Blackbook summary:
| Heat | Horse | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Zarastro | Expect him to trial well, but this was elite. |
| 5 | High Praise | Talented horse who moved well. Come back in good order. |
| 6 | Ottolenghi | Yet to race. Will make her presence felt when she does. |
| 12 | Paramount Plus | Hit the line very well. Won’t be a maiden for long. |
| 13 | Kiwi Raider | Second good trial of the campaign. Ready to debut. |
Heat 2 – Zarastro (1st)
Target -Group 1 sprints
Great to see Premiership-winning jockey Angela Jones in Melbourne! Obviously a quality sprinter like Zarastro is going to trial well, but this was an elite piece of work. He sat up on speed and put paid to his rivals in the straight, running blistering time and looking good doing so. As he usually does, Chorton Lane worked to the line solidly.
Heat 5 – High Praise (4th)
Target – 1400m BM64
Always had a lot of time for this Greg Eurell-trained gelding and he looks to have come back in super order ahead of spring. He finished fourth, but did so with plenty left in the tank, importantly moving well under Damian Lane. Think this bloke can quickly work his way through the grades at middle-distance trips.
Heat 6 – Ottolenghi (2nd)
Thought both Ottlenghi and Titahi Bay went well. Ottolenghi is a 3yo daughter of So You Think that is yet to make her debut, but watch out when she does! She cruised to the post running second in her first outing for the campaign. She may need another hit-out before heading to the races but keep an eye out for her name in coming weeks.
Heat 12 – Paramount Plus (2nd)
Greg Eurell took a number of nice horses to the jump-outs and Paramount Plus was one of those. He got a fair way back in this heat but made up significant late ground without being placed under any pressure. He showed some ability in two runs last campaign and I don’t think he will remain a maiden for long the way he moved. As this was his first jump-out for the campaign he may have another before heading to the sports.
Heat 13 – Kiwi Raider (1st)
Elite trial! This daughter of Per Incanto has turned in two nice performances this preparation. She settled midfield in this heat but quickly put her rivals to the sword as Ethan Brown presented her at the 300m mark. Suspect she will quickly get her maiden out of the way before eyeing off bigger targets.
