All eyes were on Winx at the Randwick barrier trials on Tuesday but there were plenty of other notable performances by some key spring carnival contenders.
PARIAH – Heat 1 (Open Trial, 1000m)
Chased home Winx in the opening heat of the morning and looked strong running on into second, officially beaten three-quarters of a length. Wasn't asked to do much by Blake Shinn but hit the line with plenty of gusto. Will take some stopping when he resumes in the Group III San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on August 26. Boasts a win over Menari from last preparation and with natural improvement, he should be a leading hope in the big 3yo sprints this spring. CLICK HERE to watch the trial, courtesy of Racing NSW.
SHAZEE LEE – Heat 2 (Open Trial, 1000m)
This is a mare worth keeping a close eye on. Finished midfield in the Provincial Championships Final but quickly rectified the defeat with a strong win in the Group III Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) which has turned out to be a decent form race, with Prompt Response, Salsonic, Generalissimo, and Calanda all winning feature races since. She's a big, rangy type that wasn't afforded a great deal of room in the run to the line but she bullocked her way through to finish three-quarters of a length from the winner Dixie Blossoms – another high-quality mare in her own right. Suspect trainer Scott Singleton would be tickled pink by this trial. CLICK HERE to watch the trial, courtesy of Racing NSW.
SHILLELAGH – Heat 3 (Open Trial, 1000m)
Another horse that won at the Hawkesbury stand-alone meeting in April was this ex-Kiwi mare. However, it was a vastly different story at her next start, when she finished last in the Scone Dark Jewel and pulled up with cardiac arrhythmia. Stepped out for her first trial of the preparation here and got to the line nicely. Travelled on the back of Broadside but once she was presented with clear running she picked up well to finish less than three lengths from the race fit That's A Good Idea. Plenty of mares races upcoming for her and she'll be a major player no doubt. CLICK HERE to watch the trial, courtesy of Racing NSW.
GHISONI – Heat 12 (Open Trial, 740m)
There was an air of anticipation about this mare's return to the track. We know she's Group I class but is obviously injury prone. We haven't seen her since last year's Group II Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) in Brisbane, almost 14 months ago. Prior to that she had other niggling issues that restricted her to seven starts over a period of 18 months. She's in the hands of James Cummings now and what about better to create an impression in the new job than to get this mare sound and firing? For a horse coming off such a long break, her trial here was outstanding, beating all bar handy sprinter Nieta. Special mention must also go to Nieta, putting in arguably the best trial of her career. CLICK HERE to watch the trial, courtesy of Racing NSW.
KEMENTARI – Heat 13 (C&G Open Trial, 740m)
The early Golden Rose favourite returned from a let-up here with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle after a dominant last start win at Randwick. An eye-catching type, he was under a tight hold throughout yet still closed off strongly into third. Doubt he got out of third gear however that being said, I'm not convinced there's much between Godolphin's Golden Rose-bound three-year-olds. Trekking has been just as impressive in his recent trials so will be interesting to see if they clash in the coming weeks. CLICK HERE to watch the trial, courtesy of Racing NSW.
ONE MORE HONEY – Heat 14 (3YO Fillies Open Trial, 740m)
This John Thompson-trained filly is already a stakes winner, having claimed the Group II Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) on a bog at Randwick. Subsequently finished midfield in the Group I Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) and Group I Champagne Stakes (1600m) before heading out for a spell. Has given the impression she would be a better three-year-old and her latest trial is indicative of that. After tracking three wide into the straight, the filly was not under pressure in the run home but ran on strongly down the outside to finish 3-1/2 lengths from the winner. CLICK HERE to watch the trial, courtesy of Racing NSW.
