They might not look like half-brothers next to each other in the stalls but Rory Mach and Cullens Spirit had plenty in common at the Forbury Park trials yesterday.
Rory Mach, a 4yr-old entire by Mach Three, won his 2200m pace heat in 2.55.6, showing plenty of speed over the last 800m to beat Millwood Charity by 6 lengths.
Cullens Spirit - two years older and a lot bigger than Rory Mach - came out in the next heat and took care of two others in a slower time of 2.59 in a 2200m mobile pace, but a slightly quicker last 800m of 58.5sec.
Mosgiel trainer Martin Denton co-bred both pacers out of his New York Motoring mare Spirit Of Niatross, but Cullens Spirit has done all his racing out of Robert Dunn's stable.
Cullens Spirit has been out for a year after he was nursed through a suspensory issue to win at Addington in October last year, his fourth career victory.
Denton hopes to find a race to suit the c3 pacer at a larger circuit such as Wyndham or Winton in the summer and was pleased with his effort yesterday.
''That's all he wanted - a nice sprint home.''
Beaudiene Beaut Babe, a c0-graded pacer, chased hard behind Cullens Spirit to finish within a length.
The half-sister to Beaudiene Bad Babe had one start in June last year, finishing eighth behind Havinaravup.
''She's got the motor, but she's got a bit of a gut on her that we've got to work off before we go to the races,'' co-trainer Jonny Cox said.
Brighton trainer Graeme McLay is hopeful Armori is getting back to something like her best after her trial win against three rivals yesterday.
The Sundon mare has looked capable in the past but has disappointed in her two runs in this campaign.
''She has lacked that extra little bit at the finish, which she does have,'' he said.
''I'm still working on some muscle issues with her and trying to sort things out that way.
''But she went a lot better today, so we'll see what happens. She blew a bit today - she needed it.''
Sumtala and Robyn PC gained their qualifying tickets in a 2200m mobile pace.
