NSW analyst Dean Watling is renowned for his sharp eye at the trials. Each week, he breaks down the standout performers from barrier trials across New South Wales, highlighting the horses he believes are ready to make an impact on race day. If you’re building a blackbook, this is the place to start.
Yes To Infinity Cameron Crockett (Tamsi n Gough)
Scone H7 1000m, July 1
Looks well and truly above average, this colt. Back-to-back dominant trial wins while under double wraps the entire time. His work through the line was sharp too, which is always a sign of a horse that’s ready to handle race-day pressure. Keen to back him on debut for a stable that fires fresh.
Mrs Flanders Kerry Parker (Jay Ford)
Illawarra Grange H8 800m, July 3
Has speed to burn but hasn’t yet shown the street smarts to handle race-day pressure. Again, she produced a very slick trial, running around 8L faster than most on the morning. If she’s going to win a race, it’ll likely be over 900m to 1000m first-up. That’s what we’ll be looking for.
Capdiva Gary Portelli (Siena Grima)
Warwick Farm H10 790m, July 7
Showed enough ability in her first preparation. Off the scene for 27 weeks and looked very smart in her first trial back. Kept very wide throughout the heat by Grima, covering plenty of extra ground before letting rip under light riding. Nice piece of work.
Miss Trentino Bjorn Baker (Winona Costin)
Warwick Farm H4 796m, July 7
Talented mare who hasn’t been seen for more than 42 weeks after winning a BM72 at Canterbury in solid fashion. First trial back and she lit the heat up in slick time with a dominant display. Wary of the long layoff, but happy to be guided by her second trial now.
