Dean Watling has pinpointed a strong group of trial performers across Warwick Farm, Hawkesbury, Newcastle and Rosehill, with several runners showing sharp improvement and race readiness. Blue Door and Rocket Girl look high-end juveniles, while Lightning Glory and Sheza Diva appear set for big preparations. A number of others are likely one trial away from the races but have already shown enough to warrant blackbook status.
Time To Dance (Bruce Heys, Zac Lloyd)
Warwick Farm H12 789m Mar 20
Eye catching first trial for the preparation by this 3yo gelding. He sat off the speed before angling to the outside fence and letting go through his gears with ease. Made up sharp ground under a tight grip. As always, expect another trial with this camp.
Helen’s Way (Bjorn Baker, Ashley Morgan)
Hawkesbury H5 800m Mar 23
Impressive first Australian trial for this 4yo gelding. He won well on debut in New Zealand 13 weeks ago. Look for a second trial here before he heads to the races. Solid enough time and off the travel he should come on sharply from this hitout.
Tissot Beau (Bjorn Baker, Ashley Morgan)
Hawkesbury H13 800m Mar 23
Outstanding debut trial by this 3yo gelding. Slick overall time, gorgeous action and worked strongly through the line. Looks set for another trial before debuting.
Sheza Diva (M and D Kearney, Rachel King)
Hawkesbury H1 1000m Mar 23
Some trial this. Yes she had a lightweight rider but the overall time and visuals were very strong. After winning her maiden last prep she was thrown into deep waters in the Gloaming, Spring Champion Stakes and VRC Oaks. She looks to have returned in terrific order and will likely trial again before racing.
Lightning Glory (Nathan Doyle, Nick Heywood)
Newcastle H1 1000m Mar 24
Eye catching trial when looking as good, if not better than Mogul Monarch at Wyong. That horse went on to win the Provincial Midway Championships heat at Gosford fresh. This 4yo gelding then went to Newcastle and led throughout under a tight grip to win by 3.84 lengths. He looks to have come back in outstanding order.
Blue Door (Bjorn Baker, Rachel King)
Rosehill H7 900m Mar 24
Ultra impressive debut trial by this 2yo filly. A $400,000 yearling who was first bought by Waterhouse and Bott and Kestrel, now racing in the Strawberry Hill silks. From the family of Rubick and Redoute’s Choice. Extremely fast overall time and the fastest last 600m of the morning, both achieved in visually impressive fashion. Rachel King rode her but she looks a serious talent.
Fondness (Chris Waller, Zac Lloyd)
Rosehill H8 900m Mar 24
Home bred Godolphin filly out of the smart mare Anamato and a half sister to Anamoe and Anamaba. Lovely first trial back this preparation. She sat off a nice leader before making up strong ground late. Her work through the line was particularly impressive. Expect another trial.
Rocket Girl (Chris Waller, James McDonald)
Rosehill H8 900m Mar 24
A proper trial. Resuming off an 18 week break and returned with an exceptional piece of work. She settled at the rear before sweeping through the field and attacking the line strongly. She looks a Group class 2yo. One more trial looks likely before race day.
Blitzgal (Chris Waller, Siena Grima)
Rosehill H10 900m Mar 24
Back to back eye catching trials by this strong and robust 3yo filly. She has a big stride to match her build and once balanced she looks very powerful. A senior rider and a spacious track will suit her well on debut.
