Tomorrowland, Whosyourmaster and Fascination Street looked on target for Saturday’s Rotorua feature sprint when they got through smart work at Matamata this morning.

On a good plough, Tomorrowland was ridden by raceday rider Craig Grylls over 1000m, working away steadily to run the distance in 1:03.4 and quickening over the final 600m in 35.7. The Danica Guy-trained gelding has come to hand well again after being troubled by a foot issue and looks in good order for the Lion Red Plate.

Race rival Whosyourmaster (Coleman), never one to star in trackwork, also got through his solo assignment in good style, cutting out 1000m in 1:03.2 and 36.5 for the final 600m.  Fascination Street (Amrut), another from the O’Sullivan-Scott stable being aimed at the Rotorua sprint, was in dashing form early in the session as she and Mary Quant (O’Sullivan) cut out 1000m in 1:01.2 and 600m in a brilliant 34.7.

Fascination Street is in good order for her first start since winning the Rotorua Stakes at Arawa Park in May, while Mary Quant, who also resumes on the weekend, has developed well during her layoff.

Snapshot (Grylls) came up with another impressive gallop when he went by himself over 1000m in 1:03.5 and 36.2. Trainer Graham Richardson has held Snapshot back waiting for good ground and will hopefully get that opportunity this weekend.

Hysteria Lane (Coleman) and Ekraarstatic (Cameron) were paired in a slick 1000m in 1:00.6 and 35.5. Hysteria Lane runs at Rotorua, while her stablemate heads to Otaki on Saturday. Stablemate Silverdale (Lammas), another for Otaki, was not extended over 1000m in 1:06.6 and 38.2.

Attention Seeker (O’Sullivan) and Orange Peel (Hepi) prepared for Rotorua with 1000m in 1:02 and 36.1, while Anuka (Sapsworth) and Nectacolecta (A Collett) ran the same trip in 1:02.2 and 36.4.

Bazelle (J Collett) wasted no time in her work over ground, with her last 1200m in 1:15.2, 1000m in 1:01.3 and 600m in 35.9. Nolawood (M Brosnan) also did longer work and was timed from the 1200m in 1:18.4, 1:02.8 and 37, while Dezignator (Hillis) returned 1:20.4, 1:03.9 and 37.

Lady Painton (Miller) and Osmunda (Zac-Sayed) strode over 1200m in 1:20.8, 1:06.5 and 37.4, Landed Gentry (Hong) took 1:25.6, 1:07.6 and 38.5, Second Fling (Fraser-Hayes) 1:24.2, 1:08.9 and 40.8; Mass Of Dash (Blair) 1:23.2, 1:07.2 and 40; and Dezignator (Hillis) 1:20.4, 1:08.8 and 37.

From Eden (Hillis) and Letmego (Cole) prepared for Rotorua with 1000m in 1:02.3 and 36, while Brown Girl (Grylls) and Storm Bro (Sapsworth) clocked 1:01.8 and 35.6. Sultry Assassin (Rastrick) was keen in her work over 1000m in 1:03.8 and 36.7, as were Ruby Armani (C Ormsby) and Saffron Lady (Coleman) over the same ground in 1:01.5 and 36.2.

Spritz (Lammas) and Niamh Elizabeth (Hercock) were less urgent over 1000m in 1:07.2 and 37, Blueprint (Fraser-Hayes) returned 1:09.5 and 40.8, Danwood (J Price) 1:09.6 and 41.3, and Vine Vale (Cameron) and Bounteous (Hercock) 1:15.4 and 43.2.

Over 800m Tauranga entry Temple Tiger (R Jones) clocked 50.8 and 36.6, Perfect Fit (Coleman) 54.5 and 40.2, and Deschabeel (Hepi) 54.2 and 39.5.

On the all-weather track Watch This Space (Cole) strode boldly over his last 1000m in 1:03 6 and 36.2.         

Packing Chaparral looked the part for his home track weekend assignment when he got through solid work in good style at Matamata this morning.

Galloping 20 metres out on a slow course proper, Packing Chaparral (Coleman) set off strongly over ground and was timed from the 1200m in 1:21.8. He maintained momentum to cover the last 1000m in 1:07.6 and 600m in 39.4.

The Kelso-trained gelding was impressive when winning his first middle-distance test at Taupo last month and is in the right shape to go on with it in Saturday’s Rating 75 2000.

Capone (N Waddell) and Arraignment (Grylls) flagged their prospects with a smart 1000m workout in 1:06.6 and the final 600m in 37.8. Stablemates In Style (N Waddell) and Tomorrowland (Grylls) looked sharp over 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 38.

In Style will be flown to Melbourne tomorrow to join the Mike Moroney stable for a spring campaign. Tomorrowland has recovered from a recent hoof issue and will run next in the weight-for-age sprint at Rotorua on Saturday week.

Galloping on the rail in the true positon, Irish Moon (S McKay) worked well in company with Zadiffra (D Weatherley), cutting out 1000m in 1:02.6 and the final 600m in 36.3. Irish Moon is in good order to resume in Saturday’s Rating 85 sprint.

Apache Fireworks (M Brosnan) and Only If (D Weatherley) ran a tidy 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 39.4. Over the same distance Sororia (Coleman) returned 1:08.8 and 39.8, and Keepherinmind (Coleman) took 1:10.8 and 40.8.

Matamata Cup candidate Dubai Shuffle (Sapsworth) worked at an even rate over 1200m in 1:22.4, 1:09 and 40.5. El Cajero (J Collett) and Realta (Dowling) got through similar work in 1:20.8, 1:06.9 and 40.

On the all-weather track Matamata Cup entry Smartly (Hillis) caught the eye when she and Rough Copy (Cole) cut out a slick 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.4. Race rival Taaxman (Gillies) worked over the same ground more sedately in 1:06.8, with fog preventing any sectional time.

Stolen Heart (Dowling) and Daphne (Fraser-Hayes) wasted no time over 1000m in 1:01.8, also with no sectionals possible. Kakahu Nell (M Brosnan) strode over 1200m in 1:19.8 and 37.2, Victoryshallbemine (Sapsworth) took 1:26 and 40.3, and Dezignator (Hillis) recorded 1:05.8 and 38 over 1000m.

On the sand Muscat Hills (A Jones) and Harry Klassen (Conder) got through attractive work over 1200m in 1:17.4, 1:03.2 and 36.8.

Chazelle (Blair) and Sunset Girl (Roff) covered the same ground in 1:20.4, 1:04.8 and 37.4, while Attention Seeker (O’Sullivan) returned 1:24.2 for 1200m and 53.4 for the last 800m. In other work where timing was restricted by fog, Orange Peel (S Weatherley) took 1:24.5 and 53.8, while Neat Aza Pin (Grylls) and Kepler (Amit) recorded 1:11.2 for 1000m and 55.8 for the last 800m, Hayley Ann (Conder) 1:04.7 and 52.2, and Bahrella (A Jones) 1:04.4 and 51.9.

Sultry Assassin (Tynan) strolled over 1200m in 1:29, quickening from the 1000m in 1:12.6 and 600m in 41.7. The Fire Inside (Grylls) was timed over 1000m in 1:11.2 and 600m in 41.6, while Queens Rose (Rastrick) stretched her legs to record 1:14.8 and 44.6. 

Puzzlente (K McQuade) left 1000 behind in 1:05.8 and 38.5, Whosyourmaster (Coleman) was well contained in 1:08.9 and 39.6, So True (Conder) took 1:08.4 and 39.8 and Underthemoonlight (K McQuade) 1:06.8 and 39.8.

Hawera entry Southern Icon (Tait) ran his usual smart 800m in 49.2 and 600m in 36.5. Storm Bro (Grylls) was kept to 1200m in 1:29.8 and 43.6.

Three-year-old members of the Autridge-Richards team looked ready to make their mark this weekend when they were put through their paces at Matamata this morning.

