AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, May 23 By RON GURNEY Kotahi at Trentham on Saturday and Chartwell at Hawera on Sunday galloped together in bold fashion at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work was held on the plough (good), where Kotahi (r65 1200m) and Chartwell (r65 1400m) were paired over a strong 800m in 50 seconds even, the last 600 in 36.5. Kotahi showed great promise during his second campaign this time last year, winning a maiden 1200m fresh up on a heavy 11 at Awapuni. He finished third in a Foxton trial (1000m) three weeks ago and has since finished third in a Levin jump-out last Wednesday. Johnathan Parkes will ride the Alamosa four-year-old on Saturday, and the gelding looks ready to go. Chartwell (by Redwood), who worked in grand style on Tuesday, has come up well in a new campaign and looks poised to run a bold run fresh up on Sunday. Higher Power, off to Trentham for the r65 mile, worked alone over 1000m in 1.5.1, the last 600 in 37.1. This filly failed in Listed company at Riccarton last start, but won a Woodville maiden (1600m) before heading south. Back in lower grade competition on Saturday, she commands respect, with Chris Johnson the rider. Former northerner Excelleration, now trained by Peter Didham, warmed up from the 800m (56.2) to run home the last 600 in 37.7. She ran an improver's seventh when resuming on Anzac Day and then won a Levin jump-out (1000m) last Wednesday. New Plymouth apprentice Hazel Schofer will claim 4kg on the four-year-old in the r72 f&m 1400m on Saturday. A Tavistock filly, trained by Peter Didham, and a Roc de Cambes filly, trained by Lisa Latta, sprinted 600m in 37.2. The Tavistock filly is a half-sister to recent Group 1 winner Nicoletta. Itellyouonething, now trained by Ashley Meadows, and stablemate Proletariat were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.4.4, the last 600 in 38.1. Itellyouonething has not raced since finishing unplaced in the NZ Cup last November. He's A Freak and Trentham runner Lincoln Fury (r65 mile) covered 800m in 52.7, the last 600 in 38.7, while an Alamosa-Triple Billing filly and an Alamosa-Minno Noir gelding, both trained by Peter Didham, sprinted 600m in 38.2. Rock With Choux worked alone over 1000m in 1.9.8, the last 600 in 39.9, and a Jakkalberry two-year-old trained by Mark Oulaghan ran 800m in 54.7 and 39.3. Desert Magic, a big chance at Trentham (r65 1200m), had stable apprentice Danielle Hirini in the saddle over 800m in 55.8, the last 600 in 39.7. A Super Easy filly and a Deep Field filly, both trained by Lisa Latta, were timed 800m in 56 even, the last 600 in 40.3, and Veloce went alone in 58 even and 40.1. Salamanca and Flying Surf were kept to 800m in 56.5, the last 600 in 41.2, and Hawera runner Kings Kite (r65 2100m) left 1200m behind in 1.23 even, the last 600 in 41.1. King Cougar, who will start one of the favourites in the Sprint Final at Trentham (1400m), was given a casual 800m in 56.6, the last 600 in 42.2. He worked impressively on Tuesday. A Rip Van Winkle-Shanro two-year-old filly trained by Anne Herbert, ran 800m in 58.2, the last 600 in 42.5. She finished third in a Levin jump-out (850m) last Wednesday.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, May 21 By RON GURNEY Mastercraftsman mare Akela Belle hinted at a return to top form at Hawera on Sunday, while Saturday's Wellington entrants King Cougar and Desert Magic also impressed at Awapuni this morning. Fast work during a quiet galloping session was on the plough (good), where Akela Belle (r72 mile) was matched with Lincoln's Command over 800m in 50 seconds even, the last 600 in 36.4. Not to be denied, King Cougar and stablemate Desert Magic, both trained by Mike Breslin, covered the distance in 50.6 and 36.9. King Cougar finished second to London Express at Trentham last start when resuming, while Desert Magic placed second the same day. They tackle Saturday's r82 1200m and r65 1200m respectively. Salamanca and Prince Turbo were on terms throughout 