The latest set of trials from Ellerslie on Tuesday, March 10 produced a handful of smart performances worth noting, with several lightly raced and unraced types catching the eye.
NZ Trial Watcher has run the rule over the key heats from the session, identifying the runners that looked to have plenty in hand and could be worth following into upcoming race starts.
Heat 1 – 2YO – Catchweight – 800m (45.34)
1st: 2y f FATAL AFFAIR (S Marsh)
2nd: 2y c WALKIN IN MEMPHIS (A Forsman)
3rd: 2y f WITHALLMYWISH (J Mahoney)
Early running type by Home Affairs for a form stable. A $180,000 yearling, she was having her first trial and took the gap when presented in the straight for an easy win. One to follow.
Horse To Follow: 2y f FATAL AFFAIR
Heat 3 – 2YO – Catchweight – 800m (46.19)
1st: 2y f MISS PERNA (Walker & Bergerson)
2nd: 2y f DRESSEDFOR SUCCESS (Ritchie & Murray)
3rd: 2y f ROSSELLA (J Mahoney)
Big trial from the Shocking filly MY LADY IN WAITING, who finished fifth for trainer Cody Cole. She jogged in behind the speed with nowhere to go, then came off heels past the post and was full of running. Looks a forward type on breeding.
Horse To Follow: 2y f MY LADY IN WAITING
Heat 10 – MDN – Catchweight – 800m (46.16)
1st: 3y g HELL ISLAND (C Wood)
2nd: 3y c ARMAGH (Walker & Tata)
3rd: 3y f APOTHEOSIS (Ramsay & Ritchie)
ARMAGH returns to the Kennedy stable after a brief two-start stint in Australia with Lindsay Park, where he was unable to break maiden ranks. He looks a forward-going colt and should be able to find a suitable race off the back of this strong trial performance.
Horse To Follow: 3y c ARMAGH
Heat 13 – OPEN – Catchweight – 1100m (1:06.52)
1st: 5y m ORTEM LEGACY (C & S Fahy)
2nd: 4y m SHE’S UNTOUCHABLE (S Marsh)
3rd: 6y m GRACE’S GIFT (D Sweeney)
Slow trial, but SHE’S UNTOUCHABLE looked enormous here after racing below her best last preparation. She travelled sweetly throughout under Tegan Newman in second place with her head on her chest the whole way. A mare who showed stakes-grade ability earlier in her career, she is worth following as she works towards a return to the races.
Horse To Follow: 4y m SHE’S UNTOUCHABLE
