Cover image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Shangri La Boy barely breaks a sweat
Shangri La Boy (Pierro) topped Heat 3, the open trial over 1106 metres for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott team, and he did it with ease. He travelled sweetly in the lead throughout for Tim Clark, was allowed to roll into the straight, and extended cleanly under minimal riding. He looked very forward and ran through the line with purpose.
It was a tidy effort in his third trial this preparation, following his last campaign where he finished second in the G1 Spring Champion Stakes behind Attica (Lonhro) last October over 2000 metres.
The class mare Stefi Magnetica (All Too Hard) was solid in second after settling in a distant second slot, working home well without being knocked about. O’Sheamus (Shamus Award) was very strong through the line and will take improvement from the hit-out as he no doubt heads into a staying 3-year-old autumn campaign for John O'Shea and Tom Charlton.
Further back, Profoundly (Farnan) moved very well late and looks the type who will be one to follow this campaign for trainer Michael Freedman.
Media World moves nicely to score in style
Media World (Written Tycoon) was sharp over 902 metres in Heat 6, winning narrowly but impressively for trainer Peter Snowden. He showed good early speed before quickening again under minimal urgings. It was a neat, professional trial, typical of a horse that has returned in excellent order, as it was only his first trial back.
Snow In May (The Autumn Sun) chased well in second, and while ridden a little harder than the winner, it was a very good effort. Balmain Darling (Territories {Ire}), after being ridden positively in front and rolling along at a good pace, stuck to his task quite well.
Video: Watch Media World at Canterbury trials, video courtesy of Racing NSW
Charcoals (Too Darn Hot {GB}) also showed enough to suggest she has returned well, running a sound fourth after settling nicely in the trail and not being asked for much in the straight.
As a 4-year-old entire by Written Tycoon, out of a dual Group 3 winner in Meryl (Epaulette), that has already won at Group 3 and Listed level, the owners Yu Long Stud and Mystery Downs will be hoping to get some more stakes wins to add to Media World's record in the hopes of turning him into stallion.
Beadman bold, big, and brave
Beadman, the talented colt by Snitzel trained by Peter Snowden, won his 3-year-old heat over 902 metres narrowly but with authority. He showed a sharp turn of foot when needed, angling out wide after settling well in the trail, and displayed a strong will to hold them at bay late under James McDonald.
He’s clearly come back well and looks like a big chance in the sprinting races his connections target.
Video: Watch Beadman at Canterbury trials, video courtesy of Racing NSW
The Playwright (Written By) was very good in second after sitting outside the leader Tremonti (Hellbent), finding the line strongly and appearing likely to improve off that effort in his first trial this preparation.
Transcend (So You Think) wasn’t far away and shaped like a horse that will continue to improve, having spent a quality period of time now in the Michael Freedman barn since moving from New Zealand.
It was a good quality heat, and Providence (Wootton Bassett {GB}), wearing the same China Horse Club colours as Beadman, finished strongly for fifth after settling well back in the field under Jason Collett. He looks on target for a nice mile or staying race later in the autumn.
Avengers tough in front
Avengers (Snitzel) set a solid tempo and kept finding, showing natural speed and professionalism for the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable to win the first of the juvenile heats over 899 metres.
He handled pressure well and, while ridden out a touch, responded exactly as connections would have wanted. He looks another promising prospect for the China Horse Club team, who race him alongside other partners.
Avengers cost China Horse Club, Newgate Bloodstock, and Kia Ora Stud a clean $1 million at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, and on the back of Friday's effort, may have plenty to show on the track when he debuts.
Blocker (Pierata) stuck on well in second after sitting outside the leader and should take plenty from the experience, while Zoo Dazzler (Zoustar) was a clear eye-catcher, running strongly late to finish third after settling near the tail of the field.
Universe (Pierro) was a blackbooker, finishing fourth along the rail in a very quiet trial. The $1.1 million purchase by Byerley Bloodstock was having his first trial for trainer Chris Waller.
Shiki dominant in Heat 13
Shiki (Too Darn Hot {GB}) was the standout 2-year-old trial performance in the third heat for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott camp. She has very good raceday form and was a class above her opposition, winning by just under two and a half lengths. This was a lovely tick-over trial as she looks likely for one of the Slipper trials ahead.
Video: Watch Shiki at Canterbury trials, video courtesy of Racing NSW
Doubella (Doubtland) was honest in second, running on very well, while Rumour (I Am Invincible) stuck to his task after setting a decent tempo throughout from the lead under Andrew Adkins.
Forest King (Tiger Of Malay) also showed enough to be eye-catching, finishing fourth. The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained runner was caught wide in third and worked hard throughout but stuck on strongly out wide under minimal urgings, finishing only roughly a length and a half from the runner-up.
