Chris Scholtz reviews the Sydney and Newcastle barrier trials on February 11, 14 and 15.

RANDWICK February 11

Group horses took centre stage at the Randwick trials on Monday February 11 with two heats featuring a number of leading contenders for the autumn carnival.

It’s no easy task to run down a brilliant sprinter like Russian Revolution but the classy mare Dixie Blossoms indicated just how well she has come up for the autumn with her strong win in the second heat for Group and Listed horses over 1000m.

While Russian Revolution, an easy winner of his first trial since resuming two weeks ago, was not asked to extend after leading there was a lot to like about the way Dixie Blossoms ran to him when put under some pressure in the last 100m to win the trial by a nose. She was asked to do a bit more than in her first trial two weeks ago when she couldn’t match Russian Revolution’s speed.

Behind them the exciting three-year-old D’Argento ran on for a strong third and the Epsom Handicap winner Happy Clapper was warming up nicely late to finish sixth in his first trial since resuming. Snippets Land trialled well under an easy ride back in the pack.

Dixie Blossoms ran the 1000m in a sharp 59 seconds with her last 600m in 34.6 seconds. Her time was, more than second quicker than the first Group/Listed heat won by the G3 winner Teaspoon, who was ridden out to score in 60.01 (last 600m 35.10).

The eye catcher behind Teaspoon was the classy Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Pariah, who showed his quality to work home for an impressive third. The G1-placed colt settled off the pace and did his best late under a hold to be beaten just over half a length. Also taking the eye was the top class filly Luvaluva who put in another strong finish for fourth, similar to her first trial two weeks ago.

In the 2YO heats there was ample merit in the wins by Neutrality, Tchaikovsky, Terminology, Rosina Kojonup and Wagner – all are above average and can make their mark over the autumn.

Watch horses from the Randwick trials on February 11:-

PIERATA: The Magic Million Guineas winner worked to the line under no pressure for an impressive second in his 1200m heat. It was maintenance work to prepare him for the Hobartville Stakes/.Randwick Guineas.

STONEBROOK: Unextended second in his 1045m trial in quick time.

SWISS: Found the line nicely with plenty to offer. Maiden prospect.

TREKKING: Ran on for strong second. First trial since being gelded.

NIETA: Classy mare could have won her heat if tested. Eased down last 100m.

DEMERARA: Trialled well within himself for soft heat win. Talented sprinter.

LET’S MAKE IT RAIN: Sat wide for easy second. Lovely trial under no pressure.

RESIN: Easy maiden heat win. Certain winner.

NEWCASTLE February 14

Kris Lees had a number of his stable stars trial at this session including Sense Of Occasion, Sound Proposition, Invincible Gem and Le Romain.

However the stable runner that captured attention was the unraced 2YO filly Miss Fabulass, a daughter the champion Frankel from the classic winner Samantha Miss.

Miss Fabulass won her heat in fine style, coming from behind the leaders to run the fastest of the five heats over 1000m. Set to debut in Sydney later this month, she has now won two of her three trials and obviously has the talent to win races.

The notable winners of the other 1000m heats were the G1 winner The Mission, good sprinter Shiraz and Serene Miss, a lightly raced filly with ample scope for improvement off her good form when last in work.

Shiraz did it well within himself and can always be counted to perform well fresh. Behind him was a nice third from the classy Invincible Gem.

Champagne Stakes winner The Mission was unplaced in five starts during the spring but could be ready to turn that around after making ground late to win his heat. Doomben Cup winner Sense Of Occasion finished fourth.

Triple G1 winner Le Romain was given an easy time in his first trial since the spring. He is set for the G1 All-Aged Stakes at Randwick in April.

In the 800m heats the stand out was Floki, a brilliant speedster who spreadeagled his rivals in the fastest time and will certainly be winning races this campaign.

Horses to watch from the Newcastle trials on February 14 – Miss Fabulass, Floki, Shiraz, Uptown Lad, Greater Good, Invincible Gem, Serene Miss, Trumbull

WARWICK FARM February 15

Star sprinter Chautauqua captured all the attention with his third in strong open company heat over 802 metres in his first appearance since finishing fourth in the Darley Classic at Flemington in November.

The big grey settled last before charging late to be beaten half a length by the Godolphin runners Vellor and Peacock with the G1 winners Egg Tart and Foxplay unplaced but given easy rides.

Vellor’s time was a slow 48.03 seconds as most runners were put under little pressure but Chautauqua impressed as he ran through the line strongly while Peacock worked well within himself.

One of the best open trial wins came from the promising Regimen, who sailed home from last under a big hold. She is set to make her mark in black type company.

In the 2YO heats over 799m unbeaten pair Estijaab and Gongs went keenly in a good hit-out for the Silver Slipper Stakes on February 24. Estijaab, a $1.7 million yearling, led and was under a good hold to win the trial by a length from Gongs in a slick 47 seconds with the runner-up put under some pressure in the last 200m.

Horses to watch from the Warwick Farm trials on February 15:-

OPEN HEATS: Chautauqua; Peacock; Regimen; Piracy; Rebel Miss; One Stryke

2YOS: Estijaab; Circle Moon; Knievel

MAIDENS: Vindex; Launching; Vaishali; Sent From Above; Palmateer; Stryke Rock