Dean Watling has scoured the latest barrier trials across New South Wales, identifying a handful of horses ready to fire when they head back to the races.
Superata – Greg Hickman (Andrew Calder)
Warwick Farm H5 819m – August 18
Underrated horse and trainer, and he looks to have come back in great order. Back-to-back forward trials against smart opposition. If placed well fresh, he can no doubt win.
Jimmysstar – Ciaron Maher (Louise Day)
Warwick Farm H1 822m – August 18
He didn’t quite hit his peak level in the autumn, but the warm winter sun on his back between campaigns looks to have him beaming. He looks extremely sharp in both trials and back to his best for another spring. First up in the Memsie and is in for an impressive campaign.
1⃣ Jokers Grin
2⃣ Tempted
3⃣ JimmysstarNot much between three high class sprinters on the line in a trial at Warwick Farm on Tuesday. Behind the placings were Mazu, Pericles, Estadio Mestalla, Generosity, Headley Grange and Leica Lucy. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/hqDGeVUNMX
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) August 17, 2026
Flying For Fun – Bryce Heys (Mollie Fitzgerald)
Warwick Farm H2 819m – August 18
She keeps coming back that touch better every prep and is a rocket fresh. She looks to have come back in great order again. We will look for a second trial and then look to back her fresh.
On The Fritz – Brett & Georgie Cavanough (Mitchell Bell)
Muswellbrook H4 1000m – August 19
I like the inside horse Syllable, and On The Fritz went past it with ease in this trial. Second career prep, unraced and looks to have plenty of talent. This was in the fastest heat of the 1000m too. Ready for the races.
Czech Me – Luke Pepper (Brodie Loy)
Canberra Acton H1 900m – August 21
Wow, what a debut official trial. Jumped well and mustered a stack of speed before controlling the trial. He skipped away on the turn and put up 11L in a very fast time, eased down and won with plenty in hand. Keen to see him kick off now.
Genesis Runner —- Richard & Will Freedman (Chad Schofield)
Rosehill H5 1030m – August 21
This was impressive. 3yo colt who went out a winner in his last start, off the scene for eight weeks and looks to have come back in super order with the residual fitness on his side.