On the sand, last-start winners Love Triangle (Cameron) and Interstellar (Hercock) were paired in smart work over 1000m in 1:04.3, which they finished off with 600m in 35.6. Love Triangle will start in the Gold Trail Stakes at Hastings, while Interstellar runs in Rating 65 grade at Te Rapa on Friday. Both highly rated fillies appear to be thriving.

Their male stablemates Scrutinize (Cameron) and Xtravagant (K Jones) were no less impressive in their 1000m hitout as they recorded 1:04 and 36.2. Scrutinize, the winner of his only two starts to date, will be chasing a hat-trick in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas. Xtravagant let the side down last time at Ruakaka, but can atone back racing left-handed at Te Rapa.

On the course proper, where work took place right-handed 20 metres out on slow going, Gold Trail Stakes entry Strata Lady (Coleman) and Hastings special maiden candidate Autumn (O’Sullivan) impressed as they cut out their final 600m in 38.1.

Hastings feature sprint candidate Pussy O’Reilly (Weatherley) got through good solo work over 1200m in 1:26.3 and 600m in 39.3. Over the same ground Te Rapa entries Fascinate Me (R jones) and Link Road (Grylls) returned 1:26.5 and 38.8, while Te Awamutu Sunday candidates Cherry Bay (Hunt) and Armetrine (Fraser-Hayes) took 1:23.7 and 40.9.

Graphic (E Rika) and Ali Baba (C Ormsby) worked well over ground with their last 1200m in 1:27.9 and building momentum to run the final 600m in 39.2. Others timed over 1200m included Volks Lightning (Dowling) and Wraithorth (Leveque) 1:25.6 and 41.2; O’Carol (Hunt) and Teri (Fraser-Hayes) 1:25 and 40.8; Rose Of Virginia (Dowling) and Lil Miss Waitoki (Leveque) 1:25.4 and 42.2.

Over the last 600m of their work Paco Rabanne (Coleman) and Delta Delago (Hepi) took 38.6; Mass Of Dash (J Collett) 40.4; Quintastics (Hong) and Prize Lad (O’Sullivan) 38.7; and Stella’s Honour (C Ormsby) 40.1.

On the all-weather track Te Rapa race rivals Snapshot (Grylls) and Los Vargos (Tynan) caught the eye with smart work over 1000m in 1:01 and 600m in 34.1. The Richardson-trained pair start in Friday’s Rating 75 sprint.

Antonio Lombardo (S McKay) and Al Pacino (P McKay) prepared for Hastings with 1000m in 1:05.5 and 36.2, while two others from the McKay stable heading in the same direction, Amarula (S McKay) and Canterino (P McKay) got through similar work in 1:04.1 and 36.8.

Watch This Space (Hillis) and Rough Copy (Cole) wasted no time over 1000m in 1:01.8 and 36.4, while Iffitel (Grylls), Fortune Kept (R Jones) and Zee Zee Top (Luke) were also in good form at the same distance in 1:03.8 and 36.6. De Chine (Rastrick) and Face Up (Rafi) were timed over 1000m in 1:07.5, but fog prevented any sectional time.

On the sand Maestro Tom (A Jones) and Panella (Conder) turned in a good trial for Hastings over 1000m in 1:03.6 and 37.2. Imperium (Cameron), who runs at Hastings, and Te Rapa entry Wolf Whistle (Hercock) cut out a soundly run 1200m in 1:16.9, 1:01.9 and 35.7.

Promising maiden Strada Cavallo (Lammas), an entry for Saturday’s Riccarton meeting, was paired with Pure Lord (Tynan) over 1200m in 1:18.5, 1:04.8 and 37. Over the same ground Bon Marche (Lammas) and Zambezi Warrior (K Jones) took 1:22, 1:05.3 and 37.6, and Jane’s Secret (Hepi) 1:22.4, 1:07.8 and 39.8.

Irish Moon (Coleman) left 1000m behind in 1;06.1 and 37.3, and was followed by Ultimata (Weatherley) in 1:06.6 and 36.5.

Also over 1000m, Lady Quasar (H McQuade) returned 1:08.1 and 39.8, Orange Peel (O’Sullivan) 1:08.5 and 39.4, Flavigny (C Ormsby) 1:08.5 and 38, and Cote d’Or (Coleman) 1:11.4 and 40.5. Covered ‘N’ Bay (K McQuade) was timed from the 800m in 52 and 600m in 36.9.

Secret Spirit looked ready to continue her faultless run of form when she worked impressively at Matamata this morning.

Galloping right-handed on the course proper, where the going was heavy 16 metres out, Secret Spirit (Grylls) and Stralis (R Jones) began at a steady rate and picked up the tempo as they went, completing 1200m in 1:25.2 and covering their last 600m in 39.

It was very good work in the conditions and underlined Secret Spirit’s fitness as she attempts to add her fourth consecutive black-type win in the Gr. 3 Bonecrusher Stakes at Ellerslie on Saturday. Plans for Stralis will depend on track conditions.

Cilla (Rastrick) worked well with Strada Cavallo (Grylls) quickening from the 1000m mark and cutting out the last 600m in 39.9. Cilla, a Makfi filly who has won her only two starts to date, is entered for Te Aroha on Friday.

Lauberhorn (Grylls) and Nectacolecta (Sapsworth), two others from the Graham Richardson stable nominated for Te Aroha, worked at an even rate over 1200m in 1:25.8 and 600m in 42.5. Irish (R Jones) began quietly to run the same distance in 1:25.8, picking up momentum for a final 600m in 40.6.

On the all-weather track Puccini turned in a solid trial on the eve of his departure for Melbourne. Ridden by co-trainer Peter McKay, he trailed Irish Heartbeat (Coleman) and Jimmy Hoffa (S McKay) by three or four lengths, with the lead pair timed over 1000m in 1:01.6 and 600m in 35.3.

Puccini, who is nominated for a 1700-metre handicap at Caulfield on Saturday, hit the line well to almost get on terms with Irish Heartbeat, who also worked very well in preparation for the open sprint at Ellerslie.

Tiara Concerto (Sapsworth), who is coming to hand well, got through 1000m in 1:06.9 and 600m in 39.6.

On the sand Tatters (Hercock) and Our Aberdeen (Lammas) turned in a sound gallop in preparation for Te Aroha, cutting out 1000m in 1:04 and 600m in 36.2.  Over the same ground Autumn (O’Sullivan) returned 1:05.5 and 37.2, Niamh Elizabeth (Miller) and Amperage (Cameron) 1:05.3 and 36.5, Stella’s Honour (Grylls) 1:05.8 and 37.8, and Thetruthisoutthere (Hercock) and Love Actually (Hanafi) 1:04.2 and 36.5.

I’ll’ava’alf (Conder), who runs in the 3210-metre race at the New Plymouth Xtreme Raceday, strode over ground, with his last 1200m in 1:21.5, 1:05.3 and 38.6.

Pussy O’Reilly (Weatherley) was unextended over 1000m in 1:09.2 and 39.6, while stablemate Irish Moon (Coleman) completed a similar task in 1:10 and 41.2.

Scrutinize (Cameron) and Xtravagant (K Jones), who are likely runners at Te Rapa next week, got through 1000m together in 1:05.9 and 37.5. So True (A Jones) and a Lucky Unicorn filly (Conder) were keen in the early stages of their work over 1000m in 1:00.8 and 600m in 37.

Prize Lad (Coleman) was more sedate over 1000m in 1:13.8 and 41.9, while Southern Icon (Tait) cut out 800m in 49.2 and 36.8.

Love Triangle underlined her fitness for Hastings on Saturday when she galloped stylishly at Matamata this morning.

Working right-handed on the course proper, where the going was slow 22 metres out, Love Triangle (Cameron) was paired with Ekraarstatic (Hercock) over 1200m. They covered the full distance in 1:23.5 and the final 600m in a respectable 38.9.

Love Triangle, who is unbeaten in competition with two trial wins preceding her successful Ruakaka debut, is in good order for the step up to stakes company in Saturday’s Gold Trail Stakes. Ekraarstatic, who showed real staying promise last season, begins a new campaign over 1400 metres on the weekend.

