Charlene’s Angel impresses once again

Craig Rail has once again been taken by the performance of Charlene Gusman’s Sweet Lou gelding as she readies him for the races.

Rail marked Hes Charlies Angel as a Blackbook entry for the second time in as many weeks after his impressive trial effort at Tabcorp Park Melton.

The form analyst found six other horses to follow, which can be found in his extensive report and by scrolling to the bottom of the page for the updated Blackbook.

SHEPPARTON 29/07/21

Trial 1: – WESTERN SONADOR prepared for his effort in the Our Maestro Free For All at Melton on Saturday night with an effortless trial victory. He pushed forward to find the lead at the 1700m and set up a reasonable tempo. PUNTARNO STRIDE settled three back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 300m mark and finished strongly for a game second. He will make his debut for trainer Russell Jack at Melton on Saturday night and he performed well enough in the trial to suggest he will be competitive. PERFECT STRIDE showed brilliant gate speed to lead, took a trail and used the sprint lane. He held his own in fast final sectionals and finished in third position. CASTLE RETREAT settled down in last position, moved away from the inside on the turn but couldn’t make ground in slick time. SCORCHA settled four back on the markers, pulled hard and was last of the five runners to cross the line but he was the most loosely assessed horse competing in the trial on the National Ratings scale.

Mile Rate: – 1.58.2          Last Half: – 56.8               Margins: – 3m, Neck

Trial 2: – TALK TIME (Captaintreacherous – Mollys Ideal) settled three back on the inside, moved away from the markers with 500m remaining and was able to win without being fully extended. ZERO IN began quickly to lead, took a trail at the 1800m mark and used the sprint lane. He finished off well and like the winner, he appeared to have something left in reserve. BOTANY BAY WARRIOR (Somebeachsomewhere – Indigenous 1.59.1, $112,245) settled four back on the markers and worked home nicely via the sprint lane in the final stages to finish in third position. ALFRESCO (Western Terror – Cold Outside 2.0.6, $6,013) was in sixth position early, moved up without cover from the 700m and was in the one out and one back trail from the 500m. He finished fourth ahead of AWAYOVERNIGHT, which pushed forward to find the lead early and battled away at the finish. AWAYOVERNIGHT is backing up at Kilmore on Sunday. SANDYS IDEAL (American Ideal – Whenua) settled five back on the markers and beat home WAVE OF DEFIANCE, which was last on the markers for the duration.

Mile Rate: – 2.3.4            Last Half: – 59.3               Margins: – Neck, 1m

Trial 3: – HES A HAMMER (Andover Hall – She’s An Image 1.57.4, $233,824) is a 2yo trotter that is showing a lot of potential. He was able to lead throughout and comfortably held off SUPER SERVICE, which was going to run a good race before breaking stride at Bendigo on Wednesday night. He settled three back on the markers in the trial and moved up without cover at the 550m. CRESCO MOJITO trailed the leader and finished last of the three runners.

Mile Rate: – 2.5.9            Last Half: – 61.0               Margins: – 3m, 20m

BLACKBOOKER: – Hes A Hammer

Trial 4: – IDEAL PACE (Heston Blue Chip – Bevstuandmarylu 1.58.0, $41,643) raced roughly at the start but still did enough to lead from the pole position. He ran along at a reasonable tempo and was able to lead comfortably. LADY OF THE ARTS (Art Major – Lady Lunchalot 1.57.2, $82,175) trailed the leader and moved to the outside at the 300m before finishing off quite well. She was well clear of the third placed ROLLING REMONA, which settled three back on the markers. ROLLING REMONA is backing up at Shepparton on Tuesday night. PRECIOUS CARGO (American Ideal – Pastels) settled four back on the inside and finished in fourth position ahead of MAC SHADOW (Shadow Play – Elle Macarty), which followed her throughout. IDEAL COPY (American Ideal – Only A Copy 1.56.7, $11,030) was without cover early then gained a one out and one back trail and beat home LIEUTENANT JACK (8^th markers, 1-2) and LIKAVEEEIGHT was the last horse across the line after parking in the death seat throughout.

