These 6 horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week they head back to the racetrack.
American Falcon (2c American Ideal – Tania Tandias) Trainer: Matthew White
Only qualified late June at ‘The Park’ when he led throughout in a 4 horse heat and looked to have plenty still to give running a 2:04MR, 800m in 57.9, 400m in 28.3.
Backed that up with an unlucky debut run (11/7/25) when 3rd to Craftsman whom he had beaten in the earlier trial. 2nd up at Auckland this Friday in Race 2 where he has drawn the outside gate over 1700m. Purchased out of the yearling sales by West Australian interests and rates as a full brother to Tommy Lincoln (16 wins + $220k) & a half to the unbeaten Graphite who made it ‘2 from 2’ last week at Cambridge. Held in some regard by his trainer, certainly 1 to follow.
Stick With Me (3g Bettors Delight – Twist And Twirl) Trainer: Graeme Rogerson
Just the 1 trial at Pukekohe (1/7/25) where he ran 4th of 4 & didn’t really flatter behind Sammy Lincoln who ran a 2:02.9 MR, last 800m in 58.5. Resumed at Cambridge (10/7/25) and looked unlucky in 4th behind Franco Miki, his first race start since October 2024. Snares a good draw in Race 2 at Cambridge this Thursday with Zac Butcher getting aboard. Fitness should be improving, only had 3 lifetime starts but bred to be good. Full brother to Bettor Twist (15 wins + $607k) and a half to $3M+ winner King Of Swing (3 Miracle Miles), ‘stick with him’ !
Lexicon (3f Muscle Mass – Pocaro) Trainer: Bob Butt
Never pays to get too excited about a maiden trotter on debut but this filly has won 5 workouts/trials since late March and her breeding suggests she should be very promising at least In her last trial at Rangiora (16/7/25) she showed good manners to step & settle 3 deep, eased out to attack 600m out & comfortably accounted for 6 rivals MR:2:10.2, 800m in 60.3, 400m in 30.4
Has chosen to debut this Friday at Addington in Race 2 where many of her rivals have been trying for some time to get that elusive first win. Gets a wide draw from behind the mobile as listed as ‘unruly’ but still expecting the odds to be ‘cramped’
Ringleader (2g Always B Miki – Delightful Kas) Trainer: Ken Barron
2 nice trials in July, the last at Rangiora (16/7/25) where he came from near the rear of 6 to run 1L behind race rival Kotare Rimu MR:2:01.2, 800m in 56.4
The full brother to recent Queensland Derby winner Rubira has had just the 1 raceday start back in late Jan where he ran 5th of 6th but has obviously improved since then as many of the Mikis get better with time. Looks ready for his resumption at Addington this Friday in Race 6 where he meets a small but quality field of 5. Top driver Blair Orange down to drive and can be followed with some confidence in the coming weeks.
Sweet Guinness (4g Sweet Lou – Anita Patron) Trainers: Greg & Ben Hope
Fair debut behind Heaven’s Mark (11/7/25) after some very handy trial form during June/July. At last trial (2/7/25) came from last in a 6 horse heat to make up many lengths in the straight behind Burnham Girl MR: 2:00.9, 800m in 57.6
2nd up at Addington this Sunday in Race 3 in a field devoid of any significant form, drawn out a touch but expected to be improved and likely to be running on over the final stages. Jnr driver Gemma Thornley gets on & the horses seem to ‘run’ for her.
Mystic Magic (3f Bettors Delight – Wiggleit Jiggleit) Trainers: Steve & Amanda Telfer
Solid resumption last week behind stablemate Riptide after trailing, fought strongly to the line in a 57.1 last 800m. First run back at races since early September 2024
Before that had gone to Ashburton workouts & run 2nd to Itz All Over Rover, making up many lengths over the last 200m although overall time nothing flash.
Back at Addington this Sunday in Race 4 and sure to be much improved. Standing start manners have been very good and the stable juggernaut every chance to roll on.
Has some ‘breeding’ to support her race career and looks better than a maiden for sure.
