Six of the best from the trials

[Wandering Eyes]

These six horses have trialed pleasingly in recent weeks and this week they head back to the racetrack.

Words (4m Downbytheseaside – Premier Crus)  Tr. G Shirley
As yet unraced but qualified back in August 2024, won a Pukekohe workout (16/1/25) after trailing in 5 horse heat then dashing along the inside to grab the win in impressive fashion   MR:2:05.8, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 27.4
Noted its won another 3 workouts last year and now finally makes a long awaited debut at Cambridge this Friday night and has secured a handy draw over the 1700m in Race 2
Dam by Bettor’s Delight owned by Woodlands Stud and this is her first foal. This mare has some breeding to recommend as a potential racehorse.

Auctioneer (4g Orlando Vici – Nia)  Tr. T Mitchell
Cambridge workout winner (11/1/25), settled last of 7 before putting in a big run 500m out 3 wide and swept to the front soon after, holding on for a gritty win.
MR:2:06.0, 800m in 59.7, 400m inn 28.4
Interestingly, bred to trot (same sire as Just Believe) but has won a race pacing (at Cambridge) & gets into a small field this Friday on the same course in Race 3.
Natural improver from his last start 7th (17/1/25) which was his first raceday start for near on 6 months, his odds could be quite juicy.

Midnight Miki (3g Always B Miki – Weownthenight)  Tr. M & N Purdon
Freshened after winning his 2yo bonus in October in a 1:56MR at only his 4th start and trialled very nicely at Rangiora (15/1/25) when a close up 4th against some highly credentialed opposition.  MR:2:00.6, 800m in 55.5, 400m in 27.3.
Sat parked on that occasion and wasn’t extended to get right in the photo at the finish. Preferential draw snares him the inside draw at Addington this Friday (Race 2) and a likely improver from his trials effort.
Full brother to Breeders Crown winner Kiss (6 wins + $183k to date) and held in some regard by a leading stable.

High Step (4m Father Patrick – High Gait)  Tr. R Butt
Freshened since last racing in December and trialled stylishly at Rangiora (15/1/25) running 2nd in a 3 horse heat without being asked for a real effort.
MR:2:07.4, 800m in 57.9
The winner of 5 races to date and respectable when chasing Keayang Sahara around in the NZ trotting Oaks
Cops the pole at Addington on Friday night (Race 3) and looks a revitalised horse since going to the beach at Woodend

Ruby Roe (4m Captaintreacherous – Arden Caviar)  Tr. N Williamson
Back at the Wyndham workouts (17/1/25) and after settling 7th of 8 in indian file, improved in the open from the 600m & not extended to get within a neck of the pacemaking winner.  MR:2:02.9, 800m in 56.8
Treks north to Addington this week to take on the best mares in Race 7 and although drawn the 2nd line, the southern mare should not be underestimated. Has won 5 from just 14 starts and most times races in the best company

Gem’s Delight (9m Bettor’s Delight – Pocket The Gem )  Tr. B Norman
Eyecatching run in the same heat as Ruby Roe (above), came from 4 deep at the 400m & put plenty of dash into her finish to claim 3rd
No ‘spring chicken’ but heads to Forbury Park on Wednesday, Race 2 and the country’s top reinsman Blair Orange hops on. Only had the 18 career starts and based on her workout effort she should prove competitive in an open line up.
Punters note this meeting being run at Oamaru (all weather)

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