Puccini (P McKay) prepared for the Windsor Park Plate when he and Queen Of Navarre (S McKay) worked left-handed against the rail in the 12-metre position, where they cut out their last 1000m in 1:05.3 and 600m in 37.7.

Puccini has trained on well from his first-up run in the Makfi Challenge Stakes and will enjoy the step up in distance on Saturday. Queen Of Navarre runs at Taupo on Friday.

Taupo maiden candidate Interstellar (Lammas) and Babilloni (Zac-Sayed) worked right-handed over 1200m in 1:27.2, quickening over the last 600m in 39.7. In similar work Saoirse (Coleman) returned 1:29.4 and 38.9, while Packing Chaparral (Coleman) strode over 1200m in 1:23.5 and 39.2.

Graphic (C Ormsby) and You Are Amazing (E Rika) worked away steadily and built up momentum to complete their last 600m in 41.2. While the reduction in distance from 1600 to 1400 metres is not ideal, Graphic will still run in Saturday’s Westbury Stud Classic at Avondale.

Silver Eclipse (Ramsay) and Skywards (Ritchie) did similar work, cutting out their final 600m in 40.1. Silver Eclipse is a possible runner at Hastings, while Skywards resumes at Taupo. Eletist (S McKay) and Graft (Mathewson) ran their last 600m in 40.4, and De Chine (Grylls) and Miss Drama (Rastrick) 39.8.

Snapshot (Grylls) and Funhouse (Sapsworth) did sound work in preparation for Taupo when striding over 1200m in 1:23.9 and 600m in 39.2. Stablemates Dubai Shuffle (Sapsworth) and Storm Bro (Tynan) ran the same trip in 1:22.8 and 39.8, while Stella’s Honour (C Ormsby) and Flavigny (E Rika) returned 1:32.4 and 38.5 and Skyscraper (Lammas) 1:25.8 and 41.8.

On the sand last start winner Only If (S Collett) and promising maiden Ultimata (Weatherley) looked the part when they cut out 1000m in 1L01.2 and 36. Only If runs at Avondale and her stablemate at Taupo.

In Style (N Waddell), who resumes at Hastings, completed her work with a strong 600m in 38.5. Race rival Emerald Queen (A Jones) caught the eye with 1000m in 1:03.8 and 35.7. The Canterbury visitor will be ridden by Vinnie Colgan in the Hastings sprint.

Thornhill (N Waddell) and Galaxy Miss (Grylls) worked away steadily to cover 1000m in 1:06 and quickened over the final section in 36.6. Suffire (O’Sullivan) and Quintastics (Amit) worked well over 1000m in 1:03.1 and 36.7, as did Panella (Coleman) and Maestro Tom (Conder) when returning 1:03 and 36.2.

In-form Hastings runner Southern Icon (Tait) reeled off 800m in 48.7 and 600m in 36.2, while Rose Sauvage (A Jones) and Iffitell (Grylls) left 1000m behind in 1:06.4 and 36.5. Nikoniko (J Collett) and Sunset Girl (Blair) ran the same trip in 1:03.6 and 37 and Landed Gentry (Grylls) and Jane’s Secret (Hepi) took 1:03 and 36.8.

Others to complete 1000m gallops included Nolawood (M Brosnan) in 1:06.2 and 38.7; Spritz (Cameron) 1:12.5 and 39; Da Shindig (R Jones) 1:07.6 and 37.8.

On the all-weather track Pussy O’Reilly (Weatherley) ran a smart trial for the Hastings sprint over 1000mm in 1:00.8 and her final 600m in 35.4. Possible rival Irish Heartbeat (Coleman) and a Savabeel gelding (S McKay) ran the same distance in 1:03.8 and 37.

Pushtheboundaries (Dowling) and Bachro (Fraser-Hayes) ran a tidy trial over 1000m in 1:04.4 and 38.5. Sultry Assassin (Sapsworth) ran in from the 800m in 48.3 and 35.1, while Jubilate (Sapsworth) and Solo (Tynan) did similar work in 53.2 and 38.5.

Amarula shaped up for Saturday’s Northland Breeders’ Stakes when he galloped impressively at Matamata this morning.

Working on the all-weather track, Amarula (S McKay) was partnered by stablemate Al Pacino (P McKay) over 1000m in 1:05.5 and 600m in 37.6. Amarula was beaten just half a length when fourth at Hastings last week and has a Ruakaka hat-trick to recommend him for Saturday’s three-year-old feature back at the northern course.

Brigadier (S McKay), another from the Peter and Jacob McKay team, also looked on target for Ruakaka when he went with stablemate Puccini (P McKay) over 1000m in 1:05.2 and 37.5. Brigadier is well up to clearing maiden grade this weekend, while Puccini has come through his Makfi Challenge Stakes run in good order.

Ilikai (Samuelsson) caught the eye when she breezed through her work over 1000m, beginning steadily to return 1:11.2 for the full distance and quickening for a smart final 600m in 36.8. The winner of two southern juvenile races last season, Ilikai is now with Te Aroha-based trainer Lisa Anderson and will resume in the Rating 65 1000-metre race at Ruakaka.

Lucky Feather (Coleman) also drew attention to his weekend prospects when cutting out 1000m in 1:05.7 and 36.5, while Canterino (P McKay) and Antonio Lombardo (S McKay) prepared for Ruakaka with 1000m in 1:06.2 and 38.8.

Hey Mr (Lang) and Rock My Soul (Holmes), who will both race next at Hastings on Saturday week, ran a strong 1000m in 1:06.2 and 37.4.

On the course proper, which was slow with work taking place right-handed 25 metres out, Whatwedo (R Jones) and Fortune Kept (Fraser-Hayes) were timed over their last 800m in 53.8 and 600m in 40.

Snapshot (Grylls) and Brown Girl (Sapsworth) were never at top as they strode through 1200m in 1:25.6, with the final 600m in 42.6.

On the sand, Harry Claassen (A Jones) and Odin’s Choice (Conder) were paired in smart work over 1000m in 1:03.4 and 36.4. Lady Quasar (K McQuade) and Underthemoonlight (A Jones) also ran time, cutting out 1200m in 1:17.5, 1:03.5 and 37.6.

Landed Gentry (R Jones) ran 1200m in 1:20.2, 1:04.8 and 37.2, Autumn (Coleman) returned 1:23.4, 1:07.2 and 38.4, and Paco Rabanne (Hutton) 1:24.6 and 42.1. Packing Chaparral (Wratten) was also well held over 1200m in 1:29.3 and 43.8.

In Style (N Waddell) enjoyed her work over 1000m in 1:09.7 and 39.8. The Railway Stakes winner is likely to resume on the second day at Hastings. Promising maiden Ultimata (Weatherley) was well held over the same distance in 1:11 and 40.3.

Babilloni (Cameron) got through 1000m in 1:08.4 and 39.2, Great Expectations (Rastrick) took 1:08.2 and 39.4, and Rose Of Virginia (Fraser-Hayes) and Lil Miss Waitoki (Leveque) returned 1:05.7 and 37.5.

Irish Encore (O’Sullivan) ran a tidy 1000m in 1:03.8 and 36.9, as did Suffire (Hutton) in 1:03.6 and 36.8, while Sir Darci (Coleman) had it easy over the same distance in 1:10.8 and 40.6, and Saoirse (Dowling) took 1:11.8 and 42. Fascinate Me (Hong) ran in from the 800m in 53.6 and 38.8. 

With trackwork taking place in high winds and horizontal rain, fast work was at a minimum at Matamata this morning, but Wanganui-bound fillies Stella Di Paco and Secret Spirit still drew attention to their weekend prospects.

Galloping right-handed on a sodden course proper, Stella Di Paco (Lammas) led Nectacolecta (Sapsworth) to the end of 1000m in 1:15.4, quickening up the back straight for a final 600m in 40.8. Stella Di Paco failed to manage the heavy conditions in her home track race last week, but looks in good order for the O’Learys’ Fillies’ Stakes at Wanganui.

