AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, October 16 By RON GURNEY Heavens Keep and Duplicity, who will head to Otaki on Sunday, are huge improvers from recent resuming runs judging by a strong gallop together at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Heavens Keep and Duplicity were paired over a very tidy 1000m in 1.4.6, the last 600 in 37.8. Both horses have taken great benefit from two runs each in a new campaign, and Heavens Keep deserves respect in the r82 mile at Otaki on Sunday. He will be ridden by apprentice Alex Shin (4kg claim), who handled him this morning. Duplicity is entered for the r82 2100m (Raukawa Cup) the same day, a race which drew just seven nominations on Tuesday. Time honours went to Platinum Wild Card (r65 1400m) and Last Chance (r65 1200m), who reeled off 800m in 49.1, the last 600 in 36.3. They have been working solidly over recent weeks and command respect. Thursday's Woodville entrant Lincoln's Gal (r65 1100m) and Secret Allure were timed 800m in 50.5, the last 600 in 37.1. Beefeater, who resumes at Otaki on Sunday (open 1200m), and Lubaya matched strides over 1000m in 1.6.5, the last 600 in 37 even. Beefeater was third in a Foxton trial (1000m) two weeks ago. Woodville debutant Hell Fire (by Smart Missile ) and Lincoln Melody (by Savabeel), a maiden winner in the autumn, covered 800m in 50.9, the last 600 in 38.6. Hell Fire finished a close second at the Foxton trials (1200m) two weeks ago, and Lincoln Melody goes to Otaki for the r65 f&m mile. Recent Foxton trial placegetter Sligo, resuming at Woodville (mdn 1200m), and Just Fabulous were on terms throughout 800m in 52.4, the last 600 in 38.6. Sligo has the blinkers off. Just Fabulous won a trial last month and went on to finish fifth when resuming at Waverley two weeks ago. Viva La Platinum (by Alamosa), in at Woodville (mdn f&m 1200m), and Dreams Of Platinum (Otaki, r65 1200m) warmed up from the 1000m (1.10) to run home their last 600 in 38.7, while Sophia Magia (r65 1200m) and Miss Doherty (r65 1400m), two more for Otaki, clocked 1.9.7 and 39.1. Rock Island Line shaded Almo Street at the end of 800m in 51.8, the last 600 in 39.5, and they are possible race rivals at Otaki (r72 1400m). Un-raced three-year-old colt Kapinos (by Savabeel) sprinted 600m in 39.9. This son of former top mare Karla Bruni has performed well in two recent trial runs. Woodville runner Battle Creek (r65 1100m), who has not raced for 14 months, sprinted 600m in 40.2, while Veracious (r72 2200m) and Falakros (mdn mile) did two rounds, sprinting home 600m each time in 42.8 and 41.1 respectively. Derecho (mdn 3yo 1300m) was not after time over 1000m in 1.14, the last 600 in 42.8, and Du'Blues (mdn 1200m) did little more than three-quarter pace over the same distance in 1.15.8 and 45.2. The side winkers go on her.

Thursday, October 11 By RON GURNEY In-form gelding Lovetokeephim looked in fine fettle as he completed a strong workout at Awapuni this morning for the Egmont meeting on Saturday. Two thirds from his last two starts have brought the eight-year-old to peak fitness again for owner-trainer Kim Clapperton, who was on board when giving him a quiet round and a half on the sand before sprinting home the last 600 in 39.2. Lovetokeephim fought doggedly for a close third at Waverley last Thursday after dictating the terms in front, per instructions from Clapperton, and similar tactics seem likely for the r65 2100m at Hawera. New Plymouth apprentice Wiremu Pinn claims 3kg again, and the horse's odds could be a little more generous this week. All other gallops timed this morning were on the plough (good), where Lincoln's Gal and Viva La Platinum were paired over 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 37.8. Lincoln's Gal (by I Am Invincible), a winner last Boxing Day, and maiden Viva La Platinum (by Alamosa) were both placed at the Foxton trials last week and have trained on well. Original Gangster, who scored at the Foxton trials, and stablemate Sligo (3rd) matched strides over a tidy 1000m in 1.6.4, the last 600 in 38.8. Maiden mare Stunning, who has amassed six seconds from her 14 career starts, and a Sebring maiden were sent 1000m in 1.7.1, the last 600 in 38.8. Sophia Magia, another Foxton trial winner from last week, and Miss Doherty were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.7.6, the last 600 in 38.2. Egmont entrants Manhattan Street (r72 mile) and Father Lenihan (r65 1400m) covered 800m in 53.5, the last 600 in 38.7, while an Alamosa maiden and a Sweet Orange maiden took 52.1 and 39.7. Hank Moody (r72 mile), a Foxton trial winner last month, worked alone over 800m in 52.9, the last 600 in 39.2, while Jessiegee and Lincoln Honey went together in 53.4 and 39.1. King Cougar, who should start a warm favourite on Saturday (r82 1400m), was this morning kept to 800m in 54.6, the last 600 in 39.5. He has won five from 10 so far. Fruition (r65 mile) and Falakros, unplaced on debut at Waipukurau recently, galloped 1000m in 1.8.9, the last 600 in 39.2, while Strada Roccia and an Alamosa gelding stablemate ended with 600m in 39.5, and Prosecco sprinted 600m in 40.5.

