FIRST BARRIER TRIAL 30/03/2018 – Two Year Olds Only

1^st ROMAN DANCER (Jacobson/Puller 2yog 57kgs) – Pick of the Parade Ring, very nice quality son of Crusade. Hacked to start with pony but showed real potential in this Trial coming home smartly under the hands to win well. One for the notebook!

2^nd  0,25 lengths TINKLE (Kennedy/Robinson 2yof 56kgs) – Small filly but with a great action. Showed pace from the gate and stayed on nicely at the business end. May lack scope but did enough to suggest she warrants great respect when making her debut.

3^rd  4,75 lengths BRAVE ARCH (Wright/Nel 2yoc 57kgs) – Tall leggy son of Brave Tin Soldier with a quality head. Showed good pace throughout and stayed on to finish a remote but clear third. Will probably need a little further to be most effective but has scope.

4^th 6,75 lengths GETAWAY (Randolph/Whitehead 2yof 56kgs) – This strong-quartered daughter of Crusade caught the eye in the Parade Ring. Daisy cutting action and was seen to best advantage in the closing stages under a very easy ride. Not a bad trial!

5^th 8,25 lengths DI ME (De Gouveia/Van Wyk) 2yoc 57kgs) – Son of Oratorio, built like a sprinter. Raced green and was shaken up in the straight. Stayed on one-pace but looks to have scope to improve on this showing.

6^th 9,50 lengths PATH TO TEXAS (Moodley/Badenhorst 2yoc 57kgs) – Son of Pathfork who has, according to trainer, shown some nice work at home. Never nearer than midfield and failed to quicken in the straight. Could need another trial!

7^th 10,00 lengths WOODSTOCK FESTIVAL (Mohapi/Moore 2yog 57kgs) – Athletic son of Querari. Needed this trial badly but passed a few in the straight from near the rear. Looks a scopey individual who may need just a little further to be most effective.

8^th 11,25 lengths BRAVO BRAVO (Gates/Kannemeyer 2yog 57kgs) – Well made son of Toreador but according to his trainer has not shown a great deal at home. He was always struggling here and he may well be limited.

9^th 11,40 lengths MASTER CRAFTSMAN (Godden/Badenhorst 2yoc 57kgs) – A very nervous and skittish son of Mullins Bay. Showed some early pace but is bred to be effective over more ground than this trial. May have scope for improvement.

10^th 11,90 lengths SORRY MISS JACKSON (Pagel/Kotzen 2yof 56kgs) – Daughter of Jackson – failed to impress in the canter past. Still very green and appears to need more time to come to hand.

11^th 15,90 lengths MY WISH (Ntuli/Roberts 2yof 56kgs) – Plain daughter of Mambo in Seattle. Always struggling here and will need major improvement to be a factor any time soon.

12^th 27,15 lengths VITI LEVU (Arries/Roberts 2yof 56kgs) – Clearly nowhere near ready for this trial. Carried plenty of condition and was always battling at the rear after a slow start. Appears to need plenty of time and is unlikely to be competitive as a juvenile.

SECOND BARRIER TRIAL 30/03/2018 – Open

1^st ZODIAC RULER (Ferraris/Kannemeyer 4yog 60kgs) – Last raced in July 2017 and has had “chips” removed from his joints in the interim. Turned out reasonably fit for this Trial and lots to like about the way he is moving. Won fluently in quick time. Classy individual. 58,70 seconds.

2^nd 0,15 lengths DUNZIE (De Gouveia/Howells 3yof 58kgs) – Looked fit and ready in the Parade Ring. Showed good pace throughout and is certainly worth following in the future. Seems a cut above average and will be at her best from 1200 to 1600m. Excellent barrier trial! 58,73 seconds.

3^rd 2,15 lengths SILVA’S BULLET (Kennedy/Kannemeyer 3yog 59kgs) – Very well regarded by the stable. Last seen in August 2017 as a result of suffering a hairline crack to the near fore pastern. Put up an excellent showing here but will be at his very best over 2000 metres+. 59,09 seconds.

4^th 3,90 lengths SPIFFY (Randolph/Whitehead 3yof 58kgs) – Well muscled compact unraced three year old daughter of King of Kings. Eye-catching performance here under an easy ride and was seen to be running on well through the line. One for the notebook! 59,41 seconds.

