Dean Watling has taken a look back at key trials across NSW in the last week. Get your pens poised and blackbook ready.
| Venue | Date | Heat | Horse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick Farm | Oct 17 | H3 | Long Legs |
| Warwick Farm | Oct 17 | H12 | Jarrito |
| Wagga | Oct 18 | H1 | Judith’s Revenge |
| Randwick | Oct 20 | H3 | Shangri La Impact |
| Randwick | Oct 20 | H5 | Plaintiff |
| Randwick | Oct 20 | H3 | Viva Mauricio |
Long Legs — Gary Portelli (Tommy Berry)
Warwick Farm H3 1200m – Oct 17
I was reluctant to trust the first trial, but once again Long Legs has backed up her smart initial effort with an even more impressive second trial. The overall time was sharp compared to others on the day, especially considering she’s still a maiden galloper.
Jarrito — Bjorn Baker (Jason Collett)
Warwick Farm H12 798m – Oct 17
Started $5.50 on debut running third behind Penpel. After 20 weeks off, he looks to have come back much stronger physically judging by his trials. Loved his last 100m when pulling away. Expect a second trial before he heads back to the races.
Judith’s Revenge — Tim Donnelly (Mathew Cahill)
Wagga H1 1000m – Oct 18
Kept under double wraps in his first Wagga trial before being allowed to do a touch more in his second, and boy, did he impress. Still hard held but put into the trial late and looked ready to explode — ready to race now.
Shangri La Impact — Waterhouse & Bott (Tim Clark)
Randwick H3 1050m – Oct 20
Outstanding first trial back this prep for the 4yo mare. She matched motors and looked stronger through the line than Scorched Lane and Celtic Sin — both high BM and Group-level horses. Expect another trial before racing, but I’m convinced she’s come back 1–2L better.
Plaintiff — Peter Snowden (Tommy Berry)
Randwick H5 1050m – Oct 20
Out of G1 mare Prompt Response and a $2.2m purchase. Sharp first trial around some proper horses, then given a solid hit-out in her second when shown the whip. Loved her response when she picked up the bridle, smashed the line, and backed it up on the clock. She looks very smart.
Viva Mauricio — Chris Waller (James McDonald)
Randwick H11 742m – Oct 20
Second dam produced Lady Of Camelot, Queen Of The Ball, and Platinum Jubilee. Likely gelded into this prep after failing on debut when starting $21 and being spelled for 26 weeks. Looked sharp late in this 742m trial and ready for another hit-out soon.
