Heavy fog virtually wiped out timing at Matamata this morning as horses prepared for Saturday’s feature meetings on their home track and at Hawera.

Last start winners Sweet Leader (C Grylls) and Cha Siu Bao (Coleman) were paired in a solid 1000-metre hitout on the heavy course proper. Both O’Sullivan-Scott-trained three-year-olds will be entered for the local meeting in the hope of some improvement in track conditions by the weekend.

Matamata Cup entry Our King Sway (Danis) and Dragon Robe (Lammas), who runs in Saturday’s three-year-old 1400, completed their work well, while Hawera entry Ruby Armani (C Ormsby) looked at home in the conditions when shading Soul Sista at the line.

Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes candidate Abidewithme (McNab) went with Vive La Difference (Cameron), while others to work on the course proper included local weekend candidates Prize Lad, Keepherinmind and Piazza.

The only gallop that could be taken was Underthemoonlight (K McQuade), who worked later in the session on the sand and was timed over 1200m in 1:17.4. The in-form mare will run in the Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes, in which she will be ridden by Awapuni apprentice Timothy Johnson.

Volpe Veloce and Babe prepared for weekend engagements with sound work at Matamata this morning when continuing wet weather made for testing conditions.

Working right-handed 23 metres out on the heavy course proper, Volpe Veloce (Rastrick) and Babe (C Grylls) strode away from the winning post and gradually built momentum to cover 1200m in 1:30.4 and their last 600m taking a respectable 41.2.

The Richardson-trained pair are in good order, with Volpe Veloce set to run in the three-year-old sprint at Te Rapa on Friday and Babe, an unlucky runner in the Gold Trail Stakes, returning to Hastings for the Hawke’s Bay Guineas.

Leading Livamol Classic prospect Rasa Lila was ridden by her co-trainer Julia Ritchie in well-contained solo work over 1200m in 1:32.4 and 42. She appears to have trained on well from her bold fresh-up run in the Windsor Park Plate.

Aotearower (M McNab) and Cote d’Or (C Grylls) were paired in smart work, timed over their last 600m in 41.5 and final 200m in 13.6. Aotearower resumes at Te Rapa on Friday, while Cote d’Or is entered for Te Awamutu on Sunday.

Te Rapa entry El Cajero (S Collett) was partnered by Bluetwentytwo (Newman) over 600m in 41.8 and 13.6, while Like A Lie (Coleman) and Avec Moi (Lammas), likely first starters at Te Awamutu, were timed over the same distance in 42.3 and 13.3.

Ultimata (Coleman) prepared for Te Rapa with a final 600m in 41.9 and 200m in 13.7. She appears to be coming to hand well. Persuasive (D Weatherley) and Miss Silverback (Coleman) shaped up for their respective engagements at Hastings and Te Rapa with 600m in 42.5 and 200m in 13.6. Save The Stars (S Weatherley) followed in 42.4 and13.8, while Great Expectations (C Grylls) and Los Vargos (Tynan) returned 41.2 and 14.4.

Strada Cavallo (Rastrick) and Realta (Fraser-Hayes) did sound work together over 1200m in 1:27.4 and 600m in 42.1. Strada Cavallo returns to Hastings and her stablemate will run at Te Rapa. Hastings entry Prize Lad (Coleman) strode over ground and was timed for 1200m in 1:32.4 and 600m in 44.8.

On the all-weather track Hastings entries Amarula (P McKay) and Barcelo (S McKay) hit out well over 1000m in 1:03.2 and 36.8. Barcelo will be out to emulate his stablemate’s win in last year’s Hawke’s Bay Guineas, while Amarula will line up in the feature sprint provided track conditions are suitable.

On the sand Irish Heartbeat (Cole) and Lil Miss Waitoki (Danis) hit out boldly over 1000m in 1:04.6 and 37.8. Irish Heartbeat will be entered for both Te Rapa and Hastings, while her stablemate runs at Te Rapa.

Brown Girl (Rastrick) and Keep Carmen Carion (Tynan) drew attention to their Te Rapa prospects when they cut out 1200m in 1:20.4, 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 36.5. Te Rapa entry Arraignment (R Jones) went with Dragon Rose (Lammas) in smart work over 1000m in 1:03.4 and 36.5.

Gardone (M Brosnan) was also after time when she left 1000m behind in 1:02.5 and 36.2, while stablemate El Nino (Boyack) also did well over the same distance in 1:03.8 and 37.4. Others to work in good style over 1000m included Messi (Miles) and La Vamos (S McKay), who returned 1:02.5 and 36.2.

Hayley Ann (A Jones) strode over 1200m in 1:23.8, with her last 1000m in 1:08.6 and 600m in 38.5. The Arabian Duke (K McQuade) ran the same trip in 1:22.9, 1:07.1 and 38.8, while Master Poet (M Brosnan) was timed over his last 1000m in 1:05.6 and 37.2.

Herschal (Cameron) and Epic Tale (Miller) were well held over 1000m in 1:12.2 and 39.3, while Battle Cry (Wratten) ran the same trip in 1:15.2 and 44. Surpass (Dowling) rolled in from the 800m in 58.6 and 42.6.

Strada Cavallo and Pacquiao shaped up for Ellerslie on Saturday with sound work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping right-handed wide out on the course proper, where the going was heavy, Strada Cavallo (Coleman) and Pacquiao (Rastrick) both wore blinkers as they strode over 1200m in 1:23.8, with their last 600m in 39.9.

The Graham Richardson-trained stablemates have made pleasing progress since their bold first-up runs at Hastings last month and should be hard to beat this weekend provided track conditions hold up.

Beauty’s Rose and Secret Spirit drew attention to their New Plymouth prospects with bold work. Beauty’s Rose (Coleman) worked solo to record 38.8 for her final 600m, while Secret Spirit (D Weatherley) was paired with Lucy Wyldstyle (Cameron) over 600m in 39.6.

Savile Row (S Collett) and No Fuss Gus (C Grylls) worked away quietly before building momentum to complete 1200m in 1:28.6, the final 600m in 40.4. Savile Row, the winner of his only start at two, is in good order for the Bonecrusher Stakes at Ellerslie on Saturday, while No Fuss Gus, a three-year-old by Savabeel, may make his debut at Te Aroha on Sunday.

Last-start winner Corporate Missile (Miller) prepared for the Bonecrusher Stakes when she and Unfazed (Lammas) ran the last 600m of their work in 40.2. Stablemate Affinee (McNab) did sound work in preparation for New Plymouth with a final 600m in 39.8, while Ellerslie entry Keepherinmind (C Grylls) left 1200m behind in 1:27.9 and 600m in 39.4.

Los Vargos (Gorham) and Snapshot (Rastrick) worked away from the winning post to run 1200m in 1:27.4 and complete their final 600m in 39.3. Amperage (Fawcett) and Pins On Ice (McNab) were timed for their last 600m in 40.2, while Praise Dan (S McKay) recorded 40.3.

On the sand Underthemoonlight (K McQuade) prepared for the open sprint at Ellerslie with 1000m in 1:04.6 and the final 600m in a smart 35.8. She thrived during a short let-up and is being aimed at next month’s Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes.

