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Trial Watch Review : 11th August - 13th August 2021

by Chris Scholtz , 2 years ago

3 minute read

Chris Scholtz reviews Sydney and provincial barrier trial at Kembla Grange (August 11) and Rosehill (August 13).

MASKED CRUSADER
MASKED CRUSADER Picture: Bradley Photos

ROSEHILL August 13

Course Proper/Inside Grass; Good 4

17 Heats – Course Proper 2 x 1000m (Group/Listed) 2 x 900m (Group/Listed); Inside Grass – 4 x 1030m (1 Open; 3 Maiden) 9 x 892m (4 Open; 5 Maiden)

Did these trials feature the horse that could be rated our best sprinter by the end of the spring?

I stated after MASKED CRUSADER finished a luckless second behind NATURE STRIP in the TJ Smith in April that he could be Australia's best sprinter this season. His performance at these trials added fuel to the fire as his dominant win in a 900m heat on the course proper was an awesome display of his class and power.

He was the standout in the four black type heats run on the course proper but stablemate WRITTEN BEAUTY reaffirmed that she is also heading for a big spring with amother impressive win on the Inside Grass.

Small fields made up the majority of these trials with just three, four or five runners in each heat – is it not possible to combine heats to make them more competitive? I'm sure participants in these COVID times would appreciate a reduced time span over a drawn out three hour session?

MASKED CRUSADER (Hawkes Racing): He had only four rivals in his 900m black type heat but it was the manner of his arrogant win that will leave a lasting impression. Due to the COVID restrictions Courtney Van Der Werf was entrusted with the ride and she made sure the big 5YO was given plenty of air by allowing him to settle three deep at the rear and well clear of those on his inside. He was still a couple of lengths off the fast leader VILLAMI coming to the 200m before surging past with Van Der Werf sitting as cold as a rock, going on to win hard held by two lengths (56.13; 34.73). HOME AFFAIRS recorded a faster time in the other 900m heat (55.84; 35.20) but the real story is in Masked Crusader's quicker closing sectionals.

WRITTEN BEAUTY (Hawkes Racing): Not sure just how good this mare will turn out to be but it's a safe bet she will be making a big statement during the spring. She had been given a month since her super win in a heavy track trial at Rosehill on July 16 and this hit out confirmed that she is right on her game for her return to racing. She was in control from the jump against only two rivals (why??) but it was a pleasure to watch her cruise to a 4.6 lengths win under Courtney Van Der Werf, posting the fastest time in the nine 892m heats (54.30; 34.33). 

Chris Waller-trained stayers won the two 1000m black type trials on the course proper. The import DASHING WILLOUGHBY got the better of MONTEFILIA on the line in the first heat (63.38; 36.44) and Queensland Derby winner KUKERACHA led for a soft win over LOVE TAP in the second heat (63.79; 36.39).

Waller also won the first 900m heat with the Silver Slipper Stakes winner HOME AFFAIRS (55.84; 35.20) from ON THE LEAD and HILAL. The classy MOUNT POPA finished last of the five runners in his second trial since resuming.

Waller also has a good addition to his spring team in the classy Kiwi mare ATISHU. The multiple black type winner improved on her first trial for the stable with a strong to win in her 1030m heat on Inside Grass (63.82; 35.64).

Several black type performers contested a strong 892m heat on the inside grass with GLENEAGLES recording a sharp win (54.90; 34.97) over the imposing individual YULONG TURBO, another recent pick up for Waller who is ready to go after three trials. Class act MASTER OF WINE was given an easy time out the back before working through the line strongly for third.

A number of promising maiden performers took the eye in their heats. DALCHINI, FIRE and GOVERNOR won't be maidens for much longer. Best on the clock were the Hawkes stablemates FIRE (54.38; 34.34) and GOVERNOR (54.41; 34.31) in their 892m heat wins.

NOTED TRIALS

XXX Masked Crusader

XX Written Beauty

X Atishu; Dalchini; Fire; Gleneagles; Governor; Hilal; Home Affairs; Jenga; Kukeracha; Yulong Turbo

 

KEMBLA GRANGE August 11

NOTED TRIALS

X Arbitration; Gymnastics; I Am Brazen; Kallos; Salute To The Sun; Speech; Think It Over; Vox Pop 


Racing and Sports

tags

Gallops Trials Chris Waller Masked Crusader Rosehill Kembla Grange Hawkes Racing

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