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 37.3, and Hawera nominee Chartwell (r65 1400m) and Hare Bawl came up with 50.4 and 37.2. Former top northern filly Excelleration, in the r72 f&m 1400m at Trentham, was timed 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 37.3, and she is now trained by Peter Didham. Bella Margarita, who was nominated for Trentham (r72 2100m) and Hawera (r65 2100m) had trainer Lucy Tanner aboard over a nice 1000m in 1.4.5, the last 600 in 38 even. Rock With Choux left 1000m behind in 1.6.6, the last 600 in 38.9, and maiden Roxy Brown (by Alamosa) ran 800m in 53.5, the last 600 in 38.4. Floral Art (by Road To Rock), now with Peter Didham, sprinted 600m in 38.9.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, May 16 By RON GURNEY Per Incanto mare Amorata returns to Te Rapa on Saturday ready to cap off a run of minor placings. She rubber-stamped her fitness for that assignment with a very satisfactory final trial at Awapuni this morning. All fast work was on the plough (good), where Amorata stretched out boldly over 1000m in 1.4.9, coming the final 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 37.9. Amorata finished a close fourth under 58kg (Matt Cameron) in a r72 2400m at Te Rapa last start, but this Saturday tackles just eight rivals in an open 2100m, with Ryan Elliot (54kg) the rider. Rangitikei entrant Bella Margarita r65 2200m) covered 1000m in 1.6.6 and completed the final 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 37.6. This mare works well, but has not been taking that form on to race-day in this campaign. Just You (r72 1200m), who looks a big improver after a resuming run, and Father Lenihan were paired over 800m in 50.2, the last 600 in 37.3. Rangitikei Gold Cup runner Prosecco, second in the Great Easter Stakes, and debutant Khalfani (2yo 1200m) matched strides over 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 37 even, and Khalfani (by Hinchinbrook) has been galloping well. Chartwell, balloted out of the r65 1400m, and Brahmarahma were timed 800m in 52 even, the last 600 in 38.3, while possible race rival Du'blues was sent 1000m in 1.7.1, coming the final 800m in 52.7, the last 600 in 39.1. Almo Street (r72 1200m) and Lincoln Sky (r65 1400m) were on terms over 1000m in 1.11.6, quickening a shade to run the final 800m in 55.5, the last 600 in 41.2. Both horses are winning chances, with claiming apprentices aboard. Sophia Magia was not after time over 1000m in 1.16 even, the last 600 in 42.9.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, May 14 By RON GURNEY Just one pair of horses used the course proper (slow 9) for galloping at Awapuni this morning, and the duo didn't disappoint. The majority of fast workers were preparing for either Otaki (Thursday) or Rangitikei (Saturday) this week. Lincoln Hills and Just You, both entered for Rangitikei (r72 1200m), were at a solid clip on the inside rail from the 800m, being timed their final 600m in 35 seconds even. The form of Lincoln Hills is much better this preparation, and Just You appears to have taken great benefit from a resuming at Trentham recently. On the plough (good), De Gaulle (r72 mile) and Otaki runner Heavenly Echo (mdn hwt mile) matched strides over a bold 1000m in 1.4.2, the last 600 in 36.9, while Sophia Magia and Colorado Miss registered in 1.6.6 and 36.7. Last Chance and Denny's Lincoln, in the same race at Otaki, sped over 800m in a smart 48.3, the last 600 in 36.6, thus recording a similar time to Prince Turbo (Rangitikei) and un-raced Hinchinbrook filly Khalfani, who posted 50.8 and 36.7. Rangitikei runners Master Lincoln and Kamanda Lincoln were on terms throughout a nice 1000m in 1.3.5, the last 600 in 37.1, and Desert Magic went alone over 800m in 50.9 and 37.7. Veloce took 51.5 and 37.5. Lincoln Town and Lincoln Star, two more for Rangitikei, covered 800m in 51.9, the last 600 in 37.7, while their stablemates Lava Rock and Brahmarahma came up with 52.1 and 38.1. That's Amore had Authentic Charm for a partner over 800m in 