BARRIER TRIAL 1000m Sunday 08/04/2018
1st Drageda (Marcus/Howells 3yog AB 59kg) draw 9. This Captain Al gelding was touted before his debut but took five runs to get off the mark and then finished fourth first-time out the maidens off a 77 merit rating (before the 6 point across the board raise). He returned from a three month layoff here and displayed his big action throughout. He looks to still have the scope to develop into the horse he was touted to be. 61.07seconds
2nd 0,5 lengths Checkpoint Charlie (De Gouveia/Hill 2yog S 57(-1.5)kg) draw 1. This unraced Brave Tin Soldier gelding is a big gangly sort with plenty of scope, He jumped awkwardly but then displayed a fair action and when asked for an effort in the last 100m quickened well but the time was quite slow. 61.16 seconds
3rd 0,65 lengths Charge d’ Affaires (Byleveld/Marshall 2yof A 56kg) draw 5. This unraced Captain Al filly is a full sister to Grade 1 Gold Medallion winner Always In Charge and displayed a lovely, big action. She was very green throughout and looks promising. 61.19 seconds
4th 0,9 lengths The New Generation (Arries/Dixon 2yoc S 57kg) draw 8. This unraced Visionaire colt is not the biggest and dwelt at the start. He has quite a quick action and was ridden in the straight to make up a few places before fading late. 61.24 seconds
5th 0,95 lengths I’m Free (Moodley/Badenhorst 2yof A 56(-2.5)kg) draw 4. This Noble Tune filly is nicely put together but was green throughout and had to be pushed to quicken in the final stages. 61.25 seconds
6th 1,2 lengths The Secret Is Out (Bantam/Marshall 4yof A 59(-2.5)kg) draw 11. This Captain Al filly is a top class Grade 1-winnig sprinter who is returning from a six month layoff . She took the lead but was just held together throughout. 61.29seconds
7th 1,7 lengths Roy’s Zara (AUS) (Sakayi/Howells 3yof A 58(-4)kg) draw 6. This Big Brown filly has won one race over 2000m in seven starts and returned from a layoff after a poor run when found to be coughing. She looked fit and well. She was up with the pace early and strode out well without being put under pressure. 61.39 seconds
8th 3,2 lengths Jamaica Inn (Randolph/Forbes 2yof S 256kg) draw 3. This Greys Inn filly was green throughout but has a fair action and will be seen at her best over further. 61.67 seconds
9th 3,3 lengths Ferris (Gates/Van Wyk 3yoc A 59(-4)kg)) draw 10. This Kildonan colt is slightly built. He was slowly away and in the straight was green, with his head turned sideways, but he displayed a fair stride. 61.69 seconds
10th 4,05 lengths Graci Litehousecat (Veale/Drier 2yof S 56kg) draw 7. This Curved Ball filly has some substance, but was slowly away and then lacked pace. She changed legs close to home but stayed on quite well. 61.83 seconds
11th 6.05 lengths Golden Chance (Godden/Drier 2yof S 56kg) draw 2. This unfurnished Dynasty filly was slow away and then green. She is a nice size so has scope for improvement and will appreciate further. 62.22 seconds.
By David Thiselton
