AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, March 19 By RON GURNEY Impressive last-start Otaki winner Platinum Rapper and his stablemate Platinum Wild Card, both heading to Tauherenikau on Sunday, highlighted a quiet gallop session at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Platinum Rapper (r72 mile) and Platinum Wild Card (r65 1400m) were paired over 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 37.7. Both horses are at the top of their game. Not to be denied, Stunning (r65 2050m) and Quatromosa (mdn 2200m), two more from the stable of Lisa Latta, ran 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 37.9. Quatromosa is very close to scoring her first win. Race rival Viva La Platinum and Lincoln Hanover (mdn 1400m) matched strides over 800m in 51.9, the last 600 in 37.6, while Lincoln Star and a Reliable Man gelding posted 52.8 and 37.4. Fabiola (by Per Incanto), who won a trial (1000m) at Awapuni last month, and Semper Magico (by Per Incanto), both three-year-olds trained by Mark Oulaghan, caught the eye over 1000m in a smart 1.2.1, the last 600 in 38.1. Semper Magico debuts on Sunday. Blue On Black worked alone over 1000m in 1.5.4, the last 600 in 38.7, and an un-raced Mastercraftsman three-year-old trained by Mark Oulaghan, was kept to 1.10.5 and 39.7. Dal Kilchoan, in on Sunday (r65 2050m), left 1000m behind in 1.7.2, the last 600 in 40.1, and race rival Sophia Magia recorded 1.9.5 and 40.5. Rock With Choux (by Jimmy Choux), unplaced in three starts last spring, was kept to 1.10.4 and 40.8. Talented mare Art Deco sprinted 600m in 40.9, and a Jakkalberry three-year-old trained by Mark Oulaghan did 1000m in 1.11.5, the last 600 in 41 even. Prince Turbo sprinted 600m in 41.7, while un-raced three-year-old Flying Surf (by Niagara) went 41.8. Top mare Excelleration clocked 42.1.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, March 14 By RON GURNEY Woodville entrant Likageesix and fellow maiden Lincoln Hanover turned on the speed during a wet session at Awapuni this morning. All fast work was on the plough (slushy), where Likageesix and Lincoln Hanover reeled off a very smart 800m in 48 even, the last 600 in 36.5. Trained by Leon Mudgway, Likageesix (by Guillotine) was a Foxton trial winner (1000m) last month before finishing an eye-catching third on debut at Awapuni (1200m) two weeks ago. He has trained on beautifully. The same goes for Lisa Latta-trained Lincoln Hanover (by Showcasing), who finished third fresh up (1200m) the same day. Both horses should be winning races at short notice. A Per Incanto gelding and an Alamosa gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, sprinted 600m in 38.9, while Sunday's Woodville runners Hank Moody (Wdvl Cup) and Amorata (r72 2200m) were kept to 1000m in 1.9.7, the last 600 in 40.7. Lyano, who tackles the NZ St Leger at Trentham on Saturday, was not after time over 1000m in 1.10.5, the last 600 in 41.4, and neither were last-start maiden winner Kapinos (r65 mile) and Sophia Magia, who clocked 1.15.3 and 42.7. King Cougar went an easy 600m in 44.1.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, March 12 By RON GURNEY Lincoln Sky (by Savabeel) and Master Lincoln (by Mastercraftsman), who go in separate directions this weekend, really caught the eye in semi-final trials at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work was on the plough (good), but fog prevented the timing of some gallops. Lincoln Sky, who was unplaced in the Waikato Guineas last start, and Master Lincoln used the plough and cut out a smart 800m in 48.4, the last 600 in 36 even. Lincoln Sky held a nomination for two races at Trentham on Saturday, including the Wellington Guineas, while Master Lincoln is in at Woodville on Sunday (r65 mile). Not to be denied, their stablemates Sentimental Miss and Henree Winkler covered the same distance in 49.5, the last 600 in 36.4. Sentimental Miss goes into Saturday's NZ Oaks at Trentham with a solid form-line, which includes a second in the Group 2 Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic (2100m) two starts ago. Henree Winkler tackles the r82 1400m and is ready to strike winning form. Woodville runner Akela Belle (r72 2200m) and Stunning were paired over 800m in 49.7, the last 600 in 36.6, and Wings (r65 1200m) was timed 1000m in 1.4.8, the last 600 in 36.5. Lubaya (Cuddle Stakes) and Just Fabulous (Wgtn Guineas) were at a good clip from the 1200-metre peg and came the final 1000m in 1.3.7, the last 600 in 37.7, while Glide Queen, in at Woodville (mdn 1200m), went alone in 1.4.5 and 37.1. An Alamosa gelding and a Per Incanto gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, ended with 600m in 40.4, and My Calendar Girl, in the r65 1400m at Trentham, was kept to 600m in 44.5.