The Trial Files: Victorian blackbook

Matt Welsh has looked back at key sets of jump-outs held across Victoria last week. Don’t miss this extensive list of blackbookers!

All replays can be viewed at Racing.com. 

Here’s a summary, more detail below.

Cranbourne jump-outs, Monday December 1

Heat 2 – Mystic Reign (2^nd)

Metallic Ruler won this heat and went nicely, but he did begin very awkwardly, which is concerning.

Loved the work of Mystic Reign. She was handy enough to the speed throughout and went to the line under a huge hold from Jordan Childs, running a narrow second. She could have won the heat comfortably. She didn’t come up in one run over the winter months, but she was unbeaten in her first campaign, and I suspect that’s the form she’s going to bring to the races.

Heat 4 – Sideline (3^rd)

Another horse from the all-conquering Grahame Begg stable. Sideline was under double wraps the entire trial, going to the line with plenty in hand. First jump-out for the campaign, so may need another, but has come back nicely and he looks a handy talent.

Heat 6 – Guest House (1^st)

Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr had a couple of nice 2YOs trial on the morning, including He’s Regal in heat five. But, was most taken with the work of Guest House – this son of Home Affairs travelled sweetly out deeper on the track, winning the heat comfortably. His work past the post was super. He looks to have a nice bit of size to him and will take plenty of beating wherever he heads on debut.

Heat 8 – Excels (1^st)

This filly had a bit of a boom on her prior to debuting at The Valley where she was caught deep and never got into the race. Didn’t make it to the track in spring despite trials in late July and August, but with the benefit of time, she looks to have returned very well. Lovely trial win, under her own steam, moving well. May need another as this was a ‘soft’ hit out, but she won’t be a maiden for long.

Heat 11 – Pacific Chill (1^st)

This filly looks to be airborne ahead of her second campaign. She had plenty of excuses when down the track on a heavy deck at Bendigo on debut – so forgive that. Both trials this time in have been outstanding and I think she’s one to follow early in the campaign.

Pakenham jump-outs, Tuesday December 2

Heat 3 – Lim’s Ida (2^nd)

This bloke has done absolutely nothing since returning from Singapore and on racetrack form you couldn’t go near him. But, this was the best bit of work he’s turned in for some time. Granted he had fitness on his side, but it was a solid gallop and he reeled in his rivals with ease over the concluding stages. Concern is he still missed the kick, but he could run a race at big odds next start the sports.

Heat 8 – No Limitation (1^st)

3YO filly who has changed stables from Clayton Douglas to Team Hayes. She’s got blistering early speed but was happy to tag Supervise here before taking over the last 50m. They ran slick time and she looked good taking out the heat. Always shown above-average ability and she could do some real damage on firmer summer tracks. Regal Secret also went nicely back in third.

Mornington  jump-outs, Wednesday December 3

Heat 5 – Rewards And More (2^nd)

Talented sprinter who moved nicely out deep on the track, running second without being clicked along at all. Second nice jump-out this time in, so ready to get back to the races now. I’d imagine he can find a suitable BM70 or BM74 over 1000m to kick off the campaign and the way he looks to have come back there will be more wins in store.

Heat 9 – Bold Suitor (1^st)

Gelding who had two starts at his only campaign and ran well in each. He has jumped-out nicely twice this preparation, the latest an all-the-way win under his own steam in good time for the morning. Should quickly shake his maiden tag this time in.

Heat 11 – Truly Icconic (1^st)

This bloke couldn’t get out of his own way in a Mornington jump-out five weeks ago but he’s turned himself around in that time. Brilliant jump-out, showing good speed and running nice time with lots more to give.