Pussy O’Reilly looked set for a big effort in Saturday’s Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes when she worked boldly at Matamata this morning.

Galloping 18 metres out on a slow course proper with raceday rider Opie Bosson in the saddle, Pussy O’Reilly covered 1200m in 1:18.6, gathering momentum from the 1000m in 1:03.8 and finishing off with 600m in 37.5. The Kelso-trained mare has not raced for five weeks but has cleaned up nicely with a trial outing last week.

Stablemate and race rival Fix (K Jones) was allowed a lighter task but was also impressive as she strode over 1200m in 1:23.8, with her last 1000m in 1:08.5 and 600m in 39.2. She has trained on well from her last-start second and should enjoy the step up to 1400 metres at Avondale.

Queens Rose (Sapsworth), another in the fillies and mares’ feature, got through her work well partnering Jubilate (Rhodes) over 1200m in 1:18.8, 1:04.8 and 38.6. Sir Elmo (Coleman) prepared for Avondale when he and Sophisticate (A Jones) left 1200m behind in 1:21.1, 1:06.8 and 39.

Puccini (P McKay) continued his Captain Cook Stakes preparation when he and Kick Buttowski (S McKay) ran their last 1000m in 1:08.8 and 600m in 38.4. Whosyourmaster (R Jones), who runs in the Counties Bowl on Saturday, was well held over 1000m in 1:10.6 and 41.1, while McQueen (J Collett) and Red Striker (Blair) took 1:08 and 39.2.

Orange Peel (Imat) and Kaleidoscope (Coleman) had pace on throughout 1000m in 1:05.8 and 38.9, Suffire (Grylls) and Mary Quant (Hong) took 1:06.2 and 38.9, and Da Shindig (Hutton) 1:04.4 and 38.6.

Marcelle (Dowling), who runs at Te Rapa on Sunday, and Avondale candidate Rose Of Virginia (Leveque) did sound work over 1200m in 1:23.7, 1:09.5 and 40.6. Over the same ground Awapuni entry Dubai Shuffle (Sapsworth) led Sultry Assassin (Rhodes) in 1:19.5, 1:06 and 39.3.

Opulent (Lammas), who runs at New Plymouth on Friday, and Te Rapa candidate Maestro (Cameron) left 1200m behind in 1:21.1, 1:07.2 and 38.8. Show No Emotion (Hercock), a form runner for Avondale, went solo over 1200m in 1:23.1, 1:08.4 and 40.2.

Te Rapa entries Realta (Dowling) and Howzat (Leveque) ran the same trip in 1:23.5, 1:09.1 and 40.8, while Maestro Tom (A Jones) and Harry Claassen (Swann) returned 1:19.6, 1:06.5 and 41.

Over 1000m Gardone (M Brosnan) and Arterial (Roff) took 1:07.8 and 40.6, Laseef (Grylls) and All Razzle Dazzle (Rhodes) 1:11.6 and 41.8, Bohemian Lily (Dowling) and Always On My Mind (Leveque) 1:10.7 and 41.5, Aotearower (Coleman) 1:06.8 and 39.7, Deema (Sapsworth) and Funhouse (Rhodes) 1:10.4 and 42.4, Pure Champion (Grylls) 1:10.4 and 41.1, and Living The Dream (Sapsworth) 1:12.2 and 43.

King’s Rock (Hercock) strode over 1200m in 1:22.5, 1:08.7 and 41, Immigration (Sapsworth) took 1:30.9 and 44.5, and In Style (Coleman) 1:28.7 and 43.6.

Two-year-olds Fascinate Me (Hutton) and the Medaglia d’Oro-Jolie’s Shinzu colt (Grylls) ran in from the 800m in 54.8 and 600m in 39.4. Stationary World (Grylls) and Green Country (Rhodes) completed a similar task in 54.2 and 39.8, while Saraswati (R Jones) and Electric Aura (Tynan) were timed over their last 600m in 42.6. Better Rock (Cameron) and Shillelagh (Lammas) got through 1000m in 1:10.4 and 40.3.

On the all-weather track Babilloni (Bosson) and Lucky Feather (R Jones) ran a smart 1000m in 1:03.5 and 37, while Massale (C Ormsby) and Daifuku (Coleman) ran the same trip in 1:05.4 and 37.4.

Zamora (S McKay) and the Commands half-brother to Saturday’s 1000 Guineas winner Platinum Witness (J McKay) ran their last 800m in 54.8 and 600m in 39.

On the sand Wisecrack (K Jones) quickened readily over the final stages of 1200m in 1:24.2, 1:08.4 and 38. Dezignator (R Jones) and Martini Lass (Hillis) were timed over the last 1000m of their work in 1:02.3 and 37, while Diamond Refusal (M Gibbs) and Brilliant Magic (Swann) ran over the same ground in 1:05.4 and 37.7.

Tauranga weekend candidate Silverdale was the star trackworker at Matamata this morning during a session when fog prevented the timing of many gallops.

Silverdale (Bosson) did his work on the sand, easing away from the 1200-metre mark and quickening to run his last 1000m in 1:03.2 and the final 600m in a smart 36.5. It was very good work by the Stephen Autridge-trained last-start winner, who will have his final lead-up to the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile in the open 1300-metre event at Tauranga.

