3 March 2026
These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (4/3/26) they head back to the racetrack.
Kawatiri Trev (3g Marcoola – Buller Whitebait) Tr. P Nairn
On debut at Westport this Friday (Race 1) where he is owned. Two workout wins should have him primed for a strong showing in a field of mediocre strength. Did break briefly in his latest win but recovered quickly to trail then took control from the 600m, way too strong in the end over three rivals. MR:2:13.9, 800m in 60.0, 400m in 29.2. Trainer has a liking for this circuit but interestingly he has two in the race and has chosen to drive the stablemate Robbie K. Maiden trotters on debut not a great investment but this trotter looks to have a bit of upside and from a stable that deserves much respect.
Unico Realta (4g Ultimate Machete – Unico Dream) Tr. W Robertson
Really nice trial at Addington (4/2/26) where he made ground stylishly on a 1:58MR for second behind Valorous. Franked that run with a sound enough on debut then got into the winner’s circle at Rangiora on the grass last weekend after securing the trail and finishing best. MR:2:04.7, 800m in 60.1, 400m in 28.9. Backs up at Westport in Race 3 and has copped the outside of the gate with junior driver Riley Harrison retaining the drive (drew the second line at Rangiora). Not a lot of disclosed form in this race and the trainer has said the horse has improved since his debut effort. Would not be surprised if he won again.
Luvavici (6g Orlando Vici – Chesterbelle) Tr. P Nairn
Stable could be in for a very good day at this rate. Promising trotter on the comeback, had a quiet trial at Addington (4/2/26), running fourth of 5 starters behind race rival Kashanova then had his first race-day start at Ashburton since September 2024 and ran a very solid third behind Makaku albeit it 4L away at the line. MR:2:03.7, 800m in 57.9 and was seen doing his best work wide out over the final stages. Second up at Westport on Friday (Race 7) and sure to have derived serious benefit from the first run back. Stable junior Stacy Whatuira keeps the drive. Before the enforced break, he had won three of just 13 starts with another six placings so he can handle this field.
All Of Me (3f Downbytheseaside – Dream About Me) Tr. C & C Dalgety
Star filly of last season fresh up at northern headquarters this Friday night in Race 1. Looked super in a recent Rangiora trial (24/2/26) where she sat midfield of 7 mostly before taking closer order final 400m, never asked for an effort last 150m and looked to have plenty of petrol left behind Spirit Of Tupelo. MR:2:03.3, 800m in 57.6, 400m in 27.8. Drawn wide for her fresh up assignment but her toughest rival is even further out again. Some lofty targets on the horizon and this isn’t one of them but still expecting her class to take her very close.
Lulana (3f American Ideal – Lenize) Tr. A Donnelly
Big run behind Iron Mike Tyson (20/2/26) for second at only her second race-day start with that form looking even better now with the latter scoring a big win last week in a strong lineup. Beaten 2.3L in second but did make an early mistake on that occasion. Won a four-horse workout at Auckland (10/2/26) just defeating race rival Dream Light in a 2:05MR, last 800m in 58.2, 400m in 27.5 after leading. Third up at Auckland this Friday night in Race 2 and comes up against the promising Nymbal but has faired much better in the draw department. Should not need to improve much to be a leading contender.
We Will Rise Again (2c Lazarus – Gracelands Rose) Tr. Purdon/Phelan
Looked awesome winning a recent trial at Pukekohe (17/2/26) where he led and gave nothing else a chance winning as he liked by 4L. MR:2:00.4, 800m in 57.3, 400m in 27.6. On debut this Friday at Auckland (Race 6) in a ‘Young Guns’ heat where he will clash with the unbeaten Tour Party. He has plenty of breeding to support a successful race track career and top stable obviously knows how to get them ready. Everyone will be much wiser after the contest but would be very surprised if this son of Lazarus didn’t prove highly competitive such was his trial domination.