3 minute read
Chris Scholtz reviews recent barrier trials at Gosford (March 18) and Randwick (March 22).
RANDWICK March 22
Randwick A Grass; Soft 6
15 Heats – 1 x 1200m (Open); 8 x 1050m (4 Open; 1 2YO; 3 Maiden); 6 x 740m ( 1 Open; 3 2YO; 1 3YO; 1 Maiden)
Another fast running 2YO from the Waterhouse/Bott team and a nice return by a promising filly took the eye.
DIVA LAS VEGAS (Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott): We haven't seen many youngsters by Bellevue Hill but this filly sure knows how to run. Showed terrific natural speed to lead her debut trial with ease by five lengths, skating along under a tight hold before she was throttled down by Adam Hyeronimus to win the 740m heat by a 2.5 lengths in sharp time (43.52; 32.92).
QUEEN OF THE MILE (Michael Freedman): This talented 3YO filly by Writtern 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. Nice trials behind them from JOJO WAS A MAN and BIOGRAPHER.
Randwick Guineas winner CELESTIAL LEGEND showed his class to win his 1200m heat (73.18; 35.25). He was boxed up in midfield before surging to the line when he got some clear air over the last 100m for a narrow win in a trial designed to keep him up to the mark for the Doncaster.
Celestial Legend produces a late burst to win a 1200m trial at Randwick on Friday. Under @KPMcEvoy, the @TheStarSydney Doncaster favourite is given a solid hitout to run down Golden Passport and Devon County. @tabcomau @BonHo93524033 pic.twitter.com/hvYtfIG6qX
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) March 21, 2024
The fastest 1050m heat was won by the previously noted maiden PHYSICAL GRAFFITI (62.81; 34.26), a 3YO gelding by Russian Revolution who has had a long time off since with four trials since he was placed in the Breeders Plate in his only start in 2022.
NOTED TRIALS
XX Diva Las Vegas; Queen Of The Mile
X Balmoral; Biographer; Blue Moves; Celestial Legend; Cigar Flick; Evelyn May; Flying Destiny; Ikasara; Kibou; More Territories; Passeggiata; Physical Graffiti; Rantan; Rainbow Goddess; Watch My Girl
GOSFORD March 19
Course Proper; Soft 6
16 Heats – 2 x 1200m (2 Open); 7 x 1000m (3 Open; 3 Maiden; 1 2YO); 7 x 800m (2 Open; 3 2YO; 2 Maiden)
An unraced pair are ready to debut after adding to their impressive trial records.
POCKET EIGHTS (Greg McFarlane): This unraced 3YO by Impending has been a consistent trial performer winner, having won four of his five trials since his first last August. Did it easily to win this 800m heat in fast time for the session (48.97; 36.40), setting the pace and coasting home for a soft win by more than two lengths. Ready to race well in the right maiden.
REIGING CAPTAIN (Kris Lees): Suspect there have been some issues getting this 4YO by Capitalist to the races as he had four trials over the last 12 months for two wins and two placings. No doubt the ability is there as he displayed again here winning his 1000m heat in good time (62.13; 37.77). Liked the way he absorbed pressure from another runner challenging him for the lead, travelled strongly and easily held his rivals to run through the line with something in reserve.
NOTED TRIALS
XX Pocket Eights; Reigning Captain
X Kosuke; Linguee; Noble Empress; Salisano; Shall Be; Sneaky Sofia; The Great Houdini