On the course proper, where the going was slow 22 metres out, Tauranga rivals Villars (Sapsworth) and Immigration (Grylls) turned in a sound trial over 1200m in 1:16.8, with their last 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600m in 38.4.

Divissima (C Ormsby), who runs next at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup day, impressed when she led Square Circles (Orlando) at the end of 1000m in 1:04.7 and 800m in 50.8. Packing Chaparral (Coleman) was not after time as he strode through 1200m in 1:27.2 and 42.3, while In Style (N Waddell) and the unraced maiden Gautier (Bosson) were timed from the 800m in 59.6 and 44.2. In Style runs at Ellerslie next Tuesday.

Among those that could not be timed on the course proper due to the fog, Tauranga entries Cass King, Tiger Moss, Merrily and Sunbeam appeared to get through their work well, as did Ellerslie candidates Living The Dream and Sir Elmo.

Juggernaut Rock (K Price), who had to be withdrawn from his Trentham weekend engagement due to a hock infection, appeared to be fully recovered as he strode over ground on the course proper. He will head to Riccarton in the hope of running well enough on the first day to secure a start in the New Zealand Cup.

On the all-weather track Darting (R Jones) and Vincent Street (Hunt) prepared for Ellerslie next week with smart work over 1000m in 1:03.8 and 600m in 36.2. Speedy Jax (Grylls) ran the same distance in 1:03.8, with a final 800m section in 49.5, while Lucky Feather (R Jones) was timed over 1200m in 1:22.6.

On the sand Tauranga pair Knockout (Leveque) and Ishara Yar (Grylls) covered 1200m in 1:21.4, while Prince Of Patch (Little) took 1:09.3 and 41.4 over 1000m and Aotearower (Coleman) ran from the 800m in 58 and 42.5.

Rotorua weekend rivals Antonio Lombardo, Whosyourmaster and Fix underlined their fitness with sound work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping on a good plough, Antonio Lombardo (S McKay) was partnered by Donnie Brasco (J McKay) over a slick 1000m in 1:02.9 and hit the line hard after a final 600m in 35.5. Antonio Lombardo has come through his last-start Hastings win in good order and rates highly for Saturday’s Lion Red Plate.

Whosyourmaster, who won the feature sprint on the second day at Hastings, was ridden by raceday rider Michael Coleman over 1000m in 1:03.2 and the last 600m in a comfortable 36.5.

Coleman warmed the saddle for Mark Du Plessis when he handled Fix in her work on the course proper, which was good 12 metres out. The Kelso-trained mare worked away steadily from the 1000-metre mark to run that distance in 1:05.2, picking up the tempo for a final 600m in an impressive 36.

Back on the plough, Needlly (Dowling) and Morena (Leveque) underlined their respective prospects for Rotorua and Tauranga on Friday when they cut out 1000m in 1:01.3 and 35.5. Rotorua entry Jimmy Hoffa (S McKay) was another to catch the eye when he dashed through 1000m in 1:00.8 and 35.8.

Irish Encore (Grylls) and Giardini (Hong) prepared for the weekend with 1000m in 1:03.2 and 36.2, while Babilloni cut out 1000m in 1:04.2 and 35.9. He was ridden by Opie Bosson in an early trackwork stint before his day job at Waikato Stud.

Tauranga entries Brampton Loco (Coleman) and Sheselusive (R Jones) had pace on throughout 1000m in 1:01.2 and 36.1.

Sir Elmo (Coleman), who runs in the Rotorua Plate, was paired with Tauranga candidate Sunbeam (A Jones) over 1200m in 1:17.2, 1000m in 1:02.2 and 600m in 36.5. Promising stayer Chazelle (J Collett) tuned up for Tauranga with smart work over 1200m in 1:18.2, 1:03.4 and 36.8.

Maestro (Hercock) and Bordeaux (Lammas) strode through 1200m in 1:20.2, 1:04.8 and 37.3, while over the same distance Covered ’N’ Bay (R Jones) returned a sound 1:18.6, 1:04.5 and 36. Silverdale (Bosson) prepared for Rotorua with a well held 1000m in 1:09.5 and 38.8.

Ididit (Swann) looked well when working well within herself over 1000m in 1:06.5 and 37.8. Wisecrack (R Jones) ran 1200m at a solid rate, returning 1:14.5, 1:00.7 and 36.2. Northern Star (Wong) looked the part for Rotorua when shading The General (Hutton) at the end of 1000m in 1:03.6 and 36.3.

Smashing (Lammas) and Seline (P Ormsby) left 1000m behind in 1:04.5 and 36.7, Onlyarose (A Jones) took 1:05 and 37.5, Flavigny (C Ormsby) 1:09.7 and 39.8, Sworntomylover (K Shailer) 1:11.2 and 39.8, Ekraarstatic (Bosson) 1:11.6 and 40.3, and La Adelita (Lammas) 1:08.2 and 38.5.

Lady Euro (K Price) turned in a  good trial for Tauranga over 1200m in 1:16.6, 1:03.2 and 38.5, while She’s Samashing (C Ormsby) and Destroyer (T Johnson) covered the same trip in 1:23.3, 1:07.1 and 36.8.