Mile Rate: – 2.2.8            Last Half: – 58.9               Margins: – 3m, 12m

Trial 5: – THEROCKGOD began quickly to race without cover, worked to the lead at the 1800m and ran along at a genuine tempo. He scored easily and must be given a winning chance despite an awkward draw at Shepparton on Tuesday. WELL WELL was three back on the markers and moved to the outside with 800m remaining. He tried hard in the straight but couldn’t match THEROCKGOD over the final stages. He competes in the same race as THEROCKGOD at Shepparton on Tuesday. FOURSTAR FLYER led out then took a trail at the 1800m and finished in third position. JACKSBOY was last to begin, moved up without cover at the bell and eventually manoeuvred into the one out and one back trail. He finished in fourth position ahead of the trotter CLASSY SPIRIT, which was five back on the markers and ran home well through the middle late. ROLLING ALONG was six back on the markers, moved into the running lane at the 800m (1-2) and finished in sixth position. MISSKONTIKI was the last horse to finish after being fourth on the markers in the early stages.

Mile Rate: – 1.59.7          Last Half: – 58.1               Margins: – 8m, 2m

Trial 6: – DINNERWITHLARA (Majestic Son – Fiftyshadesofbrown 2.2.3, $69,211) is a juvenile trotter and was able to defeat the open class mare ALDEBARAN CRESCENT. The mile rate was extremely slow and ALDEBARAN CRESCENT commenced from a handicap but it was still a very good performance. ALDEBARAN CRESCENT was given a look behind the tapes leading up to her effort in the Lightfoot Laurels at Melton on Saturday night. PICCALILLI (Majestic Son – Nicky Eileen 2.0.0, $125,549) began well to lead with DINNERWITHLARA trailing but she was quickly under pressure when the latter came to the outside with 700m remaining.

Mile Rate: – 2.21.0          Last Half: – 62.5               Margins: – Neck, Dist

Trial 7: – NIGHT SCHOOL settled five back on the markers, left the inside at the 1300m, quickly gathered momentum and found the front with 1200m remaining. He was able to dash home his last 800m in 57.8 seconds and won by a large margin at the end. BAD INFLUENCE led out then took a trail mid-race. He didn’t go with NIGHT SCHOOL over the final stages but he wasn’t fully extended. BAD INFLUENCE is returning from a break at Shepparton on Tuesday night. GOODLOOKIN ROOSTER was four then five back on the markers and finished quickly for third with the trotter POWDERKEG (7 back markers) being the fourth cross the line. OUT OF CHARACTER ended up being four back on the markers and in finished fifth with BLAST AWAY being the last one to complete the course after being in third position but breaking stride at the 300m mark.

Mile Rate: – 2.5.2            Last Half: – 57.8               Margins: – 18m, 10m

MILDURA 01/08/21

Trial 1: – HILLBILLY TIME began very quickly to find the lead shortly after the start. He ran along at an even tempo and was able to win nicely. He backed up at Mildura on Thursday night and failed to beat a runner to the line after enduring a tough run. MAMMA KASS was able to get away safely and found the back of the leader on the first corner. She held her ground in the straight and finished in second position with MASTER LALA being third after settling in fourth position before finishing strongly via an inside run. ACES ARE COUNTED was three back on the inside and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 1100m then peeled out three horses wide at the 400m. He was only the only horse in the trial that didn’t race on Thursday night, all of the others finished unplaced. PUMPT was the last horse to finish after racing without cover throughout.

Mile Rate: – 2.2.3            Last Half: – 59.8               Margins: – 6m, 4m

Trial 2: – TACT TORY was three horses in the early stages and moved up without cover. He appeared to be very strong at the finish and recorded a handy mile rate of 1.59.6 in defeating WARATAH BEACH, which attempted to lead throughout. WOODY NIGHTSHADE was very slow to begin and settled down in last position. He moved into the running lane at the 500m mark (1-2) and worked into third. The first three to finish all backed up at Mildura on Thursday night but unfortunately all missed a place. MAGIC MACH finished fourth after being in the one out and one back trail and REALITY PLAYER (Badlands Hanover – Reality Check 2.0.1, $22,460) was the last one home after trailing the leader for the majority of the journey.