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, March 7 By RON GURNEY Five To Midnight rounded off his Auckland Cup preparation in fine style when given his final trial at Awapuni this morning. Fast work was confined to the plough (good), but fog prevented the timing of several early gallops. Five To Midnight worked left-handed with Authentic Paddy on Tuesday, but had stablemate Lincoln's Secret alongside today when going right-handed over 1000m in 1.6.3, the last 600 in 37.6. He was nosed out by Ladies First in the Auckland Cup last year, but 12 months on is looking to go better in the Group 1 two-miler at Ellerslie on Saturday. He could not be fitter. Wellington entrant Lincoln Fury (mdn mile) and talented filly Sentimental Miss were paired over 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 37.5. Lincoln Fury is at the top of his game and deserves to break through at Trentham. Sentimental Miss is still on-song for the NZ Oaks on Saturday week, despite finishing unplaced in the Lowland Stakes last start. She did not get the rub of the green from the outside barrier at Hastings, and the run is best forgotten. Hypatia, off to Wellington on Saturday for the r65 2400m, had a Hinchinbrook maiden for company over 800m in 51.9, the last 600 in 37.8. Hypatia won well at Wairoa last start and will be right at home on the roomy track over 2400 metres. Bella Margarita and a Per Incanto three-year-old, both trained by Lucy Tanner, ran 800m in 53.7, the last 600 in 38.6, while a Towkay filly (sister to Heni) and a Howbaddouwantit filly, both in the Breslin stable, clocked 58.5 and 40.6. Wellington runners Voralto (by Sacred Falls) and Car Pie (r65 1000m) sprinted 600m in a quiet 40.3. Voralto is on debut in the maiden two-year-old 1000m at Trentham.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, March 5 By RON GURNEY Horses heading to Auckland for Group 1 competition this Saturday stole the show at Awapuni this morning. One fast gallop was held on the course proper (dead), while all other speed work was on the plough (good). Bonecrusher Stakes candidate Shadows Cast was the sole horse to use the course proper and, working the reverse way (right-handed), he warmed up from the 1400m to run 1200m in 1.18.6, the last 600 in 37.2, in the hands of Tim Johnson. The Per Incanto gelding has won at weight-for-age (1400m), but Saturday's $200,000 contest (2000m) will be his first attempt past 1600 metres. Trainer Mark Oulaghan knows it's a big call at Ellerslie but, given the excellent form the horse has been in this year, he considers the race is worth a crack. On the plough, his race rival Authentic Paddy and Auckland Cup prospect Five To Midnight were paired over 1000m in 1.2 even, coming the final 800m in 49.6, the last 600 in 37.4. Ignore Saturday's form-book where Authentic Paddy is concerned because he saves some of his best races for Ellerslie. He finished third in the race last year behind Saint Emillion and Darscape Princess. Five To Midnight went down by a nose to Ladies First in the Auckland Cup last year with great form credentials going into the race. He has been on a similar path in 2019, with lead-up results just as good. He should go close. Sweepstake and Prosecco caught the eye with 800m in 50.6, the last 600 in 36.7, while their stablemates Car Pie and Voralto (by Sacred Falls), both heading to Trentham on Saturday, came up with 50.5 and 37.4. Voralto (mdn 2yo) is on debut without any trial form, though she has been to the jump-outs. Friday's Otaki entrants Platinum Rapper and Divine Wine matched strides over 1000m in 1.9.2, the last 600 strongly in 37.7. Weare Rocking and debutante Wotarocker, two more for Otaki, covered the distance in 1.6.3 and 38.9. Platinum Mam'selle (r65 1400m) had a Darci Brahma maiden for company over 800m, the last 600 in 38.4, while Rockabye (mdn 2200m) and Trentham runner Hypatia (r65 2400m) ended with 39.2. Red Red Robin, in at Otaki (mdn 2200m), worked alone over 1000m in 1.7.9, the last 600 in 39.8, and Sabatica (mdn 1400m) did two quiet rounds, with a 600m sprint at the end each time. Her time on the second circuit was 39.7. Maiden mare Cog Knish, who has not raced since last August, and an Indy King gelding ran 800m in 55.7, the last 600 in 40.7, while Dal Kilchoan did a quiet round and a half before running the last 600 in 43.5.