If the secret wasn't already out about Andy Gath's Saturday night debutant it certainly is now, with Chinese Whisper dropping into Craig Rail's Trial File Blackbook after an eye-catcher at Melton.
Rail said the just arrived Kiwi trotter showed "scintillating early speed to lead", then "was able to zip home in a last quarter of 27.34 seconds" and "appears to be very hard to beat" in his Australian debut.
A further two blackbookers step out tonight at Geelong, which is hosting its Geelong Rocket, with Gath's Vintage Cheddar and Anton Golino's Meydan both on the watch list courtesy of previous trial performances.
Scroll down for a break down of every trial including Blackbooker replays and the Blackbook itself at the bottom of the page.
SHEPPARTON 03/03
Trial 1: - BETTOR ROBYN showed brilliant gate speed to lead clearly and ran along at a solid tempo. She finished off in a slick final half of 55.3 seconds and won clearly. It was a good lead up to her performance in the Geelong Rocket tonight. CASTING SHADOW had every chance behind the leader but the winner is very smart and the time was fast. He returns from a spell at the Wangaratta Cup meeting on Sunday evening. LOTTIE MOON settled five back on the markers and ran home well through the middle late for a handy third. DAYLIGHT AT DAWN settled down last of the six runners, pulled hard and commenced a run with 600m remaining. He ended up being out four horses wide on the home turn and finished well for a creditable fourth. LOUSIANA JO was four back on the markers and out three horses wide on the home turn. He beat home OUR REACTOR, which settled in third position.
Mile Rate: - 1.57.3 Last Half: - 55.3 Margins: - 12m, 2m
Trial 2: - TREASURE STRIDE (Captaintreacherous – Emilios Stride USA 1.52.0, $89,440) began quickly to find the lead and ran along at a reasonable tempo. She has been impressive at the trials over the past two weeks and is worth following. LOCHINVAR XENA (Captaintreacherous – You Ask Ally) began well and was able to angle onto the markers to trail the leader. She tried hard in the straight and finished second. UNIT FORTY-ONE (Betterthancheddar – Leecully 2.0.5, $27,371) was three back on the markers throughout and beat home the nicely bred filly RAWORTH GIRL (Well Said – Left In Paris 1.56.7, $151,200), which was last of the quartet for the duration.
Mile Rate: - 1.57.6 Last Half: - 57.4 Margins: - 4m, 8m
Trial 3: - WOMEN TO LOVE (Skyvalley – Bridie O’Kane placed, $12,670) trailed the leader and obtained an inside run with 500m remaining. She accelerated nicely and got away over the concluding stages to win clearly. REGINA OKANE (Bad Boy Truscott – So So Regina) finished second after setting the speed and was hanging out approaching the quarter pole. ALLMYFAITHINYOU (Creatine – Wild Isis 1.59.4, $67,537) broke at the start and lost approximately 50m before tacking on at the 1200m mark. The early effort to chase took a toll and he started to yield ground with 600m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.13.7 Last Half: - 68.1 Margins: - 20m, 50m
Trial 4: - HES A HAMMER began quickly to find the lead and was unchallenged from the start to the finish. He jogged down to the line to win easily. He followed with a victory in a heat of the Homegrown Classic at Bendigo on Wednesday night. SPEEDY LOVER was four back on the markers in the early stages, moved into the one out and one back trail on the home turn and finished strongly for second. CELEBRATION STRIDE was three back on the inside, moved up without cover at the 400m and boxed on well for third. She backed up to win at Swan Hill on Thursday night so the form out of this trial is strong. HEZ COOLAZ galloped away and lost approximately 50m at the start. He was able to tack onto the group and settled fifth on the markers before coming wide on the home turn and working home nicely for a game fourth. He broke stride again at Swan Hill on Thursday night but he has ability when he puts it altogether. LOVERS LANE (Love You – Dizzyinterest 2.0.5, $33,367) finished fifth after trailing the leader and SEBASTIANS BOY (Sebastian K – Prettygirl Lassie 2.3.7, $25,975) lost his chance after galloping at the start.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.5 Last Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 10m, head