The Fire Inside (Coleman) was well held over the last 1000m of her work in 1:12.8 and 40.4, Southern Comet (Tait) dashed over 800m in 47.7 and 35.4, Hysteria Lane (Stacey) took 1:12.5 and 42.8 for 1000m, Hardy’s Revenge (C Ormsby) and Revelator (T Johnson) returned 1:11.4 and 38.6, and Golden Glow (Grylls) took 1:11.5 and 40.

On the all-weather track Vincent Street (W Hillis) and Dezignator (R Jones) looked in good shape for Rotorua when they cut out 1000m in 1:01.6 and 35.8.

Travino (S McKay) continued his preparation with 1000m in a deceptive 1:01.2 and 36.3, while Dating (W Hillis) was not chasing time over 1000m in 1:06.2 and 37.4. 

Witz End looked sharp for his local meeting on Saturday when he turned in a brilliant gallop at Matamata this morning.

Ridden by his trainer Jim Collett, Witz End worked on the sand, where he set off at a solid clip from the 1000-metre mark to run that distance in 1:00.6 and cut out the final 600m in a slick 35.5. The speedy gelding has already won twice this preparation and after being freshened he could make it three in Saturday’s Rating 85 sprint.

On the course proper, which was slow in the 25-metre position, fresh-up weekend runners Stralis (Grylls) and Kaleidoscope (Hutton) appeared to work well over 1000m in 1:06.2 and 38.5. Divissima (C Ormsby) drew attention to her prospects on Saturday when she led Style Is Eternal (Ormando) to the end of 800m in 54.2 and 600m in 38.9.

Pussy O’Reilly (Coleman) turned in an impressive trial for Saturday’s Taranaki Stakes when she worked solo over 1200m in 1:20.8, 1000m in 1:05 and 600m in 37.8. Race rival Queens Rose (Sapsworth) was partnered by Android (Grylls) over 1200m in 1:24.4, 1:10.2 and 41.2, with neither horse extended.

Team Wealleans Matamata Cup entry Miss Mossman (Hong) went with Cast King (Wong) over 1200m in 1:18.3, with the mid-sections run at a solid tempo and the last 1000m taking 1:04.1 and 600m 39.3.

Boy (Goodwin), who reverts to the flat on Saturday after a bold hurdling debut, did solid work over ground, with his final 1200m taking 1:20.7, 1:07.2 and 39.8. Fancy Dress (Wong) had early use of the track when she cut out 1000m in a smart 1:05.8 and 38.7.

Weekend candidate Tiara (Hercock) went with Christchurch-bound Flaming (Cameron) over 1200m in 1:23.8, 1:08.9 and 39.4. In similar work later in the session, Rapid Gain (Cameron) and Longbeach (Hercock) did well to return 1:22.2, 1:06.4 and 38.6.

High Viz (A Jones) and Marcelle (R Jones) prepared for Saturday with 1200m in 1:20.3, 1:06.8 and 40.2. Over the same ground Victory Shall Be Mine (Sapsworth) and Quantum Maelstrom (Grylls) returned 1:24.2 and 41, Orange Peel (Man) and Musket Hill (Grylls) 1:22 and 41.4, Show No Emotion (Hercock) and Flirty Gertey (Cameron) 1:21.2 and 39.6, and Sophisticate (A Jones) and  a Librettist gelding (Swann) 1:21.8 and 41.6.

On the all-weather track Ididit (Swann) paceworked over her first round before quickening into a final 1200m in 1:22.9, 1000m in 1:08.1 and 600m in 39.5. She will be entered for the Taranaki Stakes, with the Rating 85 sprint on her home track as an option.

Tronic Rose (McRae) completed her work with 1200m in good style, recording 1:19.4, 1:04.7 and 37. Revelator (C Ormsby) ran in from the 800m in 53.8 and 39, while Flavigny (Grylls) was allowed an easy 1000m in 1:13.2 and 41.

Back on the sand, Sherpa (Tait) caught the eye with a smart 800m in 49.6 and 600m in 36.4. Bordeaux (Cameron) and Scandinavia (Hercock) were paired over 1200m in 1:22.8, 1:07.4 and 38.4. Whosyourmaster (Coleman) was allowed an easy time over the same distance in 1:29.3 and 43.4. He will run next in the weight-for-age sprint at Rotorua on Saturday week.

Irish Encore (Man) and Fascination Street (Grylls) took 1:08 and 39.2 for 1000m, Needlly (Dowling) and Liberty Heights (Leveque) ran the same trip in an easy 1:11.5 and 41.8, Flash Forward (Blair) recorded 1:10.8 and 40.2, and Jackpot (Coleman) 1:14.3 and 43.6. Southern Comet (Tait) ran from 800m in 50.6 and 37.5.

Sir Elmo flagged his prospects for New Plymouth on Saturday with a sound gallop at Matamata this morning.

Most work on the course proper took place right-handed, with the going heavy and the markers at 23 metres.

Sir Elmo (A Jones) set off at a steady rate from the winning post and completed 1200m in 1:27.2, quickening as he strode up the back straight for a final 600m in 40.6. The Karen Fursdon-trained gelding has only battled in recent starts but looks bright and could bounce back at New Plymouth, where he has raced well before.

Queens Rose (Sapsworth) had the measure of Living The Dream (C Grylls) at the end of solid work, with the final 600m taking 39.7. The talented mare returns this weekend to Ellerslie, where she was an impressive fresh-up winner last month.

