rate: - 2.0.8            Final Half: - 60.2               Margins: - 30m, 1m