11 February 2026
These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (12/2/26) they head back to the racetrack.
Brilliant Chase (3g Downbytheseaside – Delicata) Tr. B Butt
Had the one start as a 2YO back in September but found the 1:56.8MR too tough on that occasion. Then went for a spell before coming back to the trials late January and has impressed with two smart wins in recent weeks. The last of those at Addington (4/2/26) where he settled back before getting a nice run on the outer, challenged strongly last 150m to get over the top of his 7 rivals. MR:2:00.8, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 29.1. Resumes this Friday at Addington in Race 11 and has scored a nice draw to work with. Does meet some handy maidens but is a half brother to Chase Auckland and definitely looks a horse to follow.
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Arafura (4m Sweet Lou – Spirit Of Delight) Tr. H & A Cullen
Class mare back at Addington after last start fourth in Group 1 Queen Of Hearts at Auckland. Has been kept up to the mark with two trials, the latest at Addington (4/2/26) where she led in a three-horse heat and was just caught by the trailing Sonofamistery. MR:1:56.7, 800m in 56.2, 400m in 28.3. Another Group 1 assignment this week in Race 8 against the best mares and cops a second line draw. The race over 2600m and with Blair Orange aboard is still likely to get her chance. Well proven at this level and should be right in the thick of this contest
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Its Not Kathy (3f Bettor’s Delight – Little Big Sister) Tr. Hollis/Robertson
Went to the Pukekohe workouts (22/1/26) and pushed subsequent winner Ms Collins right to the line in a 2:01MR, last 800m in 56.8. Backed that effort up with a very good second to Chanel Noire when attempting to lead over the final 1200m and caught very late. Has now run four placings in 5 lifetime starts and goes back to Auckland this Friday night in Race 8 where she has a sweet draw to use her gate speed and potentially dominate her rivals. A maiden win would be well deserved.
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Sweet Bree (3f Bettor’s Delight – Sweet Lizzie) Tr. S Dolan
On debut this week on the grass at the ‘Mot’ (Sunday Race 3) and has secured a nice draw to use with the top driver aboard. Solid in multiple workout/trial runs in Jan/Feb, the last at Addington (4/2/26) where she came from last at the 400m in an eight-horse heat to snare fourth behind Brilliant Chase, eye-catching run. MR:2:00.8, 800m in 57.6. Qualified some time ago and has some breeding to back up her claims to be a racehorse. First foal of dam who won two in a short career and was placed as a 2YO. Has picked a very suitable race to kick off her race career.
Lilac Luxury (5m Downbytheseaside – Lilac Splash) Tr. D Taylor
Quiet trials in Dec/Jan, the last behind good filly Winelight at Ashburton (20/1/26) where she ran from last of 5 but still only fifth. MR:2:02.5, 800m in 56.0, 400m in 26.9. Since resuming post that effort, has run two very solid placings on the grass, the most recent at Hororata last week where she failed to pick up Times Are A Changin. Back on the grass this week at Banks Peninsula (Race 12) where she has recorded one of her two wins. Has drawn the second row but is the highest rated horse in the field and should prove highly competitive. Stable going well at the present time.
Shonagh Kirk (4m Always B Miki – Clifton Christine) Tr. A & G Milne
Caught the eye on debut at Winton last week coming from last and very wide final turn to snare 4th in a 1:57MR, less than 5L from winner Skinny Dippin. Prior to that debut, had been prominent at southern workouts/trials including a win at Wyndham (24/1/26) where she sat fourth of 5 before sweeping up wide around final turn and getting over the top of her rivals. MR:2:08.3, 800m in 62.0, 400m in 31.7. Second up at Gore on the grass this Sunday (Race 5) and meets a field with not a lot of form to recommend. With expected improvement, should represent some attractive value.