Tuesday, October 9 By RON GURNEY He's A Freak and Akela Belle from Lisa Latta's barn and Mike Breslin-trained Ringo and King Cougar were in stunning form at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work took place on the plough (good), with just one gallop recorded on the course proper (good). He's A Freak and Akela Belle used the plough and were able to cut out 800m in 49.4, the last 600 in 36.6, and both horses look solid chances at the Wairarapa meeting on Thursday. He's A Freak, who was unplaced in the NZ Derby and the Manawatu Classic at his last two starts during the autumn, has come up well in a new campaign. He has had two Foxton trials, finishing second in an open heat (1200m) last month, and is ready for a forward run in the r65 1400m at Tauherenikau. Akela Belle (mdn mile), unplaced in her only start during the autumn, has made steady progress this time in as well and the daughter of Mastercraftsman is a half-sister to multiple Group performer Lady Kipling (by Savabeel). Ringo and King Cougar were paired over a bold 1000m in 1.1.6, the last 600 in 37.2, and these two are likely to go separate ways this Saturday. Ringo will be nominated for the Matamata Cup, while King Cougar (r82v1400m), who has won five from 10 so far, will head to the Egmont meeting at Hawera. Wairarapa entrant Bruno Kelly (mdn 3yo 1400m), who won't mind any moisture about on Thursday, and Shared Secrets matched strides over 1000m in 1.5.5, the last 600 in 37.8. Hank Moody, who won a Foxton trial (1200m) last month, and last-start Wanganui winner Windsor were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.6.6, the last 600 in 37.7. They go to Hawera for a r72 mile and r72 1200m respectively. Mancini, in on Thursday (mdn 2050m), covered 800m in 51.4, the last 600 in 37.6, while a Pour Moi filly and a Redwood gelding, both trained by Lisa Latta, took 53.3 and 37.5. Egmont runner Obrigado (r65 2100m) worked alone over a quiet round before warming up from the 1000m (1.6.5) to run home the final 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 38.3. Don't Know Jakk, who debuts in the maiden 3yo 1400m on Thursday, had a Super Easy three-year-old for a partner over 1000m in 1.6.7, the last 600 in 38.6. Don't Know Jakk (by Jakkalberry) is a half-brother to Paddy Bourke, Paddy Owen and Kermit. Hell Fire (by Smart Missile), narrowly beaten at the Foxton trials last week, and a Red Giant filly ran 800m in 51.4, the last 600 in 38.7, while their stablemates Manhattan Street (r72 mile) and Brahmarahma (r65 mile), both heading to Hawera, were kept to 54.2 and 39.3. Sophia Magia scored at the Foxton trials (1000m) last Tuesday, and she and Miss Doherty cruised over 800m in 55.4, the last 600 in 39.5. Original Gangster, another winner for the Bergerson stable at Foxton, and Sligo, were timed 800m in 54.3, the last 600 in 40.3, and Before Dawn (by Darci Brahma), out of the money in three starts last autumn, posted 55.4 and 41.4. She is going well at the trials as well. Egmont-bound Fruition (r65 mile) covered a round and a half before galloping an easy 800m in 57.9, the last 600 in 42.5, and a Burgundy filly trained by Roydon Bergerson clocked 57.9 and 43.8. On the course proper, Egmont runner Wafer (r65 1400m) had stable apprentice Danielle Hirini aboard over a smart 1000m in 1.1.5, the last 600 in 37.1.

