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Chris Scholtz reviews Sydney and provincial barrier trials at Hawkesbury (July 15), Newcastle (July 16) and Rosehill (July 19).

ROSEHILL July 19

Soft 5; Course Proper/Inside Grass

15 Heats – 1 Course Proper x 900m (Group/Open)

14 Inside Grass – 3 x 1030m (2 Open; 1 2YO); 11 x 900m (1 Open; 8 2YO; 1 3YO; 1 Maiden)

A star studded set for mid-winter with Godolphin rolling out five Group One winners in the open heat on the course proper plus several of their high class juveniles from this season in other heats.

The natural runner MERYL led and took the honours in the big heat but it was easy exercise behind for the Godolphin team, the most notable being soft trials from ALIZEE, KIAMICHI (very good sitting wide) and BEST OF DAYS.

In other heats there were some notable eye catching efforts:-

Twice As Special (Jason Coyle): This was a hidden gem from an unraced Testa Rossa filly. She was slow into stride and a clear last and then took another 400m to settle after getting up on the bit. From the turn her rider Jason Collett angled her between runners to get some clear running and from there she really took the eye making ground easily under a strong hold, running through the line with style to finish fifth behind the very quick winner Galaxial in the fastest time of the session (54.58; 35.00). Keep an eye on her when produced.

Flit (James Cummings): Classy filly was having her first trial since her excellent autumn efforts and like all the Godolphin team on the day was given a very easy time in her 900m heat. Settled out the back but got into her work in the last 200m and looked very strong working to the line under a big hold. Appeals as a real Flight Stakes/Thousand Guineas type.

Sir Rocket (Bjorn Baker): We tabbed this unraced Smart Missile colt in his first trial at Canterbury in April and this effort to win his 900m heat confirms his ability. Ridden quietly in midfield, he was five lengths off the lead at the 400m before he was eased to the outside to find clear air. Responded instantly when given a squeeze at the 200m to sprint strongly to the line for a soft win in good time (54.63; 34.90). The patient approach with him could be profitable.

Superium (Joseph Pride): This unbeaten youngster, winner of two country starts including the Wellington Boot in April, clearly has the ability to measure up in city company judging by his solid 900m trial effort. There was no urgency early as he settled in the back half but it was hard to miss his strong gallop to the line over the last 200m when Glen Boss had him under tight restraint. Can be placed to advantage by his astute trainer.

NOTED TRIALS

XX Twice As Special; Flit; Sir Rocket; Superium

X Meryl; Alizee; Kiamichi; C'Est La Vie; All Too Soon; De Valera; Hostwin Euphoria; Art Collection; Nuclear Summit; Dawn Dawn; Astralis; Steel Diamond; Let It Pour; Lucicello; Galaxial; Californiadeepshot; Jetski; Rome; Dawn Passage; Green Jacket ; Famous; Ballistica; God Of Thunder.    

NEWCASTLE July 16

Soft 5; Course Proper

11 Heats – 2 x 900m (2 Open); 9 x 800m (2 Open; 5 2YO; 2 Maiden)

NOTED TRIALS

X Take It Intern; Malahat; No Doubt Acracker; Delectation Girl; Geo; Pandano; Spiritual Power; Just Cosmos; Camellia Legend; Bandahara

HAWKESBURY July 15

Soft 5; Inside Grass

14 Heats – 1 x 1250m (Open); 4 x 1000m (1 Open; 2 2YO; 1 Maiden); 9 x 800m (2 Open; 5 2YO; 2 Maiden)

Sylvia's Mother (Team Hawkes): Much will be made of the classy 800m heat win by this promising mare. Despite her average time (47.40) she was visually impressive, sitting back and wide before showing her class with a fast finishing sprint over the last 100m to score narrowly.

Smart As Ever (Richard & Michael Freedman): The standout win of the session came from this unraced Smart Missile youngster. Led at his own sped before extending easily over the last 200m to record a soft win yet easily running the fastest time of the nine 800m heats (36.69). Clearly has the talent to win races.

NOTED TRIALS

XX Sylvia's Mother; Smart As Ever

X Cuba; Bold And Wild; Version Two; Miss Invincible; Greyworm; Priome Candidate; Jailbreak; Bollywood; Montserrat; Making Whoopee.