Mile Rate: – 1.59.6          Last Half: – 59.3               Margins: – 6m, 5m

MARYBOROUGH 01/08/21

Trial 1: – CAPTAIN PINS was three back on the markers, moved to the outside with 500m remaining and was untroubled in scoring. He appeared to be jogging across the line and is worth following. He is due to make his Australian debut at Maryborough on Monday. The open class trotter SUNDONS COURAGE showed very good gate speed to lead, ran along at a rapid rate and finished a game second. MAJOR BANKS was in third position after being four back on the markers for the majority of the trip. He is backing up at Maryborough on Monday. HARPOCRATES trailed the leader throughout and finished in fourth position with REAL DASH and VALENTINA BRAVE being second last and last respectively. VALENTINA BRAVE did try to make a move from the 1200m but couldn’t progress too far before dropping back to the tail.

Mile Rate: – 1.58.7          Last Half: – 56.3               Margins: – 4m, 20m

BLACKBOOKER: – Captain Pins NZ

Trial 2: – PUZZLE PIECE trailed the leader and used the sprint lane. He was able to accelerate nicely in the dash up the straight and was able to get the prize. MAYWYN ROCKFIELD was three back on the markers and moved into the death seat at the 600m mark. He battled on well for a narrow second and backed up with a third placed effort at Hamilton on Thursday. SPORTSRAMA (Sportswriter – Rocknroll Rama) attempted to lead throughout and finished a close third with LUCY SAWYER being last for the duration.

Mile Rate: – 2.4.4            Last Half: – 58.8               Margins: – Head, Neck

Trial 3: – QUAKE PROOF was last on the markers in the early stages, moved up without cover at the bell and ended up being in the one out and one back trail at the 800m mark. He came out three horses wide on the home turn and finished best to get the prize. COUNTESS CHIRON trailed the leader and battled on well into second position. RIOTERRA settled in fifth position and moved into the one wide lane with 700m remaining (1-2). He came out four horses wide at the home turn and ran home well for third. Both COUNTESS CHIRON and RIOTERRA are competing at the Maryborough meeting on Monday. COCONUT SUNRISE settled three back on the markers and moved into the death seat with 800m remaining. She finished ahead of BULLAPARK BENO, which settled four back on the inside and JORDANS MATE was last across the line after setting the speed. JORDANS MATE scored at her last attempt but that trial effort was below expectations leading into tonight’s assignment at Ballarat.

Mile Rate: – 2.6.2            Last Half: – 62.0               Margins: – 1m, 2m

Trial 4: – BEAU BRONSKI began very fast and found the lead. He ran along at a genuine tempo and established a large lead in the first circuit. He became very leg weary in the final 100m but he had enough to spare and was still able to score by a comfortable margin. ROXY ROYALE trailed the leader throughout and finished in second position. It was a sound effort as a lead up to her performance at Ballarat this evening. KIEDIS was three back on the inside and commenced his run from the home turn. He finished in third position with SPORTSSEAL being last of the four runners for the entire trip.

Mile Rate: – 2.3.3            Last Half: – 61.2               Margins: – 10m, 1m

Trial 5: – WINGATE GUY began quickly to find the lead and backed off the tempo mid-race. He ran swiftly in the back straight on the final occasion and was able to sustain his sprint to win by a narrow margin. INAUGURATE trailed the leader and moved to the outside on the home turn. He was chipping away at the lead margin of WINGATE GUY and finished a close second. He returns from a break at Maryborough on Monday. FINAL BOW settled three back on the markers and remained in third position. MYPARIS dropped back to last, came to the outside at the 600m mark but wanted to hang in badly on the turn out of the back straight on the final occasion. She couldn’t regather momentum and was the last one to complete the course.

Mile Rate: – 2.4.2            Last Half: – 58.0               Margins: – 1m, 4m

Trial 6: – GOLDEN ACE STRIDE (Amore Stride – Ruby Stride) began quickly to find the lead and was able to dominate his rivals. He won by a large margin and defeated JUST STELLA MAGIC, which was in the trail from the start. JUST STELLA MAGIC is racing against a strong field at Ballarat tonight. CONSTANT broke stride 50m after the start and was always detached from the group.

Mile Rate: – 2.9.1            Last Half: – 64.5               Margins: – 50m, 150m

Trial 7: – CHISSY stepped away well from the standing start and trailed the leader. He came to the outside on the home turn and was able to hit the front quickly in the straight. He went to the line with something in reserve to win well. HASHTAG commenced off a large handicap but was able to tack onto the group quickly. She never peeled off the back of CHISSY and went to the line with something left in the locker. FOX FORCE FIVE attempted to lead throughout and was run down from the home turn.