5^th 4,40 lengths LIBERTY PRINT (Pagel/Van Wyk) 3yof 58kgs) – Bandaged both fore. Unraced daughter of Black Minnaloushe who looks to have some scope for improvement. Good barrier trial. 59,50 seconds.

6^th 5,15 lengths ALL ABOARD (Gates/Kannemeyer 2yoc 57kgs) – Excellent performance here by a juvenile. Good-sized son of Mambo in Seattle with a lovely easy action. Looks a progressive sort and he could be worth following! 59,64 seconds.

7^th 5,40 lengths UNCLE RONNIE (Godden/Naidoo 3yog 59kgs) – Last raced in July 2017 after suffering a fetlock injury but had shown little previously in five starts. Showed early pace here but failed to run on in the stretch and this 3yo son of Philanthropist may have his limitations. 59,68 seconds.

8^th 6,90 lengths WHO SAYS (Marcus/Howells 3yog 60kgs) – Appears to be bred for a lot further. Showed good early speed here but was one-paced under a fairly vigorous ride in the home stretch. May yet have scope for improvement when going more ground. 59,96 seconds.

9^th 10,40 lengths DIRTY HARRY (Jacobson/Govender 2yoc 57kgs) – Two Year Old son of Master Of My Fate. Slow out the gates, raced very greenly and consequently gave very little away here. May need another Trial and/or a little more time to mature. 60,62 seconds.

10^th 12,90 lengths FIREFOOT (Moodley/Kotzen 2yoc 57kgs) – Attractive but nervous son of Mambo In Seattle. Slow out the gates and very green in running. While he may have scope, will need major improvement to be a factor as a juvenile. 61,10 seconds.

11^th 13,90 lengths DUKE OF POPHAM (Wright/Nel 3yog 59kgs) – Unraced 3yo son of Strategic News. Has very big feet and a high knee action. Was called for an effort in the straight but failed to respond and will need major improvement to win a race. 61,30 seconds.

By Graeme Hawkins

Barrier Trial Greyville poly 1000m 28/03/2018 (open)

1^st BILLY SILVER (Arries/Bosch 3yoc 59kgs) – Smart colt. Reportedly doing well at home since returning from the Cape. Did all that he was asked to do, showing good pace throughout, and should be very competitive when resuming his “formal” racing career. 60,32s.

2^nd 2,75 lengths MY PAL AL (Murray/Gordon 4yog 60kgs) – Returning from ground-breaking back surgery. Understandably carrying a bit of condition and in definite need of this gallop. Good early pace and stayed on under the hands to finish a clear second. 60,78s.

3^rd 3,75 lengths TRULY WICKED (Randolph/Forbes 2yog 57kgs) – Laid back in the parade ring but has a nice big action. Made steady headway through the field from near the rear and looks to have scope. May need further to be most effective. 61,02s.

4^th 4,25 lengths EDGE OF THE SUN (Marcus/Howells 3yog 59kgs) – Coming back from a virus. Held up early but ran on well under the hands. Would have needed this outing and further improvement seems a possibility. 61,11s 

5^th 4,50 lengths A-ROD (Ferraris/Howells 4yof 59kgs) – Rested for 178 days and changed stables in the interim. Raced awkwardly in the early stages but settled well in the straight and stayed on one-paced. Well exposed 1-time winner. 61.16s.

6^th 4,60 lengths LINE OF CONTROL (Wright/Nel 3yog 59kgs) – Showed good pace from the jump, settling just in behind the leaders. Has a nice big action and could need further to make an impression, after two moderate 1200m sprints in the Cape. 61,18s.

7^th 5,85 lengths HOLY LAND (De Gouveia/Drier 2yoc 57kgs) – Nice type but very coltish in the parade. Outpaced and at the rear from the jump but, given his pedigree, should be most effective over more ground. Certainly not a bad trial under an easy ride. 61,42s.

8^th 5,90 lengths RUNAWAY GAL (Jacobson/Crawford 2yof 56kgs) – Medium sized Captain Al filly, who is a three parts sister to Captain America. Hesitant start but improved to race midfield at the rail. No impression in the straight and passed by a few. 61,42s.

9^th 8,40 lengths CHANTYMAN (Wrogemann/Bosch 3yoc 59kgs) – Side-lined with wind problems. Went down short and appeared to be not striding out fully in the race. Seems to have issues and may struggle to realise his early potential. 61,90s

10^th 13,65 lengths CUMBERBATCH (Pagel/Van Wyk 3yoc 59kgs) – Unraced three year old. Slow start and very green. Moved up wide halfway but failed to run on despite being shaken up quite vigorously. Will need big improvement from this showing. 62,94s.

