TRIAL WATCH - Randwick January 27

Chris Scholtz reviews the Randwick trials on January 27.

RANDWICK January 27

*Link to replays and results at bottom of page

Another trial session that featured some big names in two 1000m heats on the course proper for Group and Listed class horses. All other heats were run on the inside grass.

Both tracks were rated a Soft 6. The markers were out well past the centre of the track for the two course proper heats which saw many horses coursing high on the home turn camber from the 500m.

HEAT 1: This heat featured notables OMEI SWORD, I AM ZELADY, PEARLS and the interesting SAVVY NATURE, an ATC Derby placegetter in 2014 and unraced since he had one start in Hong Kong in 2015.

The good mare I AM ZELADY, back from the Gold Coast and with the advantage of race fitness, sprinted home fast from last under a soft ride to beat promising filly ZENALICIOUS, who trialled well within herself. The winner is obviously in good form and will be well placed in coming mares races.

SAVVY NATURE was given a typical Waterhouse/Bott trial to go out and lead. He was put under pressure over the last 200m and given that this was his first trial in 21 months his effort to hold third was more than satisfactory.

Class filly OMEI SWORD was also satisfactory in her second trial, covering up in midfield and holding her ground under no pressure to finish sixth just ahead of her stablemate FOXPLAY who was given a similar trial. OMEI SWORD has had the conditioning and might jump out of the ground first-up.

The pair that impressed were SMART AMELIA and PEARLS and they bear watching when produced. They were held down by their riders and looked to have a lot more to offer going through the line than others around them. I was taken by the appearance of PEARLS and she could be set for a very good campaign.

FOLLOW: I AM ZELADY, SMART AMELIA, PEARLS

HEAT 2: The speed was on from the start resulting in a faster time than the first heat thanks to the pace set by the winner HEART TESTA. He was sharp and broke the field into two divisions from the 500m with only the 3YO placegetters SPRIGHT and DEFCON staying in touch with him.

The winner was high balling over the last 400m and is ready to produce a big run fresh. Likewise SPRIGHT, who chased and took ground off the winner, has had the conditioning to make a strong return in her right company.

Behind them HARTNELL was the focus of attention and his baldy face was easy to pick up settling well back early. It was obvious from the 400m that he was not going to figure in the finish but he stood out late when he picked up strongly and ran through the line, doing his best work past the post. It was all you could expect from this top class wfa star at this stage of his prep.

Another top shelf import AROD was ridden quietly out the back and no notice should be taken of his official last placing. Like Hartnell he was only asked to pick up in the last 50m and was then ridden out for 200m past the post in a strong conditioning hitout. Suspect Chris Waller would have been pleased with what he saw.

The eye catcher among the others was the talented mare DIXIE BLOSSOMS. Her strong sprint from the rear over the last 200m to finish fourth was hard to miss. Lovely prep for a race against her own sex.

It was hard to get a line on COMIN' THROUGH as he had a conditioner similar to his previous trial at Rosehill. We know he has the class, just not sure what to expect from him first-up.

FOLLOW: HEART TESTA, SPRIGHT, HARTNELL, DIXIE BLOSSOMS, AROD

BLACKBOOKERS FROM OTHER HEATS

HEAT 4: GLENALL was untested to finish second. He won his only start last year and should add to that when he returns. MISSILE CODA came from the back half for an eye catching third. He’s also unbeaten and has plenty to offer.

HEAT 5: STATIC LIFT was the one to impress here. Strong second under no pressure. NO DOUBT was good late.

HEAT 9: Winner HISTORY REPEATS sprinted a fast last 200m but the one to note was OUT OF WEDLOCK running a soft fourth under an easy ride.

HEAT 10: MA TANTE was one of the wins of the day. Sat four and five wide under a hold and did it easily to head them off and find the line with plenty in reserve.

HEAT 11: MISS ELLY MAY was another smart winner, doing it easily from the front.

HEAT 12: Fastest 740m heat of the day won by the talented RAPHAEL'S CAT, who responded well when challenged. ZELADY'S NIGHT OUT was the one working nicely behind the placegetters.

HEAT 13: DAYSEE DOOM has won five from seven and more is in store after a very sharp win, running fast time and doing it well within herself. By comparison WESTON is a two start maiden but that should change quickly. His impressive fourth showed he has the talent.

2YO HEATS

There were seven 2YO heats with two run over 1050m and the remaining five late in the session over 740m when the inside section of the track was cut up.

The two 1050m heats were pedestrian affairs with most runners under pressure. Nothing stood out but follow the progress of the Godolphin colt ANIMALIA. He’s by Animal Kingdom and did enough late in his trial to indicate some potential.

The class 740m heat among the 2YOs saw the Breeders Plate winner KHAN edged out on the line by his unraced stablemate GUNNISON. Both trialled well within themselves but Khan was under less pressure hitting the line and certainly looks to have come up well for what lies ahead.

GUNNISON is by Not A Single Doubt and is owned in the same interests as Khan, Capitalist, Pariah etc. This was his third trial and they obviously have another smart one ready to debut. Third placegetter GOLDEN SPEAR is also worth noting as he closed off strongly to make up several lengths on the first pair.

MEMENTO: Found the line nicely late.

WOMAN: Strong second from the Frankel filly with all the hype.

EXCELLENT DESIGN: Strong heat win after covering a lot of ground.

FUNOON: Ran home in good style behind stablemate Excellent Design.

SNITCH: Came from well off the pace to win. Put under a ride but liked the way he responded.

TEN CARAT: Another who did his best work late after a quiet time early.

FRENCH TUNE: Tracked wide but responded to win in the fastest time of the 2YO heats.