Prize Lad (Hong) and Tiger Moss (Wong) covered 1000m in 1:08.5 and 600m in 40.8 as they prepared for their respective engagements at Te Aroha on Friday and Ellerslie. Silk Chardonnay (Coleman) worked over ground left-handed, with her last 1200m taking 1:24.2, 1:10.2 and 42. She runs in the Rating 75 2400 at Ellerslie.

Back right-handed, Imagunakepa (M Gibbs) and Tomorrowland (C Grylls) returned 40.2 for their final 600m. Tomorrowland, who showed plenty in his first preparation, is making good progress towards a return to racing at either Te Rapa or Hastings next week. 

Saoirse (R Jones) and Jehanne (C Grylls) were timed over their last 800m in 52.9 and 600m in 39.4, while Lookatmepins (Dowing) and Galvanised (Leveque) completed similar work in 39.8.

On the all-weather track, the Gary Hennessy-trained pair Whatwedo (S McKay) and Tiger Temple (Tamihana) prepared for New Plymouth with a smart 1000m in 1:01.6 and 600m in 36.8. Rating 65 1200 candidate was a bold fresh-up second earlier in the month, while Tiger Prawn three-year-old Tiger Temple has shown promise with a win and second in his two trials.

Vermeer (Sapsworth) looked sharp for Te Aroha on Friday when working with Nectacolecta (Rhodes) over 1000m in 1:04.2 and 37.4.

On the sand, last start maiden graduate Packing Chaparral (Coleman) wore blinkers when he strode through the last 1200m of his work in 1:23.5, 1000m in 1:08.9 and 600m in 40.2. He is likely to return to Te Rapa on Friday week.

I’m Isaac (A Jones) prepared over ground for his steeplechase engagement on National Jumps Day at Te Rapa on Sunday, cutting out the last 1200m in 1:24.2 and 600m in 40.3.

Costa Viva (Lammas) left 1000m behind in 1:08.2 and 39.3, Tegwin (Olgwen) ran the same trip in 1:08.7 and 600m in 41.8, while Makarska (K Jones) and Prince Of Patch (Coleman) took 1:11.2 and 41.4.

Abidewithme (Cameron) was well held over 1200m in 1:29.5 and 42.6, and Persuasive (Coleman) ran her last 1000m in 1:14.8 and 43.6. 

Pussy O’Reilly was the star act amongst Windsor Park Plate candidates to gallop at Matamata this morning in preparation for Saturday’s Hastings feature.

On the all-weather track with raceday rider Kelly Myers in the saddle, Pussy O’Reilly rolled into her work passing the 1200-metre mark and was timed over that distance in 1:16.2. She quickened the tempo from the 1000m in 1:01.1 and rounded off with a brilliant final 600m in 35.6. 

It was outstanding work and showed that the Kelso-trained mare will be at peak in her attempt to go one better than her Foxbridge Plate and Makfi Stakes placings to arch rival I Do.

Stablemate Xanadu (K Jones) got through sound work on the all-weather surface, cutting out her last 1200m in 1:20.6, 1000m in 1:05.5 and the final 600m in a smart 36.5. She has dropped off the radar lately but is in good shape to defend her Windsor Park Plate crown.

Pure Champion appeared to have trained on well from his fresh-up Makfi Stakes third when raceday rider Craig Grylls took him over 1200m on the course proper, where the going was slow 22 metres out. As he tends to do, the former Hong Kong galloper was keen through the early stages before flattening out to cover the full distance in 1:21.2, 1000m in 1:04.9 and the final 600m in a respectable 38.1.

In other work on the course proper, Hastings first day placegetter Fancy Dress (Coleman) did solid work over 1000m in 1:03.1 and 37.8, while possible Hastings runners Flaming (Cameron) and Longbeach (Lammas) travelled up strongly at the end of 1200m in 1:24.9, 1:08.8 and 39.1.

Hastings-bound Whosyourmaster (Man) cut out 1000m in 1:05.4, with the final 600m in 37.5. Over the same ground Tiger Moss (R Jones), who runs at the transferred Te Aroha meeting on Saturday, returned 1:07.3 and 38.5. Maestro Tom (Coleman) and Hilarious Honour ((R Jones) turned in good work for their respective Hastings and Te Aroha engagements with 1000m in 1:05.2 and 37.6.

The Last Shower (C Ormsby) looked in good order for Te Aroha when cutting out 1000m in 1:05.3 and 37.8. Hastings runners Peregrine (Myers) and Wairaka (Coleman) strode over the last 1200m of their work in 1:22, with the last 1000m in 1:08.2 and 600m in 40.6. Juggernaut Rock (Cameron), another heading to the Bay, led Penny Arcade (K Price) at the end of 1200m in 1:25.5, 1:09.7 and 40.6.

Arnold (Grylls) left 1000m behind in 1:06.7 and 38.6, while Gardone (M Brosnan) returned 1:09 and 40.2. Miss Mossman (Grylls), who looks in good order to resume at Hastings, could not be timed due to poor light early but hit the line well strongly. Altai Rose (Grylls) worked right-handed and was timed over her final 600m in the back straight in 39.6.

Back on the all-weather track, Te Aroha runners The Fire Inside (C Ormsby) and She’s Samashing (T Johnson) were in good form over 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 35.7. Irish Moon (Coleman) and Makarska (K Jones) shaped up for Taupo on Friday with a tidy 1000m in 1:03.2 and 36.8.