By Graeme Hawkins

1^st Barrier Trial Greyville poly 1000m 25/03/2018 (all unraced two-year-olds)

1^st Triple Fate Line (Danielson/Hill 2yoc 57kg) This Master Of My Fate colt is not big but is scopey and has a fine action. After bouncing out well from a wide draw of nine he was under no pressure to be up with the pace and was still doing it effortlessly at the line. 61.25 seconds.

2^nd 0,5 lengths Noemi (Godden/Puller 2yof 56kg) This athletic Crusade filly took a keen hold from the off and was under a tight hold when sitting behind the eventual winner. When switched out she displayed a nice daisy cutting action and was still under a tight hold at the line. She appears to have plenty of natural speed and some scope. 61.34 seconds.

3^rd 0,6 lengths Boeing City (Mgudlwa/Puller 2yof 56kg) This Sail From Seattle filly showed fair gate speed and pace to go to the front and threw the front toe out nicely but signalled she was under pressure to maintain her position when changing legs at the 150m mark. 61.36 seconds.

4^th 1,1 lengths Miss Divine (Wrogemann/Goosen 2yof 56kg) This Admire Main filly threw her head up in the first few strides and was then green. She showed fair pace and a fair stride but did have to be kept up to her work in the closing stages and changed legs close to home. 61.46 seconds.

5^th 1,2 lengths Caliente (Veale/Drier 2yoc 57kg) This strongly built Visionaire colt was green around the turn in midfield and displayed some acceleration and a nice big action when asked for an effort in the straight. 61.47 seconds.

6^th 1,25 lengths Not Now Pussycat (Moodley/G Kotzen 2yof 56(-1.5)kg) This Oratorio filly had her head up and over-raced when restrained in the beginning from the widest draw. She has a quick action and stayed on quite well from last. 61.48 seconds.

7^th 2,25 lengths Adona (De Gouveia/Howells 2yof 56(-1.5)kg) This athletic Noble Tune filly showed fair early pace and was doing it easily throughout without being asked a lot. 61.67 seconds.

8^th 2,3 lengths Velvet Honey (Schwarz/Eudey 2yof 56(-1.5)kg) This tall Brave Tin Soldier filly showed signs of inexperience around the turn but strode out quite well in the straight from a midfield position. 61.68 seconds.

9^th 2,35 lengths Ontopoftheworld (Ngcobo/Drier 2yoc 57kg) This Jackson colt was cramped for room and green early from draw five and ended up caught wide. However, he let himself down in the straight and tried hard. There is stamina in his pedigree, although on the other hand his dam is a full-sister to Grade 1 Golden Slipper winner All Afire, who was effective up to 1800m. 61.69 seconds.

10^th 3,6 lengths Imperial Royal (Kennedy/Badenhorst 2yof 56kg) This smallish Potala Palace filly showed some zip and a fair action but had to be kept up to her work throughout. 61.93 seconds.

11^th 4,85 lengths Reymundo (Randolph/N Kotzen 2yoc 57kg) This Jackson colt was green and outpaced but has a fair action and likely needs further despite having speed in the female line. 62.17 seconds.

2^nd  Barrier Trial Greyville poly 1000m 25/03/2018 

1^st Sovereign Master (Marcus/Howells 3yog 59kg) This Dynasty gelding finished second in a maiden over 2000m on the Greyville turf in his third start last November. In this trial he sat in a handy position before quickening to take the lead and at the finish was stretching out very well. 60.5 seconds.

2^nd 1,25 lengths Mystical Summer (Schwarz/Eudey 3yof 58(-1.5)kg) This unraced Ashaawes filly was a bit keen from draw six and went around them to take the lead. She stayed on in a slowly run trial. 60.73 seconds.

3^rd 2,5 lengths Rippling Music (Gouveia/Howells 3yof 58(-1.5)kg) This Black Minnaloushe filly finished a fair fifth over 1200m at Scottsville on debut but was 12,3 lengths behind the classy Hashtagyolo next time out. In this trial she was held up in a handy position and strode out nicely in the straight. 60.96 seconds.

