Betsy’s NSW form expert Dean Watling is one of the sharpest trial judges in the country, casting his eye over the Sydney trials each week to identify the runners punters should be following.
With a strong focus on times, sectionals and how horses work through the line, Dean’s weekly trial notes highlight the horses ready to win when they hit the races as well as a few that may have slipped under the radar.
Here are the key runners to follow from the latest Sydney trials.
Blackbookers
Whil To Win | John Thompson (Alysha Collett)
Randwick H9 | 736m | Mar 5
Fastest heat of the morning. Some trial win here by Whil To Win. Always shown a stack of ability and gave glimpses of it last preparation. Back-to-back smart trials again and looks very well placed over 900m on Thursday at Newcastle.
Aryaam | A & S Freedman (Tommy Berry)
Randwick H11 | 736m | Mar 5
Back-to-back professional trials by this very well-bred filly out of the smart mare Supercash. Goes around in Race 1 at Warwick Farm today and looks the type to skip through the wet while settling on speed.
Born To Fly | O’Shea & Charlton (James McDonald)
Randwick H12 | 736m | Mar 5
$750,000 Magic Millions purchase. Slick overall time and he’s built like a speed machine. Has furnished well since his first trial 13 weeks ago. Loved his work late and through the line. He is a top-end two-year-old no doubt.
Flying For Fun | Bryce Heys (Zac Lloyd)
Randwick H5 | 822m | Mar 5
Back-to-back impressive trials by Flying For Fun. She didn’t quite come up last preparation but we know she has talent. Love backing Heys runners fresh off two trials. She looks ready for the races now.
Casserousse | Joseph Pride (Zac Lloyd)
Randwick H6 | 822m | Mar 5
She won impressively first and second up last preparation before pulling up with an issue at her third start when going around as a $1.50 favourite. Looked sharp in this hot heat around the likes of Mazu and Gangsta Granny. Look for a second trial now.
Real Breaker | Bjorn Baker (Rachel King)
Rosehill H4 | 1030m | Mar 10
Second trial for the preparation and another outstanding piece of work. Loved the first trial even more in good company. Looks fully wound up now fitness-wise and ready to head back to the races.
Vatican | Chris Waller (James McDonald)
Rosehill H9 | 900m | Mar 10
$1.2 million colt out of the smart mare Egyptian Ruler. Quiet first trial before taking good improvement between hit-outs. In the second trial he trucked along before closing off impressively back towards the inside rail. Looks ready to debut now.
