As is the case most of the year, it was a busy week at the trials and jumpouts across Australia as the Autumn Carnival approaches, with some progressive types stepping out in readiness for their campaigns.
I’ve looked at the available trials and jumpouts for the week and have come up with a few to follow heading forward over the next few weeks.
RECENT RESULTS: Busy past seven days, so here’s a list of runners that were highlighted
Zeblan: Short quote and won as expected
Maktabba: Bit plain I thought so out of chances
Convalesce: Nice horse, but he needs time
Lake District Girl: One trick pony and couldn’t back her to win with confidence
Autumn Splendour: My pockets aren’t deep enough to keep following
Sylvia’s Mother: Lovely ride from D Dunn got her home
Avilius: Crying out for a wet track
Microphone: He’s certainly not gone as a horse
Hanseatic: Stunning. Clearly one to beat in Blue Diamond
Muntaseera: Not dropping off her. Run was good
Magnavale: Back to provincial grade on a bending track
Bella Nipotina: Very good in defeat
Larimer Street: Think most would agree that with a clear path, he wins
Encountabull: He’ll make a nice three year old
Aeecee Diamond: Wide throughout, total forgive
UPCOMING RUNNERS:
Thursday February 13
Bunbury: Beret R4 – Looks really hard to beat and is the best on the program
Pakenham: Hey Happy R1 – No surprise he’s been heavily backed in early betting
Pakenham: Riddle Me That R5 – Runs up to the trial, he’ll win
Friday February 14
Canterbury: Think It Over R5 – Off the resumption, he’ll take some beating
Canterbury: Quiet Riot R8 – Tricky gate, but stylish debut win
Moonee Valley: Queen Annabel R5 – Think she’s decent odds at double figures
Taree: Henschel R1 – One more look before penning her. On top, but couldn’t back with confidence
Saturday February 15
Eagle Farm: Fortification R8 – Loved the trial. Don’t really love the wide gate
Flemington: Skelm R4 – Think he’s the one to beat, clearly
Flemington: Spend R5 – Not sure he wins, but could run first four
Flemington: Redzel R7 – If he’s going to win another major, it’s this race. Flies 1000m and flies fresh
Flemington: Loving Gaby R7 – Looks to have come back super. Just think the Newmarket is her GF
Morphettville: Strip Club R1 – Better suited at Port Lincoln I feel
Morphettville: Cazabillie R5 – Fact she runs here and not in the easier race tells me she’s on track for a first up win
Randwick: God Of Thunder R3 – Best on the program off the trial and fact he gets conditions to suit
Randwick: Jor El R4 – Can run a cheeky race at odd despite the strong depth engaged
Randwick: Tight Ropes R4 – Think she’ll be better as a 3YO
Monday February 17
Ballina: Vivid Fortress R1 – Should win if it runs up to the Gold Coast trial win from last week
NEW SOUTH WALES
Tuesday February 11 (Scone): She’s got to qualify first, but if/when she does, I think Luna Mia should be a clear favourite. Very good mare for Paul Messara that trialled enormous two weeks ago at Scone and repeated the dose here in Heat 2. Sat off the speed under Ash Morgan before peeling wider and under a hold, made up good ground, but what I liked was the last couple of strides and through the line. She charged and was full of running.
To view the Scone trials click here
VICTORIA
Friday February 7 (Flemington): Just the one caught my attention from this set of jump outs. Maha is an unraced filly for the McEvoy camp that won Heat 7 and I really liked the way she went about her business. Sat on speed throughout, was wide, but under a good hold, and when squeezed, the response was instant. Interestingly still holds a nomination for the Golden Slipper.
To view the Flemington jumpouts click here
Monday February 10 (Moe): Rebecca Kelly has Queen Annabel flying I feel. Has had two jumpouts at Moe and been really impressive each time, the latest being this one when winning Heat 2. Was wide throughout on speed but like the trial a couple of weeks ago, looked to move very well and raced clear in the straight. Down to resume on Friday night and I think is definitely worth an each way ticket.
To view the Moe jumpouts click here
Tuesday February 11 (Wodonga): Edinburgh has placed in four of her eight career outings but I think a maiden will be coming this prep if the Heat 3 effort here is any guide. Was tucked in behind the speed before getting clear late and working to the line strongly under no real pressure. 1600m/thereabouts is her ideal trip I dare say. Chart Buster is an unraced colt for the Hayes/Dabernig team that ran second in Heat 5 and I thought had Regan Bayliss sneezed on him, he would have won. Looked to be bolting but was under a really good hold and not extended. Zorro’s Ghost was given rein in Heat 6 and this unraced Toronado colt for the Hayes/Dabernig stable looked to stretch out quite nicely, especially the last 50-75m. Personal has race experience and fitness under the belt, so no real shock that she won Heat 7, but did really liked the way she moved in the straight under no real riding. Likely runs in the Blue Diamond, but I reckon her best chance of a feature win is either the Sires or Percy Sykes during the Championships.
To view the Wodonga trials click here
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Thursday February 13 (Morphettville Parks): Jon O’Connor isn’t normally one to produce two year olds compared to other SA stables, but I reckon he has a nice one here in Great Leveller, who won Heat 1. Sat on speed all the way under Simon Price and when asked for an effort, the youngster responded and safely held his rivals to win in good time for the morning. The most impressive of the morning was clearly Rocabella for the McEvoy camp, that won Heat 2. Admittedly the time was nothing to jump up and down about, but it was the way she did it. Led throughout, under a big hold from Pannell and seemed to have lengths in hand. She’s got good ability I’m sure.
To view the Morphettville Parks trials click here
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Monday February 10 (Lark Hill): Some nice types were out on display in this set of trials, but my eyes honed in on Heat 9 and the performance of Son Of A God. Was wide throughout on speed but looked to be bolting. Given a flick of rein early on in the straight and dashed clear for a dominant trial win in solid time, with plenty in reserve. Maiden win is his for the taking.
To view the Lark Hill trials click here