Roseana’s Spirit (Grant) and Precious Percy (A Jones) were paired over 1000m in 1:05.2 and 37.7, while Good Vibes (Miles) covered the same ground in 1:09.2 and 40 and Over Torque (Grant) took 1:07.2 and 37.9.

Last-start Wanganui Guineas placegetter Hello M’Lady (K McQuade) prepared for the Bonecrusher Stakes with 1000m in 1:05.2 and 38.8.

Red Striker (S Collett) looked bright when allowed to roll over the last 800m of her work in 1:02.2 and 45.6. Pure Lorde (Gorham) did similar work over 1000m in 1:14 and 44.2.

On the all-weather track members of the Wayne Hillis team drew attention to their weekend prospects with smart work. Phoebe Snow (Hillis) and Shameless (Danis) cut out their last 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.6, while Perfect Start (Hillis) and Nothing Trivial (Danis) completed similar work in 1:03.2 and 37.

Barnaby (S McKay) and Matuzalem (P McKay) cut out 1000m in 1:01.5 and 36. Barnaby, the winner of two of his three starts in the autumn, is making good progress towards a return to racing. Ultimata (Wratten) was another to signal her spring prospects when she ran 1000m in a deceptive 1:01.8 and 35.8.

Woodsman (Gillies) looked well in his work over 1000m in 1:03.3 and 37, while Irish Heartbeat (Coleman) was never at top over the same ground in 1:07.3 and 39.2. Amarula (P McKay) and Barcelo (S McKay) went together in well-held work over 800m in 54.2 and 39.8.

Rasa Lila left no doubts about her fitness for Saturday’s Windsor Park Plate when she galloped impressively at Matamata this morning.

Working right-handed 20 metres out on a slow course proper, Rasa Lila (Ritchie) trailed her stablemate Devil’s Harmony (S Collett) by several lengths through the first 600 metres before getting on terms heading up the back straight.

Devil’s Harmony was timed over 1200m in 1:22.2 and together they ran the last 600m in 38.6, with the final 200m in 13.5. It was especially good work by Rasa Lila, who has won both her preparatory trials and will be ridden by Sydney-based Jason Collett in the Hastings feature.

Silver Eclipse (Ritchie), another of the Ramsay-Ritchie team kicking off her season at Hastings, looked the part doing sharp work with Dark And Stormy (S Collett) for which they were timed over 600m in 37.6 and the final 200m in 12.2.

Volpe Veloce (Rastrick) and Tesia (S McKay), two of Graham Richardson’s three Gold Trail Stakes entries, cut out their final 600m in good style in 37.4, with the last 200m in 12.4. The stable’s third Gold Trail candidate, Babe (C Grylls) went with Pukekohe Sunday runner Great Expectations (Gorham) over the same ground in 37.8 and 12.8.

Hastings entry Gentil Tonton (Coleman) and Real Thirsty (Lammas) were paired in sound work over 1200m in 1:22.8, with the last 600m in 38.8 and 200m in 12.9. Over the same ground Fame Seeker (S Collett) and Lauberhorn (Rastrick) returned 1:23.3, 38.8 and 12.5. 

Zambezi Warrior (Fawcett) and Sassy ’N’ Smart (Miller) worked away steadily in their 1200m assignment to complete the trip in 1:28.8 and 600m in 39.6. El Nino (Boyack) and Gardone (M Brosnan) completed their work with 600m in 39.7 and 200m in 13.1.

Hall Of Fame (Cameron) and Our Abbadean (McNab), who are entered for Taupo on Friday, took 38.5 and 12.9 over their final 600m, Soul Sista (C Grylls) ran 38.6 and 12.8, and Temple Tiger (Farr) and a half-brother by Thewayyouare (Danis) 39.6 and 12.4.

On the sand Windsor Park Plate candidate Capella (Dowling) caught the eye in her work over 1000m in 1:03.8 and 600m in 36.3. The Danica Guy-trained mare appears to have taken a lot of improvement out of her first-up run in the Makfi Challenge Stakes.

Willy Cazals (C Grylls) worked well in preparation for Sunday’s Westbury Classic at Pukekohe when he rolled over his final 1000m in 1:05 and 600m in 37.3. Two more for that meeting, the in-form pair Dahls Delight (Miles) and Embraceable You (P Brosnan), were well matched over 1000m in 1:05 and 37.6.

De Chine (Tynan) covered 1200m in 1:25.9, 1:09.9 and 38.8, while Riddle (Wright) ran the same trip in 1:26.2, 1:10.9 and 40.8.

Bugle Call (C Grylls) was not after time over 1000m in 1:12 and 42.4, Vanilla Moon (Coleman) and Ballychine (Umis) took 1:10.5 and 40.2, Wonder Woman (Shin) 1:14.8 and 44, and Saville Row (S Collett) 1:14.2 and 43.8.

On the all-weather track Taupo runner Lucky’s Revenge (P McKay) and Antonio Lombardo (S McKay), who goes to Hastings, were timed over 800m in 51.9 and 37.8. Stablemate De Niro (S McKay) ran the same trip in 50.6 and 37.1.

Clovelly Park (Farr) prepared for Pukekohe over 1000m in 1:05 and 38.2. Lil Miss Waitoki (Cole) and a Castledale gelding (Danis) took 1:08.2 and 38.6 for their 1000m gallop, and Ultimata (Wratten) returned 1:11.2 and 42. Aotearower (Davidson) was allowed to stride over 800m in 1:01.2 and 45.6.

Heroic Valour underlined his readiness to resume at Ruakaka on Saturday when he worked boldly at Matamata this morning.

Galloping on heavy ground against the rail in the nine-metre position, Heroic Valour (Cameron) was paired with fellow three-year-old colt Cha Siu Bao (C Grylls) over 1000m in 1:04.8, with the last 600m in a smart 37.9.

Heroic Valour, unbeaten in three starts last season, has had two trials in preparation for his spring campaign which begins in the Northland Breeders’ Stakes on the weekend. Cha Siu Bao has been placed in all three of his starts to date and is scheduled to run at Te Rapa next week.

The only other horse to gallop against the rail was Caterina, who was ridden by her trainer Tony Gillies in sound work over 1200m in 1:24.8, 1000m in 1:11 and 600m in 41.6.

All other course proper work took place right-handed with the markers 22 metres out. Sound Proposition (Coleman), who is coming to hand steadily, worked away at a moderate pace to complete 1200m in 1:31.4, with his last 600m in 41.2.

Volpe Veloce (Rastrick) and Tesia (Tynan) were paired in smart work, running their final 600m in 38.2. Stablemates Babe (Gorham) and Realta (Fraser-Hayes) were given an easier assignment as they covered their final 600m in 41.8. Volpe Veloce, Tesia and Babe are all being aimed at the Gold Trail Stakes at Hastings on Saturday week.

Al Cajero (Newman), an entry for Rotorua on Sunday, and Shez Swanky (Turner) were timed for their last 600m in 40.1, while Temple Tiger (S McKay) and Deep Thinker (Fawcett) worked well to record 39.8.

On the all-weather track Kindaleica (C Grylls) did smart work over 1000m in 1:02.4 and 36.6. He has trained on well from his last-start second and heads to Awapuni this weekend for the Merial Mile.