Trial 5: - LIEUTENANT JACK dropped out at the start and settled in sixth position. He angled into the one out and one back trail with 800m remaining and came out three horses wide from the 500m mark. He worked to the front in the straight and scored softly. WELL WELL began quickly to be the first horse on the markers, took cover and ended up being three back on the inside. He had to change course several times in the home straight and worked home well at the end to snare second. He is scheduled to compete at Geelong tonight and at Wangaratta on Sunday so he will have a busy weekend if he competes in both races. ZIEGFELD settled down last of the seven runners and came out four horses wide at the 300m mark. He finished nicely out wide on the track and was able to work into third position. MAC SHADOW began quickly to trail the leader, used the sprint lane and finished in fourth position. LIKAVEEIGHT was four back on the inside and finished fifth with DARKIES LAST (Hurrikane Kingcole – Lil Safe) being sixth after setting the speed. SHAUN TO THE MAX was fifth on the pegs and moved up without cover at the 800m mark but couldn’t sustain the run and was the last horse across the line.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.7 Last Half: - 59.3 Margins: - 4m, 1m
Trial 6: - LOCHINVAR JAG began very quickly to find the lead and set up a genuine tempo. He shot away over the concluding stages to win impressively. KEAYANG ALEX settled six back on the inside, moved up without cover at the bell and battled on well for a distant second. He is racing at Geelong this evening and is not without a chance. OUR MYSTERY BET (Betting Line – Stylish Boulevard 1.56.9, $54,123) settled five back on the markers, moved into the running lane at the 700m mark (1-2) and ran home well for third. He appeared to have plenty in reserve so it was a very good display. YELLOW STONE was four back on the inside, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 800m mark and battled on quite well for fourth. LOMBO EYE WATCH settled last of the eight runners and picked up some ground to be fifth. GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER began quickly and angled across to the markers to be three back. He raced roughly with 700m remaining and ended up finishing in sixth position. GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER was able to turn the tables on LOMBO EYE WATCH at Shepparton on Tuesday night, where he finished second behind Forever And A Day whereas LOMBO EYE WATCH was seventh. JASPER DURANTE (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – New Age Babe 2.1.7, $12,825) was seventh throughout and EAGLES WILL RISE (Fly Like An Eagle – Midnight Cheval) started yielding ground from behind the leader with 600m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 1.58.3 Last Half: - 58.7 Margins: - 18m, 1m
BLACKBOOKER: - Our Mystery Bet
Trial 7: - MARENGO BAY stepped away reasonably well to trail the leader, moved away from the pegs at the 500m and shot away to win easily. He went to the line jogging and scored by twelve metres. He followed with a second at Swan Hill on Thursday night where he began slowly and motored home at the finish. ALLWOODS SUNBEAM stepped away best to find the lead and set up a very slow tempo. She was comfortably run down over the latter stages then finished well down the track at Bendigo on Wednesday night. AETHON (Father Patrick – Illawong Helios 1.57.2, $272,867) was three back on the markers throughout and finished last of the trio but it was a tough task for a juvenile pacer against proven winners.
Mile Rate: - 2.16.1 Last Half: - 59.9 Margins: - 12m, 50m
YARRA VALLEY 04/03
Trial 1: - MALIBU JACK hasn’t raced since a fifth at Cranbourne in December. He was able to win the trial by a narrow margin over TOMMY BLIGH, which was stood down to trial at his latest attempt back in October. TOMMY BLIGH will be resuming at Cranbourne on Tuesday night. ROYAL EDARD (Sir Lincoln (Lincoln Royal) – Mind Dancer 2.2.3, $17,210) is related to the two proven winners in Rowdy Rocket (1.57.2, $43,043) and Blissfull Mind (1.58.0, $79,923), the latter is racing at Wangaratta on Sunday, and he was third across the line with BACCHANALIAN (Julius Caesar – Alkadasa) being last of the quartet.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.0 Last Half: - 59.2 Margins: - Head, 5m
MARYBOOUGH 06/03
