The Trial Files: Cranbourne Review
Cranbourne Jump-outs, August 16
A quieter week at Cranbourne but there were still plenty of horses to follow. Rosberg created a scene winning heat six by some 10L in easily the fastest time of the morning, prompting Clinton McDonald to declare him "stakes class". I am going to be more reserved in judging him; he's clearly got talent, but I suspect he was asked to run time here and I’m not sure the clock was 100% accurate.
Worth noting the better ground for the 800m jump-outs was out wide. No issue being close to the rail for the 1000m jump-outs which were held on a different track.
Blackbook summary:
| Heat | Horse | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Rafique | Sneaky good trial. Coasted under his own steam, more to come. |
| 4 | Zouzena | Improved mare, looks ready to race. Could surprise at odds. |
Heat 2 – Rafique (5th)
Target – Another trial first
Sneaky good trial from Rafique. He coasted down the straight under his own steam and it appeared jockey Jye McNeil could’ve gone through a few gears with this Pride Of Dubai gelding had he wanted to. Given this was his first jump-out of the campaign, keen to see him have another hit-out, but there looks to be potential.
Heat 4 – Zouzena (3rd)
Target – 1200m Maiden
Four-year-old mare who has done little in two racetrack outings. However, she has had three jump-outs back from a 42-week spell and looks to have improved significantly. She trialled well up the back straight on the Cranbourne course proper seven days earlier and again moved nicely here. She looks ready to get to the races now and could surprise at big odds when she does.
