New Zealand’s latest round of trials produced a stack of strong performances across Riccarton and Avondale, with several horses shaping as worth following when they return to race day. Here is NZ Trial Watcher’s review of last week’s key heats, along with the standout runners to keep onside.
RICCARTON TRIALS 23/03 (Soft 5)
Heat 1 – OPEN – Catchweight – 1200m (1.10.98)
1st: 5y g VERDIAN trained by J Bullard
2nd: 5y g LANIKAI trained by N Mitchell
3rd: 6y g MR BULLY TEE trained by L Robinson
Summary: MR BULLY TEE followed on from his sharp work at Ashburton Trials to put in another strong performance, this time held up over the final 100m as he jogged to the line in behind and could’ve put this field away with ease. An incredible 18 runs without a break last time in, he’s tough and durable and always performs well fresh.
Horse To Follow: 6y g MR BULLY TEE
Heat 2 – OPEN – Catchweight – 1200m (1.10.26)
1st: 4y g COGNOSCENTI trained by Walker & Bergerson
2nd: 7y m BELLA LUCE trained by L Robinson
3rd: 6y g TUMUCH trained by J & K Parsons
Summary: Winner COGNOSCENTI worked up on-speed with BELLA LUCE and they set a solid tempo. Parson-trained TUMUCH put in a big trial running on into 3rd and was strong through the line. At his best, a stakes-grade sprinter and looked good in his action in the trial. A horse we can follow with confidence.
Horse To Follow: 6y g TUMUCH
Heat 5 – OPEN – Catchweight – 1000m (1.00.04)
1st: 4y g PURE ARTIST trained by M & M Pitman
2nd: 4y m CELTIC BLING trained by Walker & Bergerson
3rd: 3y f ARCTIC JEWEL trained by Walker & Bergerson
Summary: The filly ARCTIC JEWEL can be forgiven for her defeat last start, a wild market drifter ($3 – $9) when making her South Island debut and received a tactically poor ride. Returning to the trials, she took on the older horses and ran on well late into 3rd, another attempt at the level should see her in winning contention.
Horse To Follow: 3y f ARCTIC JEWEL
AVONDALE TRIALS 24/03 (Soft 5)
Heat 3 – 2YO – Catchweight – 800m (44.02)
1st: 2y c ZAFAR trained by Walker & Bergerson
2nd: 2y f MOLTO SPIRITO trained by A Forsman
3rd: 2y f ROSSELLA trained by J Mahoney
Summary: Very impressive trial win and smashing the clock in the process by ZAFAR, a Snitzel colt with Te Akau, improved sharply on his previous effort and looks a natural juvenile who is ready to win on the back of this performance.
Horse To Follow: 2y c ZAFAR
Heat 5 – 2YO – Catchweight – 800m
1st: 2y f STAR STEALER trained by A Forsman
2nd: 2y c HORIZON PATCH trained by C Cameron
3rd: 2y c SUMMIT RENDEZVOUS trained by D Logan
Summary: Competitive trial between the winner STAR STEALER and the expensive Ready-To-Run colt by Zoustar HORIZON PATCH, the winner showed determination to hold off the fast-finishing colt who was under a quiet ride for the most part, extending nicely late. Both juveniles look to have a bright future.
Horse To Follow: 2y f STAR STEALER and 2y c HORIZON PATCH
Heat 16 – OPEN – Catchweight – 1000m
1st: 4y g RIO GRANDE trained by A Forsman
2nd: 4y m CELESTIAL WONDER trained by Walker & Bergerson
3rd: 4y g BONNARD trained by S Crawford
Summary: Progressive mare CELESTIAL WONDER blotted her copybook when beaten as a short-priced favourite at Ellerslie and was subsequently spelled, looked good at the trials as she was given an easy time in 2nd and likely to have another before seeing her back at the races where she can be competitive in open class sprints.
Horse To Follow: 4y m CELESTIAL WONDER
