3 minute read

Chris Scholtz reviews barrier trials at Gosford (December 18); Kembla Grange (December 19) and Canterbury (December 20).

CANTERBURY December 20

Heavy 8; Course Proper/Rail out 10 Metres

16 Heats – Heats 1-2 1100m) (2 Open); Heats 3-11 900m (3 Open; 6 2YO); Heats 12-16 896m (2 F &M Open; 1 3YO Open; 2 Maiden)

KAEPERNICK (John O’Shea): First outing since his second at Flemington on November 8 and it was typical of his racing style that he settled at the rear before peeling to the outside on straightening where he quickly built momentum to sweep past his rivals with his trademark turn of foot in the quickest of the 900m heats (54.61; 34.47). They pick and choose his races but there is certain to be a suitable summer sprint for him in coming weeks.

IGNITING (Ciaron Maher/David Eustace): The Victorian team have another smart youngster in this robust colt by Starspangledbanner. Led on the inside of a line of three and responded well when put under some pressure to break three lengths clear at the 200m. From there he coasted and went through the line in great style with Glyn Schofield holding him down. Time wasn’t great (55.78; 35.66) but there is a presence about him.

MANDELA (Peter & Paul Snowden): Good type by Sebring has come on well from his first trial when second at Hawkesbury on December 7. Tracked four and five wide from the jump but always traveling well within himself and put in really good work over the last 200m to forge clear and win by three lengths. Promising.

FALLGOLD (James Cummings): First trial since a maiden win in September by this Exceed And Excel filly and looks set to go on with it after recording strong heat win over 896m. She led at her own pace with Tim Clark keeping a strong hold on her throughout as she comfortably held her rivals to the line without being asked for a maximum effort.

BOTTI (Chris Waller): Eye catching first trial for new stable by this very interesting former Kiwi 3YO who has won two of his five starts in NZ and Victoria. Came out slow in his 896m heat, settling last five lengths off the pack and ridden with no urgency until turning for home where he got into his work and made up a lot of ground late for an impressive second. Follow with interest.

NOTED TRIALS: Sexy Eyes; Chilcotin; Pipeline; Special Missile; Kaepernick; Badajoz; Flow; Sanctioned; Roman Wolf; Industrial; Igniting; Mandela; Jahbath; Libertini; La Parva; Bring The Magic; Fallgold; Rockaway Princess; Botti; Coolgardie; I Am Zain; Altair.

KEMBLA GRANGE December 19

Good 4; Inside Grass

3 Heats – 800m (1 2YO; 2 Open)

NOTED TRIALS: Star Eagle; Doctor Zeus; Your Witness; Elenara; Loved One; Professor Marvel.

GOSFORD December 18

Good 4; Course Proper

17 Heats – Heat 1 1200m (Open); Heats 2-5 1000m (2 Open; 2 Maiden); Heats 6-17 800m (5 Maiden; 3 Open; 4 2YO)

One class runner stood out with the Kris Lees-trained TACTICAL ADVANTAGE putting in a stylish effort to win his 800m heat in his first outing for six weeks, coasting four lengths back behind three rivals before rounding them under up under no urging. He cruised away for a soft win with plenty in hand and is ready to add to his excellent record wherever Kris Lees takes him.

Lees as usual sent out a big team and won four heats with the Brazen Beau 2YO filly ICONIC STAR making an impression in her first trial appearance.

NOTED TRIALS: Singing; Jackknife; Elgin; Front Sight; Iconic Star; Miss Fox; Luff; Intimidating; Itz Lily; Queen Lear; Fearless Mila; Tactical Advantage; Trust Me; Randiki; Invincible Quest.