Trial 1: - IRON CHARIOT began quickly to find the lead, ran along at an even tempo and was able to hold on and get the prize. WARRIOR is undefeated from three starts but hasn’t raced since 2020. He trailed the leader and came to the outside on the home turn. He ran home nicely and was beaten by a narrow margin. FOOLISH PLEASURE settled down last of the four runners, moved to the death seat at the 600m and worked home well for third. He was resuming at Swan Hill on Thursday night and ran a game race for second behind Simon in fast time, particularly the last half (54.6). DRESS SENSE was three back on the markers, came out three horses wide on the home turn and ran home fairly well, even though he was last of the four runners to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.6 Last Half: - 57.9 Margins: - 1m, 1m
Trial 2: - TOUCH OF TERROR trailed the leader, came to the outside approaching the home turn and finished off strongly to win by a clear margin. He followed with an eighth placed effort at Bendigo on Wednesday night. TOP GUN TILLY settled down last of the four runners, moved to the outside with 700m remaining and worked home nicely into second position. MASAKE attempted to lead throughout but was quickly headed on the turn. She finished well clear of VAPAR FORTUNE, which was three back on the markers throughout. MASAKE is competing at Horsham on Monday, where she has drawn favourably over the sprint distance, which will suit her.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.7 Last Half: - 59.8 Margins: - 10m, 1m
Trial 3: - JORDANS MATE showed gate speed to lead, backed off the tempo mid-race and had a good kick left at the end. She held off the Tina Ridis prepared trotter RASTAMON (Cardigan Boko – Aeonallbright), which was in the trail throughout. PERFECT PEAK (Peak – Vari Perfect 2.3.6, $11,611) was three back on the markers and came to the outside at the 500m mark. He held his ground and finished third with LADY BE LUCKY (Lucky Chucky – Lady Million) (last on the markers) being in fourth and EMU BOB (5 back markers then 4 back) being fifth across the line. CROAGH (Danny Bouchea – Its All Me 2.7.3, $1,375) was four back on the pegs but broke stride with 1400m remaining and was tailed off for the remainder of the trial.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.5 Last Half: - 62.8 Margins: - 2m, 3m
Trial 4: - IT’S A FUGAZI (American Ideal – Riccarton Lass) trailed the leader and came to the outside at the half mile marker. He asserted his superiority over the concluding stages and drew away to win clearly. WELLSAIDPHIL (Well Said – Phil’s Grinning 1.59.0, $6,938) began quickly to lead and set up a slow tempo. He finished second with MIDNIGHT MUSIC (Vincent – Somnio Denario 1.57.3, $52,032) being the last one to complete the course after being without cover early before restraining to be last of the three runners with 1100m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.1 Last Half: - 60.9 Margins: - 20m, 2m
Trial 5: - AMOLDO (Sweet Lou – So Shesachristian 2.1.6, $123,533) began quickly to lead and enjoyed the perfect trip. He got away over the latter stages despite wanting to turn his head and hang into the sprint lane. SPORTSRAMA (Sportswriter – Rocknroll Rama) trailed the leader throughout and finished second with EMER being third after settling four back on the inside and making some ground out wide on the track late. ALL MACHRISTA (Art Major – Cool Machrista 1.56.5, $72,458) was three back on the inside and moved into the breeze at the quarter pole. She finished fourth with SWEET EMMYLOU (5 back markers) being fifth. SWEET EMMYLOU struck bother and finished down the track at Swan Hill on Thursday night. SUBSCRIBE (Sportswriter – For Sevens Sake 2.0.2, $10,163) was last of the six runners early, moved away from the inside at the 800m mark, ended up being one out and one back from the quarter pole but couldn’t make ground at the end.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.3 Last Half: - 60.4 Margins: - 8m, 3m
Trial 6: - MAUDARCHY is a former New Zealand trotter that has joined trainer Jack Mackinnon. She was able to lead throughout and just held off the late challenge of THE GIRLS GOTFLAIR, which was in the trail before moving into the death seat in the back straight on the final occasion. YOU REALLY GOT ME settled last of the four runners, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 700m and wasn’t fully extended at any stage. BACARDI JESS was three back on the markers, trailed the leader in the back straight and lost her chance when she broke stride on the home turn. THE GIRLS GOTFLAIR and BACARDI JESS will both be resuming at Horsham on Monday whereas YOU REALLY GOT ME has winning claims at Geelong this evening.