Race rival and fellow two-year-old stakes winner Secret Spirit (Grylls) was paired with Keepherinmind (Coleman) as they worked into their task and ran their last 600m in 41.5. In similar work Stralis (Hutton) and Vibrant Moss (Holmes) rounded off their gallop with a smart final 600m in 40.4.

Whatwedo (R Jones) looked ready for bold fresh-up effort at Wanganui when he led Miss Elegante (A Jones) to the end of 800m in 57.2 and 600m in 41.6. Rose Of Virginia (Fraser-Hayes) and Lil Miss Waitoki (Leveque) were not pushed in their work, with a final 600m in 43.6.

Graphic (C Ormsby) was allowed to stride over 1200m at three-quarter-pace, cutting out the last 600m in 44.2, as he prepared for a possible start at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Matamata’s quartet for the Makfi Challenge Stakes all worked pleasingly at the centre this morning as they prepared for Saturday’s Hastings feature.

Time honours belonged to Tomorrowland, who was ridden by his raceday jockey Craig Grylls in solo work on the sand. The Danica Guy-trained gelding set off at a strong gallop to complete 1200 metres in 1:14.8 and maintained his momentum over the last 1000m in 1:01.2 and the final 600m in 35.2.

It was excellent work by any measure and showed that Tomorrowland has thrived since his bold second in the Foxbridge Plate.

Danielle Johnson made a special trip to partner Puccini in his main gallop on the all-weather track and was smiling after the McKay-trained entire had tracked his stablemates Al Pacino (P McKay) and Canterino (S McKay) in the early stages before finishing over the top of them.

The trio were timed over 1000m in 1:02.6 and the manner in which Puccini came from behind over the final 600m in 35.8 indicated he is sharp for Saturday’s fresh-up run.

Pussy O’Reilly also had her big-race rider Michael McNab on board for her gallop in company with Prize Lad (R Jones) 10 meres out on the heavy course proper. She led her rival at the finish after 1200m in 1:22.6, 1000m in 1:07.5 and the final 600m strongly in 37.1

The Kelso-trained mare, who is at long odds for the Maki despite finishing second in last year’s race, responded well to blinkers this morning and will wear them on Saturday.

Michael Coleman warmed the saddle for Hayden Tinsley on the fourth of the Matamata contingent, the O’Sullivan-Scott-trained Whosyourmaster. He got through his usual laid-back solo assignment right-handed 20 metres out on the course proper. The unlucky Foxbridge Plate runner was timed over 1200m in 1:25.6 and rolled into his work up the back straight for a final 600m in 39.9.

The only others to work on the course proper were Great Expectations (Grylls) and Razzle Dazzle Dazzle (Vikram), who covered 1200m in 1:31.8 and their final 600m in 40.1, and Saint Finn (McNab) and Bugle Call (E Rika), who took 41.2 for their last 600m.

On the sand Love Triangle (Cameron) and Interstellar (McNab) caught the eye as they prepared for Ruakaka with 1000m in 1:06.3 and the final 600m in a smart 36.3. Two others from the Autridge-Richards team, Xtravagant (Cameron) and Scrutinize (McNab), completed tidy work over 1000m in 1:05.4 and 36.5, while Amperage (Hercock) recorded 1:06.6 and 37.4 and Vive La Difference (Miller) 1:07.2 and 38.5.

In-form Hastings candidate Southern Icon (Tait) got through his work in his usual style with 800m in 48.9 and 600m in 36.6. He continues to thrive. Chazelle (S Collett) strode over 1200m in 1:18.8, 1:04.4 and 37.5, while Maestro Tom (Conder) covered the same ground in 1:23.5, 1:07.8 and 39.5.

On the all-weather track Amarula (S McKay) looked on target for Hastings when he and Jimmy Hoffa (P McKay) cut out 1000m in 1:03.9 and 37, while Ambitious Power (Dowling) and Beauty Ace (Fraser-Hayes) wasted no time over the same ground in 1:01.2 and 35.8.

Witz End (J Collett) also worked at speed with 1000m in 1:01.6 and 36.7, whereas Taaxman (Gillies) was well held as he completed 1000m with plenty in reserve in 1:06.5 and 39.2.

Others to work over 1000m included Always On My Mind (Dowling) in 1:09.3 and 39.8, Jagger (Cole) 1:08.4 and 38.2, and Lil Miss Waitoki (Leveque) 1:13.9 and 43.7. Irish Moon (Coleman) was timed from the 800m in 51.2 and 37.2. 

Letmeby and Peregrine prepared for Saturday’s Pakuranga Hunt meeting at Ellerslie with solid work together a Matamata this morning.

Working right-handed 20 metres out on a soft course proper, Letmeby (Grylls) and Peregrine (Sapsworth) strode over 1200m in 1:25.8, maintaining a strong gallop up the back straight to complete their final 600m in 40.4.

The Graham Richardson-trained stablemates look well for their Ellerslie engagements, with Letmeby scheduled to start in the R85 2200 and Peregrine in the R75 1600. 

Vincent Street drew attention to his New Plymouth prospects when ridden by his co-trainer Wayne Hillis in smart work on the all-weather track with Mesi (Dellow), cutting out 1200m in 1:16.8, 1000m in 1:02.5 and 600m in 36.6. Vincent Street has been racing well without much luck and looks ready for the Interprovincial Challenge on Saturday.

Also on the all-weather track, Realta (Dowling) and Wraithorth (Fraser-Hayes) underlined their progress with 1000mco in 1:02.2 and 600m in 36.8. Over the same ground Payday (Hillis) returned 1:03.8 and 37.3, Anuka (Sapsworth) and Penny Duke (Vikram) 1:07.5 and 39.2, and O’Carroll (Dowling) and Fletcher (Fraser-Hayes) 1:03.8 and 38.6.

Snapshot (Grylls) looked bright when working solo over 1000m in 1:08.8 and 39.2, Dahl’s Delight (P Brosnan) and Suggest Gold (Miles) took 1:05.2 and 38.2, while Lucky Feather (Cole) was well held to clock 1:12.2 and 40.8. Fame Seeker (Dowling) and Blueprint (Fraser-Hayes) had more pace on when recording 1:03.4 and 36.3.

Storm Bro (Sapsworth) and a Keeper gelding (Vikram) took 1:11.2 and 42.3 for their 1000m, while Whatwedo (R Jones) was timed over 800m in 54.6 and 39.7.  

On the sand Stella di Paco (Lammas) and Duchess Kate (Hercock) hit the line well after contained work over 1000m in 1:11.7 and 40.6. Both fillies look bright and may run at next week’s local meeting.

So True (Conder) and Harry Claassen (A Jones) caught the eye in their work over 1000m in 1:05.9 and 36.9, while Chazelle (J Collett) and Sasanof’s Hero (S Collett) also worked boldly with 1000m in 1:07.5 and 38.

Incaseitel (A Jones) and Secret Dreams (S McKay) hit out well for beginners over 1000m in 1:09.7 and 39.4. Paco Rabanne (R Jones) and Nightsky (Hepi) were well held over 1000m in 1:14.6 and 42.7, as was Singsong Girl (Grylls) in 1:12.2 and 39.8. Brilliant Magic (A Wright) strode over 1200m in 1:23 and 39.6. 

Whosyourmaster suggested a bold fresh-up effort in Saturday’s Foxbridge Plate when he worked boldly at Matamata this morning.

Galloping right-handed 23 metres out on a slow course proper, Whosyourmaster (Coleman) gathered momentum to complete 1200m in 1:24.6 and rounded his work off with a smart final 600m in 38.2. The Captain Rio gelding has come to hand well and looks very bright after his hitout at last week’s Te Teko trials. Hayden Tinsley, who rode him in all three wins last season, will be back on board in the Te Rapa feature.

Race rival Tomorrowland (Grylls) was partnered by fellow Te Rapa candidate Packing Chaparral (Coleman), working away steadily and timed over the final 600m in 38.6. Tomorrowland also looks improved for his Te Teko trial.

