Smiling Star returned the fastest time among trial winners at Addington yesterday.
Smiling Star won over 1950m (mobile) in a 2.01.9 mile rate, the last 800m in 59.1. The unraced Grinfromeartoear-Sagitta gelding in the stable of Robbie Holmes had won a trial at Rangiora a week earlier.
Eliminator, who has not raced since December, won his heat. The Ken Barron-trained Eliminator won at Gore and Invercargill early in the season.
• Results of trials:
Weather, fine; track, fast.
Qualifying test, trotters, 2600m: So King S Smolenski 1; Phils Gift 2; Anonymiss 3. Four started.
Nk, 1L. Time, 3.33.7 ( three qualified). Trainer, M Smolenski.
Qualifying test, pacers, 2600m Debs Pal B Thomas 1; Radar 2; McArdles R Flyin 3. Four started. 3/4L, 12L. Time, 3.24.5 (four qualified). Trainer, P Burrows.
Qualifying test, pacers, 2000m (first heat): Givethejobtobarnsey J Versteeg 1; Maiden Rome 2; Mach Robyn 3. Eight started. 3/4L, 2 1/2L. Time, 2.35.5 (six qualified). Trainer, J Versteeg.
Second heat: Hot Toddy K Barron 1; Sobek 2; Beautiful Girl 3. Four started. 1/2Nk, hd. Time, 2.34.5 (four qualified). Trainer, K Barron.
0w pacers, mobile, 1950m: Smiling Star R Holmes 1; Cullens Mercy 2; Stylish Mach 3. Eight started. Hd, 2 1/2L. Time, 2.27.8. Trainer, R Holmes.
1-2w pacers, mobile, 1950m: Eliminator K Barron 1; Twilight Rascal 2; Chankai 3. Six started. 1 1/4L, nk. Time, 2.28.9. Trainer, K Barron.
0w pacers, 2000m: Goodfields Dream B Orange 1; Kotare Yris 2; Lets Play Lavros 3. Four started. 3/4L, 20L. Time, 2.34.2. Trainer, W Stevenson.
0w trotters, 2600m: Classy Boyz R Holmes 1; Dutchess 2; Zoom By 3. Five started. 17L, nk. Time, 3.27.6. Trainer, M Boa.
2-3w pacers, 2600m: Deadly Affair T Williams 1; Caesarion 2; Lavros Invader 3. Three started. 1 1/2L, 1 1/4L. Time, 3.31.3. Trainer, M Smolenski.
1-2w trotters, 2600m: Commander Jewel M Jones 1; Pammys Boy 2; Tip Your Hat Loui 3. Three started. 5 1/4L, 1 1/4L. Time, 3.29.6. Trainer, M Jones.
• Surreal Moment has returned an irregularity in a post race urine sample after winning at Forbury Park on June 23, a statement from the Racing Integrity Unit states. He is trained by Gordon and Colin Lee.
