Dean Watling has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s sharpest trial analysts. Every week, he dives into the latest NSW barrier trials, identifying the horses to follow and doing the hard work to help put Betsy punters in the winner’s circle.
Here are this week’s blackbookers.
Randwick H2 1000m – July 31
Yellow Jersey – Tony & Calvin McEvoy (Chad Schofield)
One start here in Australia when backed off the map in a Listed race at Eagle Farm, just missed there and has been let up for eight weeks before returning with an impressive 1000m trial. Headed to Melbourne for a second trial now and will aim up at the spring features. Very nice horse.
Gangsta Granny, with @clarkyhk in the saddle, finishes off the 1000m trial at Randwick on Friday best to down Yellow Jersey and Blue Door. Also trialling were Barnavara, River Of Stars, Ohope Wins and Soulcombe. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/kpa8grRCOe
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) July 30, 2026
Randwick H8 1045m – July 31
Savagram – Waterhouse & Bott (Tim Clark)
Very quiet first trial, which isn’t normal for this camp. The second trial here over 1045m was much more like the stable, running fast enough time and I loved the response late when really revved up by Tim Clark. Work past the post was super too. Looks a type who will get over ground as well.
Randwick H9 1045m – July 31
Striking Alibi – Chris Waller (Siena Grima)
One of the trials of the morning for me. Ex-Luke Fernie filly who won her maiden by 3.15L. Now with Chris Waller and looked ultra impressive in her second Sydney trial. Sat back at the rear with the shades on before clicking beautifully through her gears to smash the line. Fast overall time and smart work past the post, which is the final tick.
Randwick H11 740m – July 31
Love Story – Waterhouse & Bott (Adam Hyeronimus)
Lovely return trial by this unraced 4yo mare. Owned by Coolmore and they have taken their time with her. This was a very hot heat and to match motors and run on late was a great sign. Look for a second trial now and for her to be ridden out to get the fitness into her legs.
Ruination – Michael Freedman (Keagan Latham)
He’s come back in outstanding order. Off the scene for 21 weeks and brought back with this first 740m trial, showing off his turn of foot at the 200m before being eased down. He didn’t come up last prep but looks back to his best going off this trial. Can work his way through the grades for sure.
Randwick H12 740m – July 31
Wallace Station – Michael Freedman (Tommy Berry)
Loved this debut trial by a well-bred colt. He was in a very hot heat and handled himself very well for his first public display. Sat back, balanced up and went through his gears nicely. Loved his strength late and through the line. Keen to see the second trial.
Punxsutawney Phil – O’Shea & Charlton (Zac Lloyd)
Not sure about the name, but I am sure about this 3yo colt having plenty of ability. Showed lovely talent in his first trial prep back in April/May before being sent for a 12 week spell. Brought back and looked once again impressive in this very fast heat. Look for a second trial now and then off to the races.
Randwick H13 740m – July 31
Dr Know – O’Shea & Charlton (James McDonald)
Very similar story to Punxsutawney Phil. Impressive first trial prep before being sent for a spell. Looks a beast physically and attacked this trial with ease, never touched by James and worked well past the post. Keen to see his second trial.
Newcastle H4 1000m – August 3
Force March – Andrew MacDonald (Christian Reith)
Second prep for this 4yo gelding. Off a 17 week spell and looks to have come back in great order. The time wasn’t there but I loved what he did visually.
Newcastle H6 1000m – August 3
Switch On – Nathan Doyle (Ashley Morgan)
Back to back eye-catching trials by this Doyle-trained runner. He started $3.40 on debut when over-racing and being well beaten. Looks back on track going off both of these trials and we will get a good guide through stablemate Street Lyric tomorrow at Gosford. Keen.
Newcastle H7 800m – August 3
She’s Extra – Kris Lees (William Stanley)
Keen to see this 3yo filly back at the races. Impressive in her first two starts before failing in her third hit-out. She’s lit up the heats in both trials and looks bang on track for a huge spring.
Warwick Farm H6 792m – August 4
Incognito – Michael Freedman (Zac Lloyd)
Wow, he’s come back in outstanding order. The 2yo Breeders’ Plate winner had a long autumn campaign but looks to have skipped through it beautifully. He has now caught my eye flashing to the line in back-to-back trials. Heading to Melbourne for the prep and looks a bet first up wherever he goes.
Warwick Farm H12 789m – August 4
Satin Serenade – Chris Waller (James McDonald)
Convinced she’s a top-end filly for the spring. Loved her debut prep, she should have won on debut, was let up for eight weeks and brought back with a dynamic trial through the line. Look for a second trial and she’ll be back at the races.
Warwick Farm H14 786m – August 4
Borderfall – Annabel & Rob Archibald (Tom Sherry)
Back to back impressive trials, punched through a tight gap here in the second trial. The key with this stable is that when they trial well, they race well fresh. Ready to go back to the races now.