Mile Rate: – 2.6.7            Last Half: – 59.7               Margins: – 2m, Head

KYABRAM 01/08/21

Trial 1: – ALIZA HILL (Racing Hill – Abstract Lady 1.57.4, $27,170) is a juvenile filly by first season sire Racing Hill, a son of Roll With Joe, which amassed $1,793,688 in a stellar racing career, out of the handy race mare Abstract Lady. She was able to defeat the Michael Watt prepared trotters IRENE ROSE and ROSHAMBO.

Mile Rate: – 2.15.5          Last Half: – 64.0               Margins: – Nose, 5m

CRANBOURNE 01/08/21

Trial 1: – SAHARA STORM began very quickly to lead, enjoyed a nice run in the middle stages and sprinted brilliantly over the latter stages. He was extremely impressive over the latter stages and won by a large margin. DANCE TO THE STARS trailed the leader throughout and finished in second position. MALIBU JACK dropped back to last in the early stages, gained a one out and one back trail at the 800m and came out three horses wide from the home turn. He finished off quite well for third. ETON ROCK (Pet Rock – Modern Ville 1.57.3, $26,413) settled four back on the markers and moved into the death seat at the 800m. He didn’t do a bad job considering he is an unraced juvenile pacer and was taking on proven winners. IF THE MOOD SUITS settled three back on the markers and beat home CROMPTON BAY, which broke stride 50m after the start and broke stride again at the 800m mark.

Mile Rate: – Not Given                 Last Half: – Not Given     Margins: – Not Given

BLACKBOOKER: – Sahara Storm

BENDIGO 01/08/21

Trial 1: – HILLSIDE (Quaker Jet – My Serene Queen $13,035) settled three back on the markers and moved to the outside with 400m remaining. He sprinted sharply in the run to the finish to score impressively. IVAR (Majestic Son – Im Demimondaine 2.3.2, $54,571) finished second after setting the speed. He is due to make his debut at Ballarat this evening. HE IS ROYALTY (Royalty For Life – Miss Adelade 2.0.0, $113,838) trailed the leader throughout and finished in third position with ADJURE (Majestic Son – Castleton Command 2.7.3, $9,600) being in fourth spot throughout. BROTHER JOSEPH (Father Patrick – Wicked Schemes 2.2.8, $8,765) broke stride in the score up and missed the start by approximately 60m.

Mile Rate: – 2.8.3            Last Half: – 60.8               Margins: – 5m, 14m

Trial 2: – KHEIRON was last of the five runners in the first circuit and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 700m mark. He came out three horses wide with 300m remaining and drew away to take the prize by a large margin. MY HIGH PEAK settled in fourth position and moved up without cover from the half mile marker. He battled on well for second with LEOTARDANDLACE finishing in third after settling three back on the markers. JAY BEE FLEX was without cover early before moving in behind the leader. She was inconvenienced on the home turn and used the sprint lane over the latter stages. COMANDANTE peaked on his run from the home turn after trying to lead throughout.

Mil Rate: – 2.4.7              Last Half: – 60.2               Margins: – 10m, 4m

Trial 3: – SHECANDOIT was four back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail and came out three horses wide on the home turn. She finished off best to defeat NEVS DREAM, which settled three back on the markers and came to the outside with 300m remaining. He hit the lead on the home turn and was run down late, finishing second. AS SHE SAYS (Well Said – Arts Bliss 2.0.1, $81,275) attempted to lead throughout and finished in third position with TOOBY GOLD being finishing last off the four runners after trailing the leader throughout.

Mile Rate: – 2.1.8            Last Half: – 60.6               Margins: – 1.5m, 15m

Trial 4: – SHAQ trailed the leader throughout and moved away from the markers on the home turn. He finished off best to win in fast time with the early leader FOUR STAR SAINT finishing a game second. SHAQ is backing up at Kilmore on Sunday. CULLENS LEGEND settled three back on the inside and finished in third position with COLBY ART being fourth after breaking stride momentarily at the start and settling four back on the markers. COLBY ART will be at longer odds when she competes at Ballarat tonight. CANYOUSEEWHATISEE settled five back on the markers, moved away from the inside at the 600m and finished off at the tail of the field.

