NZ Trial Watcher: Horses to follow from Elerslie
One of New Zealand’s sharpest judges has dissected the February 10 Ellerslie trials and unearthed several horses punters need on their radar
Like in Australia, barrier trials in New Zealand can play a huge role in identifying future winners. They are often the clearest window into fitness, intent and raw ability before raceday pressure kicks in. Smart punters on this side of the Tasman already use trial intel to get ahead of the market. The same edge exists in NZ.
That is where NZ Trial Watcher comes in. After dissecting the February 10 Ellerslie trials, he has identified four runners whose performances suggest they are ready to win. If you are looking to expand your punting across the Tasman, this is the type of information that makes the difference.
Heat 4 – 2YO – Catchweight – 800m (45.11)
1st – 2y c SEIZE THE DAY trained by Walker & Bergerson
2nd – 2y f FIESTA trained by D & B Weatherley
3rd – 2y f BELLE REBELLE trained by D Logan
Summary: “Te Akau-trained colt, expensive yearling and plenty of education at the trials, this his 5th trial overall and had blinkers added. The gear change had a positive effect with the colt keen to put himself in the lead early and held a big margin throughout. A debut must be near.”
Horse To Follow: 2y c SEIZE THE DAY
Heat 7 – 2YO – Catchweight – 800m (45.76)
1st – 2y f SHIRASE trained by T Pike
2nd – 2y c SYSTEM OF PLAY trained by Walker & Bergerson
3rd – 2y f AQUADREAM trained by Walker & Bergerson
Summary: “Impressive 1st trial by SHIRASE, a half-sister to the stable’s stakes-winning sprinter NOT GUILTY. Jumped well, tucked in behind, green at the turn but once balanced up she got to the lead pair quickly and won running away.”
Horse To Follow: 2y f SHIRASE
Heat 11 – MDN – Catchweight – 800m (45.72)
1st – 3y g LUCKY DICE trained by K Van Dyk
2nd – 3y g CELTIC TYCOON trained by S & E Clotworthy
3rd – 3y f WOMAN IN CHARGE trained by O’Sullivan & Scott
Summary: “Good field of maidens, fast time & three coming winners, LUCKY DICE started short price on debut, knuckled at start and was pulled up with an issue, worth forgiving, showed sharp turn of foot in return trial. CELTIC TYCOON unraced, best trial of his to date and fought back strongly through the line. WOMAN IN CHARGE a coming maiden winner, quiet trial in 3rd.”
Horses To Follow: 3y g LUCKY DICE 3y g CELTIC TYCOON 3y f WOMAN IN CHARGE
Heat 17 – MDN – Catchweight – 1100m (1.05.92)
1st – 3y f ARWEN trained by James & Wellwood
2nd – 3y f TAILORESS trained by D & B Weatherley
3rd – 3y c FORTUNE SWEYNESSE trained by T Pike
Summary: “Staying type by Ancient Spirit, turned heads at Taupo late October storming home off a slow start and tipped out, jumped better this time returning and took a wide path in the straight to win her heat under riding, a filly that will improve further as she gets to a mile and beyond.”
Horses To Follow: 3y f ARWEN