52.6, the last 600 in 38.5, and Lucy Tanner's un-raced Per Incanto-Dido gelding ended with 600m in 38.9. The latter's stablemate Bella Margarita was sent 1000m in 1.6.6, the last 600 in 39.2, and Wafer recorded 1.8.3 and 39.7. Cog Knish and Du'blues clocked 1.8.3 and 39 even. Lincoln Green (by Ferlax), a winner at Otaki on debut but unplaced at Te Rapa last start, had jumps jockey Sean Fannin aboard over 800m in 53.8, the last 600 in 39.9. Chartwell and Platinum Appeal were kept to 800m in 54.8, the last 600 in 39.3, while their stablemates Dashing Ruby and Maidstone Park went quick early, but eased over the final stages to record 52.8 and 40.3. Prosecco, runner-up in the Great Easter Stakes at Riccarton last start, was not after time over 1000m 1.8.7, the last 600 in 40.1. His stablemates King Cougar and Otaki debutant and trial winner He's Done A Runner (by Per Incanto) were kept to 800m in 56 even, the last 600 in 41.3, and Flying Surf and Weare Rocking, two more from that barn, went 56.3 and 41.4. Kings Kite, preparing for another jumping season, had trainer Stephen Beatson aboard over 1400m, being timed form the 1200m in 1.17.7, the last 600 in 43.9. He resumes on the flat on Thursday.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, May 9 By RON GURNEY Alamosa mare Wafer looks a big improver after a very smart time at Awapuni this morning. All fast gallops took place on the plough (good), where Wafer had Leah Hemi aboard over 800m in 48.7, the last 600 in 35.5, which was excellent work. After a trial second at Waverley last month, Wafer was unplaced when resuming at her home track on Anzac Day. Almo Street, also trial placed before finishing unplaced fresh up on Anzac Day, covered 1000m in 1.4.1, coming the final 800m in 48.4, the last 600 in 36 even. Lincoln Hills and Port Lincoln matched strides over 800m in 49.4, the last 600 in 36.3, while their stablemates Kotahi and a Deep Field filly posted 49.3 and 37.7. These two have been placed at the trials in recent weeks. He's A Freak and un-raced Rip Van Winkle three-year-old filly Jenever were timed 1000m in 1.8.4, quickening from the 800m to run home the last 600 in 37.1. Salamanca, who resumes in the open 1200m at New Plymouth on Saturday, and un-raced Hinchinbrook two-year-old filly Khalfani gathered speed from the 1000m (1.15.3) to complete the last 600 in 38.7. Kamanda Lincoln and Ajay Lincoln were on terms throughout 800m in 50.9, the last 600 in 38.3. Ajay Lincoln (by Sebring) has been freshened since racing in the summer. ENDS

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, May 7 By RON GURNEY Last year's CJC Winter Cup winner Platinum Command looks ready for a huge run fresh up on Saturday following a first-class trial at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Platinum Command and stablemate Lincoln's Secret were paired over a smart 800m in 48.7, the last 600 in 36.7. Platinum Command was an eye-catching second at the Foxton trials last week and will tackle the Group 3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m) on Saturday. Lincoln's Secret is fresh up in the r65 highweight at Woodville on Thursday with Shaun Phelan the rider. He has not raced since Christmas/New Year. Time honours went to two other members of the Lisa Latta barn, Platinum Volos and Almo Street, who sped over 800m in 48.2, the last 600 in 36 even. Almo Street was unplaced when resuming on Anzac Day, while Platinum Valos has not raced since the spring. Woodville runner Lincoln Hanover (mdn 3yo 1200m), who has recorded three successive seconds in recent starts, had Johnny Lincoln for a partner over 800m in 49.6, the last 600 in 36.9. Derecho (mdn mile) and Don Blanco (r65 1400m) covered 1000m in a nice 1.4.2, the last 600 in 37.4. Don Blanco (blinkers off) was formerly trained by Karen Zimmerman, but is now with Matthew Eales. Flying Surf and last week's Foxton trial winner He's Done A Runner (by Per Incanto) matched strides over 1000m in 1.8.1, the last 600 in 37.5, and Lincoln's Gal, resuming in the r72 