Gold Trail Stakes entry Divissima (C Ormsby) and Te Aroha runner Le Choix (C Ormsby) covered 1000m in 1:06.7, quickening stylishly over the final 600m in 36.9. Beckham (J McKay) and Al Pacino (S McKay) continued their spring preparations with 1000m in 1:05.4 and 600m in 37.8.

Dubai Shuffle (Sapsworth) was travelling well alongside Victory Shall Be Mine (Rhodes) at the end of 1200m in 1:20.2, 1:05 and 37.5. Vito Genovese (P McKay) ran a solo 1000m in 1:05.2 and Flavigny (Coleman) and Liberare (C Ormsby) clocked 1:06.6 and 36.8.

Diafuku (C Ormsby) was not extended over 1000m in 1:09.2 and 37.8, while Wisecrack (K Jones) was kept to 1200m in 1:31.7 and 44.2.

On the slower sand, Rose Of Virginia (Dowling) and Always On My Mind (Leveque) were paired in sound work over 1000m in 1:03.8 and 37.5. Among those to work strongly over ground were Boy (Goodwin), who was timed from the 1200m in 1:21.9, 1:07 and 38.4, while stablemate Le Bob Fin (Goodwin) completed a similar task in 1:22.4, 1:07.6 and 37.6.

Inis Rose (Dowling) and Augusta National (Leveque) covered 1200m in 1:23.4, 1:08.3 and 40.5, while Wolfwhistle (Allen) returned 1:26.6, 1:10.4 and 40.2, and Cast King (Coleman) 1:30.1, 1:13.2 and 41.7.

Puccini and Canterino prepared for weekend racing when they were paired in an impressive gallop at Matamata this morning.

During a busy session on the freshly commissioned plough, Puccini (P McKay) and Canterino (S McKay) strode over ground, with Canterino leading his stablemate at a good clip in the early stages before the pair completed 1200m in 1:15.2, with the last 1000m in 1:01.6 and 600m in 36.3. It was very good by both horses.

Puccini is scheduled to run in Saturday’s Merial Mile at Awapuni, a change in plans due to uncertainty that he will make the field for next week’s Windsor Park Plate. Last start Ruakaka winner Canterino will return north this weekend.

Ruakaka sprint entrant Jubilate (Coleman) got through his work well to complete 1000m in 1:01.6 and 600m in a smart 35.8. Joey Massino (S McKay) was also keen as he ran 1000m in 1:03 and 37.2, while Brandy (Cole) and Sophisticate (A Jones) left 1200m behind in 1:19.2, with their last 1000m in 1:03.4 and 600m in an impressive 36.2.

Brave Centaur (Grylls) looked in good shape for his Melbourne campaign when he covered 1200m in 1:20.2, 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600mmin 37.1. The Lance Noble-trained gelding and stablemate Viadana kick off their campaigns at Flemington on Saturday. 

On the course proper, where the going was dead 22 metres out, Ruakaka candidates Dream Run (Myers) and Sworn To Perfection (Little) began steadily over 1000m to run the distance in 1:10.2 and quickened readily for a final 600m in 38.1.

High Viz (A Jones) and Maestro Tom (Coleman) had pace on throughout 1000m in 1:06.5 and 600m in 38.6. High Viz runs at Rotorua on Sunday, while Maestro Tom is preparing for Hastings on Saturday week.

Back on the plough, Rotorua entrants Secret Whisper (Allen) and Sunset Pass (Miller) strode over ground before working into a solid final 1200m in 1:18.5, 1000m in 1:04.1 and 600m in 38.3.

Alchemy’s Flight (Samuelsson) and Osmunda (Roff) completed 1000m in 1:07.6 and 39.6, while Morena (Leveque) took 1:07.6 and 39.3, No Tricks (Samuelsson) and Sonsy (Hercock) 1:07.8 and 38.7, Mary Quant (Coleman) and Ambrosini (Wong) 1:09 and 39.4, Orange Peel (R Jones) 1:08.5 and 38.7, Madame Jamai (Hercock) 1:06.8 and 37.6, and Cast King (Ahmit) 1:09.3 and 40.8.

Miss Mossman (Grylls) was travelling well at the end of 1200m in 1:27.2, 1000m in 1:11.2 and 600m in 41.6. The Oaks winner’s return to racing was delayed due to the heavy conditions last weekend and she will head to Hastings next weekend.

Over the same ground Augusta National (Clements) returned 1:23.2, 1:07.8 and 39.3, Abidewithme (Cameron) took 1:32.7 and 45.8, Innes Rose (Leveque) took 1:28, 1:12.6 and 43.4, and Sultry Assassin (Sapsworth) 1:30.7 and 44.3.

Capone (N Waddell) strolled in from the 1000m in 1:13.6 and 42.5. Others doing steady work over 1000m included Where It Began (Grylls) in 1:13.6 and 44, Prized Lad (Man) 1:14.5 and 44.6, Brampton Lass (Wong) 1:11.9 and 42.4, Whosyourmaster (Man) 1:14.4 and 45.2, and Bohemian Lily (Leveque) 1:14.7 and 44.5.

Smashing (Samuelsson) was timed form the 800m in 51.9 and 38, while In Style (N Waddell) breezed over her last 600m in 41.2.

