Run Courage Run has not raced since he won at Winton in a 2.00.7 mile rate for 2400m (mobile) on May 30. He won his previous start at Ascot Park.
The Courage Under Fire gelding, trained at Ascot Park by Gil Shirley, had finished second fresh up in his other start last season after an 18-month break from racing.
The seasoned condition of Jupiter Grove could make him a formidable rival for Run Courage Run. Jupiter Grove ran fifth at Rangiora on Sunday. Trained at West Melton by Ken Barron, Jupiter Grove, won at Rangiora on July 4. He won at Wyndham in February.
Yokozuna, the better for his race last Thursday night, should be hard to beat in race 7. Yokozuna (a sumo grand champion) was having his first start for six weeks when he ran Lucy Legacy to half a length.
It is his first trip further afield than Forbury Park where his nine starts have yielded six wins and two seconds since he began racing five months ago.
Lord Forbes, winner of 11 races, may be hard pressed to concede a 30m start to Yokozuna. He is off 50m. Lord Forbes, winner of the Wyndham Cup last season, won a workout on Sunday.
Jaccka Hello, a sound fourth at Oamaru on August 7, could overcome a 30m handicap in race 2 today. He has been successful at Ascot Park.
• Results from trials yesterday.
Winton
Weather, raining; track, slushy.
Qualifying test, pacers, mobile, 2400m: Castletownbere R Swain 1; Otobeamillionaire 2; Beaudiene Britanya 3. Four started. 1 1/2L; 4 1/2L. Time, 3.04.2 (four qualified). Trainer, K McRae.
Qualifying test, trotters, 2400m: Florrie Bendix B Morris 1; Lady Eileen 2; Conrock 3. Three started. 3 1/2L; 1L. Time, 3.20.2 (winner qualified). Trainer, L Veint.
Qualifying test, pacers, 2400m: Palazzo Bromac K Larsen 1; Motu Just In Time 2; Mike McKaid 3. Four started. Hd; 8L. Time, 3.08.8 (four qualified). Trainer, K Larsen.
0-1w pacers, 2400m: Livitup Jack N Williamson 1; Navy Cross 2; Raconteur 3. Three started. 2 1/4L; 2L. Time, 3.16.6. Trainers, G and J Knight.
0-2w pacers, mobile, 2400m: Nimite J Cox 1; Bronze Hero 2; Silver Dollar Girl 3. Four started. Nk; 2L. Time, 3.14.2. Trainer, A Cahill.
Oamaru
Weather, showery; track, slushy.
Qualifying test, trotters, 2000m: Zing P Williamson 1. Only starter. Time, 2.47.5 (did not qualify).
0w pacers, 2000m: Here Comes Brucie D Johnston 1; Hanover Fair 2; Alpine Haze 3. Six started. 1/2L; nk. Time, 2.46.4. Trainer, D Johnston.
1w+ trotters, 2600m: Born Lucky G Telfer 1; So Green 2. Two started. 2L; 8L. Time, 3.44.2. Trainer, G Telfer.