Mile Rate: – 1.57.6          Last Half: – 57.4               Margins: – Neck, 17m

TABCORP PARK, MELTON 03/08/21

Trial 1: – REVELSTOKE (Quaker Jet – Miss Manitoba) dropped back to the tail of the field then was checked and galloped on the first bend, losing 25m. He did a great job to recover and finished off strongly to get the prize. AMANDINE (Village Mystic – Mybrotherwasastar) settled three back on the markers, moved away from the inside on the home turn and loomed up to win in the straight but couldn’t repel the challenge of REVELSTOKE over the concluding stages. COURMAYEUR (Village Mystic – Onestar Lb ITA) trailed the leader and finished third. LA PERRIERE (Used To Me – I’m Ready Set 1.56.6, $69,031) began quickly to lead but shied at an object when going around the first bend and broke stride momentarily. He caused a chain reaction through the field but maintained the lead and set up a slow tempo. ROBBINMEMATES (Love You – Whitney Grace 2.5.6, $44,155) was inconvenienced on the first turn, lost 15m and settled in fourth position. He was the last one to cross the line.

Mile Rate: – 2.14.5          Last Half: – 61.14             Margins: – Nose, 6m

Trial 2: – EMERALD STRIDE settled three back on the inside, obtained an inside run with 300m remaining and was able to work through and score. It was a good hit-out for her effort in the Lightfoot Laurels at Melton on Saturday night. COVER OF DARKNESS was slow to move, settled in fourth position and moved up without cover at the 400m mark. He was forced wide by the galloping HOLZARTE VEDAQUIAIS on the home turn but he finished off strongly. HOLZARTE VEDAQUAIS galloped away but put in an outstanding performance. He stepped away well from the standing start, found the lead and produced a slick third quarter of 28.4 seconds. He broke stride at the 300m and recovered nicely in the straight to power into third. SOVEREIGN MINX trailed the leader throughout and finished last of the four runners.

Mile Rate: – 2.5.0            Last Half: – 58.29             Margins: – Head, 3.5m

Trial 3: – AMOUR FRATERNELLE raced without early and pushed forward to find the lead at the 1800m mark. She was able cling on over the final stages and got the prize over her former stable mate IM DADDY WARBUCKS, which took the trail behind her after jumping to the lead shortly after the start. REGAL ASSASSIN settled three back on the inside and beat home RUM AN ROYAL, which was last of the four runners throughout.

Mile Rate: – 2.8.1            Last Half: – 59.28             Margins: – ½ Head, 20.5m

Trial 4: – IRON LOVE (Love You – Top of the Anvils) gained a one out and one back trail and came out three horses wide on the home turn when he scored over EGRET (Father Patrick – Moyabamba 1.59.3, $83,242), which was without cover early, gained a trail behind the leader and came to the outside on the home turn. ILLAWONG LARAJAY was three then four back on the markers and finished in third position ahead on SUNDAYS SHADOW, which set the speed. MOUNT ATHOS (Majestic Son – El Scorcho 2.2.6, $14,255) was last on the markers and finished in fifth position, pushing ahead of KINGS GUARD (Love You – My Valerie 1.54.8, $132,655), which was three horses wide into the breeze before hitting the front at the 300m and galloping shortly afterwards. BACARDI BABE (Bacardi Lindy – Princess Marauder 2.8.8, $8,650) trailed the leader, was shuffled to three back on the markers and started yielding ground from the 600m mark.

Mile Rate: – 2.4.0            Last Half: – 60.50             Margins: – 1.5m, 10.5m

Trial 5: – HOLI STARZZZ began quickly to lead and set up a slow tempo before dashing home in a slick final 400m of 27.95 seconds to win over DRAIN THE SWAMP, which was four back on the markers before moving into the death seat at the 600m and finishing nicely. TELL ME THIS (Mach Three – Sheza Monkee) trailed the leader and finished in third position. BETTER ECLIPSE was five back on the markers, used the sprint lane and finished off strongly to finish and eye-catching fourth. RENDEZVOUS settled three back on the markers and finished in fifth with MISTER FINNIGAN (6 back markers, 1-1 at the 500m) being last of the six runners to cross the line.