Tuesday - September 25th

By RON GURNEY

King Cougar will continue his climb up the ladder at Hastings on Saturday week and was responsible for a smart gallop at Awapuni this morning. After 20mm of rain overnight, fast work took place on the No 1 grass (heavy), on the plough (slushy) and on the sand (slushy).

King Cougar used the No 1 grass and was paired with stablemate Salamanca over 800m in 50.6, the last 600 in 38.1, and were followed right behind by another stablemate Ringo, who clocked 51.6 and 38.7. King Cougar is a rising star with five wins and two seconds from just 10 race-day appearances and a $40,000 r82 1200m awaits him on the final day of the Hawke's Bay carnival. Salamanca has a more immediate assignment at the Taranaki meeting this Saturday (r82 1200m), while Ringo is being set for the Matamata Cup on Saturday fortnight. These were the only three horses to use the No 1 grass.

On the plough, Sligo and Original Gangster stretched out boldly over 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 37.4, while Taranaki entrants Kamanda Lincoln (r72 1800m) and The Rippa (r65 1300m) came up with 50.8 and 37.9. Lovetokeephim (r65 2000m), ridden by his trainer Kim Clapperton, and Thursday's Waipukurau runner Bella Margarita (r65 mile), with her trainer Lucy Tanner aboard, caught the eye with their 1000m locked together in 1.2.7, the last 600 in 38.2. They worked solidly together last Tuesday as well. Cornerstone did nice work on his own over 1000m in 1.5.7, the last 600 in 38 even, and he can turn around his disappointing run at the Marton meeting last start when was well supported. Rock Island Line, in at Taranaki (r72 1400m), and un-raced Ocean Park three-year-old filly Maidstone Park covered 800m in 51.4, the last 600 in 38.3, while their stablemates Lincoln's Gal and Last Chance took 52.6 and 38.4. Waipukurau entrants Fruition (r65 mile) and first-starter Falakros (mn 1350m), both trained by Deborah Parry, ran 1000m in 1.9.4, the last 600 in 40.5, while Rosetta (r65 f&m 1350m), resuming, and Tiro (mdn mile) recorded 1.10.2 and 40.6. Rosetta is a winner at Waipukurau twice previously, and Tiro (by O'Reilly) has taken great benefit from his debut sixth at Woodville recently after winning a Foxton trial. Sentimental Miss (mdn 3yo 1200m), freshened since her last-start fourth in the Castletown Stakes in June, and Fictitious (r65 f&m 1350m) were kept to 800m in 57.5, the last 600 in 41.7.

On the sand, Exhibit and a Makfi gelding stablemate ran 800m in 52.3 and 38.5. Exhibit won over 850m at the Levin jump-outs two weeks ago, and the Makfi gelding was second in another heat (850m) the same day.

 

   

Thursday - September 20

BY RON GURNEY

Shadows Cast and Five To Midnight rounded off their preparations for Hastings on the weekend with very satisfactory final gallops at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), but fog prevented the timing of a few crucial trials.

Shadows Cast had stable apprentice Tim Johnson in the saddle when working over 1000m in 1.5.3, coming the final 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 39.6. This followed an eye-catching third at the Foxton trials (1200m) on Tuesday. He resumed with a good fourth at Wanganui (1200m) two weeks ago and has gone ahead in leaps and bounds. Jake Bayliss rides him for the first time in Saturday's Group1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m), and the horse has been blessed with the perfect draw. Five To Midnight (open 2000m) had maiden distance winner Lincoln's Secret (by Excelebration) alongside over 1000m in 1.8, increasing the tempo as they went to run home the last 600 in 39.1. Five To Midnight has taken great benefit from a resuming run as well, finishing close up (7th) behind Charles Road on the first day of the Hawke's Bay carnival (1600m). Top jockey Johnathan Parkes is sticking with the ship. Time honours went to Wafer (Danielle Hirini), who sped over 800m in 49.2, the last 600 in 36.7, and she will make an appearance at the trials in the next few weeks before resuming on raceday. A Redwood filly and an Alamosa gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, did well to run 800m in 50.1, the last 600 in 37.4, while their stablemates Prince Turbo, third at Woodville last start, and a Per Incanto gelding took 50.8 and 37.8. Hastings runner Brahmarahma, who starts afresh in the r65 1400m at Hastings, and Fictitious were paired over 800m in 51 even, the last 600 in 37.5. Brahmarahma may need the run. A Burgundy gelding and an Alamosa gelding, two-year-olds with Gary Vile, sprinted 600m in 37.9, while Miss Doherty and Ripsomemore, both trained by Roydon Bergerson, came up with 38.1.

