RACE TALK – Trial Watch Specials – 10th April

A small set on the polytrack with James Cummings winning the three short course heats over 740m,

Few runners were put under full pressure in any of the heats but the trial won by BALKANS (44.12; 33.61) was full of classy Group performers including OZZMOSIS, RED CARD, MARS MISSION and PARISAL. Only 1.55 lengths covered the six runners at the finish of the heat with none coming off the bit at any stage. MARS MISSION worked through the line with enthusiasm with RED CARD held down under a soft ride after covering more ground than the others.

PISANELLO (44.37; 33.81) worked easily to win her heat but stablemates STANISLAUS and CONTEMPORARY also had an easy time. The 2YO heat winner VOILE (44.61; (33.52) always had something in reserve where the efforts of runner-up DARK ARTS and stablemate FREEEZING took the eye.

Some top Sydney stables sent some of their better youngsters up the highway for tick over trials ahead of the Randwick carnival.

PISCES (James Cummings): Liked the way he worked home for third in a strong 2YO heat over 800m (47.86; 33.42) won by the unraced local youngster PRIVATE HARRY. It was the fastest heat over the distance with this Frosted gelding having plenty in reserve finishing an easy third in his first outing since he was placed at Randwick behind the classy pair Straight Charge and Erno’s Cube.

ZOE’S PROMISE (Kris Lees): Classy G2 winner is working up to a likely a likely Brisbane carnival campaign. Did it easily in her first trial since January to lead the fastest 1000m heat by a big margin and coast home untouched (60.05; 33.61). Impressive work that augers well for her to run well fresh.

A strong set that is certain to be the source of some good winners in coming weeks.

EMBASSY (Peter & Paul Snowden): Stood out in the 2YO heats with a classy win in the fastest 794m heat (46.51; 33.95), going through his gears effortlessly with plenty in reserve at the finish. Took on high class fields in his first two starts and only a matter of time for him to record his first win – could be a star at the Brisbane carnival.

SOUTHPORT TYCOON (Ciaron Maher): Australian Guineas winner had an easy time in his first Sydney trial, working home under a big hold for a soft second in his 1200m heat (72.86; 34.91). The Guineas form is outstanding and this trial underlined that he’ll be a real threat in the Doncaster.

The fastest 797m heat was won by the racy VEGAS RAIDER (46.35; 33.73). The Godolphin team won three 2YO trials with some nice types – Exosphere filly NIGHT SKY looked sharp sprinting quickly off a fast pace in her 794m heat (46.68; 33.64) while NOVARA (797m – 47.30; 34.04) and OBSCURE (794m – 47.57; 34.10) did all that was required to win their heats.

QUEEN OF THE MILE (Michael Freedman): This talented 3YO filly by Written Tycoon has won three races and should be adding to that record in her coming prep after a classy return in her first trial since November. Shared the lead before slipping them on the turn under the coldest of rides from Tom Sherry. She was under no pressure to extend her margin at the finish more than four lengths in fast time (43.10; 32.72).

The speedster PASSEGGIATA made a winning return in the fastest 740m heat (43.00; 32.86), showing her usual pace to burn them off and get home narrowly from the fast finishing KIBOU.

KAZOU (Chris Waller): Super win by this talented Zoustar mare in her first trial since November. Cleared out from the start under no pressure to open a big lead and coast home by almost nine lengths in the fastest heat over 900m (53.73; 34.25), being the only winner to go under 54 seconds. Seems a formality for her to add to her record of four wins from only eight starts.

Group One star OVERPASS won a strong 900m heat in good time (54.34; 34.17) in a trial that will bring him nicely in fitness. With first use of the track in the first heat he made his own pace. The maiden heat winner AUTUMN GLOW (900m – 54.88; 35.16) did enough to warrant attention