4^th 3 lengths Colour Crusade (Mgudlwa/Bestel 3yog  59kg) This unraced Crusade gelding is nicely put together and has some scope. He strode out well through without being put under pressure. 61.06 seconds.

5^th 3,25 lengths Truly Proud (Godden/Badenhorst 3yog 59kg) This unraced Brave Tin Soldier gelding is athletic and looked to be relaxed throughout. He stayed on well without being asked a lot.  61.11 seconds

6^th 3,75 lengths Wishful Words (Pagel/Goosen 3yof 58kg) This unraced Byword filly broke well but over raced in front and duly tired late. 61.2 seconds.

7^th 5 lengths Combat Captain (Veale/Drier 2yoc 57kg) This unraced Brave Tin Soldier colt is strongly built and has a nice, big action. The age difference between him and the rest told, so this was a fair trial.

8^th 9,25 lengths Kheelan Dynasty (Jacobson/N Kotzen 3yog 59kg) This Dynasty gelding is an impressive specimen and has plenty of scope. He duly started second favourite on his debut last November on the Greyville turf over 1400m, but lost ground at the start and then raced green in the straight, finding little. In the trial he was green early and displayed a nice stride but in the straight he continually swished his tail and lost touch with the others despite being given a reminder, so appears to need ground and also does not appear to be an easy customer. 62.26 seconds.

1st Barrier trial Greyville poly 1000m 20/03/2018

1^st Cue The Music (Delpech/D S Bosch 2yoc 57kg) This Oratorio colt has substance and looks to have plenty of natural speed. He showed fair pace without being pressed and then displayed a a good turn of foot. He has a good action. 59.2 seconds

2^nd 0,05 lengths Mac ‘n Scar (Veale/Drier 2yoc 57kg) This Black Minnaloushe colt pulled himself to the front and kept up a fair pace but doesn’t have the most conservative action. 59.21 seconds

3^rd 1,05 lengths Coastal Storm (De Melo/Lunn 2yof) This Sail From Seattle filly is out of Listed winning Fort Wood filly over 1600m Coastal Storm, who finished third in the Grade 2 SA Fillies Nursery. She is nicely put together and showed good pace, although she did over race a touch, and was soon in front. She has a fair action, probably best suited to sprints, and wasn’t asked a lot in the straight. 59.39 seconds

4^th 3,30 lengths Pinelands (Wrogemann/Goosen 2yog 57kg) This Main Aim gelding has scope and should develop into a rangy type as he has a nice, long-striding action, although he has a speedy pedigree. He flyjumped slightly, then loped along in midfield and made up some ground in the straight. 59.8 seconds

5^th 3,8 lengths Golden Galaxy (Ngcobo/Bosch 2yoc 57kg) This Trippi colt showed some pace from a wide draw and has a quite a long stride. However, he was not asked to do a lot. 59.89 seconds

6^th 4,8 lengths Carefree (Arries/Bosch 2yof 56kg) This Marchfield filly showed fair early pace but had to be pushed along when green around the turn. She has a nice long stride and stayed on in the straight. On pedigree and action she will appreciate further. 60.08 seconds

7^th 5,55 lengths Jet Stream (Marcus/Howells 57kg 2yoc) This What A Winter colt has substance and a nice action but was very green so had to be pushed along around the turn. She was not asked to go through a gap between another horse and the rail in the straight. 60.22 seconds

8^th 6,55 lengths Black Sparrow (Ngwane/Goosen 2yof 56kg) This Jay Peg filly is a racey sort but was green and a bit headstrong early so can improve. 60.41 seconds

9^th 6,8 lengths Queen Makeda (Randolph/N Kotzen 2yof 56kg) This Twice Over filly is nicely put together and has a fair action. Her early progress was stopped by two hanging horses but she was doing some fair work late. 60.45 seconds

10^th 6,95 lengths Unilateral (Pagel/Goosen 2yof 56kg) This Lateral filly was last early but has a reasonable action and was not asked to do a lot, so can improve. 60,48 seconds.

