The Trials ‘Report Card’ – November 14

[Wandering Eyes]

What was worth noting from all over the country for the week ending 14/11/2024

Princess Gracy (2f Sweet Lou – Princess Jessie) Tr. Z Butcher

Pukekohe (7/11/24) In front soon after the start of this qualifier, always going well, sprinted sharply to leave her rivals in her wake, off stride very late when well clear and because of this, did not get her ticket even though she was nearly 8 secs under the required time. MR:2:01.3, 800m in 59.8, 400m in 27.6. First foal of a well bred mare who won two in a short career and this filly definitely looks like a positive race prospect. 

Kevin Kline (2g Always B Miki – Matai Mies) TR. R Green

For the second week in a row, the Green-trained runner impressed, settled fourth of 6 but not for long as he improved 1400m to take over, kept up strong run to win untouched. MR:2:02.3, 800m in 57.6, 400m in 27.0. Breeding previously touched on, two race day starts, the last back in early August. No question he is going to be better again this time in and definitely one to follow. Stablemate and  early pacemaker Debbie Lincoln off stride at the 400m when looking to take issue and lost any chance it might have had.

Con Grazia Love (5m Love You – Con Grazia) Tr. S McCaffrey

Began nicely to lead only rival (Lord Popinjay), always going well, stretched out in fine style to suggest she has come back in fine fettle. Last 800m in 58.8, 400m in 27.8. Five-win mare who hasn’t started since May but her race record has always indicated she is a mare well above average. Should be in for a rewarding time in the north if she can replicate this workout effort.

Major Burns (3c Art Major – Grace Burns) Tr. K Green

Winton (8/11/24) Previously mentioned in this forum as a horse to follow when unqualified, the Green trained runner only had the one rival in this qualifier and after going to the front from barrier rise, only did what he had to do to get his ticket, but easily under the required time. Last 800m in 60.5, 400m in 30.2. Still looks a work in progress but not short on raw ability and should add to the long list of winners for southern owner Tom Kilkelly.

Raspalia (2f Johny Rock – Fun Sponge) Tr. T Dewe

Gate speed to lead, still there final turn, didn’t flinch when others challenged late. MR:2:03.2, 800m in 60.4, 400m in 28.9. Just the one start back in August when fifth of 5 but likely to be an improved horse this time in, worth looking out for on this effort. Another in the Kilkelly ownership. The well performed Always Dreaming made good ground from the rear to dispute placings, not knocked about with some big targets coming up.

Bring On The Muscle (3g Majestic Son – Mass Invasion) Tr. C Barron

Got to trail in a non winners pace, used passing lane to challenge, found one better in stablemate and pacemaker Always On Sale. Last 800m in 58.8, 400m in 29.3. Hambletonian winner at last start and looks primed for big effort in his big assignment on the Friday of cup week. Track conditions far from favourable in this heat. Amazon Annie raced fourth of 5, caught eye very late punching through the middle only to be denied racing room last 100m and went to the line under ‘double wraps’. Lightly raced (3x), the last back in May but bred to be above average (dam won 6) and certainly one to paste away in the black book.

Just Like Jagger (2f Vincent – Machjagger) Tr. K Green

Settled third in this learners pace before improving to lead 1500m, skipped away final turn. Officially 4L clear at the line, overall time not flash (but run in driving rain), Last 800m in 58.7, 400m in 29.7. First foal from a five-win mare who interestingly was by Justa Tiger (C Cullen – Tigerish). Obviously not qualified yet but showing plenty of promise going forwards.

Still Rockin (6g A Rocknroll Dance – Insar) Tr. R Gutsell

Wyndham (9/11/24) Gate speed to lead, always going freely, cruised clear in straight for an impressive win. MR:2:04.6, 800m in 58.0. Has done a good job winning the seven races and that winning CV might not be finished just yet. Another southerner who might come to Addington for the ‘South of the Waitaki’ race at Addington

Always B Paulie (3g Always B Miki – Bubba Ho Tep) Tr. C Ferguson

Very slow to go behind mobile and subsequently settled fifth of 5, still well back 400m, picked rivals up with ease down outer and ran on by for an impressive win. MR:2:06.5, 800m in 58.8, 400m in 28.6. Qualified back in May but as yet unraced, the race day debut will be well worth the wait based on this effort. Dam won 4 and her first two foals have become handy winning horses.