1200m on Thursday, went alone in 1.8.5 and 37.4. Gold Flake (mdn 2200m) and Divine Wine (mdn 3yo 1200m) were on terms throughout 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 38.1, while their stablemates Akela Belle (r65 1400m) and Hare Bawl came up with 52.8 and 38.2. Lincoln Lane (mdn mile No 1) and Dashing Ruby (mdn mile No 2) were kept to 800m in 53.1, the last 600 in 38.4. Last-start winner Red Red Robin did two quiet rounds with a 600m dash at the end of each one in 39.1 and 39.3 respectively. Rock With Choux, one of the favourites for the maiden mile No 1, cut out 1000m in 1.6.8, the last 600 in 39.8.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, May 2 By RON GURNEY Wellington acceptors Prince Turbo and Weare Rocking enhanced their claims for Sunday when working together at Awapuni this morning. All fast work was confined to the plough (good), but fog prevented the timing of some gallops, and hindered others. Prince Turbo (r65 mile) and Weare Rocking (mdn mile) were paired over 1000m in 1.5 even, coming the final 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 38.2. Prince Turbo has had one run back in a new campaign (unplaced), but he looks a big improver, and would only need to handle the wet track to be a major threat. Weare Rocking drew the outside gate of 17, which may or may not be a huge task on the big track at Trentham. Time honours went to Lisa Latta-trained stablemates Gold Flake and Lincoln Lane, who warmed up from the 1000m (1.9.8) to complete the final 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 36.7. Platinum Rapper (3yo 1400m) and Lincoln Star (r72 1400m), also heading to Wellington, ran 800m in 52.6, the last 600 in 38.9. King Cougar (r82 1200m) and un-raced two-year-old filly Khalfani (by Hinchinbrook) matched strides over 1000m in 1.9.9, the last 600 in 39.1. King Cougar is fresh up, but won a jump-out at Levin recently. Last-start maiden winner Desert Magic, in the r65 1000m on Sunday, had Rosie Myers aboard over 800m in 54.8, the last 600 in 40.1, and a Jakkalberry two-year-old trained by Mark Oulaghan took 57.8 and 42.6. Up-and-coming jumping star Des De Jeu was given a quiet round (1400m) before working over 1000m in 1.11.5, the last 600 in 42.5. Wafer covered 1000m in 1.4.1, and Bella Margarita came up with 1.9.9. Fog prevented the timing of anyfsectionals for this pair.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, April 30 By RON GURNEY Last-start summer winner Father Lenihan and stablemate Just You were paired in solid trial for Wellington on Saturday when they galloped at Awapuni on Tuesday morning. All fast work was confined to the plough (good), where Father Lenihan and Just You covered 1000m in 1.4.9, the last 600 in 36.8. Both horses are down to resume in the r82 1200m at Trentham on Sunday. Higher Power, who finished well back in the NZB Airfreight Stakes at Riccarton last start, caught the eye with her 1000m in 1.4 even, the last 600 in 36.9. Last-start Mike Breslin-trained maiden winners Light Up and Desert Magic, were on terms throughout 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 37.4. Light Up has done so well since his victory on debut that Breslin is sending him to Riccarton for the $50,000 (Listed) Champagne Stakes (1200m) on Saturday. Desert Magic goes to Trentham for the r65 1000m. Their stablemates Prince Turbo (r65 mile) and Weare Rocking (mdn mile), two more for Trentham, were timed 1000m in 1.5.3, the last 600 in 38.1. Kamanda Licoln (r82 2200m) and Chartwell matched strides over 800m in 52.7, the last 600 in 38.9, while their stablemates Lincoln Fury (r65 mile) and Platinum Rapper (3yo 1400m) came up with 53 even and 38.3. Rusty In Rongotea (by Road To Rock), unplaced on debut at Woodville recently, left 800m behind in 54 even, the last 600 in 39.3. Trentham runners Platinum Appeal (mdn 1200m) and Lincoln Sky (3yo 1400m) ran 800m in 54.1, the last 600 in 39.9, and Woodville maiden winner Proletariat was kept to 1000m in 1.8.5 and 40.3. He is in at Trentham (r65 mile).

