There have been questions from many quarters about the value of Barrier Trials but there is little doubt that those punters who take the trouble to make notes will be rewarded.

A specific National Horse Racing rule is that no trainer may gallop his horse against a horse from another stable in training.

Barrier trials negate that rule and there are always horses that need the experience of a racecourse gallop and what better way than a ‘competitive’ gallop in a trial race.

Not only do the horses experience the atmosphere of a race day, but also the starting regime.

Just Rap

Just how they perform is unlikely to disguise any obvious ability but one can draw a line through many that even in the gentle introduction of a trial, will likely take time to come to hand.

The opening race at Greyville tonight sees two recent trialists, Mr Bombastic and Zagara, in the line-up. Mr Bombastic has had two outings for Gavin van Zyl while the filly Zagara put in a forward showing in her trial. Of those that have had a race proper, only Kirav’s Tune looks a likely contender and he was beaten all of eight lengths at his third outing.

Aegean Aire, given an easy introduction in a trial, found plenty of traffic in his first race and with Anthony Delpech in the irons one can expect major improvement.

There are only seven races on tonight’s card but punters will be tested. The card is headed by the 6Bar Construction Handicap where the recent addition to the Dennis Bosch yard, Duzi Moon, could be the one to side with.

He arrives with some decent Highveld form to stronger and even though he makes his poly debut she should at least be competitive.

Stable companion Subtropical, bidding for a winning hat-trick, and Fullfillyourdream are obvious contenders but a must inclusion in all bets is the Des Egdes-trained Just Rap.

Des has decided to take a break from training after over 30 years in the sport and will be looking to go out on a high as he hands in his trainer’s brief at the end of this month.

Just Rap is over his optimum course and distance.

By Andrew Harrison