3 minute read

Chris Scholtz reviews the the Rosehill and Warwick Farm trials on August 20 and August 24.

ROSEHILL AUGUST 20

FIVE TO FOLLOW

TRAPEZE ARTIST (Gerald Ryan): REDZEL, with blinkers back on, dominated the only heat over 1000m on the course proper but the strong second trial from this triple G1 winner was just what Gerald Ryan would have been looking for as he builds towards The Everest. While Redzel was doing his thing clear of the pack Tye Angland was giving Trapeze Artist – notably trialling without blinkers - the easiest of times coasting home in fourth place. Watch for that gear to be applied!

ENGLISH (Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott): Yet another Everest contender who was equally as good in the Redzel heat, cruising behind the pace under a big hold and never asked for an effort by her rider James McDonald. She went over the line in fifth but could easily have finished in the placings if asked for a serious effort. This was her first trial since her Doomben Ten Thousand win in May and the intention is to give her a second trial before she resumes.

Plenty of interest in the opening trial with three runners in #TheEverest taking part - Redzel, Trapeze Artist and English - plus plenty of other spring players. pic.twitter.com/KszHkcjDZA

— Racing NSWAugust 20, 2018

COMIN' THROUGH (Chris Waller): His enigmatic stablemate TOM MELBOURNE captured the attention with his aggressive trial over 1030m after he was sent out to lead and kept running to record a strong win. Behind him Comin’ Through, having his second trial since his Doomben Cup win in May after a hitout at the Gold Coast, lobbed into second place and merely jogged along to finish a soft second without being asked to chase his stablemate. Excellent fresh record points to him being ready to perform when he resumes.

PIERATA (Greg Hickman): The Missile Stakes winner showed he has made further progress with a classy trial win over 895m that keeps him ticking over as he heads to his next start in the Tramway at Randwick. Showed that trademark turn of foot to sprint quickly past the leader at the 350m and was breezing under an easy James McDonald ride in the run to the line in quick time.

MORE SUNDAYS (Hayes/Dabernig): Wow! This brilliantly bred 3YO by Fastnet Rock from More Joyous made his first Sydney appearance after his debut win at Geelong in early August and stamped his class on his 895m heat when he surged past his rivals from the back half, running the fastest time (54.02) of the eight heats over the distance and equal to Pierata’s last 600m in a sharp 34.2. Won by almost two lengths under a hold and could have gone quicker – he’s good!

NOTED TRIALS: Redzel; Pure Elation; Who Shot Thebarman; Brimham Rocks; Abdon; Nakeeta Jane; Chabreet; Madam Rouge; Press Box; Mansa Musa; Miss Einstein; So Taken; Aperitif; Wagner; Exoplanet.

WARWICK FARM AUGUST 24

FIVE TO FOLLOW

NAVAL WARFARE (Chris Waller): Promising stayer looks to be building nicely for his spring campaign after two solid trials. This second hitout over 1200m saw him settle last before he worked across heels at the 200m and surged in the last 100m to make up three lengths quickly, finishing a close third and in front past the post. He’s obviously in good order.

BALL OF MUSCLE (Joe Pride): Nothing unusual for him to be a trial star and he was on song in his 802m heat, speeding clear after 200m and cruising home more than three lengths clear of his chasers. This was his second trial after an easier time when third here on August 10 and being fitter the intent was to give him a solid hitout to ensure he is ready to go first-up. Hard to beat in any short course sprint.

GOLDFINCH (Steve Englebrecht): This was the head turner of the morning. A four-time winner over 1000m, she cleared out to score by almost six lengths in the fastest time (46.98/last 600m 33.4) of all the 802m/798m heats. Not seen since May but looks more mature as a 4YO. Ready for a good prep.

DISSOLUTE (James Cummings): Godolphin would be happy with the first trial by this honest 5YO since May as he caught the eye warming to his task nicely in the last 200m to finish an easy fifth in his 802m heat, working well within himself. His overall record is very consistent and he should build on it this season.

ON THE TOP (Mark Newnham): Your Song colt has had five trials but only one race start last season. This was his second trial since May and he looks ready to return to the races after this sharp heat win over 798m in slick time. Liked the way he let down with a quick sprint over last 200m after sitting three and four wide under restraint in a small field.

NOTED TRIALS: Perfect Pitch; Nacho Libre; Fundamentalist; Super Ex; Highway; Invictus Salute; Nobody’s Puppet; Prophet’s Thumb; Infinite Dreams; Sonja; Soir De Lune; Tough Larry.