An Alamosa gelding and a Rip Van Winkle filly, both trained by Mike Breslin, ran 800m in 54.4, the last 600 in 38.2, and Mancini was timed 1000m in 1.11 even, the last 600 in 40.5. He was unplaced resuming at Woodville last week after winning a Foxton trial. Original Gangster and Sligo were not after time over 800m in 55.8, the last 600 in 41.2, while a Per Incanto colt and a Verrazano colt, both trained by Peter Didham, sprinted 600m in 41.9. Love Potion, unplaced in her two starts so far, and an Alamosa filly, both with Lisa Latta, sprinted 600m in 42.4. Hastings runners Authentic Paddy (open 2000m) and Duplicity (r82 1400m) could not be timed because of early fog.

Tuesday - September 18th

By RON GURNEY

Salamanca and Sweepstake looked on song for their next assignments when they galloped in fine fashion at Awapuni this morning. All fast work during a quiet session (Foxton trials later in the day) was on the plough (good).

Salamanca, a winner at Te Rapa three starts ago, and Sweepstake, who has not raced since the autumn, were paired over 1000m in 1.4.9, coming the final 800m in 49.3, the last 600 in 37 even. Exhibit, trained by David Goldsbury, and a Makfi three-year-old gelding from the same stable ran 1000m in 1.5.2, the last 600 in 37.8. Exhibit won at the recent Levin jump-outs (850m), while the Makfi three-year-old finished second in his heat over the same distance. Al Munroe was at a good clip over 1600 metres and carved out his final 1000m in 1.6 even, the last 600 in 39.8, while his stablemate Des De Jeu, who goes to Wanganui on Thursday (open steeplechase), went 1400m, clocking 1.7.1 for the final 1000m, the last 600 in 39.6. Wanganui runners Sierra (mdn 2050m) and Roc 'N' It (mdn hurdle) matched strides over 800m in 53.5, the last 600 in 39.5, and Lava Rock (by Rock 'n' Pop), who debuts in the maiden 1200m, went with a Rip Van Winkle filly in 54.6 and 39.7. Lava Rock has been placed at the trials. Sea Ya Later (mdn f&m 1600m) and debutant Kansas City (mdn 1350m) were kept to 800m in 55.2, the last 600 in 40.8, and Kansas City (by Road To Rock) placed third at the Foxton trials (1000m) three weeks ago.

Thursday - September 13th

By RON GURNEY

Kamanda Lincoln hinted at a bold run fresh up at his home track on Saturday after a solid final trial with stablemate Keep It Savvy at Awapuni this morning. Fast work was held on the No 1 grass (slow) and on the plough (good).

Kamanda Lincoln (r72 1550m) and Keep It Savvy (r65 1550m) used the No 1 grass and were paired over 1000m in 1.8.3, increasing the tempo as they went to run home the final 800m in 50.4, the last 600 in 37.6. Kamanda Lincoln will probably relish any improvement in track conditions, while Keep It Savvy might prefer the heavens to open up. Sea Ya Later and un-raced Road To Rock three-year-old filly Kansas City covered 1000m in an eye-catching 1.4.5, coming the final 800m in 49.9, the last 600 in 37.9. Al Munroe gathered speed from the 1000m to complete his final 800m in 52.7 and 39.7.