Wanganui Guineas candidates Elitist and Hilarious Honour underlined their fitness for Saturday’s three-year-old feature when they returned good time in training at Matamata this morning.

Elitist (Swann) and Hilarious Honour (K Myers) were well matched over 1000m on the course proper, which was slow with the markers out 18 metres. The pair began steadily to cover the distance in 1:07.2 and when asked to extend in the straight returned a smart 36.9 for their final 600m.

The Glenn Old-trained Elitist looked good when winning on debut on his home track early last month, while Hilarious Honour, a member of the Shailer team, was narrowly beaten in his only start at Woodville a fortnight ago.

Two more heading to Wanganui, the Graham Richardson-trained Douro (C Grylls) and Nectacolecta (Sapsworth), were not extended over 1000m in 1:09.2 and 600m in 39.8. Douro runs in the Guineas, while his stablemate will start in the O’Leary’s Fillies’ Stakes.

Sir Darcy (Hercock) and Costa Viva (Miller) did good work over 1000m in 1:05.5 and 600m in 37.5. Sir Darcy will run at Tauranga on Friday depending on track conditions, while Costa Viva is scheduled to resume at next week’s Cambridge trials.

Fix (K Jones) turned in a good trial for the feature sprint at Wanganui when she shaded Tauranga entry Flying Fantasy (C Ormsby) at the end of a solid 1000m in 1:05.8 and 37.5. Miss Mossman (R Jones) and Tegwin (Man) prepared for Ellerslie on Saturday with smart work over 1000m in 1:04.2 and 37.8, while Jubilate (Coleman) and Bear Elite (C Grylls) did similar work for their weekend assignments when clocking 1:04.8 and 37.7.

Silk Chardonnay (A Jones) was keen in the early stages of her work over ground with Peregrine (Coleman), cutting out 1200m in 1:19.5, 1000m in 1:06.7 and 600m in 40.3.

Jovan (P Holmes) and She’s A Screamer (K Myers) began quietly before completing 1000m in 1:10. and 38.6. The Fire Inside (C Ormsby) and Cody Cat (Weatherley) were timed over the last 800m of their work in 52.6 and 38.8, while Massale (C Ormsby) and Destroyer (Rivera) ran the same trip in 54.2 and 39.4.

Members of the Toby Autridge-Cyril Goodwin team were in good form on the all-weather track, where Lucky Feather (Goodwin) covered 1200m in 1:17. 7, 1000m in 1:03.1 and 600m in 36.9. Irish Heartbeat (Goodwin) led Peria Princess (R Jones) over 1000m in 1:02.5 and 36.6, Boy (Goodwin) covered the same distance in 1:03.5 and 38.6, while Le Bec Fin (Goodwin) ran his 1200m in 1:17.8, 1:03.6 and 37.2.

New season three-year-olds Queen Of Navarre (S McKay) and Al Pacino (P McKay) did good work over 1000m in 1:04.6 and 600m in 38.3. Over the same distance Miss Grace (P Holmes) took 1:05.8 and 38.2, She’s Samashing (C Ormsby) 1:10.5 and 39.2, Oblivion (S McKay) and Jimmy Hoffa (P McKay) 1:06.3 and 40.2, and Divissima (C Ormsby) 1:14.6 and 44.5.

All Decked Out (Hercock) and Longbeach (Samuelsson) were paired over 1200m in 1:23.8, 1:08.9 and 39.7, while Bounding (K Jones) ran in from the 800m in 54.6 and 39.5. She will run at the Cambridge trials next week leading into the second day at Hastings. Flirty Gertey (Roff) and Bronte Lass (Hercock) covered their last 800m in 52 and 38.2.

On the sand Sunbeam (Coleman) and High Viz (A Jones) were paired in smart work over 1000m in 1:02.1 and 600m in 36. Trousseau (C Grylls) and promising maiden Chadsdale (Stacey) prepared for Tauranga with 1000m in 1:05.8 and 600m in 38.7.

Over the same distance Massofdash (Blair) and Starbux (J Collett) returned 1:07.5 and 39, Ribbony Rose (Cole) 1:07.9 and 39.3, and Always On My Mind (Dowling) and Galvanise (Leveque) 1:08.6 and 40.8. Silverdale and Ekraarstatic were ridden by their trainer Stephen Autridge in separate gallops over 800m, clocking 54.5 and 39.8 and 55.6 and 40.2 respectively. Both smart stayers look well in their spring build-up.

Packing Chaparral (Coleman) was never at top as he strode over 1200m in 1:26.8, 1:10.2 and 40. Deschabeel (Coleman) got through similar work in 1:29.6, 1:12.7 and 41.5, while Fast ’N’ Gorgeous (C Grylls) took 1:29.2 and 43.5.

Over 1000m Rockfast (Richards) and King’s Rock (Miller) were kept to 1:15.2 and 45.2, Impulsion (R Jones) 1:15.5 and 45.2, and Enhance (Allen) 1:14.9 and 44.6.

Makfi Challenge Stakes candidates Xanadu, Pure Champion and Pussy O’Reilly underlined their readiness for Saturday’s big race with impressive work at Matamata this morning.

Xanadu was ridden by regular jockey Michael Coleman on the all-weather track, where she cantered her first round before picking up the tempo to cover 1200m in 1:17.8, 1000m in 1:02.6 and the final 600m in a slick 35.6.