Another set to resume in the Foxbridge Plate, Pussy O’Reilly (Weatherley), caught the eye in her work on the all-weather track, where she cut out a smart 1000m in 1:02.1 and 600m in 36.4.

Back on the course proper, last start winner Nathalie Falmet (R Jones) was never at top as she strode over 1200m in 1:28.6 and 600m in 41.3, while Funhouse (Nafi) led Nectacolecta (Sapsworth) to the end of 1200m in 1:25.8 and 39.8.

Avondale Friday runner Keepherinmind (Grylls) worked well with Cherry Bay (Fraser-Hayes) over the same ground in 1:28.4 and 40.5. Warner (R Jones) and Stralis (Hutton), who also head to Avondale, were timed over their last 600m in 39.5, while Face Up (S Collett) and De Chine (Grylls) returned 38.7.

On the sand Avondale candidates Real Thirsty (Swann) and Oompa (Gibbs-Manssen) impressed with the way they finished their work over 1000m in 1:08.2 and 600m in 39.4. Sophisticate (A Jones) and I’ll’ava’alf (S McKay) prepared for Te Rapa with 1200m in 1:20.2, 1:05 and 37.5.

Deluxe Edition (Cole) looked bright in his work over 1200m in 1:24.4 and 40.4. So Glamorous (Grylls) cut out 1000m in 1:09.8 and 39.8, while Chazelle (S Collett) took 1:06.3 and 39.6, Prize Lord (R Jones) 1:08.4 and 41, Prince Henry (Lammas) 1:10.8 and 41.6, and Massofdash (J Collett) 1:13.7 and 41.4.

Irish Encore (Coleman) worked away steadily to run 1000m in 1:15.2 and quickened over the last 600m in 39.8. In similar work Odin’s Choice (Conder) returned 1:15.2 and 41.7 and Ultimata (Weatherley) 1:13.5 and 42.6.

Wolfwhistle (Hercock) was among a number of the Autridge-Richards team to stride out over the final 800m of their work, clocking 55.2 and 40.4. Others included Windborne (Cameron) and Carmenize (McNab) 52.4 and 37, Silverdale (McNab) and Amperage (Cameron) 1:00.8 and 46.5, and Beacon Of Hope (Cameron) and Zambezi Warrior (McNab) 57.2 and 40.4.

On the all-weather track Witz End (S Collett) looked in good shape for Avondale when he dashed over 1000m in 1:01.7 and 37.3.  Perfect Fit (Coleman) and Zadiffra (Weatherley), likely runners at Taupo next week, did sound work over 1000m in 1:06.4 and 37.6.

Saoirse (Fraser-Hayes) and Ambitious Power (Dowling) had pace on throughout 1000m in 1:02.4 and 36.6, while Fame Seeker (Dowling) and Talula Belle (Fraser-Hayes) took 1:03.4 and 37.9.

Maestro Tom (A Jones) turned in a good trial for Te Rapa when he and Panella (Conder) ran 1000m in 1:07.5 and 36.8. Arraignment (McNab) and a Perfectly Ready gelding (N Waddell) did well over the same ground in 1:05.5 and 36.9, while The Vicar’s Daughter (Roff) clocked 1:06 and 39.3.

Realta (Dowling) and Wraithorth (Fraser-Hayes) weren’t extended over 1000m in 1:06.3 and 38.8 and Beauty Ace (Leveque ran the same distance in 1:08.2 and 40.8.

Queens Rose looked ready for another winning run at Tauranga on the weekend when got through sound work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping right-handed on the course proper, where the going was soft 22 metres out, Queens Rose (Sapsworth) worked away steadily and cut out 1200m in 1:27.4, building momentum for a final 600m in 39.2. The Graham Richardson- trained mare missed a start in the Opunake Cup last month but in her freshened she should be hard to beat over 1200 metres on Saturday.

Makarios (C Ormsby) and Sororia (E Rika) prepared for Tauranga with good work over 1200m in 1:28.5 and 600m in 40.8. Others preparing for the Tauranga meeting included Prize Lad (R Jones) and Landed Gentry (Amrut), who finished their work with 600m in 41.2.

Nectacolecta (Sapsworth) and Brown Girl (Nafi) did sound work for Friday’s local meeting over 1200m in 1:29.8 and 41.6, while Southern Countess (Miles) and Suggest Gold (P Brosnan) returned 1:30.8 and 41.5.

Those who were timed for the final 600m of their work included Crackthegoodstuff (S Rika) and Roseana’s Spirit (A Jones) in 41.3, Warner (Coleman) and Stralis (Hutton) 39.4, and Kittykittybangbang (A jones) and The Painter (Miller) 42.2.

On the sand Packing Chaparral (Coleman) and Sir Elmo (A Jones) did smart work over 1200m in 1:16.8, 1:03 and 36.4. Packing Chaparral will be hard to beat on his home track on Friday.

I’ll’ava’alf (Conder) and Sophisticate (A Jones) were keen to get on with their work over ground, being timed for their last 1200m in 1:17.8, 1:04.3 and 39.6. Saoirse (Dowling) and Cherry Bay (Fraser-Hayes) got through their work well over 1000m in 1:07.2 and 39.2, while Coincidence (Grylls) and Niamh Elizabeth (Hercock) returned 1:08.9 and 40. Keepherinmind (Coleman) 1:10.7 and 40.8, and Real Thirsty (Swann) 1:12.2 and 43.2. Massofdash (Blair) was timed form the 800m in 58.6 and 42.2.

On the all-weather track Anuka (Sapsworth) and Penny Duke (Nafi) prepared for their weekend engagements with 1000m in 1:06.2 and 38.8. Perfect Fit (Weatherley) was well held over the same ground in 1:15.2 and 43.8, while Fame Seeker (Dowling) and Talula Belle (Fraser-Hayes) took 1:06.5 and 39.5.

Te Aroha Sunday runner Payday (Hillis) was timed over 1200m in 1:19.2, 1:04.8 and 38.9. Le Bon Fin (Cole), another starting over hurdles on Sunday, ran the same trip in 1:20.5, 1:07.2 and 40.2.   

Stakes-winning two-year-olds Stella Di Paco and Secret Spirit looked on target for Saturday’s Ryder Stakes when they worked pleasingly at Matamata this morning.

Galloping right-handed 18 metres out on a heavy course proper, Stella Di Paco was ridden by her raceday jockey Cameron Lammas when she and Prince Henry (Grylls) strode over 1200m in 1:26.8, picking up the tempo for a final 600m in 40.8. Stella Di Paco, who won the Castletown Stakes earlier in the winter, looks improved for her recent Ruakaka outing and will strip ready for her Otaki assignment.

Race rival Secret Spirit (Grylls) and Ruakaka-bound Twice Smitten (Umis) worked away steadily before getting into full swing, cutting out their last 800m in 54.8 and 600m in 41.2. Secret Spirit has not started since her Great Northern Foal Stakes win in late May but she had an exhibition gallop recently and looks ready for another big effort in the final stakes race of the season.

Ryder Stakes entries Good Lookin’ Gal (Grylls) and De Chine (Rafi) got through their work well over 800m in 55.2 and 600m in 41, while two others from the Richardson stable, Strada Cavallo (Grylls) and Faceup (Rafi) completed a similar task in 55.5 and 42.3.

Her Mr (Holmes) who missed a start at New Plymouth on the weekend, prepared for Sunday’s Rotorua meeting with 800m in 54.5 and 600m in 40.8.

Miss Mossman (Coleman) was strong in her work, timed over 1200m in 1:31.2 and quickening for a final 600m in 40.6. With sparse immediate opportunities on the home front, she is booked to fly to Melbourne and will start at Caulfield on Saturday.

On the sand Eletist (Gibbs-Manssen), another to miss out with the abandonment of Saturday’s New Plymouth meeting, looked the part in his work over 1000m in 1:08.9 and 600m in 38.2. He will run instead over 1400 metres at Rotorua on Sunday.