Ruakaka-bound trio Antonio Lombardo (S McKay), Matuzalem (P McKay) and Oblivion (N Waddell) cut out the last 800m of their work in 50.2 and 600m in 36.6.

Le Bon Fin (Danis) prepared for Rotorua with solid work that he completed over 1200m in 1:14.6, 1:01.6 and 37.4. Ultimata (Wratten) looked bright when allowed to quicken over her last 800m in 53.9 and 38.2. Stablemate Aotearower (Wratten) did similar work but was not timed.

On the sand Fame Seeker (Fraser-Hayes) and Brown Girl (Gorham) left 1200m behind in 1:19, 1:05.8 and 38.6. Cool Runnings (K McQuade) covered 1200m in 1:19.6, 1:05.2 and 37.6, while Gentil Tonton (C Grylls) was well held over the same ground in 1:25.5, with his last 600m in 40.4.

Precious Percy (Grant) left 1000m behind in 1:09 and 38.7, while Save The Stars (Coleman) and Delta de Lago (S Weatherley) recorded 1:09.4 and 39.5, and Ali Bab (C Grylls) 1:11.6 and 39.2. Sherpa (Tait) ran 800m in 51l.2 and 37.4.

Over Torque (A Jones) took 1:10.8 and 41 for 1000m, Tipping Time (Coleman) and Dame Margot Fonteyn (Cameron) 1:12.2 and 41.6, a New Approach gelding (R Jones) and a Savabeel gelding (Shin) 1:07.9 and 41, King Kane (McNab) 1:14.4 and 44.2, and Bully For You (Coleman) and Mr Selfridge (S Weatherley) 1:14.1 and 44.2.

Over 800m Echezeaux (Leveque) recorded 56.8 and 41, Vive La Difference (Miller) 1:02.1 and 45, and Primrose and the Redoute’s Choice-Scarlett Lady filly (Cameron) 1:02.4 and 43.7.

Promising hurdler Old Countess (P Brosnan) completed her work with 1200m in 1:27.3 and 41.8. Strada Cavallo (Rastrick) looked comfortable when she wore blinkers in three-quarter-pace striding work.

Eletist and Roseana’s Spirit looked well on target for weekend racing when they galloped soundly at Matamata this morning.

Galloping right-handed on the outside of a slow course proper, Eletist (Lammas) and Roseana’s Spirit (A Jones) strode over 1200m in 1:22.8, with their last 600m in 38.9 and final 200 in 12.6. Eletist, a dual nominee for Ellerslie on Saturday, has made good progress for trainer Glenn Old since his last-start win, while Roseana’s Spirit could be an improver in her Friday engagement at Te Awamutu.

Persuasive (Coleman) and Secret Spirit (C Grylls) cantered away from the winning post before quickening the tempo, with the full 1200m taking 1:28.9, last 600m in 38.8 and 200m in 12.6. The Wexford pair were first and second at Ellerslie last week and will be rivals there again this weekend. Te Awamutu entry Cote d’Or (C Grylls) looked bright in her work, with the last 600m taking 39.2.

Great Northern Steeplechase entry Gargamel was ridden by Wayne Hillis in a searching task over two rounds of the course proper and was timed over the last 1200m in 1:31.2 and 600m in 44.7. The Winton visitor has thrived since his third placing in the Grand National Steeplechase.

On the sand Wanganui-bound pair Our King Sway (Danis) and Hello M’Lady (S McKay) were in good form as they cut out 1000m in 1:04 and the final 600m in an impressive 36.9. Promising maiden pair Dragon Robe (Lammas) and Shellez Ace (S McKay) got through 1000m in 1:05.2 and 38.4, while Ellerslie candidate Sherpa (Tait) ran in from the 800m in 49.2 and 36.8.

Battle Royal (K McQuade) had pace on from the start of 1200m in 1:22, with the last 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 39.6. Dubai Shuffle (Gorham) covered the same distance in 1:22.8, 1:07.7 and 39.8. Cool Runnings (K McQuade) did sound work over 1000m in 1:05 and 37.2.

Only If (N Waddell) was allowed an easy 1000m in 1:13.8 and 43, while in similar work Vinevale (Cameron) took 1:14.2 and 41.2, and Save The Stars (Coleman) 1:12.1 and 40.3.

On the all-weather track Irish Heartbeat (Cole) wasn’t extended over 1000m in 1:08.2 and 36.9. She is entered but not a certain starter at Ellerslie. Cleo Estelle (Gillies) and a Castledale gelding (Cole) were paired over 1000m in 1:06.9 and 36.7.  

Makfi Challenge Stakes candidate Capella was one of several horses with weekend engagements to look the part in training at Matamata this morning.

Galloping on the sand, Capella (Dowling) lengthened impressively over the final stages over her gallop, covering 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 36.9. The Danica Guy-trained four-year-old has made pleasing progress since her trial earlier in the month and looks ready for a bold effort on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival.

Another of last season’s top ecehlon fillies, Strada Cavallo, was ridden by raceday jockey Michael Coleman when she and Pacquiao (Rastrick) were paired in bold work right-handed on the course proper. 

With the markers out 20 metres and the going in the better range of slow, the Graham Richardson-trained pair strode over 1200m in 1:22.8, with the last 600m in 38 and last 200m in 12.5. Strada Cavallo is in good shape to resume in the R85 1400 at Hastings, while her stablemate runs over the same distance in Rating 65 grade.

Hastings entry Bluetwentytwo (Turner) was another to work impressively when he and Devil’s Tower (Newman) worked away quietly from the winning post and increased the tempo as they went for 1200m in 1:27.8, 600m in 37.6 and a final 200m in 12.2.

Keep On Coming (Coleman) and Resurrect (Lammas) prepared for Hastings over 1200m, beginning quietly to run the distance in 1:29.3 and quickening for a final 600m in 38.5. El Nino, another for Hastings, was ridden by his trainer Mark Brosnan over 1200m in 1:23.2 and 40.4.

Against the rail in the six-metre position, Hall Of Fame (Cameron) and Our Abbadean (McNab) cut out a smart 1000m in 1:03.2, but no sectional time could be taken due to fog.

Promising Savabeel colt Hall Of Fame resumes in the three-year-old sprint at Hastings, while Our Abbadean, the winner of two of her three autumn starts, does likewise at Ruakaka on Saturday. O’Know (Lammas) prepared for Ruakaka over 1000m in 1:07.5, with no sectional time possible.

On the all-weather track Hastings entry Victoryshallbemine (Gorham) strode over 1200m in 1:21.5, the last 600m in 37.5. Underthemoonlight (K McQuade) was strong in her work over 1000m in 1:07.5 and 600m in 38.

Amongst those who could not be timed were Ruakaka entries Lucky’s Revenge (S McKay) and Oblivion (Davidson), who appeared to get through their work well.

On the sand Light Minded (J Price) completed her work impressively, running 1000m in 1:06.4 and reeling off a final 600m in 36.2. Soul Sista (C Grylls), who is close to a trial, was timed over her last 800m in 53 and 37.7, while Splurge (McNab) ran the same distance in 54.5 and 39.2 and Sound Proposition (Coleman) 58.2 and 39.8.