Mile Rate: – 2.4.2            Last Half: – 57.39             Margins: – 2.5m, 7.5m

BLACKBOOKER: – Better Eclipse

Trial 6: – STAR CELEBRITY (Always B Miki – Celebrity Guest 1.55.2, $68,155) was without cover in the early stages, moved to the lead at the 1300m and ran along at a rapid rate. He raced away over the latter stages to post a very impressive victory. POPCORNFRIDAY began quickly to lead, took a trail and tried hard in fast time to finish a creditable second. CHEDALAYO settled three back on the markers and finished in third position. THE CID (Always B Miki – The Waratah 1.57.9, $40,861) settled four back on the inside, moved into the death seat at the 600m and battled on quite well into fourth position. RAINBOWSEND (American Ideal – Starlitestarbright 2.0.0, $4,200) settled five back on the inside and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m mark. He finished fifth ahead of RIO ROCK (Pet Rock – Bellasario 1.55.5, $71,704) (6 back markers) and GOODTIME CRACKER was last for the duration.

Mile Rate: – 1.57.1          Last Half: – 56.32             Margins: – 14m, 5m

Trial 7: – OUT TO PLAY settled last of the four runners, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 400m and came out three horses wide on the home turn. He finished off in fast final sectionals and got the prize. MAKE WAY put in an eye-catching performance to fill second position. He trailed the leader, moved to the outside in the straight and ran home well at the end. ROMAN AVIATOR was three back on the markers and finished third with the early leader CRUZ dropping back to the tail of the field after being headed on the home turn.

Mile Rate: – 1.59.5          Last Half: – 56.36             Margins: – 2m, 2.5m

Trial 8: – LANAI (Captaintreacherous – Just Stopandstare 1.58.0, $24,858) was without cover, pushed forward to lead at the 1200m, took a trail and peeled to the outside mid-way down the home straight. He finished off strongly to get the prize. JAWSOFLINCOLN gained a one out and one back trail, before working forward to find the lead at the 1100m. He gave a great sight but was run down late. HES CHARLIES ANGEL (Sweet Lou – Shes  Norma Jeane 1.58.8, $34,267) settled six back on the inside and gave the leaders a big start. He finished brilliantly out wide on the track for a big third. He has been performing well at the trials and is worth following. LEAVE YOUR HAT ON (Rock N Roll Heaven – Frisky Risky Rita 1.58.3, $35,243) settled five back on the markers and finished fourth. SUNSTAR (Sunshine Beach – Sterita 1.55.9, $145,241) dropped back to the tail of the field and was giving the leaders a big start. She finished in fifth position with SPUN SILVER (Follow The Stars – Tourbillon Dargent) being in sixth after gaining a nice trail. NIKITA led out, took a trail and began yielding ground from the 600m. She failed to complete the course.

Mile Rate: – 1.57.4          Last Half: – 58.29             Margins: – 3m, 1.5m

BLACKBOOKER: – Hes Charlies Angel

Trial 9: – HAVE NO FEAR began quickly to find the lead and was able to hold off his rivals to win by a narrow margin. LADY IN THE SKY tailed the leader, moved to the outside on the home turn and finished strongly to miss out by just a head on the line. THE GOLDEN LION settled three back on the inside and finished in third position. CENTRAL OTAGO settled four back on the inside and moved to the outside from the 300m mark. He finished fourth with MAJESTIC DREAM being fifth after dropping back to the tail of the field from the start.

Mile Rate: – 2.2.9            Last Half: – 59.29             Margins: – Head, 14m

Trial 10: – SOHO DOW JONES is a handy juvenile pacer, which moved up without cover from sixth at the 700m and was able to outstay his rivals in the run to the judge. MYTIME (Art Major – Jasper Jo 1.56.3, $92,596) was four back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m and ran home well along the inner over the latter stages. GIGLIO (Auckland Reactor – Opaque 1.56.5, $42,513) trailed the leader, moved around to find the lead at the 1800m and was gunned down over the latter stages, finishing a distant third. FLORENCEOFKINTAIL (Somebeachsomewhere -Ezee Duzit Lombo 1.57.5, $70,816) was five back on the markers and made ground via the sprint lane late to pick up fourth position. CARRING BUSH settled three back on the inside and finished fifth ahead of PRELIMINARY, which led out then took a trail, with SAMMYS OUR GIRL being the last one home after breaking stride at the start.