Bon Marche (Lammas), another entered for Rotorua, did sound work over 1000m in 1:06.7 and 39, while Arcade (S Collett) was well held over the same ground in 1:14.4 and 40.8.

Cherry Bay (Fraser-Hayes) strode over 1200m in 1:24.5, 1:08.7 and 40.5, the Red Giant from Dane Promise (Grylls) ran the same trip in 1:26.5, 1:08.9 and 38.4, and Sophisticate (Conder) returned 1:25, 1:09.8 and 41.6.

Sunbeam (A Jones) was not extended over 1000m in 1:12.9 and 42.5, and Juggernaut Rock (J Price) was timed over 1000m in 1:11.3 and 600m in 40.9. Whosyourmaster (Coleman) enjoyed his work as he stretched out the last 600m in 41.2.

On the all-weather track Antonio Lombardo (Grylls) and Oblivion (S McKay) prepared for Ruakaka with 1000m in 1:06.2 and 600m in 37.3. Stablemates Puccini (P McKay) and Brigadier (S McKay) were tidy in their work over 1000m in 1:05.6 and 37.9. Ruakaka runner Witz End (J Collett) put his usual dash into 1000m in 1:04.2 and 37. 

Pussy O’Reilly (Weatherley) was well contained over 1000m in 1:12.5 and 600m in 42.8, while Perfect Fit (Weatherley) was timed from the 800m in 55.3 and 41.7.

Queens Rose looked ready for Saturday’s Opunake Cup when she got through sound work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping right-handed 22 metres out on a heavy course proper, Queens Rose (Sapsworth) covered 1200m in 1:23.6, with her last 800m in 53.8 and 600m in 39.4. The Graham Richardson-trained mare has made pleasing progress since her Tauranga Classic win as she prepares for the New Plymouth feature.

Race rivals Makarska (Coleman) and Vincent Street (S McKay) also worked in good style, striding over 1200m in 1:25.5 and 600m in 39.7. Makarska has hit form with a double at Ruakaka and connections will be hoping for at least reasonable track conditions on the weekend.

Sophisticate (Coleman) and Sir Elmo (A Jones) prepared for New Plymouth with 1200m in 1:25.2 and 600m in 40.5, while Peregrine (Sapsworth) and Victoryshallbemine (Grylls) ran the same distance in 1:24.5 and 41.2. Te Rapa candidates Landed Gentry (Grylls) and Prize Lad (Amrut) were not extended over 1200m in 1:30.3 and 42.5.  

Jehanne (Dowling), a runner at Avondale on Friday, strolled over 1200m in 1:31.3 and 600m in 43.2. That’s How We Roll (E Rika) and last start debut winner Makarios (C Ormsby) worked away steadily before finishing off their work with 600m in 39.2.

On the all-weather track Smartly (K Jones) and Le’Vantos (Hunt), entrants for New Plymouth and Te Rapa respectively, hit the line strongly at the end of 1200m in 1:24.3, 1:09.4 and 38.5.

Le Bon Fin (Cole) had pace on in the early stages of 1200m, running the full distance in 1:16.2 and 600m in 41.6. Stablemate Boy (Cole), who also runs at Te Rapa, did similar work over 1200m in 1:18.5 and 39.8.

Avondale entry Pompeii Tiger (R Jones) and Te Rapa starter Roc Me (Coleman) were paired in a smart 1000m in 1:04.3 and 36.8. Hey Mr (Holmes) strode over the last 1000m of his work in 1:06.3 and 600m in 37.6.

Puccini (P McKay) enjoyed his work over 1000m in 1:06.2 and 38.2, while Pussy O’Reilly (Weatherley) also looked bright when allowed to stretch out from the 800m in 49.6 and 36.7. In Style (Grylls) also caught the eye when breezing over her last 600m in 38.2.

Quantum Maelstrom (Sapsworth), who starts at Hastings on Thursday, was timed over 1200m in 1:26.2 and 41, while Alice Web Ellis (Sapsworth) ran the same trip in 1:24.4 and 39.5. Ultimata (Weatherley) stretched out well over 1000m in 1:09.4 and 600m in 39.2 and Perfect Fit (Luke) ran in from the 600m in 45.9. Ekraarstatic (Cameron) was partnered by Carmenize (Lammas) over 800m in 52 and 37.5.

On the sand Miss Mossman (Coleman) was strong at the end of 1200m in 1:25.2, 1:09.8 and 39.5. She is fully recovered from the badly timed setback that forced her out of the Taumarunui Gold Cup.

Kakahu Nell (M Brosnan) and Jedi Knight (P Ormsby) did good work over 1000m in 1:04.2 and 37.2, as did Skyscraper (Hercock) in 1:05.2 and 37.4. Maestro Tom (Conder) and Roseana’s Spirit (A Jones) covered the same distance in 1:10.4, quickening from the 600m in 37.5.

Peacefuleasyfeelin (Gibbs-Manson) was kept to striding work, with his last 1200m in 1:33.6 and 600m in 45.8. He is scheduled to fly to Melbourne tomorrow (Wednesday).

Among those quickening in their new preparation, Whosyourmaster (Hong) looked bright as he ran in from the 800m in 59.6 and 600m in 43.2. Arraignment (Grylls) and the Keeper-Jacilo gelding (N Waddell) were timed over 800m in 52.4 and 38.8, Persuasive (Amit) returned 59.2 and 43, Flaming (Hercock) and Ebony Star (Fawcett) 58.9 and 43.2, and Scrutinise (Cameron) and Splurge (Lammas) 60.8 and 44.5. 

Opulent and Stella Di Paco shaped up for Ruakaka on the weekend when they were paired in sound work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping15 metres out on a heavy course proper, Opulent (Cameron) and Stella Di Paco (Lammas) hit the line strongly at the end of 1000m in 1:09.8 and 600m in 39.7. The Autridge/Richards-trained duo are both last start winners, Opulent in maiden grade at Ruakaka last week and Stella Di Paco in the Castletown Stakes six weeks ago.

Queens Rose (Sapsworth) looked on target for next week’s Opunake Cup as she strode over 1200m wide out on the course proper, running the distance in 1:26.2, with her last 1000m in 1:11.4 and 600m in 41.3.

Hey Mr (Grylls) and She’s A Screamer (Holmes) cut out 1000m in 1:11.3 and 42, while De Chine (Grylls) and Felice’s Dream (Jalam) were not pushed over the same ground in 1000m in 1:15.2 and 42 as they prepared for the Ruakaka two-year-old race. Prize Lad (Hutton) and Landed Gentry (Hong) were given solo three-quarter-pave workouts.

On the sand, Antonio Lombardo (S McKay) and De Niro (P McKay) looked sharp for Ruakaka when they cut out 1000m in 1:05.2, flattening out stylishly from the 600m in 35.8.

Sweet Memories (Lammas) and Love Triangle (Cameron) travelled up well over 800m in 57 and 600m in 41.4, while Lavasliere (Fsraser-Campin) cut out 1000m in 1:06.5 and 37.9 and Aretine (Dowling) followed in 1:06.8 and 38.7.

Puccini (P McKay) and Ruakaka candidate Canterino (S McKay) finished their work well over 1000m in 1:06.2 and 36.4.

Recent trial winner It’s Slots Of Fun (Tait) ran in from the 800m in 49.8 and 37, while Makarska (Weatherley) was well held over 1000m in 1:17.2 and 46.2.

Ireland’s Teardrop (Dowling) had more pace on with 1000m in 1:09.6 and 38.4, and Star Of Greenfield (Miller) was kept to 1000m in 1:15.2 and 43.5. Over 1200m Sororia (C Ormsby) returned 1:32.6 and 45.2, and Victoryshallbemine (Sapsworth) took 1:30.2 and 43.

Packing Chaparral looked the part for Te Rapa on Saturday when he worked impressively at Matamata this morning.