Kaipaki Jack (5g Love You – Riviera Lass) Tr J Teaz

Cambridge (9/11/24) Away best to lead three rivals, still there final turn, just able to stall off So Mystifying who put plenty of dash into her finish. MR:2:08.2, 800m in 60.4, 400m in 29.2. Jack looked full of promise on occasions during his last campaign (2 wins from 9 starts) but not sighted since late May, should be a natural improver. So Mystifying has only won the one race in a short career but she has plenty of breeding to suggest that her record can be enhanced upon, 1 to follow in her own grade

Major Break (3f Art Major – Fleeting Moment) Tr. J Teaz

Straight to the front, set terms, kicked final turn and did enough to keep rivals at bay. MR:2:03.4, 800m in 60.0, 400m in 29.1. Another from the stable getting ready for a new campaign, just the one win from 7 starts but thereabouts in many of the others, should be better again this time in. Gifted Brigade made good ground final 200m for a closing third. Qualified back in June but as yet unraced. First foal from a family that the Neals have had much success with.

Pepper Franco (3f Always B Miki – Pepper Potts) Tr. B Waldron

Methven 9/11/24 (grass) Streeted 3 rivals in this qualifying trial on the grass, officially by 12 1/2L at the line, 5 secs under qualifying time. MR:2:12.0, 800m in 62.0, 400m in 30.1. Dam did a good job winning six and her first two foals both winners with Parker (7 wins + $94k) more than handy. Plenty of breeding behind the filly as well (2nd dam won 9 + $183k) and breeder Spreydon Lodge have retained the ownership. Time has been her friend.

Times Like These (2g Always B Miki – Bird Of Paradise) Tr. B Ward

Recent qualifier warming up for a debut at Ashburton today (Thursday), showed resilience to outpoint Lonnekers (pulled up in only raceday start) and they were well clear of the other three runners MR:2:12.3, 800m in 60.3. First foal from a tough mare who won 13 races + $120k. This family has been consistently successful for trainer Barry Ward especially on the grass tracks

Father Time (3g Father Patrick – Firenze) Tr. K Townley

Not extended in 10 horse heat to re-establish his credentials for major assignments coming up, always in control, way too good, officially by 10L at the line. MR:2:15.0, 800m in 63.2, 400m in 31.6. Gearing up for the big dance this Friday where he has drawn the front line, mistake maker last time out in the Hambletonian but dealt to many of his rivals the start before, real threat to Aussie star Keayang Zahara especially after this trial.

Live On Legend (5g A Rocknroll Dance – A Legend) Tr. K Austin

Lightly raced gelding too strong for 6 rivals, powered away final stages (last 400m) and clearly superior at the line, officially by 6L. MR:2:16.5, 800m in 60.6, 400m in 28.5. Freshened since last racing late September, the winner of five who has established a handy race record, deserves respect when lining up next.

Royal Grace (4m Royal Aspirations – Commander Del) Tr. M Palermo

Only the two rivals, always going well, had no bother getting clear final 200m. MR:2:14.3, 800m in 62.3, 400m in 30.1. Showed promise last time in (from 3 starts), last start early August and definitely looks better than a maiden. Full sister to Royal Del (10 wins + $121k), Grace just the second foal from the mare

Itsallaboutthemoney (3f Vincent – Itz All About Me) Tr. S Boyd

Again a small heat with just the three runners, the Boyd-trained runner capitalised on an economic trip, too strong over the final stages, nearly 9 secs under qualifying time. (all 3 qualified). MR:2:05.9, 800m in 61.3, 400m in 31.0. Dam has already left 5 winners, is a half to 6 winners herself including Itz Cherry Ripe (9 NZ wins +4156k) and the trainer owns this one himself!

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