It was very good work by the Ken and Bev Kelso-trained mare, who has taken a lot of benefit from her first-up run in the Foxbridge Plate. She will have blinkers back on this weekend.

Stablemate Pussy O’Reilly (K Jones) also worked on the all-weather, striding from the 1200m mark in 1:21.1 and quickening for a final 1000m in 1:05.5 and 600m in 36.4. She has come through her Foxbridge Plate second in good order and connections have their fingers crossed that she makes Saturday’s field.

On the course proper, where the ground was slow in the 22-metre position, Pure Champion was ridden by raceday jockey Craig Grylls as he left 1000m behind in 1:03.5 and the last 600m in 37.8. The former Hong Kong galloper has continued to please trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott since his smart trial win at Taupo last week.

Hastings support race candidates Chambord (Cameron) and Spellbinder (Hercock) were also in good form on the course proper as they cut out 1200m in 1:20.6, 1000m in 1:05.1 and the final 600m in a smart 36.9.  Fancy Dress (J Wong), who may run at either Ruakaka or Hastings, was another to impress in her work over 1000m in 1:04.1 and 600m in 37.9.

Victory Dragon (C Rastrick) signalled his readiness for a return to racing at Hastings when he covered 1000m without being extended in 1:08.8 and 38.6, while promising maidens Green Jungle (K Myers) and Anuka (C Grylls) ran 1000m together in 1:07.5 and 39.2.

Over the same distance Ruakaka candidate Witz End (J Collett) took 1:06.8 and 39.7 and Agent Ziva (Coleman), who runs at Hastings, returned 1:10.5 and 40.2. I’m Isaac (A Jones) and I’ll’ava’alf (Conder) did solid work over ground with their last 1200m in 1:23.4 and 600m in 42.3. Elitist (M Gibbs) and Yes (Conder) were hard held over 800m in 1:02.3 and 600m in 46.7.

On the sand, Ruakaka candidates Antonio Lombardo (S Collett) and Donny Brasco (P McKay) did sound work over 1000m in 1:02.6 and 600m in 36.4. Al Pacino (S Collett) and Jimmy Hoffa (S McKay), two other members of the strong McKay team likely to head north, did similar work in 1:02.8 and 37.6.

Sophisticate (Conder) had pace on throughout 1200m in 1:18.6, 1:04.4 and 38.9, while at a more sedate tempo Tiger Moss (J Wong) returned 1:24 and 40.8, King’s Rock (Allen) 1:26.8 and 43 and Miss Mossman (Coleman) 1:31.6 and 42.5.

Costa Viva (Miller), who looks bright as she prepares for a return to the trials, was allowed 1000m in 1:11.2 and 41.3. Viadana (Dowling) was well contained over 1000m in 1:15.4 and 44.3, while Enhance (Cameron) took 1:13.3 and 41.8.

Over 800m Autumn (C Grylls) and Suffire (Man) took 52 and 37.6, Attention Seeker (J Wong) 50.8 and 36.8, and Persuasive (Hong) 1:00.8 and 44.6.

Back on the all-weather track, Royal Command (K Myers) prepared for Hastings with 1200m in 1:24.2, 1:09.8 and 38.5. Smartly (W Hillis), who may run at Hastings, was partnered by Le’Vantos (Hunt) over a sound 1000m in 1:04.2 and 36.6.

Jubilate (Sapsworth) and Android (Rhodes) left 1000m behind in 1:05.2 and 37.6, Martini Lass (W Hillis) and Vincent Street (Hunt) took 1:06.2 and 37.2, Hey Mr (K Myers) and All Good Things (C Grylls) 1:07.5 and 37.7, and Vettel (S McKay) 1:05.4 and 38.5.

Soul Sister (Coleman) was restricted to 1000m in 1:14.5 and 41.8, Lily Belle (C Grylls) ran from the 800m in 50.8 and 37.6, and Silverdale (Stacey) breezed his last 600m in 42.8. 

Foxbridge Plate candidates were the centre of attention at Matamata this morning, where conditions were very testing after heavy overnight rain.

Viadana and Spellbinder, ridden by their respective big race jockeys Craig Grylls and Matt Cameron, were the first to work on the course proper, were the going was heavy 16 metres out. The pair of quality mares were evenly matched over 1000m in 1:10.6, with the final 600m completed in 39.6 as they hit the line well on the bridle.

Xanadu was ridden by Michael Coleman in similar work, striding to the line at the end of 1000m in 1:10.3 and 39.4, while her stablemate Pussy O’Reilly (K Jones) completed the same task in 1:09.5 and 39.3. The Kelso stable’s third likely Foxbridge Plate candidate Fix will be reserved until track conditions improve.

The O’Sullivan-Scott-trained Foxbridge Plate pair Whosyourmaster and Pure Champion worked solo at a solid tempo, with Whosyourmaster (C Grylls) cutting out 1000m in 1:07.5 and 38.9, and Pure Champion (Man) tracking up several lengths behind in 1:07.6 and 38.5.

Brave Centaur (K Myers), the remaining candidate from the centre heading to Saturday’s Te Rapa feature, was timed over 1200m in 1:24.2, with his last 1000m in 1:08 and 600m in 39.2.

