3 minute read
Chris Scholtz reviews Sydney and provincial barrier trials at Wyong (May 2) and Canterbury (May 5).
CANTERBURY May 5
Course Proper; Soft 6
19 Heats – 6 x 1100m (3 Open; 1 2YO; 2 Maiden); 5 x 900m (2 Open; 3 2YO); 4 x 898m (3 2YO; 1 3YO); 4 x 895m (1 3YO; 3 Maiden)
The big session was dominated by runners from Warwick Farm stables with Bjorn Baker's team winning nine heats, Annabel Neasham picking up four and Matt Smith three.
Godolphin's top shelf 3YOs AFT CABIN and VILANA had prep trials for their Brisbane campaigns. James McDonald gave AFT CABIN an easy time finishing a close fourth in a solid heat over 898m with VILANA trialled well within himself for Zac Lloyd, finishing second in his 900m heat.
"Aft Cabin a nice trial in fourth."
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) May 5, 2023
All eyes on the @godolphin colt in his first hitout since winning the G2 Arrowfield Sprint last month, he cruised just behind the placings - @BBakerRacing's Wingardium from Fourth Spargo and Baroque Road - in a Canterbury trial. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/Odn6JvVKlR
AFRICAN DAISY (Annabel Neasham): This smart 4YO mare by American Pharoah looks in good form to resume after a strong win her open heat over 1100m (71.69; 37.50). She's won three of her 12 starts up to 1500m and the way she surged clear over the last 200m after sitting outside the leader points to more success.
FROSTY ROCKS (Bjorn Baker): Excellent return trial by this talented 6YO, doing it easily to lead and win his 900m heat (58.59; 36.81) in his first outing since he won at Randwick in February of last year. The big greay travelled well within himself to beat the classy VILANA in a strong heat.
Frosty's back! @BBakerRacing's flashy grey Frosty Rocks, in his first appearance for 15 months, holds off smart @godolphin four-year-old Vilana to win a Canterbury trial on Friday with Battleton in third. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/Cf83lF6u8r
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) May 5, 2023
OZZMOSIS (Bjorn Baker): Promising Zoustar colt had not been seen since he won a heat of the early 2YO trials in September. He's an obvious talent as he showed an excellent turn of foot to sweep home from last for a runaway win in his 898m heat after he was restrained at the start from a wide gate. The time wasn't flash (58.44; 37.19) but the track was cutting out and he put a good margin of almost five lengths on them over the last 200m.
QUEEN OF DRAGONS (Peter & Paul Snowden): Strong Pierro filly was second to G1 winner Militarize at Canterbury in February at her second start and should soon pick up her maiden after this impressive 900m heat win (58.89; 37.17). Came off the leaders back in the straight and after balancing up responded with style, impressing with her strong surge through the line under a kind ride.
NOTED TRIALS
XX African Daisy; Frosty Rocks; Ozzmosis; Queen Of Dragons
X Aft Cabin; Chassagne; Claim The Crown; Iowna Merc; Kirikan; Little Baia; Numerian; Oriental Tycoon; Tashi; Up The Country; Vilana; Vintage Choice; Wondereach
Easy work for @kimwaugh6's Nowra Cup winner French Bonnet to win a trial at @WyongRaceClub on Tuesday. The grey held 2-1/2 lengths over Da Nang Star with Super Bright in third. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/eGAoZJLmjd
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) May 1, 2023
WYONG May 2
Course Proper; Soft 5
17 Heats – 2 x 1200m (2 Open); 7 x 1000m (4 Open; 3 Maiden); 8 x x 845m (2 Open; 3 2YO; 2 F & M; 1 Maiden)
NOTED TRIALS
XX Dissox; Blue Goose; Overriding
X Barossa Rosa; French Bonnet; Hell Of A Show; Misty Dreams; Sweet Ruby; Sylvia Belle