Riddle (Wright) left 1000m behind in 1:08.4 and 40.2, Piazza (Coleman) took 1:12.4 and 41.3, and Echezeaux (Lammas) 1:15.1 and 43.2.

Ellerslie weekend candidates Persuasive and Secret Spirit shaped up well in their work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping right-handed 15 metres out on a slow course proper, Persuasive (Coleman) and Secret Spirit (Umis) rolled into their work from the 1000-metre and were timed over their last 600m up the back straight in 37.6. They finished off impressively with a final 200m in 12.3.

The O’Sullivan/Scott-trained Persuasive has put together a run of placed form this preparation and deserves a win, while her stablemate Secret Spirit is a likely improver from her recent first-up run.

Irish Heartbeat (R Jones) worked well in preparation for New Plymouth on Saturday when she and Oh No (Lammas) ran their last 600m in 38.8. Heroic Valour (Cameron), who runs in a pre-race trial at Taupo on Friday, was paired with recent trial winner Corporate Missile (Fawcett) in similar work, cutting out the last 600m in 39.7.

The promising three-year-old pair Glass Slipper (D Weatherley) and Sweet Leader (C Grylls) looked bright as they prepared for their Taupo assignments with 600m in 38.2, the last 200m in 12.2.

Strada Cavallo (Rastrick) was allowed to stride over 1200m, running the full distance in 1:23.2 and the final 600m in 39. The smart Graham Richardson-trained filly is making good progress towards a return to racing at Hastings on Saturday week.

Love Triangle (Cameron) and O’Naturelle (Fawcett), who has won her only two trials, prepared for Taupo with a final 600m in 38.2. Others to finish off in similar style included New Plymouth entry Resurrect (Shin) in 40.3, Taupo runners Trigger (Dowling) and Solomon (S McKay) 40.6, Gardone (M Brosnan) 39.7, and Ruby Armani (Lammas) 40.4.

On the all-weather track the Peter McKay-trained pair Amarula (S McKay) and Barcelo (Davidson) caught the eye as they cut out 1000m in 1:03 and 36.8.

Over the same distance Antonio Lombardo (Davidson) and Barnaby (S McKay) shaped up well in 1:02.4 and 36.7. Barnaby, the winner of two of his three autumn starts, looks well as he progresses toward a a trial.

Taupo entry Anuka (Sapsworth) was timed over 1000m in 1:08.6 and 37.9, while the unbeaten filly Volpe Veloce (C Grylls) and Tesia (Fraser-Hayes) ran their last 600m in 37.7. Lady Paton (M Grylls) had plenty up her sleeve as she finished 800m in 58 and 43.5.

On the sand Battle Cry N Waddell) underlined his fitness for Taupo when cutting out 1000m in 1:04.3 and 36. Promising three-year-old Hello M’Lady (S McKay), who resumes at Taupo, was paired with Tyrone (Davidson) in smart work over 1000m in 1:02.8 and 36.8. Another Taupo entry to work well was Matamay (Turner) as she strode over 1000m in 1:05.7 and 36.6.

Gold Rush (D Weatherley) got through her work over 1000m encouragingly in 1:08 and 37.8, while El Cajero (M Jones) and Bluetwentytwo (R Jones) ran the same trip in 1:12.5 and 40.9, and Only If (N Waddell) returned 1:10.2 and 39.8.

Silver Eclipse (Ritchie) finished her work with 600m in 36.6, while stablemate Devil’s Harmony (S Collett) took 38.2. Sound Proposition (D Weatherley) was timed from the 800m in 57.7 and 42.3, while Splurge (McNab) was strong at the end of a similar assignment in 59.7 and 43.3.

Others timed over 800m included Sassy ’N’ Smart (Cameron) and Lucy Wildstyle (Fawcett) in 59.8 and 44, and Echezeaux (Leveque) 1:00.8 and 44.8. 

Wonder Woman prepared for Saturday’s Ryder Stakes with sound work during a rain-soaked training session at Matamata this morning.

Galloping right-handed on a very heavy course proper, where the markers were out 20 metres, Wonder Woman (C Grylls) was partnered by All Knitted Up (Shin) over 800 metres in 60.2 and the final 600m in 44.8.

While the time was nothing to write home about, Wonder Woman appeared untroubled by the conditions and hit the line full of running. The Showcasing filly followed a winning debut with a disappointing effort at her last start, but according to co-trainer Pam Gerard she has thrived in the meantime. A jockey has yet to be confirmed for the Otaki two-year-old feature.

Rotorua weekend candidate Prize Lad (D Weatherley) set off from the winning post to cover 1200m in 1:32.8 and was joined along the way by Otaki entry Secret Spirit (Coleman) The pair ran their final 600m in 44.1.

In similar work stablemate Miss Silverback (C Grylls) recorded 1:32.7 and 44.6 in preparation for Avondale on Friday, while Rotorua entry Only If (C Grylls) completed her 1200m workout in 1:34.5 and 44.2.

Recent debut winner Bluetwentytwo (Turner) looked bright for her Rotorua assignment when completing her work with 600m in 45.6.

On the sand Xtravagant (K Jones) continued his preparation for a pending Melbourne campaign when well held over 800m in 60.2 and 600m in 44.5. The star three-year-old is booked to cross the Tasman next week.

Rasa Lila (J Ritchie) was strong in her work as she and Mopsy (Cuneen) ran in from the 800m in 50.2, with the last 600m in 36.8. Rasa Lila, who capped a big season by winning the Gr. 2 Travis Stakes in April, is making good progress towards spring racing.

Belle Eclipse (Cuneen), another from the Ramsay-Ritchie team, was let off with quiet work, timed for her last 600m in 44.7. Sherpa (Tait) wasted no time over 800m in 49.8 and 600m in 36.5.

Ultimata looked on target to complete a hat-trick on the weekend when she got through impressive work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping on the sand with regular jockey Michael Coleman up, Ultimata cut out 1200m in 1:16.6, with the last 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.8. The Kelso-trained mare has really hit her straps with wins at her last two starts and will step up to 1600 metres at Te Rapa on Saturday.

On the courser proper, where gallops took place right-handed on heavy ground with the markers out 23 metres, Tavis Star (K Jones) did sound work over 1200m, running the distance in 1:27.6 and gradually building momentum for a final 600m section in 40.8. The Tavistock mare looks bright and after minor placings in her last five starts deserves a win at Te Rapa

Stablemates Gardenier (Lammas) and Spritz (Fawcett) prepared for Avondale on Friday when paired over 1200m in 1:28.6, with their final 600m in 40.6. Avondale entry Persuasive (Coleman) completed her work over 1200m in 1:30.2 and 41.6.

Keepherinmind (D Weatherley), who runs at Te Rapa on Saturday, was timed for her last 600m in 40.2, while Eletist (Coleman) and Solomon (Gibbs-Manssen) completed their work with 600m in 39.3.

On the all-weather track Perfect Start (S McKay) and Nothing Trivial (Danis) got through their work strongly over 1200m in 1:15.4, with the last 1000m in 1:09.1 and 600m in 36.2.

