Dean Watling has cast his eye over a key set of recent NSW trials, highlighting a mix of sharp two-year-olds, returning talents and horses ready to win early this prep. Here are his key takeaways in chronological order.
Canterbury Trials – April 10
Scintilla – Les Bridge (Kerrin McEvoy)
Canterbury H2 1100m
Over 410 days off for this progressive mare, 7 starts for 3 wins and rose to Listed grade last time in. Obviously has had a setback but has looked very sound in her two recent 1050m and 1100m trials. Ready to head back to the races now.
World Alliance – Matthew Smith (Jason Collett)
Canterbury H5 900m
All eyes were on Private Harry in this trial, but I loved what World Alliance did late and through the line in this 900m hitout. He is right on the cusp of Listed grade this time in and is up at the right time of year to capitalise on these slightly inferior Benchmark and Listed races.
Enamorada – Ciaron Maher (Tommy Berry)
Canterbury H8 900m
Interesting horse, transferred to Maher this prep and has risen to BM84 grade sharply. Now up to Sydney and looked very strong in a recent tick-over trial. Looks ready to win.
Dr Know – O’Shea & Charlton (Zac Lloyd)
Canterbury H9 1100m
Very smart overall time compared to the other 2yo heat on the morning. This 2yo son of Nicconi has impressed in both trials now and looks a talent. He has been sent to the paddock, but we will keep him in the back pocket.
Found The Gold – Ron Quinton (Louise Day)
Canterbury H14 898m
Smart trial win four weeks ago before a tidy piece of work here when going to the line hard held on the bridle. Looks a fickle type but has a sharp turn of speed. Nice 2yo who is ready to debut.
Estremo – Chris Waller (Jason Collett)
Canterbury H18 898m
Rose through the grades sharply last time in as a late-season 2yo. Ended the prep contesting Listed and G3 grade races. Twenty-four weeks off now and looks to have furnished beautifully. Two sneaky good trials and looks ready to explode first up.
Rosehill Trials – April 13
Jaipur Maison – Chris Waller (Tommy Berry)
Rosehill H11 789m
Eye-catching debut in the Max Lees Classic before starting $2.90 in a Rosehill Saturday 2yo race, where he pulled up with an issue and was spelled. Brought back now after 20 weeks off and could not have looked better in a recent 789m trial when savaging the line. Look for a second trial before he heads back to the races.