Mile Rate: - 2.8.7 Last Half: - 59.4 Margins: - Neck, 5m
Trial 7: - GOZO COURAGE began quickly to find the lead, set up a slow tempo and got away in the straight to win clearly. SUMMERHILL settled five back on the markers, was held up for a run at a vital stage and finished fast for a game second. REEKO REACTOR settled last of the six runners, moved away from the inside at the 600m (1-2) and was four horses wide on the home turn. He didn’t finish as fast SUMMERHILL but he did make ground at the end. REEKO REACTOR is competing at Birchip on Sunday afternoon. SHELDON settled four back on the inside, moved into the one out and back trail at the 600m and came out three horses wide on the home turn. He finished ahead of BAZARUTO BEACH (Sunshine Beach – Jilliby Zulu), which left the markers from third at the 600m mark. CANDY MANDY trailed the leader and commenced to yield ground with 500m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.6.4 Last Half: - 60.7 Margins: - 12m, 6m
Trial 8: - The former New Zealand trotter SILVER POWER began quickly from the standing start to lead comfortably and backed off the tempo mid-race. He held off the late challenge of BEAU GARCON to get the thick end of the prize. BEAU GARCON was behind the leader before commencing his run turning for home. He accelerated nicely and missed out by a narrow margin. JUST ABIT DUSTY (Bacardi Lindy – Paparazzi Snapshot 2.4.3, $55,216) settled a distant fourth and was never going to catch the two leaders but was able to work into third. THE NIGHT QUEEN (Armbro Variable – Motu Paulina) is a juvenile trotter and was taking on older horses. She was a distant third on settling and couldn’t hold off the challenge from JUST ABIT DUSTY late. HERBERT (Majestic Son – Ostensibly 1.59.5, $33,750) was tailed off throughout.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.9 Last Half: - 59.1 Margins: - 1m, 100m
KYABRAM 06/03
Trial 1: - MY LUCKY ROCK hasn’t raced since being stood down to trial at Cobram back in August. She was able to win the trial from UPRIGHT, which has had several trials recently and the qualifier ROCKO ROTHACKER (A Rocknroll Dance – Immediate Choice) finished third. The trotter TENLILFONZIES took on the pacers and was the last one to cross the line but wasn’t far away from ROCKO ROTHACKER at the end.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.4 Last Half: - 61.6 Margins: - 1m, 30m
BENDIGO 06/03
Trial 1: - DECLAN HENRY stepped away sharply from the standing start to find the lead. He always led by a clear margin and was able to score comfortably. ZESTA LA GO GO was second to begin but he wouldn’t settle and raced fiercely behind the leader. He came to the outside with 800m remaining but couldn’t go with DECLAN HENRY at the end. MONTANA CHEVELLE settled last, moved through to trail the leader at the 700m but broke stride on the home turn and lost her chance.
Mile Rate: - 2.9.5 Last Half: - 60.1 Margins: - 20m, 50m
Trial 2: - INSPIRE settled three back on the inside, moved away from the markers at the 300m then made ground and switched back to the inner in the home straight to score nicely. He is starting to put it altogether and backed up at Bendigo on Wednesday with a fourth in a heat of the Homegrown Classic series. JENNYSFAVOURITE began quickly and ran to the lead shortly after the start. She went quickly and established a large leading margin but she got tired at the end and was run down over the concluding stages. LEOTARDANDLACE trailed the leader throughout and finished third with ALDEBARAN DAPHNE (Aldebaran Eagle – Aldebaran Daisy 2.0.2, $39,099) being tailed off after galloping 100m after the start. LEOTARDANDLACE backed up with a fourth placed effort at Bendigo on Wednesday night.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.2 Last Half: - 66.0 Margins: - 4m, 15m
Trial 3: - BULLAPARK BENO was three back on the markers and made his winning move with 500m remaining. He went to the line with plenty in reserve so he is obviously close to his peak form. It was an encouraging performance for his first up effort at Horsham on Monday. IONA SPIDER began fast and attempted to lead throughout. She finished second with the pacer SHAQ going across the line under double wraps from four back on the markers in third. IONA SPIDER is likely to look for a forward position at Geelong this evening and SHAQ finished boldly for second behind Heavenly Gipsy at Bendigo on Wednesday night. STICK WITH ME trailed the leader and beat home TIARA STRIDE, which galloped momentarily just after the start and was last for the duration.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.7 Last Half: - 61.8 Margins: - 2m, 1m
Trial 4: - ISEE IRIS (Vincent – Miss Saxony 1.59.1, $34,955) began swiftly and found the lead shortly after the start. She enjoyed a nice run and was able to prove superior in the run to the judge. She is making her debut in the opening event at Horsham on Monday afternoon. MISSLOLA (Sunshine Beach – Second Mortgage 1.58.3, $46,344) finished in second after trailing the leader throughout and coming to the outside on the home turn. TWINKLE TWINKLE (Four Starzzz Shark – Numismatic) was three back on the inside, broke stride at the bell and lost ten metres, came out three horses wide on the home turn then hung in under pressure in the straight. She finished last of the three runners but she did show some ability.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Last Half: - 60.8 Margins: - 3m, 2m
Trial 5: - CANNON BEACH (Heston Blue Chip – Beach Froi) put in a tidy display to take out the fifth event. He dropped back to last early, moved up without cover at the bell and scored softly at the end. DENNY ROCKS trailed the leader, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 300m mark and made some ground at the end. KARUMA KEV (Guaranteed – Sharnica) began quickly to find the lead and backed off the tempo mid-race. He was run down at the end and finished third with ROCKING STRIDE (Pet Rock – Prestigious Stride) (3 back markers) being the last horse to greet the judge.