Mile Rate: – 2.3.7            Last Half: – 58.32             Margins: – 2.5m, 20.5m

Trial 11: – CAPTAIN GRAYWOOD was without cover early, found the lead at the 1800m and was headed in the straight but kicked back to get the prize. He returns from a break at Maryborough on Monday. DARING ANGEL settled in sixth position, moved to the outside at the 700m and tried to sustain a long run. She just peaked over the latter stages and finished in second position. IMASOCIALBUTTERFLY trailed the leader early then was shuffled to three back on the markers before coming to the outside with 300m remaining. She worked home well for third and that run will give her some confidence leading into her performance at Maryborough on Monday. DEAD SET MUSCLE came out well to find the lead, took a trail at the 1800m and finished in fourth position. WINGS ON HER FEET settled four back on the inside and finished in fifth with ALDEBARAN HUEY (5 back on the markers) being last of the six runners to complete the course.

Mile Rate: – 2.7.8            Final Half: – 61.28           Margins: – Head, 4m

Trial 12: – BAARLINEE settled four back on the inside and moved into the death seat at the 600m. She was able to sustain the run and scored over GEE CEE CALDER, which looked for the lead but broke stride 100m after the start before ending up being three back on the markers and finishing nicely late. FLING IT RAINBOW pushed forward to lead and enjoyed a good run but broke stride with 200m remaining. He was probably going to win the trial before he made that error. ALLANON broke at the start and lost 30m then settled five back on the inside and moved into the one out and one back trail at the 600m. He finished ahead of FLOATING MOUNTAIN, which trailed the leader and broke stride with 500m remaining.

Mile Rate: – 2.6.6            Final Half: – 65.82           Margins: – 2.5m, 3.5m

Trial 13: – MY BETTOR LADY began quickly to find the lead and backed off the tempo mid-race before blasting home her final 800m in 56.23 seconds. She was able to fend off a very game WELLSAIDLUCY, which settled three back on the markers and motored to the line. TACT TAMA was four back on the markers and moved up without cover at the 600m. He finished a close third with MACH LE MORE coming from fifth to pick up fourth position. WATCH LIST settled down in sixth position and beat home SMITHSTARS LEXUS, which settled down in last spot and the trotter MAGICOOL finished at the tail of the field after trailing the leader throughout.

Mile Rate: – 2.0.9            Final Half: – 56.23           Margins: – 2m, Head

Trial 14: – HES IDEAL was without cover early before pushing forward to find the lead at the 1800m. He ran along at a genuine tempo and ran away from his rivals to score with ease. It was a very good effort in view of his performance at Maryborough on Monday, where he appears to be extremely hard to beat. OUR MASTER GEORGE began quickly to lead, took a trail and tried hard but couldn’t match the winner. ALIENS EXIST put in a huge performance to finish in third position. She was six back on the markers early, worked into the one out and one back trail at the 400m and finished fast. SWAYZEE settled just in front of ALIENS EXIST and moved into the death seat at the quarter pole. He battled on well in fast time for fourth. LONGNWINDINGROAD was three then four back on the markers and finished in fifth position ahead of TRITTRITTBANGBANG, which was last for the majority of trip. TRITTRITTBANGBANG is drawn on the pole position at Melton on Saturday night and he races best when he is close to the speed. MAJOR HALL trailed the leader then was three back on the markers before yielding ground over the concluding stages.

Mile Rate: – 1.57.8          Final Half: – 57.11           Margins: – 14m, Nose

BLACKBOOKERS: – Hes Ideal & Aliens Exist

Trial 15: – OUR BELLA LUCIA was six back on the markers, moved into the one out and one back trail and came out three horses wide at the 300m. She finished off best to get the prize over FOREGONE CONCLUSION, which was five back on the markers and moved into the death seat at the 700m. JITTABUG ARDEN was three back on the markers, used the sprint lane and ran home well for a nice third. STYLISH IN BLACK attempted to lead throughout and shifted out under pressure but battled on for a close up fourth. ORANDA PRINCE (Union Guy – Ah Dinnae Ken) was without cover early before shifting in behind the leader at the first corner. He finished fifth in front of FEISTY PHOEBE, which settled four back on the inside. FEISTY PHOEBE is backing up at Kilmore on Sunday and AJAYS RACER was the last one home after pulling hard in seventh position throughout.

Mile Rate: – 2.5.4            Final Half: – 58.84           Margins: – 1.5m, 3m

By Craig Rail for HRV