Anuka (Sapsworth) caught the eye when she was paired with Florence In France (Fraser-Campin) over 1000m in 1:03.2 and 36.4. Vincent Street (Cole) and Jagger (Danis) ran the same distance in 1:04.3 and 37.4, while Valante (S McKay) and Oblivion (Davidson) were timed from the 800m in 49.8 and 37.7.

Nightsong (Coleman) worked well on the sand, leaving 1000m behind in 1:03.8 and 36.9. The Postponed filly ran an improver’s third at Avondale at her last start and returns there on Friday.

Others to work over 1000m included Latin Rose (Lammas), another for Avondale who returned 1:07.5 and 39.2, Te Rapa runner Opulent (Fawcett), 1:07.6 and 37.5, and Battle Cry (Wratten), who took 1:09.2 and 39. Victoryshallbemine (Sapsworth) worked over ground and was timed from the 1200m in 1:22.5, 1:08.6 and 40.

Roseana’s Spirit (Grant) left 1200m behind in 1:26.5, 1:10.8 and 41.3, and Riddle (Wright) did similar work in 1:25.8, 1:09.2 and 40.6.

Fanny Blankers (K McQuade) cut out 1000m in 1:04.3 and 37.2, while stablemate Underthemoonlight (K McQuade) was let off with an easier task over the same trip in 1:12.4 and 42.2. Gold Rush (D Weatherly) looked bright as she rolled in from the 600m in 45.6.

Ultimata looked on target to complete a hat-trick on the weekend when she got through impressive work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping on the sand with regular jockey Michael Coleman up, Ultimata cut out 1200m in 1:16.6, with the last 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.8. The Kelso-trained mare has really hit her straps with wins at her last two starts and will step up to 1600 metres at Te Rapa on Saturday.

On the courser proper, where gallops took place right-handed on heavy ground with the markers out 23 metres, Tavis Star (K Jones) did sound work over 1200m, running the distance in 1:27.6 and gradually building momentum for a final 600m section in 40.8. The Tavistock mare looks bright and after minor placings in her last five starts deserves a win at Te Rapa

Stablemates Gardenier (Lammas) and Spritz (Fawcett) prepared for Avondale on Friday when paired over 1200m in 1:28.6, with their final 600m in 40.6. Avondale entry Persuasive (Coleman) completed her work over 1200m in 1:30.2 and 41.6.

Keepherinmind (D Weatherley), who runs at Te Rapa on Saturday, was timed for her last 600m in 40.2, while Eletist (Coleman) and Solomon (Gibbs-Manssen) completed their work with 600m in 39.3.

On the all-weather track Perfect Start (S McKay) and Nothing Trivial (Danis) got through their work strongly over 1200m in 1:15.4, with the last 1000m in 1:09.1 and 600m in 36.2.

Anuka (Sapsworth) caught the eye when she was paired with Florence In France (Fraser-Campin) over 1000m in 1:03.2 and 36.4. Vincent Street (Cole) and Jagger (Danis) ran the same distance in 1:04.3 and 37.4, while Valante (S McKay) and Oblivion (Davidson) were timed from the 800m in 49.8 and 37.7.

Nightsong (Coleman) worked well on the sand, leaving 1000m behind in 1:03.8 and 36.9. The Postponed filly ran an improver’s third at Avondale at her last start and returns there on Friday.

Others to work over 1000m included Latin Rose (Lammas), another for Avondale who returned 1:07.5 and 39.2, Te Rapa runner Opulent (Fawcett), 1:07.6 and 37.5, and Battle Cry (Wratten), who took 1:09.2 and 39. Victoryshallbemine (Sapsworth) worked over ground and was timed from the 1200m in 1:22.5, 1:08.6 and 40.

Roseana’s Spirit (Grant) left 1200m behind in 1:26.5, 1:10.8 and 41.3, and Riddle (Wright) did similar work in 1:25.8, 1:09.2 and 40.6.

Fanny Blankers (K McQuade) cut out 1000m in 1:04.3 and 37.2, while stablemate Underthemoonlight (K McQuade) was let off with an easier task over the same trip in 1:12.4 and 42.2. Gold Rush (D Weatherly) looked bright as she rolled in from the 600m in 45.6.

Persuasive and Suffire shaped up for their Tauranga weekend engagements when they galloped in good style at Matamata this morning.

Working right-handed 20 metres out on a heavy course proper, Persuasive (Coleman) worked away steadily before completing 1200m in 1:23.6, finishing off strongly over the final 600m in 37.4.

Suffire (D Weatherley) followed her stablemate to also make good time, 1:22.6 for 1200m and 37.6 for the last 600m. Both O’Sullivan/Scott-trained mares are in good order for their Tauranga assignments.

Promising galloper Elitist (S McKay) continued his Tauranga preparation when working in company with Kensington Oval, completing 1200m in 1:25.6 and building momentum for a final 600m in 38.6.

Tauranga Classic contendor Fascination Street (Coleman) appeared to be working well when timed over her final 600m in 37.3, while Keepherinmind (D Weatherley) and Secret Spirit (Umis) completed a similar task in 38.4.

Blue Twenty-two (Turner) and Sunset Girl (Newman) strode over 1200m in 1:23.5 and 39.6, while Los Vargos (Gorham) covered the same ground in 1:22 and 39.4. Te Awamutu Sunday candidate Anuka (Gorham) ran 1000m in 1:12.6 and the final 600m in 40.5.

On the sand Letmego (Danis) and Nothing Trivial (A Collett) caught the eye as they got through a smart 1000m gallop in 1:02.5 and 36.2.

Tauranga runner Galaxy Miss (Clements) was paired with Trigger (Dowling) over 1000m in 1:07.8 and 39. Light Up A Screen (Turner) ran the same distance in 1:05.4 and 38, while Good Vibes (P Brosnan) and Dahl’s Delight (Miles) returned 1:07.4 and 37.6.

Ultimata (Wratten) who looks bright after her Te Teko win last week, was kept to 1:08.8 and 38.8 over 1000m. Riddle (Wright) covered 1200m in 1:24.6 and 39, while Only If (Wratten) went steadily over 1000m in 1:11.5 and 41.4, and Niamh Elizabeth (Lammas) clocked 1:15.6 and 44.8.

On the all-weather track Le Bon Fin (Davidson) got through a solid 1200m in 1:18.4, with the last 1000m in 1:05.6 and 600m in 39.4. Russian Roulette (Danis) took 1:10.8 and 42 for 1000m, while Good Lookin’ Gal (Gorham) was kept to three-quarter-pace when clocking 1:14.8 and 44.6.  

Royal Success prepared for his tilt at a hat-trick this weekend with sound work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping 15 metres out on slow course proper, Royal Success (Miller) worked away from the 1200-metre mark to cover that distance in 1:21.2, with the last 1000m in 1:07.6 and 600m in 39.7. The Savabeel gelding has scored easy wins at his last two starts and is in good order for the step up to Rating 75 grade at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Chadsdale (Lammas) and Windborne (M Grylls), two more from the Autridge-Richards team heading to Te Rapa, got through their work well when completing 1000m in 1:06.8 and 39.5.

Majestic Champion (Lammas) appeared to handle the conditions well when partnering Only If (Coleman) over 1000m in 1:10.3 and 39.5. Majestic Champion was a winner at Te Rapa earlier in the season and returns on the weekend with the benefit of two recent trials.

