The Trial Files: Wangaratta Review

Matt Welsh has cast his eye over trials from Wangaratta last week and identified a number of horses that can be followed with confidence.

Trial Review – Weekly Blackbook

Worth noting that a lot of these horses are heading to moderate maidens and lower-grade races. They need to be taken in the context that this was a fairly moderate set of trials. Blackbooking them says: they are going well for the level of talent they have.

Heat	Horse	Result
1	Tyndrum Gold	2nd
5	Springer Time	2nd
7	Bella Katelyn	3rd
12	Black Adam	1st
13	Keith	3rd
16	Eternal Darkness	1st

Heat 1 – Tyndrum Gold (2nd)

Second trial this prep and both efforts have been good. Cruised under a strong hold when a narrow third at Kerang (Aug 26), then backed it up with another solid piece of work here. Well-travelled galloper (UK, Sydney, now Queensland → Victoria) who looks to have settled nicely. One to follow into the right maiden.

Heat 5 – Springer Time (2nd)

This 4yo went nicely in a reasonably slick heat. Sat on the leader’s back before being held up most of the straight, then showed a neat turn-of-foot once clear without much urging from Jack Hill. First trial this prep — another hit-out likely, but looks ready to break through in maiden grade.

Heat 7 – Bella Katelyn (3rd)

Winner was Armagh (solidly tested, ran time, debuts Ballarat Friday), but Bella Katelyn was the eye-catcher in third. She cruised to the line, echoing the good trials she produced last campaign. Likely to need one more before debut, but a maiden looks well within reach.

Heat 12 – Black Adam (1st)

Speedy type who wore shades, so he was always going to look sharp — but this was a genuinely good bit of work. Expect him to head to a BM58 over 1000m on a dry deck where he’ll prove hard to run down.

Heat 13 – Keith (3rd)

Strong heat. Keith settled handy, tracking noted trial performer Direct, and wasn’t asked for any effort as the first two over the line were pushed out more. He goes well fresh and looks a likely player in a moderate BM58 first-up.

Heat 16 – Eternal Darkness (1st)

Handy galloper by I Am Immortal who went around in a smart Bendigo Golden Mile Day race last prep but knocked up at the 1100m. After a 21-week spell he returned in style here, showing good strength and improvement. Looks set for a solid campaign.