Mile Rate: -2.6.3 Last Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 4m, 3m
Trial 6: - HAND WRITER settled last of the six runners and moved into the death seat with 800m remaining. She gained a one out and one back trail at the 400m and came out three horses wide on the home tum before running home best to get the prize. She has drawn on the pole position at Birchip on Sunday afternoon. DON’T WASTE TIME settled four back on the inside, came out four horses wide on the home turn and ran home well to gain second position. IT’S A BORG began fast to lead, took a trail and finished a close up third. PUCOVSKI (Betting Line – Miss Cool Falcon) began quickly and was able to zoom to the front on the first corner. He ran along at an even speed and finished in fourth position. SHAUN TO THE MAX was backing up quickly from his trial effort at Shepparton on Thursday and finished in fifth after being three back on the markers then behind the leader when IT’S A BORG left the pegs at the quarter pole. VARIEGATED settled five back on the inside and was the last of the six to finish.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.7 Last Half: - 60.8 Margins: - Neck, Head
Trial 7: - POLLY PEACHUM began quickly to lead, took cover with 500m remaining then angled to the outside to be out three horses wide on the home turn. She accelerated in the straight and got up to get the prize. She followed with a close second at Bendigo on Wednesday night behind Neanger Guy. BEAU BRONSKI was three back on the markers and pulled hard. He zoomed to the front at the 500m mark but couldn’t sustain the run with POLLY PEACHUM coming again to claim victory. SIRIUS MAJOR trailed the leader and ran through nicely late to claim third position. He followed with a fifth placed effort at Swan Hill on Thursday night. SIR JULIAN was four back on the inside, pulled hard and pushed through to trail the leader approaching the home turn. He was last of the quartet to finish but wasn’t far from the winner.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.4 Last Half: - 58.2 Margins: - 1m, 1m
STAWELL 07/03
Trial 1: - MACHSTIQUE hasn’t raced since August 2020. He has won two of his four starts to date so he has ability and he was able to win his trial by a narrow margin. TALLARAS SHADOW has joined trainer Jason Ainsworth and hasn’t started since sustaining a flat tyre and being retired out of a race back in December. He finished only a nose behind the winner with the juvenile pacer NOSWEETSFORYOU being in third position. NOSWEETSFORYOU will back up at Horsham on Monday. INDEFENSIBLE is a handy trotter when racing at his peak form and finished ahead of JIMMY BINTANG with the qualifier LETS GO CRESCO (Blissfull Hall – Duck And Run 2.2.8, $21,113) being last of the six runners to complete the course. INDEFENSIBLE appears to be a big winning chance at Birchip on Sunday afternoon.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.3 Last Half: - 60.0 Margins: - Nose, 1.5m
TABCORP PARK, MELTON
Trial 1: - MISTER HUNTER (Huntsville – Moremi Miss 2.0.6, $7,695) began very quickly and was able to strike the lead shortly after the start. He backed off the tempo mid-race and was able to scoot home in a slick final quarter of 28.22 seconds to get the prize. SOHO LUMINE (Sweet Lou – Soho Madeleine 1.56.8, $96,803) was three back on the markers and came to the outside at the 600m mark. She stuck to her task nicely for a game second. LEDECKY (Art Major – Gliterazzi) was five back on the markers and waited for the sprint lane run. She picked up ground at the end and was never pushed at any stage of the event. MAJOR ARCANA (Art Major – Easton All Action 1.56.6, $53,194) finished fourth after trailing the leader and SOHO SERAPHINE (Betting Line – Angel Bromac 1.56.9, $56,500) was the last one across the line after settling down in fourth position early.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.5 Last Half: - 58.72 Margins: - 1.5m, 19m
Trial 2: - WIN FLYNN (Danny Bouchea – Its All Me 2.7.3, $1,375) settled three back on the inside before moving up without cover with 500m remaining. He sustained a good run to win nicely at the end. MARIACHI trailed the leader and moved away from the markers on the home turn. She held her own in the straight and finished second. EXALTED (Majestic Son – Lunar Landing) was the horse to follow out of the trial. She is a juvenile filly that is related to six winners, three of them being the outstanding performers Spidergirl (1.56.8, $317,657), Illawong Armstrong (1.56.0, $231,452) and Illawong Stardust (1.58.3, $125,580). She settled five back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the quarter pole and went to the line untouched in third position. ALDEBARAN STEVIE began quickly to find the lead but was run down over the latter stages. KEAYANG DUCHESS settled four back on the inside and finished fifth with ALDEBARAN ARIANNA (Muscle Hill – Aspenglow USA) being last for the duration.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.7 Last Half: - 60.37 Margins: - 3m, 6.5m