Galloping solo 28 metres out on a heavy course proper, Packing Chaparral (Coleman) took time honours over 1200m in 1:22, with his last 1000m in 1:07.7 and 600m in 39.6. The Kelso-trained four-year-old has made pleasing progress since his first-up second at Te Rapa in early June and will line up again over 1400 metres there on Saturday.

Miss Mossman was also ridden by her raceday jockey Michael Coleman when she prepared for Saturday’s Taumarunui Gold Cup with sound work over 1200m in 1:25, 1:09 and 39.7. She looks ready for a return to the scene of her most recent win earlier in the winter.

Race rival Peacefuleasyfeelin (A Jones) also did stayers’ work with his last 1200m in 1:25.9, 1:10.7 and 41.4. Like Miss Mossman, he was unplaced in last week’s Kiwifruit Cup but will also appreciate the return to left-handed Te Rapa.

Full Monty (Sapsworth) set off over ground on the way to running 1200m in 1:23, picking up stablemate Nectacolecta (Grylls) for a final 1000m in 1:09 and 600m in 41.4. Both Richardson stable members look well for their Te Rapa engagements.

Elroi (Tynan) led Secret Power (Holmes) in the early stages of their workout over 1200m but was joined by his stablemate to complete 1200m in 1:23.9, with the last 1000m in 1:09.2 and 600m in 40.4.

Purcentage (Sapsworth) went solo over 1000m in 1:10.2 and 40.8, while fellow Te Rapa entry Peregrine (Sapsworth) was well contained over 1200m in 1:30.9 and 44.6.

On the sand regular Rotorua visitor Pockets (Lammas) looked sharp for Te Rapa as he worked over 1000m in 1:04.5 and 600m in 37.4. Sir Elmo (A Jones) and Sunbeam (Coleman) also drew attention to their weekend prospects with 1200m in 1:20.1, 1:04.9 and 37.2.

Stralis (Grylls) was unextended over the last 1200m of his work in 1:26.2 and 39, while Nolawood (M Brosnan) cut out the same trip in 1:23.3, 1:07.6 and 39. Promising stayer Chazelle (S Collett) indicated she is coming to hand well with a bold gallop over 1200m in 1:18.8, 1:05 and 38.4.

Impressive recent winner Eletist (Gibbs-Manson) was well held over 1000m in 1:12.6 and 43.2. He may run at Te Rapa or instead be reserved for next Wednesday’s local meeting. Stablemate Oompa (Swann) ran his1000m in 1:14.4 and 43.6.

Southern Icon (Tait) was in dashing form over 800m in 48.3 and 36.2. Warner (Coleman) strode over 1200m in 1:22.9, 1000m in 1:06.6 and the final 600m in a smart 36.4. Twice Smitten (Hong) followed over the same ground in 1:24, 1:08.5 and 38.2, while Prize Lord (Hutton) was kept to 1:27.8, 1:13.6 and 42.7. Kanali (Sapsworth) was also well held to return 1:20.3, 1:14.1 and 43.9.

On the all-weather track class galloper Puccini (P McKay) was partnered by Antonio Lombardo (S McKay) over 1000m, with their last 600m clocked in 37.5. Pussy O’Reilly (Luke) was another to gear up for new season assignments as she worked over 800m in 58.8 and 600m in 41.4. 

Sasanof’s Hero and Al Pacino drew attention to their weekend prospects with smart work together at Matamata this morning.

Galloping on the all-weather track, Sasanof’s Hero (J Collett) and Al Pacino (S McKay) had pace on throughout 1000m in 1:04.8, finishing off with a strong 600m in 37.2. Sasanof’s Hero performed well for fourth on debut last month and is ready for another bold effort at Ruakaka on Saturday. Al Pacino is in good order to kick off a new campaign at Ruakaka, where he was a winner as a two-year-old. 

Stablemate Queen Of Navarre (S McKay) also signalled her Ruakaka prospects when working solo over 1000m in 1:04.2 and 37.6. She has trained on well from her last-start Wanganui win. Lucky Feather (Cole) prepared for his Hastings engagement with 1000m in 1:06.8 and 38.8.

Vicar’s Daughter (J Collett) and Amarula (S McKay) looked sharp for the Ruakaka two-year-old event when cutting out 800m in 51.2 and 600m in 38.4.

On the course proper, which was heavy 20 metres out under a sharp frost, Opulent (Lammas) and Alice Web Ellis were well matched over 1000m in 1:08.9 and 600m in 40.6. Opulent will be entered for both Hastings and Ruakaka, while Alice Web Ellis runs at Te Awamutu on Sunday.

Cape Mapperley (Coleman) and Keepherinmind (Grylls) cut out 1000m in 1:09.5 and 41.2, while Letmeby (Sapsworth) went at an even rate over 1200m in 1:24.5, 1000m in 1:10.5 and 600m in 42.1.

Southern Countess (Miles) and O’Reilly’s Gold (P Brosnan) did sound work, with their final 1000m in 1:09.8 and 600m in 41.8.

On the sand, Vibrant Moss (P Holmes) prepared for her Ruakaka engagement over 1000m in 1:10.2 and 600m in 39. Te Awamutu entrant Sophisticate (A Jones) took 1:21.8 for 1200m, with her last 1000m in 1:07.6 and 600m in 39.5.

Ruakaka runner The Last Shower (C Ormsby) covered 1000m in 1:10.8 and 39.8, while Packing Chaparral (Coleman) was well held over the same ground in 1:12.5 and 42.1.

That’s How We Roll was ridden by his co-trainer Chad Ormsby in a bold school over eight flights of brush hurdles.

Queens Rose signalled her weekend prospects with a smart gallop at Matamata this morning.

Galloping 22 metres out on a heavy course proper, Queens Rose (Sapsworth) went solo over 1200m in 1:24, cutting out the last 1000m in 1:08.6 and finishing off with 600m in 39.6. It was good work by any standard and suggested the Graham Richardson-trained mare is set for a big effort in the Team Wealleans Tauranga Classic.

Tavis Star (Hercock) caught the eye with the way she finished her work with Highly Likely (Lammas) after a sound 1200m in 1:22.9, 1000m in 1:08.5 and 600m in 40.4. The Autridge/Richards stablemates are both entries for the Rating 75 middle-distance at Tauranga.

Miss Mossman (Coleman) looked bright as she prepared for the Kiwifruit Cup with 1200m in 1:24.5, 1:09 and 38.9, while Stralis (R Jones) was timed over 1000m in 1:09.2 and 40.

Vibrant Moss (Tynan) was allowed to roll in from the 800m in 56.4, with her final 600m in 41.4. Temple Tiger (Goodwin) worked right-handed as he prepared for Otaki on Friday and was timed over his last 600m in 40.1.

Sir Elmo (A Jones) and Sunbeam (Coleman) did their work for Tauranga on the sand, where Sir Elmo completed 1200m in 1:19.8, picking up his stablemate for a final 1000m in 1:05.6 and 600m in 37.4.

Gardone (M Brosnan) cut out a solid 1200m in 1:19.8, 1:04.3 and 38.4, while her stablemate Nolawood (M Brosnan) ran the same trip in 1:24.5, 1:08.3 and 39.3.

Promising maiden Phoebe Snow (K Jones) did smart work over 1000m in 1:05.8 and 600m in 36.7. Deluxe Edition (Cole) was timed over 800m in 53.9 and 600m in 37.4.

Vitali (Madin) had pace on throughout as he prepared for Te Aroha on Sunday with 1200m in 1:18.6, 1:04.5 and 38.6. Tauranga entry Giardini (Hutton) covered the same ground in 1:19.2, 1:05.5 and 37.4, while El Cajero (J Collett) and Sasanof’s Hero (Blair) returned 1:25.2, 1:08.9 and 39.6. Nathalie Falmet (Hutton) was kept to 1200m in 1:27.4 and 42.9.

Beach Bellini (A Jones) strolled over 1000m in 1:13.8 and 43, and Roseanne Spirit (Conder) took 1:14.8 and 44.6.

