A stack of smart performers stepped out across the New South Wales trials over the past fortnight, with several well-bred youngsters and progressive gallopers producing eye-catching performances for some of the state’s leading stables.
Dean Watling outlines the key horses to follow from the latest round of NSW trials.
Jarrito – Bjorn Baker (Jason Collett)
Warwick Farm H12 – 795m | May 8
Progressive three-year-old filly who has always looked above average. She resumed with a smart fresh win last preparation before starting a well supported $3 chance second-up when pulling up with an issue.
Produced a sharp overall time in this latest trial and appeared to be back in excellent order. Moved cleanly through the line and looked to have plenty in reserve throughout.
Saloon Passage – Chris Waller (Sam Clipperton)
Rosehill H12 – 900m | May 11
Second preparation gelding who produced a pair of quietly impressive trials this campaign.
Ridden conservatively in both appearances, he showed a lovely action and worked through the line strongly on each occasion. Looks to have come back well and gives the impression there’s improvement to come once he gets to race conditions.
Liaison – Michael Freedman (Tommy Berry)
Randwick H12 – 737m | May 15
Well-bred filly who made a professional impression in her first public appearance.
Settled nicely, travelled comfortably throughout and handled the occasion like an experienced horse. The Freedman stable has an excellent record with two-year-olds and she looks likely to trial again before heading to the races.
Klocke – Chris Waller (James McDonald)
Rosehill H8 – 900m | May 22
Very sharp second trial from the two-year-old son of Zoustar.
He sat under a tight hold in his first hit-out this preparation before being allowed to extend more freely here, where he showed a lovely turn of foot over the concluding stages. Looks the type who will appreciate firmer ground and there was plenty to like about the way he attacked the line.
Ertijaaj – Chris Waller (James McDonald)
Rosehill H1 – 1030m | May 22
Tick-over trial following a first-up victory over 1500m at Caulfield.
Extremely well-bred mare out of a Golden Slipper-winning dam and she appears to have returned in terrific order this preparation. Moved fluently throughout the trial and profiles as a mare capable of working her way through the grades over the coming months.