BLACKBOOKER: - Exalted
Trial 3: - JILLIBY TSUNAMI (Jilliby Kung Fu – Jilliby Dreamtime 1.55.0, $45,395) began quickly to lead, took cover at the 1500m, was three back on the inside from the 1100m and moved into the death seat in the back straight on the final occasion. He was able to get home best and take the prize, which would have been a good confidence builder for his debut performance in the opening event at Horsham on Monday. I KNEW NOT WHERE (Devilish Smile – Biddys Star 1.58.6, $32,588) was three back on the inside early before circling around to find the lead at the 1100m mark. He battled on well over the concluding stages to finish second. SOHO CHARLIE (Downbytheseaside – Soho Charlotte 1.58.7, $7,223) was five back on the inside and ran home nicely late to finish third. JOHN VINCENT (Vincent – Sterita 1.55.9, $145,241) trailed the leader early, worked to the front at the 1500m mark then took a trail again at the 1100m. He was fourth with SOHO BOCOCA (Betting Line – Pixel Perfect) (4 back markers) being the last one to complete the course.
Mile Rate: - 2.7.7 Last Half: - 60.04 Margins: - 2m, 3.5m
Trial 4: - ELEGANT JET began quickly to find the lead shortly after the start. He wanted to race keenly throughout the middle stages but he was able to keep on rolling in the run to the finish to get the prize. CHAMPAGNE CHARLEY broke stride in the score up and missed the start by approximately 40m. He tacked onto the group at the 1200m mark and was making ground via the sprint lane in the straight so it was a tidy performance. RYMES was out of position at the start by approximately 15m, settled in third position and broke stride at the quarter pole. She recovered and produced a strong finishing burst to snare third, missing out on second by a very narrow margin. BLUE SPARKLER trailed the leader and was last of the four runners to cross the finish line.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.8 Last Half: - 62.95 Margins: - 14.5m, Nose
Trial 5: - JILLIBY NITRO began very quickly and was able to find the lead shortly after the start. He finished off in a slick final quarter of 27.22 seconds so he was never in danger of defeat. SOHO ALMASI hasn’t raced since being unplaced in the Australian Gold Final in May. She was three back on the markers, came to the outside on the home turn and finished well so she could be in for a prosperous campaign. JAWBREAKER trailed the leader and appeared to have his chance in third position. He is resuming from a break at Geelong this evening. MISTER MACEDON was fifth on the markers and was the first runner to move up without cover. He battled on well for fourth with RUN BOY RUN (6 back markers) being in fifth. TRUTH AND COURAGE was four back on the markers and beat home the former New South Wales trained pacer VINCENZINA, which was last for the duration.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.0 Last Half: - 55.79 Margins: - 7m, Head
BLACKBOOKER: - Soho Almasi
Trial 6: - CHINESE WHISPER showed scintillating early speed to lead clearly shortly after the start. He was a very good trotter in New Zealand and was able to zip home in a last quarter of 27.34 seconds so he appears to be worth following. He makes his Australian debut at Melton tomorrow evening where he appears to be very hard to beat. IMPERIAL WHIZ settled three back on the markers, appeared to be under pressure before the home turn and rallied in the straight to finish second. IMAMAORIJET was third across the line after trailing the leader throughout. SULTAN SASS was fourth to begin and came away from the inside at the 300m mark but couldn’t make ground over the latter stages. RED WHITE AN BLOOM was last of the five runners for the duration but wasn’t asked for his full effort in the home straight.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.7 Last Half: - 57.03 Margins: - 19.5m, 2.5m
BLACKBOOKER: - Chinese Whisper NZ