2^nd barrier trial Greyville poly 1000m 21/03/2018

1^st Leslie Shadowliner (D De Gouveia/Hill 3yog 59(-1.5)kg) This Main Aim gelding impressed on debut as a two-year-old last May when backed into 22/10 and winning fluently over 1200m on the Greyville turf. He suffered bad luck with draws in three subsequent outings between 1200 and 1400m, two of them on the poly, and hasn’t raced since December 20. In this barrier trial he showed good pace from pole position and his big action was nice and rhythmical enabling him to lead the whole way. 57.9 seconds

2^nd Big King 0,25 lengths (Brown/Anthony 6yog 60kg) This six-year-old Rebel King gelding is a 1000m specialist and did not do well on the Highveld in the second half of last season. He had previously been highly consistent in KZN and has returned to Summerveld for a new yard. The big gelding, in his first racecourse appearance since last July, showed pace from draw two and sat behind the leader. He then displayed a good turn of foot to join Leslie Shadowliner and coasted home having strode out well the whole way. 57.94 seconds

3^rd Lucius Fox 6,25 lengths (Ngwane/Gadsby 3yog 59kg) This Var gelding made a fair debut when a 2,5 length second to the fair sort On That Boulevard in a 1200m maiden at Scottsville last May as a two-year-old, but has had poor form since. He hasn’t raced since last November and showed early pace in this barrier trial but was unable to keep up with the first two. 59.02 seconds

4^th Sharpe’s Eagle 8 lengths (G Wright/W A Nel 3yoc 59kg) This unraced Querari colt was having his second barrier trial. He is nicely put together and has a good action and after showing some pace he stayed on well. 59.35 seconds

5^th Francolin 17,25 lengths (De Melo/Dixon 3yog 59kg) This unraced gelding is a typically big and rangy son of Ideal World with plenty of scope. After a slow start he lacked early pace but stayed on well and the best will be seen of him when he goes over ground. 61.11 seconds

6^th Trust In Gold 18,25 lengths (Ntuli/Rivalland 3yog 59kg) This unraced Oratorio gelding is big and has a lot of substance so has plenty of scope. After a slow start he showed some pace and has a nice big action. He will come on for this outing. 61.31 seconds

7^th Touch Of Summer 23,75 lengths (Sakayi/L Crawford 4yof 58(-4)kg) This Kildonan filly was dwarfed by most of her rivals and couldn’t match them for pace and was then green around the turn. She stayed on quite well and can improve. 62.42 seconds

8^th Mambo Medley 24 lengths (Arries/Dixon 3yoc 59kg) This unraced Mambo In Seattle colt is still immature and after taking a bump at the start was outpaced and green. 62.47 seconds.

By David Thiselton

2^nd Barrier Trial Greyville Poly 18/03/2018 1000m 

1^st Hector Heathcote (Bosch/B. Lerena 3yog 59kg) A big and rangy unraced gelding by Pathfork, he jumped outward but showed good early speed and took the lead. He was green throughout but displayed a good long-striding action and will be better suited to further. 60.59 seconds

2^nd She’s A Dream 0,05 lengths (Dixon/De Melo 3yof 58kg) This three-year-old Kahal filly has had three starts and won the last two of them, both over 1200m, but hasn’t run since November 1. She has natural speed and was up with the pace the whole way, travelling within herself, and strode out well. 60.6 seconds

3^rd Laat Lammetjie 2,8 lengths (Bosch/Ngwane 3yof 58kg) This Australian-bred filly by Dream Ahead is small but well built and on debut turned for home near the back over 1600m on the poly but was then badly hampered by a falling horse at the 300m mark. In this barrier trial she was bumped early but then showed fair pace and strode out well. 61.11 seconds

4^th Mashari 3.05 lengths (Puller Mgudlwa 3yog 59kg) This unraced Kahal gelding is out of the Grade 2-winning sprinter Chant De Nui. He is an athletic sort and was restrained after jumping from the widest draw and turned for home last. He then moved through the field on a tight hold, displaying a good action in an eye-catching trial. 61.16 econds

5^th  King Of Samash 3,1 lengths (Forbes/Randolph 3yog 59kg) This Rebel King gelding had finished 25,5 lengths back in a barrier trial and then 30,5 lengths back in a 1400m maiden when green and found to be striding short with first-time blinkers on. The blinkers were off for this trial and from a wide draw he showed fair early speed to be up with the pace and he then stayed on well in the straight with not a bad action, proving he is better than his previous form suggested. 61.17 seconds

6^th Ragnar 7,85 lengths (Lafferty/Arries 4yog 60kg) This tall Brave Tin Soldier gelding has had four previous starts and has placed twice in moderate maidens over 1200m and 1600m respectively. He was returning here from a 252 day lay off and strode out quite well before being eased down. 62.08 seconds

