NSW Trial Watch: Dean Watling’s horses to follow – March 18

Each week Dean Watling reviews the key barrier trials across New South Wales to identify horses that punters should have firmly in their blackbook. These runners have either trialled strongly ahead of their next preparation or shown enough ability to suggest they can improve sharply once they reach the races.

This week’s review covers trials from Scone (March 11) and Randwick (March 16).

Scone Trials – March 11

Starverna – Lou Mary (Reece Jones)
Scone H9 – 736m

Nominated to run in the MM Showcase Maiden at Scone. Back-to-back electric trials showing a sharp turn of foot. Displayed tactical speed in the latest and has run solid time in both.

Randwick Trials – March 16

Graffiti Tycoon – O’Shea & Charlton (Zac Lloyd)
Randwick H7 – 1050m

I’ve liked this 3yo gelding since his debut trial back in November. After 15 weeks off he has looked as good, if not better, in his two trials this prep. Won his first trial before closing off impressively in his second here. Ready for the races.

Dragon Scroll – Clayton Douglas (Rachel King)
Randwick H8 – 740m

Star-studded trial featuring Lady Of Camelot, Spirit Of Wealth, Jokers Grin and others. This galloper has had just one career start, beaten 4L when starting $3.60. Based in Melbourne and now sent to Sydney. Matched motors with these well and looks an intriguing horse.

Jokers Grin – Chris Waller (James McDonald)
Randwick H8 – 740m

First trial of the preparation for this new addition to the Waller stable. He arrives with an already impressive CV but did train off late last campaign. Looked sharp, fresh and full of running here.

Anuzou – John Thompson (Regan Bayliss)
Randwick H12 – 740m

Three-year-old gelding who sat back in a small field with a tearaway leader before balancing up and hitting the line with intent. Looked fresh and like a horse who has come on leaps and bounds since his debut prep where he ran fifth beaten 1.73L to Nitro. Expect another trial before he resumes.