Cranbourne – Monday November 17
Huge morning of jump-outs at Cranbourne with 23 heats. This is the changeover period where a lot of quality spring horses head to the spelling paddock, creating opportunities. Summertime is a terrific opportunity to bet off trials and jump-outs as tracks are generally firm and fitness isn’t as big an issue as it can be in winter/spring on softer tracks.
Assume Berkshire Breeze has been freshened-up to target something in the next week or two. He went around in heat 22 and moved very well, if you like him on form when next at the sports, he seems to have done well between runs.
Heat 6 – Morning Whisper (1st)
Lovely jump-out from this daughter of Written Tycoon. She showed good speed early, travelled sweetly in the run and held her rivals at bay under her own steam. This was her first jump-out, so she may need another, but looks a nice, professional 2yo for the Maher stable.
Heat 9 – Small Town Hero (1st)
This bloke has had a year on the sidelines, and had 76 weeks between his first lot of trials and second – so clearly isn’t a straightforward horse. However, he has talent. He bounced to the front here and ran time under his own steam, his second strong jump-out for the campaign. He has shown an ability to perform fresh in the past and I suspect he can run a big race upon resumption.
Heat 10 – Pacific Chill (1st)
This filly showed some ability prior to her debut back in July, but not sure she was overly comfortable on heavy going. This was a lovely bit of work from the daughter of North Pacific, showing good early speed to lead and cruising away from her rivals under double wraps from Jordy Childs. She looks a professional filly. May need another jump-out as it was her first of the campaign, but can quickly knock off her maiden.
Heat 16 – Hughes (2nd)
Love how this bloke is trialling ahead of his summer campaign. He didn’t wear blinkers in his first jump-out on November 3 but worked to the line strongly. The shades were back on here and he showed a terrific turn of foot late to charge into second in what was a slick heat. He has a terrific first up/dry track record and suspect he can build on that upon resumption to racing.
Heat 17 – Habenaria (3rd)
This Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained mare looks a coming Maiden winner, for sure. She hit the line under double wraps when second in her 800m jump-out on October 27. She led them up here in a solid 1000m hit-out before being allowed to coast to the post in third. She could have easily won the heat if Neindorf desired. Think she has come back well and doubt it will be long before she breaks her duck.