7^th Hiva-Oa Koi 8,1 lengths (Rich Sakayi 5yog 60(-4) kg) This A P Answer gelding has managed one fourth place in 21 starts and was returning from a 161 day layoff. He showed good gatespeed and fair early pace, but was racing a touch strongly and didn’t stay on well, although he wasn’t asked to do a lot. 62.12 seconds

8^th Pure Grace 8,35 lengths (Hill/De Gouveia 3yog 59(-1.5) kg) This unraced Twice Over gelding is tall and after a tardy start was pushed along but then began over racing with his head in the air. He wasn’t asked to do a lot in the straight and looks to have some scope. 62.17 seconds

9^th Gin Martini 9,35 lengths (Wrogemann/Goosen 3yog 59kg) This What A Winter gelding wore blinkers on his debut over 1200m on the poly last October and in that race after showing fair early pace he found no extra and faded steadily in the straight to be beaten 11 lengths. In this barrier trial the blinkers were off and a tongue tie on and after a slow start he strode out quite well without being asked to do a lot. 62.37 seconds

10^th L’il Twiggz 11,1 lengths (Bosch/Samuel 3yof 58kg) This unraced slightly built, racy Jay Peg filly stumbled after the start and was green around the turn. She wasn’t asked to do a lot in the straight and could improve. 62.71 seconds.

11^th Salsa 12,85 lengths (Van Wyk/Pagel 3yof 58kg) This Tropical Empire filly had previously been well beaten in both a barrier trial and a maiden, both over 1000m on the poly. She showed some pace in this trial but lost touch with the others in the straight when not being asked to do a lot. 63.06 seconds.

By David Thiselton

1^st Barrier Trial Greyville 18/03/2018. (All unraced)

1^st Torbenite (Gordon/Arries 2yof 56kg) This athletic daughter of Toreador ahowed good gatespeed from a wide draw but was pushed along for a few strides when green around the turn. She displayed a good turn of foot in the straight and came home strongly with a nice daisy-cutting action. 62.1 seconds

2^nd Bequia 0,75 lengths (Puller/Mgudlwa 2yof 56kg) This well put to together Lateral filly jumped hesitantly but has a nice big action and natural pace as she was not hard pressed when sitting on the heels of the leaders. She quickened effortlessly and finished under a tight hold for an overall eye-catching trial. 62.24 seconds

3^rd Stone Tiger 0,8 lengths (Howells/Marcus 2yoc 57kg) Nicely put together Where’s That Tiger chestnut colt, showed good gatespeed to go to the front from a good draw and was relaxed around the turn before quickening well and throwing out the front toe nicely all the way to the line. 62.25 seconds

4^th Bronnie 1,05 lengths (Gordon/Samuel 2yof 56kg) This tall Noordhoek Flyer filly overraced early but strode out quite nicely in the straight and has scope. 62.3 seconds

5^th Blackburn Roc 2,3 lengths (Drier/Veale 2yoc 57kg) Compact Where’s That Tiger colt showed good gatespeed and early pace and was not being asked to do much when three others overtook him close to home. 62.54 seconds

6^th Perpetual Flame 3,55 lengths (N.Kotzen/Randolph 2yog 57kg) This Irish Flame gelding has a nice loose limbed walk and the lazy, rangy action of one who needs further, although he does have quite a high knee action. He wasn’t hard pressed throughout. 62.78 seconds.

7^th Frosty Princess 4,3 lengths (Howells/De Gouveia 56(-1,5) kg) A scopey Sail From Seattle filly who was lost at sea but after the penny had dropped at the top of the straight, by which stage she was tailed off last, she caught the eye with a nice action and a fast finish. 62.92 seconds

8^th After The Order 4,8 lengths (Goosen/Wrogemann 2yog 57kg) This plain Ato gelding showed some pace but had to be driven to stay in touch behind the leader and then faded late. 63.02 seconds.

9^th Tinkle 8,3 lengths (N.Kotzen/Gates 56(-4) kg) This Marchfield filly was green throughout and difficult to analyse. She will likely need another barrier trial. 63.71 seconds.

By David Thiselton

Barrier Trial Greyville poly 1000m 14/03/2018

1^st Dame Commander (Drier/Delpech 3y0f 58kg) Western Winter filly who won her maiden by two lengths over 1200m at Scottsville last August in her third career start but hasn’t raced since. She was problematic at the start but looks to have plenty of natural speed and after displaying good gate-speed and early pace she was quickly clear. She used her lengthy stride to stay on well and was throwing her front toe out nicely.

