A 1200m trial will be held prior to Race 1 at the Waikato races on Wednesday 19 January. This is due to the Pukekohe trials (now at Ellerslie) being pushed back 10 days. Eligibility for this trial is for horses that have been placed 1^st to 4^th  in a Group Race and winners of a Listed Race. Nominations for this trial are due on Friday 14 January (same time as race meeting nominations close).