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, February 28 By RON GURNEY Duplicity and Kamanda Lincoln, race rivals in the Nathan's Memorial at Ellerslie on Saturday, rubber-stamped their fitness with a fine gallop each at Awapuni this morning. Fast work during a quiet session was held on the plough (good), where Duplicity worked the reverse way (right-handed) over a quiet round (1400m) before quickening up on the second circuit. He was then at a good clip from the 1200m, which he covered in 1.22.4, and ran his final 1000m in 1.3.1, the last 600 in 36.1. On Saturday, Duplicity is re-united with jockey Michael McNab, whose one previous ride on the horse was a win at Awapuni 15 months ago. Kamanda Lincoln worked the reverse way (right-handed) as well, being timed 1000m in 1.3.5, the last 600 in 36.4, which was just as impressive, and he looks a definite chance. He will be ridden by Sam Collett, who has got to know the gelding well in recent times. They combined successfully to win a r82 2500m race at Riccarton last November. Bella Margarita and stablemate Eugenie Joy were paired over 800m in 53 even, the last 600 in 37.9, while Car Pie and a Sacred Falls filly went 51.7 and 38 even. A Howbaddouwantit filly and a Towkay filly, both trained by Mike Breslin, sprinted 600m in 38.1.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, February 26 By RON GURNEY Five To Midnight continued his preparation toward the $500,000 Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m) on Saturday week with another very satisfactory trial at Awapuni this morning. All fast work during a quiet gallop session was held on the plough (good), where Five To Midnight was paired with stablemate Stunning over 1000m in 1.5.1, the last 600 in 36.7. Five To Midnight is in grand form following his third placing in the Avondale Cup (2400m) last start and well poised to go one better in the Auckland Cup after going down by a nose to Ladies First in the race 12 months ago. Stunning broke through for an overdue maiden win at Tauherenikau (2050m) over New Year and has had just one race since for a fifth placing at Trentham. She isin Friday's r65 2100m. Authentic Charm (mdn 1550m) and Saturday's Auckland entrant Princess Amelie (3yo 1300m) matched strides over 800m in 49.8, the last 600 in 36.9, and Princes Amelie is worth consideration in the combos. Friday runner Lincoln Hills (r65 1400m) had Robert Hannam aboard over 1000m in 1.5.3, the last 600 in 37 even, and in form maiden Don't Know Jakk (mdn 2100m) clocked 1.5.1 and 37.9. Lincoln Hanover (mdn 3yo 1200m) had a Super Easy filly for a partner over 1000m in 1.6.2, the last 600 in 37.8, and Quatromosa (mdn 2100m) did 800m in 50.8, the last 600 in 38.4. Red Red Robin, who is knocking on the door, recorded a fine trial over 1000m in 1.3.5, the last 600 in 38 even. She looks ready to break through in her first attempt at a middle-distance since last autumn. Duplicity, who tackles the Nathan's Memorial (2200m) at Ellerslie, worked with Mark Oulaghan-trained Friday runner Lyano (r65 2100m) over a quiet round (1400m) before speeding up on the second circuit from the 1200m to cut out the final 1000m in 1.6.3, the last 600 in 38.3. Duplicity has not raced since the Wellington Cup (8th). Here Comes Trouble (by Darci Brahma), the winner of two Foxton trials so far, and a Pins gelding, both with Roydon Bergerson, sprinted 600m in 39.5, and Sabatica (mdn 1400m) completed the second of two 600m sprints in 40.8.