Prize Lad (Coleman) and Real Savvy (S Weatherley) got through decent work in readiness for Te Rapa with 1000m in 1:09.5 and 40.

Zip Zap (McCulloch) and Zavistic (G Ritchie) prepared for Te Rapa over 1000m in 1:10.6 and 40.8, while Suffire (D Weatherley) covered the same ground in 1:12.9 and 40.4. Te Rapa entries Bugle Call (S McKay) and Keep On Coming (A Collett) strode over 1200m in 1:21, 1:06.7 and 40.6.

On the all-weather track Eprouvez (Rastrick) shaped up for a repeat of his last-start Te Rapa win with sound work over 1000m in 1:05.8, picking up the tempo for a final 600m in 36.8.

Others to catch the eye over 1000m included Trigger (Dowling), who returned 1:028 and 36.5, Dinero (S McKay) 1:03.4 and 37, and Canterino (S McKay) 1:03.8 and 36.7.

Maestro Tom (A Jones) prepared for Te Rapa on the sand, where he was paired with Roseana’s Spirit (K Davidson) over 800m in 52.5 and 37.8. 

Fascination Street looked ready to bounce back to form this weekend when she got through her work stylishly at Matamata this morning.

Galloping 20 metres out on a heavy course proper with regular rider Michael Coleman up, Fascination Street worked away steadily from the 1200-metre mark to cover that distance in 1:28.3. She gathered momentum from the 1000m in 1:12 and got the line well after a final 600m in 40.8.

The O’Sullivan-Scott-trained mare was below par at her last start but can return to winning form in the open 1400 at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Promising two-year-old Volpe Veloce (Rastrick) shaped up well for her Castletown Stakes assignment to lead Lightning Strike (Gorham) at the end of smart work over 1000m in 1:10.8 and 600m in 41.2. After an impressive winning debut, Volpe Veloce had to miss an earlier stakes assignment but she appears to have thrived of late and will be hard to beat in Saturday’s Wanganui feature.

Sir Elmo (S Weatherley) and Sororia (C Grylls) handled the conditions well as they strode over the last 1000m of their work in 1:12.8 and 42. Sir Elmo runs at Ellerslie on Saturday, while Sororia will be in action there on Monday.

Infinite Choice (C Grylls), who has looked promising at the trials and is another set to run on the second day of the Queen’s Birthday weekend meeting, was doing his work well at the end of 800m in 56.2 and 600m in 41.2.

Caterina (T Gillies) prepared for Ellerslie on Saturday with 1200m in 1:26.6, 1:12.2 and 42.4. Over the same ground Perfect Start (Cole) and Nothing Trivial (Danis) returned 1:26.3, 1:11.8 and 43.8, while Linchpin (G Ritchie) and Gardenier (Lammas), two of the Te Akau team heading to Tauherenikau on Monday, took 1:28.1, 1:12.8 and 43.8.

Highly Likely (Leveque) was paired with Fastnet Fire (M Grylls) over 1200m in 1:30.4 and 46.5, while Spritz (K Jones) and Grazia (Fawcett) were likewise not pushed to return 1:35 and 45.7.

On the sand Whatz Occurring (Cole) had pace on throughout 1200m in 1:16.8, with his last 1000m taking 1:02.6 and 600m 37.2.

El Nino (M Brosnan) left 1000m behind in 1:08.2 and 38.6. Southern Power (A Jones) ran the same distance in 1:09.5 and 40.8.

On the all-weather track I’m Bronson (S Weatherley) cut out 1000m in 1:04.8 and 37.2.

Galaxy Miss underlined her fitness for Trentham on Saturday with a smart gallop at Matamata this morning.

Working on the outside of a heavy course proper, Galaxy Miss (Dowling) travelled strongly throughout her 1200-metre hitout in company with Hank Marvin (J Fawcett). The pair covered the full trip in 1:26.7, with the last 1000m in 1:09.7 and the final 600m in 41.5. It was good time in the conditions and late in the session.

Galaxy Miss, who shaded her companion at the line, is heading to Trentham for the 1400-metre Pearl Series race, while Hank Marvin is likely to run at next Wednesday’s local meeting.

Keep On Coming (C Grylls) appeared to manage the conditions when she got through a solo gallop over 1000m in 1:10 and 40.4. She followed her maiden win with a sound fourth at Rotorua last week and will run in the Rating 65 sprint at Ellerslie on the weekend.

Persuasive (Coleman) prepared for Ellerslie with sound work over 1200m in 1:29.2, quickening from the 1000m in 1:12.1 and hitting the line with a final section in 40.5. Our King Sway (Coleman) impressed in his work with Keep Carmen Carion (Gorham) over 1200m in 1:25.8, 1:11.1 and 43. Our King Sway, who was unfortunately a late scratching at Te Rapa last Saturday, will run over 1600 metres at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Gardone (M Brosnan) got through the ground well as she prepared for the weekend with 1000m in 1:10.2 and 41.2. Whatwedo (S McKay) and Fortune Kept (Lanigan) were paired in a smart 800m in 53.3 and 40.4, while Embraceable You (P Brosnan) and It’s A Kind Of Magic (Miles) ran the same trip in 58.3 and 43.2, and Esprit de Corps (G Ritchie) and Rocksun (Lammas) were let off with an easy 1000m in 1:15.2 and 43.5.

Over 1200m Ultimata (Coleman) returned 1:26.3, 1:11 and 43.1, and Keepherinmind (C Grylls) took 1:30.3, 1:13 and 40.6.

On the sand Pretty In Pink (Cole) and Letmego (Danis) were in good form for Ellerslie as they cut out 1000m in 1:04.8 and 600m in 37.6. Dahl’s Delight (P Brosnan) and Jane’s Secret (Miles) had pace on over the same distance to return 1:04.8 and 36.2, while in similar work Battle Cry (Wratten) and Star Ella (A Jones) took 1:04.9 and 36, and El Nino (M Brosnan) 1:04.9 and 37.8. 

Hayley Ann (A Jones) worked over ground and was timed from the 1200m in 1:23.2, 1:08.6 and 40.2. Over 1000m Panella (Grant) and Peach Bellini (A Jones) returned 1:07.6 and 37.4, while Auctioneer (Rastrick) was kept to 1:15.6 and 43.6 over the same ground.

On the all-weather track Martini Lass (W Hillis) cut out 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 38.2. Taaxman (Gillies) covered the same distance in 1:10.5 and 39.8, while Tyrion (Winters) and Matuzalem (S McKay) were timed over 800m in 57.8 and 41.

Eprouvez and Los Vargos shaped up for weekend racing with impressive work at Matamata this morning.

After heavy overnight rain the course proper was heavy with the markers out 18 metres. The Graham Richardson-trained pair Eprouvez (Rastrick) and Los Vargos (Tynan) appeared to handle the conditions in their gallop over 1000m in 1:07.1, finishing off with a solid final 600m in 38.5.

Eprouvez will drop back in class in Saturday’s three-year-old sprint at Te Rapa, while Rating 85 sprint entry Los Vargos looks improved from her recent first-up fourth. 