Trial 7: - TINMAN (Tintin In America – Mumbai Majik 1.59.2, $20,727) was last to begin and moved away from the inside with 700m remaining (1-2). He trailed forward out three horses wide from the quarter pole (3-1) and was the widest runner turning for home so it was a good performance to get the prize. HAMELDAEME was one out and one back before being left stranded without cover and pushed forward to find the lead with 1500m remaining. He set up a slow tempo and was run down over the latter stages. SPACEWRITER was without cover early before finding the lead then took cover behind HAMELDAEME. He used the sprint lane and held his ground in the straight to finish third. ITTAKESLUV ended up being four back on the markers after several leader changes, gained a one out and one back trail at the 1200m mark and came out three horses wide at the quarter pole. She finished fourth ahead of BETTOR ROLL ON, which made up late ground from five back on the inside. ITTAKESLUV has drawn on the pole position at Horsham on Monday afternoon. KEAYANG BRAVEHEART (Captaintreacherous – Inasafeplace 2.2.2, $10,635) led out, took a trail and ended up being three back on the inside. He finished sixth in front of DELTAS VILLAGE (Village Jolt – Mazzas Delight), which settled in the running lane and was left stranded without cover from the 1500m mark. SOHO DOW JONES was the last horse to finish after being six back on the markers for the majority of the journey.
Mile Rate: - 2.5.8 Last Half: - 59.8 Margins: - 2.5m, Head
Trial 8: - GOODTIME MACH began brilliantly and ran to the front from a wide draw. He ran along at an even tempo and was able to hold off the late challenge of BLAZIN HEAVEN to get the prize. GOODTIME MACH will compete at Horsham on Monday and BLAZIN HEAVEN is nicely drawn at Cranbourne on Tuesday night. BLAZIN HEAVEN trailed the leader throughout and came to the outside with 150m remaining in her trial performance. REFORMED finished third after being one out and two back early then four horses wide from the 300m mark. STIR ME UP gained a one out and one back trail, came out three horses wide in front of REFORMED and held his ground in the run to the finish. TREMBITA pushed forward to race without cover and battled away for fifth. SKY FULL OF STARS was away from the markers early but was able to angle onto the pegs to be three back around the first turn. UNION BOSS was four back on the markers and was under pressure from the 900m. He finished at the tail of the field.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.5 Last Half: - 59.80 Margins: - 1.5m, 10m
Trial 9: - JILLIBY WILLOW (Captaintreacherous – Miss Dream Star 2.1.3, $6,933) settled fifth on the markers before moving into the running lane with 800m remaining (1-2). He came out three horses wide approaching the home turn and produced a big finish to score. It was a good performance leading up to his debut effort at Horsham on Monday. KEAYANG OMAR attempted to lead throughout and was run down in the final 50m. TRINITYS DELIGHT (A Rocknroll Dance – Libbys First) settled six back on the markers and finished quickly late for a nice third. LE SPARTACUS settled fourth on the inside and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 800m. He was fourth ahead of MODERN GINGER, which settled one position ahead of him and moved to the death seat at the half mile marker. RIO ROCK (Pet Rock – Bellasario 1.55.5, $71,704) settled in second last with the field being in single file early. He finished sixth ahead of OUR ESCAPADE, which settled in last position with OUR SENORITA dropping out at the end after trailing the leader.
Mile Rate: - 2.3.6 Last Half: - 58.18 Margins: - 1.5m, 11m
Trial 10: - WHATS STANLEY GOT began well and trailed the leader before moving to the outside at the 250m mark. He produced a powerful finishing burst and got up to post a good victory. JILLIBY DYNAMITE was three back on the inside and moved into the death seat at the 700m mark. He hit the lead before the turn and was run down late. He has drawn favourably at Horsham on Monday and should give a forward showing. DRAIN THE SWAMP began quickly to find the lead and set up a reasonable tempo. He was headed before the home turn and finished a distant third. LA CAPTAIN settled fifth on the pegs and was doing his best work late to finish a distant fourth. BRONSKI ROYAL was four back on the markers and held his ground over the latter stages to be in fifth. LEICA BUDDY was without cover early, restrained to last then moved into the running lane with a half mile remaining (1-2). He finished ahead of LET IT LINGA, which settled in seventh and remained in that position. RADICAL MAJOR was sixth on the markers, moved up without cover at the 900m and was one out and one back at the half mile marker. He peaked on his run over the final stages. LEICA BUDDY will resume from a long spell at Horsham on Monday.
