Scholtz's Say
Trial Watch Reviews: 10th June - 13th June 2025
Chris Scholtz reviews SYdney and provincial barrier trials at Warwick Farm and Hawkesbury on June 10 and Randwick on June 13.
A Grass; Soft 6
14 Heats – 1 x 1200m (Open); 9 x 1050m (2 Open; 5 2YO; 2 C1/Maiden); 4 x 740m (3 2YO; 1 3YO)
Talented 5YO WHINCHAT was back at the trials under an embargo after his costly performance at Randwick on June 7.
He was ordered to trial after he missed the start by five lengths as favourite in his June 7 race.
There were no issues with him in his 1050m heat, jumping on terms before pulling his way up to second outside the leader under a big hold. Jay Ford was obviously under instructions to give the gelding an easy trial with the big gelding going to the line under no pressure for a narrow win while still running the fastest time in the 1050m heats (62.99; 33.91).
There should be no issues with him when he returns to the races.
There were some handy types in the 2YO trials over 1050m with the heat winners GAMBLER (63.91; 34.63), ALIGNED (64.29; 34.40), AGATHA (64.63; 34.61) and SAYTARA (64.11; 34.87) all primed to perform at the races. In the 740m heats previously noted ETHAARA also produced another pleasing trial to win the fastest heat (43.30; 32.69) while newcomer NINJA showed natural talent to overcome a slow start and win his debut trial in good style (43.45; 32.77).
NOTED TRIALS
XX Whinchat
X Agatha; Aligned; Auditor; Braveheart; Bunker Hut; From The Peak; Gambler; Last Command; Ninja; Saytara; Sirius Legend; Southern Heiress; Sovereign Hill; Zenadeel
Inside Grass; Soft 6
11 Heats – 2 x 1200m (1 Open; 1 C2/Maiden); 3 x 796m (3 Open); 3 x 793m (3 2YO); 3 x 790m (1 2YO; 2 Maiden)
The lightly raced KING OF DRAGONS is ready to rise through the classes after an impressive win in a strong open heat.
KING OF DRAGONS (Gary Portelli): Having his second trial since he won his maiden in January, this Harry Angel colt trucked through his 796m heat in the fastest of the short course trials (46.85; 33.73), never coming off the bit to win a heat that held plenty of depth with the likes of WILLAIDOW, SPYWIRE, EYE OF THE FIRE and ACCREDITED trialling behind him. He's eligible for a C1 and looks better than that.
ROMEO'S CHOICE (Richard Litt): Having his first trial since he won at Randwick in February, this well performed 5YO should add to his good record over the winter after a strong win in his 796m heat (47.26; 33.77). Railed through from midfield at the 600m under a tight hold and easily picked up the leaders to win with plenty in reserve.
NOTED TRIALS
XX King Of Dragons; Romeo's Choice
X Captain Maverick; City Gold Banner; Milk Foam; Mountain Queen; Spywire; Sunday Tycoon; War King; Wa Wa Wa
Inside Grass; Good 4
10 Heats – 3 x 1000m (1 Open; 1 2YO; 1 Maiden); 7 x 800m (1 Open; 4 2YO; 2 Maiden)
Some sharp 2YO trials should point to late season winners if the Asian agents don't snap them up.
CHARLINA (Jason Attard): Classy debut trial by this locally-trained filly by Flying Artie. She held the lead comfortably before bolting away off the turn to score by more than four lengths, running to the line in fast time under restraint (46.88; 32.11).
FORTUNE SONG (Blake Ryan): First trial by this Bivouac gelding saw him go out fast through the first 400m of his 800m heat, opening up a big margin turning for home. Coasted home by more than five lengths in the fastest 800m heat (46.19; 33.65) in a strong start to his career.
MELANITE (John Thompson): This Dirty Work youngster was placed behind Golden Slipper winner Marhoona in an early trial before taking on black type races in his first two starts in February. This trial confirmed that he's got obvious ability as he came from six lengths off the lead in a fast run 800m heat, sweeping home with impressive work over the last 200m for a promising win (46.63; 33.29). ADMIRE ME, a filly by Admire Mars having her first trial, went to the line with him in a nice start to her career.
The fastest 1000m heat was won by the good class performer PHEARSON (58.66; 33.19), coming from off the pace with strong work over the last 200m that indicates he is in the right form to perform well through the winter. Behind him Godolphin's classy Group winner CORNICHE put in another strong trial under a quiet ride in preparation for his return to racing.
NOTED TRIALS
XX Charlina; Fortune Song; Melanite
X Admire Me; Aliza; Charka; Corniche; Forcefilly; Phearson; Mirai San; Pretty Tavi; Tarpaulin
