Rotorua Trial Review: NZ Trial Watcher’s Horses To Follow

Heat 2 – MDN 3YO – Catchweight – 800m (50.22)

1^st – 3y f BLONDCHEN trained by Walker & Bergerson

2^nd – 3y f NAKI AFFAIRS trained by B King

3^rd – 3y f SOLENYA trained by Richardson & Norvall

Summary: “NAKI AFFAIRS impressed with her ability to circle the small field off a slow tempo in just her first career trial, respect the way BLONDCHEN responded when the filly came around him and showed a willingness to fight in a good sign. Smooth-moving colt SHELLSHOCK by Shocking in 4th, one of the Wexford pair who improved in his 2nd trial and is going the right way towards a debut.”

Horse To Follow: 3y f BLONDCHEN & NAKI AFFAIRS

Heat 4 – MDN 3YO – Catchweight – 800m (49.82)

1^st – 3y g WATCH TOWER trained by R Manning

2^nd – 3y c JUDY’S SMARTIES trained by O’Sullivan & Scott

3^rd – 3y f OBJECT OF DESIRE trained by Walker & Bergerson

Summary: “Smart trial from JUDY’S SMARTIES a Sword Of State colt, started firm in betting against She’s No Saint at Ellerslie and no match, his action is improved switching left-handed and travelled sweetly under a hold in a fast heat, finishing 2nd under Craig Grylls. Won’t be a maiden long and needs to be followed back to the races.”

Horse To Follow: 3y c JUDY’S SMARTIES

Heat 5 – MDN 3YO – Catchweight – 800m (50.93)

1^st – 3y f ZALITE trained by O’Sullivan & Scott

2^nd – 3y f FLOW STATE trained by G & D Rogerson & C Isdale

3^rd – 3y g OCEAN PATCH trained by S Crawford

Summary: “Wexford pair bookended the trial, both caught the eye, ZALITE swept around the field and appreciated the heavy track conditions to score, back at the tail was the Ace High filly LE FLEUR a half to stablemate Ever Charm and looks a promising type with a good action, never off the bridle at the back of the field. Pay to follow.”

Horses To Follow: 3y f ZALITE & 3y f LE FLEUR

Heat 11 – MDN 4YO&UP – Catchweight – 800m (51.60)

1^st – 4y g CENTAURIAL trained by Walker & Bergerson

2^nd – 4y g STAMOS trained by A Oliviera

3^rd – 4y g TYRUS trained by D Guy

Summary: “Five-start maiden CENTAURIAL has been competitive in every race he’s contested and unlucky not to break through with his negative racing style, one of the better trials of the morning the 4YO can strike early in the campaign and pay to follow with the right set-up.”

Horse To Follow: 4y g CENTAURIAL

Heat 13 – OPEN – Catchweight – 1000m (1.06.74)

1^st – 4y g ROTTEN TOMMY trained by A Burton

2^nd – 5y g ROCTAVE trained by S Marsh

3^rd – 5y g LEGALLY BINDING trained by Walker & Bergerson

Summary: “Speedster ROTTEN TOMMY was left alone to win the trial, back in the field ROCTAVE was finding the line well for a stayer at 1000m and the progressive mare THUMBELINA was not out to chase time as she sat out the back and was put to sleep, never off the bridle. The shadow roll was an important gear change last campaign seeing her finish with back-to-back wins before the break. A lightly tried mare with more to come and our horse to follow.”

Horses To Follow: 4y m THUMBELINA

Heat 22 – MDN 4YO&UP – Catchweight – 1000m (1.05.28)

1^st – 4y g NAVY DREAMS trained by S Marsh

2^nd – 4y m OUR LADY JADE trained by R Fleming

3^rd – 4y m DIAMOND BELLA trained by G Opie

Summary: “New addition to the Marsh stable is NAVY DREAMS, arguably the best maiden in the country and bred to handle the wet condition he ploughed through the choppy track late in the day to score easily, he’s open to further improvement under new management and a win is almost assured when he returns.”

Horse To Follow: 4y g NAVY DREAMS