Dean Watling's NSW trial review

Rosehill | Dec 23

H4 1030m
Spice Prawn Peter Snowden (Tom Sherry)
Smart type with sharp form lines around strong opposition. This is her third preparation and she again looks to have returned improved. Likely one more searching trial before heading to the races, though she could go straight there off this 1030m hit out.

H5 1030m
Miss Freelove Peter Snowden (Sam Clipperton)
Seven week freshen after three strong performances. Form around Point Barrow reads well. Loved this hit out, never asked for an effort but found the line strongly late.

H14 900m
Pepe Chris Waller (Siena Grima)
Back to back quiet trials suggest there is plenty under the hood. Along with Sphere, has had two solid hit outs and looks ready to head to the races. Jockey bookings will be key.

H14 900m
Sphere Chris Waller (Chad Schofield)
Back to back quiet trials suggest there is plenty under the hood. Along with Pepe, has had two solid hit outs and looks ready to head to the races. Jockey bookings will be key.

Coffs Harbour | Dec 27

H2 800m
Monte Cruise Noel Mayfield-Smith (Raymond Spokes)
Talented mare with three wins from nine starts. Had a long prep last time, then 24 weeks off. Returned with two strong trials against smart opposition. Loved her turn of foot in the final 800m hit out. Ready to race.

Randwick | Dec 30

H8 1050m
Buckeye O’Shea & Charlton (Zac Lloyd)
Has teased ability in a short career and appears to have returned in improved order. Suspect he may have been gelded leading into this prep, which would explain the sharpness. Looks ready to go to the races.

H12 740m
High Alert Anthony & Sam Freedman (Regan Bayliss)
Intriguing two year old. Overall time was only fair, but the way this colt found the line from off speed was excellent. Strong through the line with intent and drive. Keen to see where he ends up.

H14 740m
Crossways Price & Kent Jnr (Zac Lloyd)
Liked this debut trial from a stable renowned for winning fresh. Looked as good as if not better than Rajwa and Gorgeous, who both have ability. Expect a second trial before debut.

H15 740m
Fairway To Heaven Michael Freedman (Tommy Berry)
Trialled well prior to a solid debut behind Custom and Behind The Ocean, both proven Saturday grade horses. Has returned in great order and should take solid improvement from that debut prep. Look for a second trial.

Rosehill | Jan 2

H3 1030m
Zoufame Bjorn Baker (Jason Collett)
Sound first trial followed by a sharp second hit out. Overall time was not fast, but the final 600m was slick, suggesting a stronger early tempo would have produced a better overall figure.

H6 900m
Bonita Queen Bjorn Baker (Jason Collett)
Progressive mare who struck wet tracks last prep and never came up. Better than that and can progress again this time in on firmer ground.

H10 900m
Miss Scandal Chris Waller (James McDonald)
Impressive two year old. McDonald only rode a handful on the morning and she was one of them. Showed lovely gate speed to find the lead and was hard held late while matching motors with Breeders Plate winner Incognito. Look for another trial and keep an eye on Slipper markets.

H11 900m
Journeyman Richard & Will Freedman (Chad Schofield)
Impressive first trial this prep by the unraced The Autumn Sun gelding. Trucked into it strongly with his powerful build before dragging Schofield to the line under a firm grip. Strong through and past the post. Looks exciting.