Others contesting Te Rapa support races to catch the eye included Prospero (Hercock) and All Decked Out (Cameron), who worked away steadily before completing 1200m in 1:25.7, with the last 1000m in 1:10 and 600m in 39.8. 

Wairaka (Sapsworth) and Peregrine (K Myers) prepared for the weekend with 1200m in 1:24.7, 1:10.2 and 41.5, while Unknown Pleasures (C Ormsby) covered the same ground in 1:26.5, 1:10.9 and 40.4.

Neutron Star (Sapsworth) worked well with blinkers fitted, shading Tegwin (Man) at the end of a smart 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 38.9. Te Rapa runners Rivertaine Coup (C Grylls) and Kanali ((Sapsworth) were not after time as they worked later in the session over 1200m in 1:24.5, 1:12.2 and 42, while Fast ’N’ Gorgeous (C Grylls) and Abyssinian Maid (Sapsworth) prepared for Avondale on Friday over 1200m in 1:26.2, 1:12.4 and 42.5.

On the sand, which was loose, Puccini (P McKay) was paired in solid work with Te Rapa candidate Vettel (S McKay) over a solid 1000m in 1:03.4 and 600m in 36.6. Vettel has trained on well form his brave Ruakaka win, while his high profile stablemate will continue his spring preparation with an exhibition gallop at Te Rapa.

Ribbony Rose (Cole) put plenty of dash into her work over 1200m in 1:22.8, 1:06.3 and 37.4, while Swansong (Dowling) and Marcelle (Leveque) left 1000m behind in 1:05.4 and 38.2.

Over the same ground Yes (M Gibbs) and Iffitel (Cole) returned 1:11.8, quickening readily from the 600m in 37.5, while Howzat (Leveque) and Bohemian Lily (Dowling) took 1:06.2 and 39.2, Shamal (C Grylls) 1:10.9 and 37.8, and Orange Peel (C Grylls) 1:13.6 and 41.6.

Over 800m Southern Comet (Tait) did smart work in 50.8 and 37.2, Dreamer (Samuelsson) took 55.7 and 41.3, Rockfast (Miller) and Bordeaux (Allen) 58.9 and 42.8, and La Adelita (Allen) 56.8 and 41.2.

On the all-weather track Douro (Sapsworth) and Sacred Trust (C Grylls) cut out 1000m in 1:07.8 and 39, while All Good Things (C Rastrick) and Hey Mister (L Rastrick) completed two rounds of striding work with 1000m in 1:13.2 and 41.6.

Tiger Moss and My Fiancee shaped as likely improvers as they prepared for weekend engagements at Matamata this morning.

Galloping 20 metres out on a heavy course proper, Tiger Moss (Wong) and My Fiancee (Dee) strode over 1000m in 1:09.9 and hit the line strongly for a final 600m in 39.9. Tiger Moss runs at Pukekohe on Saturday, while My Fiancee will start at Friday’s local meeting.

Covered ’N Bay (K McQuade) prepared for Friday with solid work over 1200m in 1:12.6, 1000m in 1:10.8 and 600m in 40.5. Atom Cat (C Grylls), an entry for Pukekohe, lapped up the conditions as he and Te Aroha Sunday runner Quantum Maelstrom (Sapsworth) strode over 1200m in 1:23.8, 1:09.4 and 42.1.

Flash Forward (J Collett), who runs at Hastings on Thursday, was not after time over 1000m in 1:10.8 and 42.6. Political Nitemare (Hong) and Deschabeel (Wong) did well over 1000m in 1:09.6 and 600m in 40.8, while Whosyourmaster (Man) left 1200m behind in 1:127, with his last 1000m in 1:09.6 and 600m in 40.6. He is likely to resume in the Foxbridge Plate at Te Rapa on Saturday week.

Friday candidate Call Me Maybe (L Rastrick) was partnered by Miss Grace (C Rastrick) over 1200m in 1:28.8, 1000m in 1:12.3 and 600m in 42.1. Elitist (M Gibbs) and Kindaleica (C Grylls) were timed over their last 800m in 58.4 and 600m in 43.

Fix (K Jones) was strong in striding work which she finished off with 600m in 41.4, while stablemate Pussy O’Reilly (K Jones) did a similar task to complete her last section in 41.6. Both Kelso-trained mares are coming to hand pleasingly.

On the all-weather track Boy (Cole) turned in a smart trial for Friday’s local meeting when he reeled off 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600m in 36.9. Taaxman (Gillies) continued his preparation with a sound 1000m in 1:06.9 and 600m in 38.8.

On the sand He’s Dan (K Myers) and Oompa (M Gibbs) were paired in smart work over 1200m in 1:27.2, 1000m in 1:11.4 and 600m in 41. Oompa will run at either Matamata or Pukekohe, while He’s Dan is scheduled to return to Te Rapa on Saturday week.

Centavada (Cole) prepared for Pukekohe when paired with yes (M Gibbs) over 1000m in 1:09.8 and 600m in 38.6. Arabian Duke (H McQuade) covered 1000m in 1:09.2, but no sectional time could be taken due to fog, as also with Traveller, who strode over 1000m in 1:13.5.

Madly Bentley (C Ormsby) was travelling well at the end of her work, with the final 600m in 36.9. Ribbony Rose (Cole) covered 1000m in 1:10.3 and 600m in 39.2, while Agent Ziva (Brown) was well held over the same ground in 1:17.6 and 42.5.