Mile Rate: - 2.2.1 Last Half: - 56.40 Margins: - 1.5m, 17.5m
Trial 11: - SEBS CHOICE stepped away quickly to find the lead, set up a slow tempo and dashed home in a slick last quarter of 26.95 seconds to hold off his stable mate ITS BACK IN THE DAY, which was in the trail until the quarter pole. ITS BACK IN THE DAY is ideally drawn but takes on a very strong field in the Geelong Rocket this evening.
Mile Rate: - 2.4.2 Last Half: - 55.15 Margin: - 2.5m
Trial 12: - BAD BOY JAY JAY stepped away fast to find the lead. He set up a very slow tempo and was just able to hold off the challenge of WHIRLWIND WILBUR (Majestic Son – Joyces Choice 2.11.2, $4,215) over the concluding stages. WHIRLWIND WILBUR was three back on the inside, moved away from the pegs at the 300m and missed out by a narrow margin. ORPHAN ANDY was four back on the inside, moved into one out and one back trail behind WHIRLWIND WILBUR and tried hard in the straight. AMOMENTTOREMEMBER (Muscle Mass – A Stylish Jewel 2.4.1, $50,417) trailed the leader and finished fourth. ALDEBARAN YEURIAL (Aldebaran Eagle – Charming Yankee) broke at the start and was tailed off so he never threatened at any stage.
Mile Rate: - 2.20.1 Last Half: - 64.6 Margins: - Nose, 1m
Trial 13: - COPACABANA began quickly to find the lead, set up a very slow tempo and was able to hold her rivals safely at bay. GIL FAVOR is competing in the Wangaratta Cup on Sunday after his trial second. He trailed the leader, used the sprint lane and was chipping away at the end. RIVIERA QUEEN (Used To Be – Onstar Lb ITA 1.57.3, $144,271) was three back on the inside and moved up without cover at the 600m. She battled away in the straight to finish in third position. FIELDS OF KYVALLEY broke at the start and missed away by approximately 60m. He chased hard to tack on then finished off well to finish a game fourth albeit in slow time. OUR DELSON was fourth on the pegs, broke stride at the 500m and was working home well before breaking stride again at the 100m.
Mile Rate: - 2.23.1 Last Half: - 61.31 Margins: - 2m, 4m
MILDURA 08/03
Trial 1: - SIR JUJON is a former Queensland pacer, which showed brilliant gate speed to zoom to the front shortly after the start. He set up a reasonable tempo and scored nicely. SIR VINCENT (Vincent – Yekatarina) was three back on the markers, came to the outside at the 600m mark and chased hard for second. He will make his debut at Horsham on Monday. HARRY MCKINNIS trailed the leader and battled away for third. EDDEE was four back on the inside and finished ahead of ALITTLEBITOFFTAP, which was without cover early then broke stride with 1200m remaining.
Mile Rate: - 2.0.9 Last Half: - 60.0 Margins: - 3m, 8m
Trial 2: - LAST ARTIST began quickly and was able to stride to the lead before the first turn. He ran along at an even tempo and scored comfortably. SPRINGFIELD SHADOW trailed the leader and came to the outside at the 500m mark. He couldn’t close the gap on the winner but boxed on for second. CARAGGIO ESCAPEE was three back on the pegs throughout and held down third position. CRACKERJACKS JUDGE settled fifth on the inside and finished fairly well for fourth. BOWLED GARY was without cover early, restrained to be sixth on the markers and finished fifth with PEREGINEINFLIGHT (4 back markers) being the last one home.
Mile Rate: - 2.1.3 Last Half: - 58.5 Margins: - 8m, 6m
Trial 3: - SWEET CHARIOT began quickly and was able to lead throughout in the final trial. HEADBANGER is now being prepared by Luke Watson and did a very good job to finish in second position after he raced on the outside of the leader throughout. UNITED trailed the leader and finished third with CEMETERY BAY producing a game effort for fourth after being last of the six runners and sustaining a long run from the 700m mark. ILLAWONG LORD was in the one out and one back trail throughout and finished ahead of LAST PONDEROSA, which was three back on the markers throughout.
Mile Rate: - 1.59.9 Last Half: - 58.9 Margins: - 1m, 3m