Windborne (Lammas), another for the Te Rapa three-year-old race, caught the eye when shading an unnamed Bel Esprit-My Lovely Lesley gelding at the end of 800m in 52.8 and 600m in 38.2.

Windborne didn’t have a lot of luck when fourth to her stablemate Xtravagant in the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes, while the Bel Esprit gelding has won two trials and will be one to watch out for when he appears at the races.

Our King Sway (R Jones) and Nothing Trivial (Danis) were paired in solid work over 1200m in 1:21, 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 40.2. Both return to Te Rapa, where Our King Sway finished fourth earlier this month and Nothing Trivial shaped up promisingly for fifth in his hurdle debut.

Kinda Leica (A Jones) hit out strongly in a solo gallop as he prepared for Te Rapa with 1200m in 1:22.3, 1:07.6 and 40.8. Over the same ground Wildflower (C Grylls) and Auctioneer (Rastrick) were well matched as they recorded 1:23.8, 1:08.6 and 39.9.

Madam Monica (M Grylls) and Lady Masako (Miller) weren’t chasing time over 1000m in 1:14.2 and 41.6, while Astrid (Leveque) completed three-quarter-pace work with 600m in 46.2 and stablemate Its Our Showtime (K Jones) returned 45.4.

On the sand Praise Dan (S McKay) and Star Ella (A Jones) hit the line well at the end of 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 36.9.

Keri (C Grylls) ran the same trip in 1:05.3 and 37.8, while Only If (N Waddell) began quietly before picking up the tempo to complete 1000m in 1:12.9 and 37.6.

That’s How It Goes (Miles) ran his 1000m in 1:10 and 40.3, and Battle Cry (Wratten) was let off with 1000m in 1:13.2 and 42.8.  

Fascination Street looked ready to defend her Rotorua Stakes crown when she got through smart work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping 18 metres out on a dead course proper with raceday jockey Michael Coleman in the saddle, Fascination Street worked away steadily from the 1200m mark to run that distance in 1:23.1. She picked up the tempo to cover the last 1000m in 1:07.6 and hit the line impressively with a final 600m section in 37.6.

The O’Sullivan-Scott-trained mare bounced back to form at her last start and has a lot in her favour to suggest she can repeat last year’s win in the Rotorua fillies and mares’ feature.

Race rival Queens Rose (Tynan) did her work on the plough, where she looked very comfortable striding over 1200m in 1:23.7, with the 1000m in 1:07.6 and 600m in 37.8. A forecast for rain will bring Queens Rose right into the reckoning this weekend.

Back on the course proper, Rotorua Cup hopeful Gentil Tonton (D Weatherley) looked bright in his work over 1200m in 1:23, 1:07.2 and 38. He has trained on well form his last-start win and could be a dangerous lightweight should he make the field for Saturday’s main event.

New Plymouth entries What We Do (Danis) and Clovelly Park (Lanigan) were paired in a solid gallop over 1000m in 1:05.4 and 37.4. Clovelly Park, a four-race winner in Hong Kong when known as Deep Thinker, is back with his original trainer Gary Hennessy.

Rising Son (C Grylls) and Makarios (Coleman) prepared for Rotorua by striding over 1200m in 1:23.4 and quickening for a final 1000m in 1:05.8 and 600m in 37.5.

On the plough Tatters (Coleman) and Shillelagh (Lammas) were in good form over 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.5. Tatters will return to Rotorua on Saturday, where she was a winner last month, while Shillelagh, the winner of three of her four starts, is ready for a bold fresh-up run at New Plymouth.

Under The Moonlight (K McQuade) looked sharp for Rotorua when cutting out 1000m in 1:00.6 and 600m in 35.8. In a similar assignment Whatz Occurring (Cole) and Labels (Danis) clocked 1:02.2 and 35.6.

Others to show up over 1000m included Galaxy Miss (C Grylls) in 1:04 and 36.2, I’m Bronson (K Jones) 1:04.3 and 37.6, Link Road (C Grylls) and Parisian Jewel (K Price) 1:03.8 and 36.8, and Kinda Leica (H McQuade) 1:04.7 and 37.8.

New Plymouth candidates Chambord (Leveque) and Vinevale (Lammas) ran time over 1200m in 1:15.5, 1:01.3 and 36.6. Sombreuil (N Waddell) and Peach Bellini (Coleman) prepared for Rotorua with solid work over the same ground in 1:17.8, 1:02.6 and 36.8.

Others to work over 1200m included Kakahu Nell (M Brosnan) in 1:22.4, 1:06.2 and 39.4, Highly Likely (Miller) 1:24.8, 1:08.2 and 40, and Shimmy (Graciano) 1:24.4, 1:07.5 and 39.8.

Keep On Coming (C Grylls) and Save The Stars (D Weatherley) were paired over 800m in 49.4 and 36.2, and Tavis Star (K Jones) and Zip Zap (Miller) returned 55.3 and 39.4.

Talita (M Brosnan) left 1000m behind in 1:04.2 and 38, while those that could not be fully timed due to fog included impressive last-start winner Alakazam (Coleman), who hit the line well at the end of 1000m in 1:10.2.

On the all-weather track last-start winner Caterina (Gillies) travelled up well over 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 39.2.    

Badly timed fog got in the way of important gallops leading up to Saturday’s Tre Rapa features when several leading lights went through their paces.

Star colt Xtravagant was just one to gallop on the course roper when the fog was at its thickest. Ridden by their respective raceday jockeys Matt Cameron and Cameron Lammas, Xtravagant and stablemate Windborne emerged from the fog travelling sweetly at the end of a strong 1000-metre hitout.

There was nothing between the pair at the line, who give trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards a strong hand in the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes.

Their unbeaten race rival Barnaby did his work on the all-weather track, ridden by Shaun McKay in company with Bachro (J McKay). They were also unable to be timed but looked good at the finish.

Back on the course proper, which was dead, Travis Stakes candidate Aotearower (Lammas) was able to be timed over a strongly run 1200m which she cut out in 1:19.5, while race rival Mary Quant (D Weatherley) covered the same distance in 1:22.4.

Te Rapa entry Suffire (C Grylls) cut out 1000m in 1:06.8, but no other course proper gallops could be timed. Among those who appeared to finish their work well were Te Rapa runners Fascination Street and Our Abbadean, as did Hastings weekend runners Gentil Tonton, Echezeaux and Prize Lad.

Early gallops on the plough were able to be recorded, among them in-form galloper Southern Icon (Tait) who rattled off a slick 800m in 47.2 and 35.4. Trainer Alan Tait has yet to decide between Te Rapa and Hastings as his weekend assignment.

Vanilla Moon (C Grylls), the winner of her only two starts to date, ran a sound trial for the Te Rapa three-year-old 1600 when she and Hastings entry Etonett (S Weatherley) cut out 1000m in 1:04 and 36.5.

Tatters (Miler) and Vinevale (K Jones) prepared for Hastings with a solid 1200m in 1:18.2 and 600m in 36. Divine Duke (D Weatherley) and Real Savvy (Loon) were paired in smart work for Te Rapa with 1000m in 1:02.6 and 36.3, while stablemate Da Shindig (D Weatherley) was timed over the same ground in 1:03.5 and 36.5. 

