3 minute read
Chris Scholtz reviews barrier trials at Randwick on December 11 and Hawkesbury on December 12.
HAWKESBURY December 12
Course Proper; Good 4
17 Heats – 6 x1000m (3 Open; 3 Maiden); 11 x 800m (2 2YO; 3 Open; 6 Maiden)
A small team from the Godolphin stable recorded impressive wins.
SHAKEN (James Cummings): Promising I Am Invincible filly looks to have trained on in great style since her impressive winter starts. She has now won two trials since resuming and is ready to go to the races after dominating her 800m heat from the front. Cruised under no pressure and could have gone quicker (46.13; (32.51).
The beautifully bred Shaken put in a nice piece of work at Hawkesbury this morning!
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 11, 2023
She is by I Am Invincible out of Earthquake. pic.twitter.com/XWebbCFsJg
STYDD (James Cummings): This unraced Ribchester mare is now unbeaten in three trials but it seems the stable is having issues getting her to the races as they have been well spaced over the last 10 months. Certain winner if she holds it together as she had no trouble coasting to an easy 800m heat win (46.59; 32.65).
VA VIA (James Cummings): No intent to put this talented mare under pressure in her second trial since September but she looked the part finishing fifth under a soft ride in her 1000m heat (58.42; 34.52). Rose quickly with three wins on the bounce in Melbourne during the winter and has the ability to go on with it.
XIDAKI (Peter & Paul Snowden): This Zoustar 3YO was a standout among the maiden heat winners, and not just because he wears the silks made famous by Gunsynd. Placed at his only start at Wyong in September, he added to his impressive trial record winning his 1000m heat (59.14; 34.05) without coming off the bit. Sure to be placed to advantage by his top stable.
NOTED TRIALS
XX Shaken; Stydd; Va Via; Xidaki
X Capital Asset; Growl; Magnucat; Miss Piera; Santasia; Vegas Raider
RANDWICK December 11
Randwick A Grass; Good 4
14 Heats – 1 x 1200m (Open); 7 x 1050m (2 Open; 1 2YO; 4 Maiden); 6 x 740m (3 Open; 3 2YO)
Plenty to work with out of this session with some sharp wins by promising types.
STRAIGHT CHARGE (Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott): The Breeders Plate runner-up added to his growing boom with another impressive win in his 740m heat, posting the fastest time over the distance (42.74; 32.54), tracking wide and responding well when put under a ride by Tim Clark to sustain a fast sprint over the last 300m. His trial form ensures he is primed to qualify for the Magic Millions Classic when produced. His stablemate TRUNK has finished second to this colt in two recent trials and also has potential.
TIME TO BOOGIE (Michael Freedman): This smart 4YO sprinter is set to build on his good record after two strong trials since he last raced in September. Worked well within himself throughout his 740m heat with plenty in hand through the line (43.80; 33.37). Keen to follow the form out of this heat as the effort of the unraced LAVISH EMPIRE closing off nicely for second also impressed.
Waterhouse and Bott also won another 2YO heat over 740m with the unraced Zoustar filly DOMINETTA in good time (43.41; 33.25), improving on her placing in her first trial. She's a compact runner with good speed and responded well after covering ground.
Their promising 3YO maiden KITTY CHAT, placed in a strong maiden that has produced a G1 winner, put in another impressive trial effort to win her 1050m heat under a kind ride (63.19; 34.30) while the the fastest 1050m heat was won by the Snowden-trained SOVEREIGN FUND (62.34; 34.01). where his stablemate RINGDEMBELLS made a better impression finishing off under a hold for second.
The 740m open heats also featured promising wins by the Wellington Boot winner EVERLONG (43.55; 33.29), a filly now in the Waterhouse/Bott stable, and the David Pfieffer-trained CALL ME GORGEOUS (43.38; 33.31).
NOTED TRIALS
XX Time To Boogie; Straight Charge
X Assemble; Ballet D'Esprit; Brilliant Fire; Call Me Gorgeous; Capital Heart; Dimitrov; Dominetta; Everlong; First Feeling; Gelatin; Kitty Chate; Lavish Empire; Miss Chenery; Ringdembells; Trunk