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday April 23 By RON GURNEY Last week's Levin jump-out winner Crystal Bubble and stablemate Garment, both trained by Lydia Pickford, worked in fine style together at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Crystal Bubble and Garment were paired over 1000m in 1.5.5, coming the final 800m in 49.5, the last 600 in 37 even. They are building nicely for winter campaigns. Not to be denied, That's Funny and Thewayyoumademe, two more from that barn, skipped over 1000m in 1.7.1, finishing with 800m in 50.8, the last 600 in 37.8. Lincoln Green (by Ferlax), who scored on debut recently, and Platinum Appeal (by Per Incanto) were timed 1000m in 1.7.2, the last 600 in 37.9. Platinum Appeal has been off the scene since last winter, but resumes at Feilding on Thursday (mdn 3yo 1200m). Stunning (r65 2200m) and Fictitious (r72 mile), two more heading to the Feilding meeting, covered 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 37.8. The blinkers go on Fictitious. A Pentire mare and a Reliable Man two-year-old, both with Lydia Pickford, took 52.1 and 37.9. Miss Oahu (r72 1200m), worked alone over 1000m in 1.12.6, sprinting home the last 600 in 37.6, and Saturday's Hawke's Bay rivals Hank Moody and Amorata (r72 2200m) went together more evenly in 1.7.9 and 38.6. Feilding runners Lincoln Sky (r65 1400m) and Lincoln Hanover (mdn 3yo 1200m) ran 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 38.7. Lovetokeephim and a Maurice O'Brien-trained Thewayyouare gelding were at a solid clip early over 1200m, being timed from the 1000m in 1.4.6, easing to complete the last 600 in 39.9. Feilding acceptor Bella Margarita (r65 2200m) worked on her own over 1000m in 1.8.2, the last 600 in 39.5, while Cog Knish (mdn 1400m) and Du'blues (r65 1400m) were on terms over the same distance in 1.9.1 and 39.8. Prosecco (r72 mile) and Prince Turbo (r65 1400m) matched strides over 800m in a quiet 55.3, the last 600 in 40.4, while a Savabeel filly and a Savabeel gelding, both trained by Roydon Bergerson, sprinted 600m in 40.9. Veracious was not after time over 800m in 58.4, the last 600 in 42.7, and Derecho (mdn 1400m) was kept to 1000m in 1.15.5 and 43 even. The blinkers go on Derecho. Almo Street (r72 1200m) and Hawke's Bay runner Lincoln's Gal (r65 1200m) ran a quiet 800m in 58.1, the last 600 in 44.5.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, April 16 By RON GURNEY Beefeater and Blue On Black, both heading to Ellerslie on Saturday for separate $100,000 Group 2 assignments, galloped impressively together at Awapuni this morning. They used the course proper (dead) and worked the reverse way (right-handed) over 1200m in 1.18.7, the last 600 in 36.5, much to the delight of their respective trainers, Roydon Bergerson and Anne Herbert. Beefeater is nominated for the Manco Easter Handicap (1600m), getting in with just 2kg above the minimum, while Blue On Black, third in the Manawatu Classic last start, tackles the Valachi Downs Stakes (2100m) for three-year-olds. All other fast work was on the plough (good), where Wafer and Prince Turbo took the honours when timed 1000m in 1.6.5, the last 600 in 37.2. Their un-raced stablemates Flying Surf (Niagara-Surf Patrol) and a Per Incanto gelding came up with 1.7 even and 37.9, while Cog Knish and Thursday's Woodville runner Proletariat (mdn 1400m) took 1.6.1 and 38.1. Rock With Choux, who placed third last start, went 1000m on his own in 1.7.5 and 38.7, and goes to Woodville for a maiden 3yo 1600m. Gold Flake (mdn f&m 1600m), unplaced when resuming last month, and Viva La Platinum (mdn 3yo 1600m) were paired over 800m in 52.2, the last 600 in 38.9. The blinkers go on both horses at Woodville. Derecho warmed up from the 1000m (1.10.7) to run home the final 800m in 54.1, the last 600 in 39.4, and his stablemate Glide Queen (mdn 1400m) did similar work (1.13.6), finishing with 55.6 and 40.4. Authentic Charm, the half-sister to Authentic Paddy, was kept to 800m in 55.5, the last 600 in 40 seconds even, but looks close to seizing an overdue victory at Woodville on Thursday (mdn 1200m).