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, February 19 By RON GURNEY Thien Ly and Awapuni newcomers Blue On Black and Wings were in great form this morning, with a view to Group 1 day at Otaki on Saturday. All fast work took place on the plough, but fog prevented the timing of some gallops. Thien Ly took the day's honours with a bold 1000m in 1.4.8, the last 600 in 37 even. The Stravinsky eight-year-old gelding had a resuming run (unplaced) over the Wellington Cup carnival last month and has since had a trial at Foxton (unplaced), last week. He is in Saturday's r82 1200m. Blue On Black (r65 1400m) covered 1000m in 1.4.6, the last 600 in 37.4, while his stablemate Wings (3yo 1200m) recorded 1.6.5 and 37.3. Both horses, who won on the same day at Ruakaka in September, are three-year-olds trained by Anne Herbert. Sweepstake (r82 1200m) and Prosecco were paired over a nice 1000m in 1.4.5, the last 600 in 37.2, and Kamanda Lincoln (r82 2200m) went with Lincoln Falls in 1.5.4 and 37.9. Glide Queen ran 800m on her own in 52 even, the last 600 in 37.7. Original Gangster (3&4yo 2100m), who deserves another chance at a middle-distance, and Sophia Magia (r65 mile) were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.6.9, the last 600 in 38.3. Hypatia and last-start maiden winner Casino El Jay, who both hold middle-distance nominations for the second day at Wairoa on Sunday, completed 1000m in 1.8.2, the last 600 in 39.6. Duplicity, nominated for the Auckland Cup in two week's time, did a quiet round before increasing the tempo on the second circuit to run 1000m in 1.8.5, the last 600 in 39.3. Otaki runner Colorado Miss (r65 mile) and Just Fabulous were not after time over 1000m in 1.11.1, the last 600 in 39.4, and La Jungles went alone in 1.10.8 and 41.6.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, February 12 By RON GURNEY Shared Secrets and Sir Nate, both likely candidates for Group 2 races at Ellerslie on Saturday, worked very satisfactorily in separate gallops during a quiet session at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the course proper (dead) and on the plough (good). Shared Secrets was the only horse to use the course proper and, working the reverse way (right-handed), covered 1200m in 1.23 even, the last 600 in 38.9. The Nadeem mare was back in winning form last start in the Summer Cup (r82 2400m) at Trentham, and trainer Mark Oulaghan intended to nominate her for the $100,000 Avondale Cup over the same distance this week. On the plough, Sir Nate worked the reverse way as well and had stablemate Platinum Invador alongside all the way over 1000m in 1.4.6, the last 600 in 35.9. Sir Nate heads north for the $100,000 Avondale Guineas (2100m). Form maiden Don't Know Jakk, trained by Mark Oulaghan, showed he was holding his form strongly with a solid 1000m in 1.4.7, the last 600 in 37.4, while Red Red Robin and an Ego-Sunshine Park maiden clocked 1.9 even and 37.4. Quatromosa and Viva La Platinum matched strides over 800m in 52.3, the last 600 in 38.8, followed soon after by Shelly's Lass, unplaced on debut, and last-start Hokitika maiden winner Car Pie in 52.7 and 38.5. Atenartin, who won the Ryder Stakes at Awapuni in July, and maiden stablemate Derecho were paired over a steady 800m in 54.5, the last 600 in 40.2. Atenartin has not raced since finishing unplaced in the Wanganui Guineas in early September.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, February 7 By RON GURNEY Rising star three-year-old Lincoln Falls will wear blinkers for the first time when he contests the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) on Saturday. The Dundeel colt trialled in them at Awapuni this morning and did not disappoint in his final gallop before Te Rapa. Lincoln Falls worked alone on the plough (good) and reeled off 1000m in 1.4.3, increasing the tempo as he went, to come home the final 800m in 48.8, the last 600 in 35.6. He was not disgraced finishing fifth in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) last start, just under a length and a half from the winner, and will appreciate the step up to 2000 metres. Anne Herbert-trained duo of Blue On Black and Wings were paired over 1000m in 1.6.6, the last 600 in 37.6, while Hypatia and Rockabye clocked 1.7.7 and 38.1. Authentic Paddy, who suffered a cardiac arrhythmia in the Thorndon Mile last start, breezed over 800m in 52.4, the last 600 in 38.7, and Sweepstake, unplaced in the Telegraph Hcp, took 52.5 and 38.2. Last-start Trentham winner Shared Secrets (Summer Cup) covered 1000m in 1.9.2, the last 600 in 39.7, while Car Pie and a Howbaddouwantit filly sprinted 600m together in 39.7.