On the all-weather track Roc Me (R Jones) cut out 1000m in 1:06.2 and 38.5, Android (Sapsworth) prepared for Tauranga with 1000m in 1:07.9 and 39.8, while Alta Mater (Coleman) and Trueman (Wratten) returned 1:07.8 and 38.7.

Antonio Lombardo shaped up for a return to racing at Ruakaka on the weekend with impressive work at Matamata this morning.

On the all-weather track Antonio Lombardo (S McKay) was partnered by Canterino (P McKay) over a smart 1000m in 1:02.8, finishing off with 600m in 36.1. The Pins gelding may be close to his seventh birthday but he looks as bright as ever to kick off a new campaign in the open sprint at Ruakaka, where he has shown such good form in the past. Stablemate Canterino, also a multiple winner on the track, heads north for a fresh-up run in the R75 1400.

Others to shape well for Ruakaka included Vincent Street (K Jones) and Letmego (Hillis), who left 1000m behind in 1:02.3 and 36, while two others from the Hillis-Kesner team, Labels (K Jones) and Phoebe Snow), cut out the same trip in 1:02.6 and 36.5.

Ultimata (Wratten) and Zadiffra (Luke) were not chasing time over 1000m in 1:05.8 and 37.8, and Dahl’s Delight (P Brosnan) and Suggest Gold (Miles) hit the line strongly in 1:12.6 and 39.2. Valante (S Collett) and Amarula (S McKay) were timed over their last 600m in 38.7.

Anuka (Sapsworth) went solo over 1000m in 1:11.4 and 41, In Memory Of (Holmes) took 1:11.8 and 41.3, Pinstripe (K Jones) and a Lucky Unicorn gelding (Brown) 1:11.4 and 40.2, and Masu (Dowling) 1:14.2 and 43.

On the course proper, where the going was heavy 25 metres out and work took place right-handed, Jubilate (Sapsworth) shaped up well for Awapuni when working with Kanali (Singh) 1200m in 1:26.2 and 600m in 40.9. Jubilate runs in the open 1500 on the weekend, when he will be ridden by in-form claimer Anna Jones.

She’s Elusive (Hutton) and Twice Smitten (Hong) prepared for Ruakaka with 800m in 53.4 and 600m in 41.9, while two others heading north, Makarska (Coleman) and Trevita (Fraser-Hayes), went well over the same ground in 52.3 and 41.3.

The Last Shower (E Rika) and Flavigny (Schistl) strode over 1200m in 1:25.7 and 600m in 41.8.

Opulent (Lammas) and Sir Darci (Hercock) set off over ground at a steady rate to run 1200m in 1:29, quickening for their last 600m in 40.7. Unknown Pleasures (C Ormsby) completed striding work with 600m in 40.9.

On the sand, Southern Icon (Tait) looked sharp for Ruakaka when dashing through the last 800m of his work in 48.2 and 600m in 35.9. He was a winner at Ruakaka this time last year and didn’t have a lot of luck in his most recent start there.

Jehanne (Dowling) strode over 1200m in 1:27.6, with her last 1000m in 11.4 and 600m in 40.2. Roseanne Spirit (Conder) and the El Hermano-Golan’s Lass gelding (A Jones) shaped up well over 1000m in 1:07.5 and 38.6.

Stunner (N Waddell) was unextended over 1000m in 1:11.8 and 41.8, while Tavis Star (Hercock), who runs at Te Teko next week, had an easy time over the same ground in 1:15.3 and 43.8. Reaching Out (Dellow) was well held over her last 800m in 1:00.5 and 600m in 43.8.

Over 1000m Bordeaux (Lammas) returned 1:13.2 and 43.3 and Miss Chief (Roff) took 1:14.8 and 41.6, while Prince Henry (Lammas) ran in from the 600m in 43.8. 

Divissima and The Fire Inside prepared for Te Rapa on Saturday with sound work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping right-handed 22 metres out on a heavy course proper, Divissima (C Ormsby) and The Fire Inside (E Rika) set off from the winning post at a leisurely rate to run 1200m in 1:31.6. They increased the tempo as they went and were timed over the final 600m up the back straight in 39, good going in the conditions.

Packing Chaparral (Coleman) and That’s How We Roll (C Ormsby) were paired in good work for Te Rapa when they went right-handed over 1200m in 1:29.6, 800m in 52.6 and 600m in 39.2. Smartly (K Jones) prepared for the R85 middle-distance at Te Rapa when she went solo over 1200m, in 1:32.2 and 40.8.

Others to work right-handed in preparation for Te Rapa included Storm Bro (Grylls) and Douro (Sapsworth), who returned 1:26.6 and 41.2 over 1200m, and stablemates Letmeby (Sapsworth) and Lucky To Be Cool (Grylls), who did similar work in 1:26.2 and 41.8.

Left-handed on the course proper, Te Rapa candidates Stralis (R Jones) and Goshawk (Grylls) travelled up well over 1000m in 1:11.4 and 600m in 41.2. Prize Lord (Hong) and Cape Mapperley (Hepi) covered the same distance in 1:10.4 and 42.4, while Landed Gentry (Grylls) and Fitsandgiggles (Hutton) ran in from the 800 in 55.7, with their last 600m in 41.8.

King’s Rock (Afi) was never at top over 1000m in 1:10.2 and 600m in 43.3.

Tavis Star and Stella Di Paco managed the conditions well when they prepared for weekend assignments with sound work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping 20 metres out on a heavy course proper, Tavis Star (Coleman) and Stella Di Paco (Lammas) had something in reserve at the end of 1000m in 1:10.5 and 600m in 39.8. Tavis Star gets the chance to extend an impressive formline when he lines up in the three-year-old 1600 at Ellerslie on Saturday, while Stella Di Paco may be an upset chance in the Castletown Stakes at Wanganui.

Miss Mossman (Grylls) had first use of the track as she cut out the last 1000m of her work in 1:09.4 and the final 600m in 38.3. She has freshened up well from her brave placing in the Rotorua Cup and will drop back to 1600 metres at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Victoryshallbemine (Grylls) and Peregrine (Sapsworth) were well matched over 1200m in 1:24.6, with their last 1000m taking 1:10.1 and 600m in 41.5. Maestro (Miller) covered the same ground in 1:24.8, 1:09.8 and 41.2, while Scandinavian (Lammas) was let off with 1200m in 1:28.4, 1:12.6 and 42.

Sombreuil (Luke) and Vettel (S McKay) left 1000m behind in 1:07.4 and 39.9, while Peach Bellini (A Jones) appeared at home in the ground when she shaded Sophisticate (Conder) at the end of 1000m in 1:08.5 and 41.

Smartly (K Jones) and Dating (Hunt) caught the eye when working on the sand, where they cut out 1000m in 1:07.2 and ran in from the 600m in 36.9. Over the same ground Kinda Leica (K McQuade) returned 1:08.5 and 40.6.

Lucky To Be Cool (Grylls) strode over 1200m in 1:22.8, 1:07.8 and 38.6, while stablemate Crystalight (Grylls) was kept to 1:31.2, 1:15.4 and 44.2.

In similar work Highly Likely (Hercock) ran 1:33.4 and 45.8, Cape Mapperley (Coleman) 1:32.3 and 44.5, Full Monty (Sapsworth) 1:32.2 and 45.3, and Makarska (Wratten) 1:31.6 and 45. Prince Henry (Roff) ran in from the 800m in 52.3 and 38, and Bettorock (Lammas) and Bon Marche (Hercock) took 53.8 and 38.5.

On the all-weather track Taaxman (Gillies) looked bright in his work, running the last 1000m in 1:06 and 600m in 39.4. Over the same ground Hardy’s Revenge (Grylls) took 1:08.5 and 37.8, and Zadiffra (Luke) and Ultimata (Wratten) 1:12.8 and 43.2.

Antonio Lombardo (S McKay) began quietly from the 1000m mark to run that distance in 1:15.2 and quickened over the last 600m in 39.4. Stablemates Canterino (P McKay) and Al Pacino (S McKay) were timed from the 800m in 51.6 and 600m in 37.8.