2^nd 0,75 lengths Sail The Bay (Badenhorst/Brown 3yog 59kg) This Sail From Seattle gelding has had one fourth place finish in four starts, although he has faced some good horses, and he hasn’t raced since last June. He improved in his last two starts as a two-year-old and caught the eye in this trial as he came from near the back and closed in the straight with long strides in his first outing for a new yard. He is one to keep an eye on in ordinary maidens.

3^rd 2,25 lengths Elsa Of Arendelle (Humby/De Gouveia 3yof 58 (-1,5kg) This unraced, nicely put together, Horse Chestnut filly has quite a high knee action and after a tardy start showed some pace and stayed on without being pushed.

4^th 3,75 lengths Prince Charming (Anthony/Wrogemann 3yoc 59kg) This unraced Mullins Bay colt was having his second barrier trial, He is not the biggest and after a tardy start showed some early pace before losing touch and then staying on well in the straight. He strode out well the whole way.

5^th 5,75 lengths Amber Furst (Whitehead/Randolph 3yof 58kg) This plain Traffic Guard filly was slowest away, but quickened well from last in the straight and stayed on.

6^th 5,80 lengths Piaget Prince (Denysschen/Pagel 3yog 59kg) This Philanthropist gelding has placed twice over 1400m and 1600m respectively in five starts in ordinary maidens on the Highveld. He strode out nicely and after being shuffled back to last stayed on well in the straight. He wore first time blinkers but this trip is too sharp so it was difficult to tell whether he was comfortable with them or not.

7^th 5,90 lengths Scorch (Anthony/Yeni 3yoc 59kg). This small but compact three-year-old King’s Chapel colt did not have the natural pace to be in the vanguard but stayed on quite well in the straight.

8^th 6,40 lengths Little Audrey (Howells/Marcus 2yof 56kg). A good looking filly by exciting new sire Master Of My Fate. She caught the eye with her nice action, which covers some ground. Anton Marcus had her on a tight hold early and she was under no pressure to stay in touch with the older horses when slotted in behind and was still on a tight rein. She then ran on nicely in the straight in the hands. One to watch.

9^th 6,55 lengths Luneburg (Bestel/Ngwane 3yof 58kg). She is well-bred being by Var out of Grade 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes winner over 1200m, She’s A Winner. She showed good pace throughout when 5^th on debut at Scottsville over 1200m and did the same when a touch unlucky in 4^th over 1000m on the poly. Nothing worked out for her next time out over 1200m on the poly last November and she hasn’t raced since. This sprinting type showed good gatespeed and early pace in the trial under a tight hold. However, in the straight she was just held together and didn’t do anything wrong.

10^th 6,80 lengths Fu Manchu (Humby/Gates (3yog 59(-4kg). This unimposing Visionaire gelding showed some early pace but was green entering the straight, losing position. From the 200m mark onward he stayed on quite well.

11^th 9,30 lengths Spirit Of The Law (Lunn/Sakayi 2yof 56(-4kg) This Miesque’s Approval filly was a bit dwarfed by her older rivals here. She dwelt but then showed fair pace and stayed in touch in the straight until fading from the 150m mark.

By David Thiselton

First trial (All Unraced horses) over 1000m poly 11 March 2018

1^st Arianos Shadow (2yof 56(-1,5)kg) A strongly built Querari filly. She digs the toe in and showed pace from the off. She was being eased down at the line.

2^nd 0,5 lengths Immortelle (2yoc 57kg) Well balanced R220,000 colt by Querari. He was up with the pace from a low draw and displayed a nice, big action.

3^rd 1 length Goliath Heron (2yoc 57kg) Nice looking colt by Master Of My Fate who still has a lot of maturing to do. He took a keen hold when dropped out from draw six of seven, but moved up well in the straight still in the hands, showing he has plenty of natural speed.

4^th Full Frolic (2yof 56kg) Another well put together Querari  filly who cost R200,000. She showed some pace and was being eased at the line like the rest of them.

5^th Beat It (2yof 56(+4)kg). She is rangy type who looks a lot like her father Jackson, who was known for his big stride. She showed a smooth stride throughout and responded well when asked to quicken towards the finish.