Our King Sway (S McKay) who will step up to a middle-distance at Te Rapa next week, worked well within himself over 1000m in 1:06.8 and 38.8. Kakahu Nell (M Brosnan) worked over ground, with her last 1200m in 1:23.3, 1:06.5 and 38.8.

Brilliant Magic (Wright) completed a similar task in 1:23.8, 1:07 and 37.9, while I See Fire (Cameron) was kept to 1:26.4 and 42.4 over 1200m.

Hastings entry Bugle Call (C Grylls) wasn’t after time over 1000m in 1:09.5 and 39.6, nor was stablemate Newborn King (Rika) who returned 1:09.4 and 37.4. 

A number of candidates for Saturday’s Manco Easter Stakes were the centre of attention as they prepared for the final Group One race of the domestic season at Matamata this morning.

Galloping 20 metres out on a slow course proper, Queens Rose (Tynan) travelled strongly to the finish of her 1200m assignment in 1:22.9, with the last 1000m in 1:08.3 and 600 in 39. The Graham Richardson-trained mare, who will be ridden in the Ellerslie feature by Danielle Johnson, has made pleasing progress since her fresh-up fourth earlier this month.

Rasa Lila (Ritchie) also looked the part when she and Devil’s Harmony (S Collett) cut out the last 1000m of their work in 1:07.4 and 600m in 40. Rasa Lila wasn’t far away in the Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha and has a good record on the Ellerslie track.

Sound Proposition was ridden by raceday jockey Michael Coleman in solo work over 1000m in 1:06.8 and 39.3. Watch This Space (Cole) was in good form for the Easter as he and Labels (Danis) got through smart work on the all-weather track, cutting out 1200m in 1:14.2, 1:01.2 and 37.

The centre’s two other Easter Stakes candidates, Snapshot and Abidewithme, looked bright while getting through pacework ahead of their final gallops on Wednesday morning.

Zambezi Warrior (Cameron) caught the eye as he prepared for Saturday’s Championship Stakes, striding through the last 1200m of his work in 1:20.2, 1:06.4 and 39.5. The Pentire gelding has trained on well since his last-start Pukekohe win and will strip fit for Saturday’s three-year-old feature.

Another last-start winner, Aotearower (Coleman), also looked well as she covered an unextended 1200m in 1:25, 1:09.8 and 41.5. Apache Fireworks (M Brosnan) did similar work in 1:23.8, 1:08.8 and 41, while Dubai Shuffle (Gorman) had more pace on when returning 1:21.5, 1:07.2 and 39.6.

Ellerslie entry Makarios (C Grylls) finished his work strongly over 1000m in 1:06 and 38.3, while Sarabande (J Collett) and Sunset Girl (Roff) were paired over 1200m in 1:23.5, 1:07.3 and 40.2.

On the sand, Evoke (Lammas) and El Corredor (Gibbs-Manson) shaped up well over 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 38.2. El Corredor is a likely improver for the maiden 1600 at Ellerslie on Saturday, while his stablemate will run at Te Rapa next week.

Underthemoonlight (K McQuade) was strong at the end of her 1000m hitout in 1:09.1 and 38, while Spritz (Coleman) ran the same trip in a respectable 1:06.4 and 38.2. I See Fire (M Grylls) strode over 1200m in 1:21.8, 1:08 and 39.2, Letmeby (Gorman) took 1:23.8, 1:7.8 and 40, Rocksun (Cameron) and Cathedral Cove (Richards) 1:24.4, 1:09.7 and 40, and Contessa Belle (Rastrick) was restricted to 1:26.2, 1:11.6 and 42.

Over 1000m Arabian Duke (H McQuade) returned 1:11.5 and 41.3, and Interstellar (C Grylls) 1:12.3 and 41.9, while Kusan (Leveque) and Lady Jasmine (Fawcett) were timed over 800m in 57.6 and 41.8, and Esprit de Corps (K Hillis) 51.8 and 39.7.

On the all-weather track, Amarula (C Grylls) and Barcelo (Davidson) got though tidy work over 1000m in 1:05.8 and 38.8.

Windborne and Smashing drew attention to their weekend prospects with smart work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping on the plough, Windborne (M Grylls) and Smashing (Lammas) cut out 1000m in 1:02 and finished off with a dashing final 600m in 35.4. Windborne is scheduled to run at Tauranga on Saturday and Smashing at Hastings.

Stablemate Silverdale (Miller) prepared for the Hawke’s Bay Cup when striding over ground and was timed from the 1200m in 1:19.6. His last 1000m took 1:04.4 and 600m 37.5. While other gallops during the session were faster, the Autridge-Richards-trained gelding impressed with the way he completed his work.

Twickenham (Brown) caught the eye as he cut out 1000m in 1:02.8 and 35.6 in preparation for Tauranga. Fascination Street (D Weatherley) was another to shape well ahead of Tauranga when cutting out 1000m in 1:02.4 and 36.4, while Suffire (Coleman) and Piaf (S Weatherley) had pace on throughout 1000m in 1:01.3 and 36.3.

Maestro Tom (Grant) and Panella (Coleman) were paired in a sound trial for Hastings over 1200m in 1:16.4, 1:01.2 and 36.2. Silver Eclipse (J Ritchie) and Seraphim (S Collett) hit out boldly over 1000m in 1:02 and 35.4.

Impressive last-start winner Southern Icon (Tait), who runs at Hastings, was timed over 800m in 48.5, but no other sectional time was possible due to fog. Tatters (Lammas) and Stella Di Paco (C Grylls) travelled up strongly over 1000m in 1:03.9 and 36.8, while Etonett (S Weatherley) and Kariokka (C Grylls) took 1:02.4 and 37.

Our King Sway (R Jones) and Sombreuil (Davidson) were paired over a slick 1000m in 1:01.4 and Taaxman (Gillies) was kept to 1:05.2, with fog preventing any sectionals.

Queens Rose (Tynan) continued her Easter Stakes preparation with tidy work over 1200m in 1:18.4, 1:03.6 and 35.2. Letmeby (Sapsworth) and Wild Flower (Rastrick) ran the same distance in 1:19.6, 1:04.4 and 37.8.

Polynesia (J Ritchie) and Libretti (S Collett) left 1000m behind in 1:03.8 and 36.8, while I’m Bronson (Lammas) returned 1:03.8 and 37, Temple Tiger (Lannington) 1:08.4 and 37.6, Only If (Davidson) and a Patapan filly (A Jones) 1:03.2 and 36.2, and Ultimata (Wratten) 1:04.2 and 37.4.

Canterino (P McKay) and Amarula (S McKay) were timed from the 800m in 53.4 and 38.2. Xtravagant (Miller) looked bright when allowed to roll over 1000m in 1:16.4 and 600m in 44.8. He is schedule to gallop between races at Te Aroha next Wednesday, 10 days out from his return in the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes.

Tauranga entries You Are Amazing (C Ormsby) and Rising Son (Shin) worked on the course proper, which was slow 20 metres out, cutting out 1000m in good style in 1:04.8 and 37.4. 

On the all-weather track Barnaby (S McKay) and Clarify (P McKay) covered 1000m in 1:03.5 and 36.3. Impressive recent debut winner Barnaby runs at Tauranga.