6^th Dashuri (2yof 56kg) A What A Winter filly, she displayed a nice action and has a bit of filling out to do so has scope for improvement.

7^th J J’S Captain (2yoc 57(-1,5)kg. This R375,000 Captain Al colt is a nice looking specimen despite not being the biggest of horses. He dwelt and threw his head up for a number of strides while showing good pace to go from last to third. He was still over racing behind the leaders around the turn, but displayed a lovely big action when just being sat on in the straight. His last place was not a reflection of his promise.

Second trial 1000m poly 11 March 2018

1st Saratoga Dancer (6yog MR112 60kg) This top class sort put up an excellent trial, showing speed from the off and cruising home with his beautiful long stride and putting a distance between himself and the rest.

2^nd Roy’s Stingray 9,5 lengths (3yof 58(-4)kg) Scopey Australian-bred Charge Forward filly with a good action and quite a high head carriage in the running. She ran on in eye-catching fashion on debut over 1600m on the Greyville turf for a narrow fourth last October and was only letting herself down in the final strides, so there is plenty of scope for improvement. She returned from a 140 day layoff for this trial and was soon up in joint-second. She once again displayed a nice big action under a relatively high head carriage in the straight without being asked any questions.

3^rd Palmieto 10 lengths (3yof 58kg), a plain Indigo Magic three-year-old filly who had two fair green-and-running-on fourths in moderate maidens over 1450m and 1600m at Turffontein and she then finished last over 1800m with first-time blinkers when not striding out. Her trial followed a 152 day layoff and the blinkers were off. She showed good gatespeed but was then outpaced before staying on without being hard-pressed.

4^th Yarraman 10,05 lengths (3yog 59(-4)kg) Small but strongly built three-year-old Await The Dawn gelding who made a promising debut over 1400m on the poly when staying on well from last without being asked many questions last October. Next time out he disappointed when starting at 7/2 and was found to be lame and this trial followed a 142 layoff. He showed pace from the off to be joint-second and stretched out nicely the whole way without being asked to do a lot.

5^th Double Gemini 12,05 lengths (3yog 59kg) Solidly built unraced Twice over gelding who was slowly away and then stayed on with quite a nice stride.

6^th World Cruise 13,8 lengths (3yog 59kg) gangly unraced three-year-old Mogok gelding with some scope. He jumped awkwardly, losing ground and was then green with a high head carriage the whole way but has a fair stride so should improve with experience.

By David Thiselton

1^st Pavarotti Passion (3yog 59kg) is a R230,000 Pathfork three-year-old gelding, who has had a lot of problems at the pens and was accompanied to this barrier trial by “horse whisperer” Glyn Redgrave. This big, immature horse has a big action and after jumping sideways showed good pace to lead. He was not hard pressed to hold the field at bay.  

2^nd (0,25 lengths) Cashmere Mist (2yof 56kg) This two-year-old Philanthropist filly is slight, but well balanced and rangy, so has scope. She challenged the leader and finished second but the difference in age group was obvious. She will ultimately need further.

3^rd (2,75 lengths) Space Agent (2yoc 57kg). This tall, long-striding two-year-old colt by Mambo In Seattle has plenty of scope. His performances at home have been in and out, so in this trial he pleased trainer Mike Miller by staying on well without being hard-pressed and he was throwing his front toe out nicely.

4^th (4,25 lengths) I Fly (2yoc 57kg), a nicely put together two-year-old colt by Stagelight, was a bit keen early so did well to stay on and has a good action.

5^th (9,75 lengths) Fat Cat (2yof 56kg), a stocky, short-coupled sprinting type by Curved Ball out of the useful Felix The Cat, showed fair pace after missing the break and was then eased down some way before the line.

6^th (11,25 lengths) Velvet Glove (4yof 59kg), a four-year-old filly by Kahal, was outpaced and displayed a climbing (high) action on this first racecourse appearance, so could improve with experience. She covers a bit of ground and was staying on, but was well beaten.    

7^th (20,25 lengths) Gibbous (2yof 56kg) A nice, big filly but she was completely lost at sea and the yard said she would probably need another barrier trial before going to the races.

8^th (30,5 lengths) Peace Train (3yoc 59kg), a three-year-old colt by Toreador, is quite small but stands over a fair amount of ground and was clearly not wound up for this trial. After being pushed along and racing green at the back he finished 30 lengths behind the winner.