On the plough, Bella Margarita (r65 1550m) had trainer Lucy Tanner aboard over 800m in 52.2, the last 600 in 37.9, while a Super Easy filly and an Alamosa filly, both trained by Lisa Latta, recorded 51.1 and 37.4. Mike Breslin-trained Before Dawn worked alone over 800m in 52.3, the last 600 in 38.4, preceded just a few minutes earlier by un-raced five-year-old Lincoln's Command (by Pentire) and a Tavistock gelding, both with Lisa Latta, in 53.7 and 38.7. Original Gangster sprinted 600m in 38.7, while his stablemates Lubaya, in at Marton (r72 1550m), and Hank Moody were sent 1000m in 1.7.1, the last 600 in 39.2. Authentic Paddy (open mile) did good even work over 1000m in 1.7.3, coming his final 800m in 52.6, the last 600 in 39.1. He will be ridden by Waikato apprentice Ryan Elliot for the first time in Saturday's Group 3 feature. Windsor was timed 1000m in 1.8.5, the last 600 in 39.3, and Des De Jeu, in Saturday's r65 2100m, rounded off his work with 800m in 52.6 and 39.9. Un-raced Rip Van Winkle filly Jenever and an Edenwold gelding, both trained by Lisa Latta, left 800m behind in 53.3, the last 600 in 39.4, while Sligo and un-raced Nadeem mare Naderca were kept to 59.5 and 41.3. Cheese Maker, in Saturday's r72 1550m, had new trainer Stephen Beatson aboard over 1000m in 1.11.5, the last 600 in 42.4, and he finished second at the Foxton trials (1200m) a few weeks ago. Just You (r72 1300m) was not after time over 800m in 58.1, the last 600 in 42.6, and neither were Just Fabulous and un-raced Savabeel colt Kapinos in 57.9 and 42.9.

Tuesday  September 11th

By RON GURNEY

Woodville entrant Lovetokeephim and Saturday's Marton runners Bella Margarita and promising jumper Des De Jeu all worked in great fashion at Awapuni this morning. Fast gallops were held on the course proper (slow-heavy), on the No 1 grass (slow) and on the plough (good).

Lovetokeephim (r65 2200m), trained by Kim Clapperton, and Bella Margarita (r65 1550m), who is with Lucy Tanner, paired up on the course proper and reeled off 1000m in 1.5.4, coming the final 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 37.6. Both horses have been freshened for spring racing and will not mind improved weather conditions over the next few months, especially Lovetokeephim, who has already won two races on dead tracks. Des De Jeu used the course proper as well and, with amateur rider Nicole Jensen aboard, ran 1200 metres, being timed from the 1000m in 1.5.7 and clocking 51.2 for the final 800m, the last 600 in 37.4. This was first-class work from a steeplechaser who has a very bright future in the role. He has not raced since winning a minor chase at Riccarton five weeks ago, but is on song for a r65 2100m at his home track on Saturday. Lubaya, in at Marton (r72 1550m), covered 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 37.6, while Valour (r65 1400m) and Derecho went together in 51.4 and 37.5. A Per Incanto gelding trained by Roydon Bergerson, came up with 55.2 and 40.1.

On the plough, Kamanda Lincoln, who resumes at Marton (r72 1550m), and Woodville runner Sierra (mdn 2100m), unplaced on debut in July, matched strides over 800m in 49.5, the last 600 in 36.8, and Glide Queen (mdn 3yo 1100m), last seen out in the Castletown Stakes in June, ended with 600m in 36.9. Three-year-old fillies Platinum Mam'selle and Princess Amelie, both good performers from last season, were on terms throughout 800m in 51.5, the last 600 in 37.9. They are coming to hand well. Un-raced Dundeel colt Lincoln Falls, who has won two Foxton trials, and an un-raced Sebring colt, both trained by Lisa Latta, ran 800m in 51.3, the last 600 in 38.1. Lincoln Falls debuts on Thursday (mdn 3yo 1100m). Just Fabulous and un-raced Savabeel colt Kapinos were kept to 56.3 and 39.1, while a Shocking gelding and a Road To Rock gelding, both trained by Peter Didham, took 55.8 and 41.6.

On the No 1 grass, recent Foxton trial winner (1000m) Mancini and Prince Turbo, both in the maiden 1400m on Thursday, really caught the eye with their 1000m in 1.3.1, the last 600 in 37.2.

Thursday - September 6th

By RON GURNEY

Heni again showed that she is on song for a big run fresh up at Wanganui on Saturday with another first-class gallop at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work was on the plough (good), with Wanganui Guineas prospect Atenartin the only horse to use the heavy No 1 grass.

Heni (open 1200m) had stable apprentice and Saturday's jockey Danielle Hirini (2kg claim) in the saddle when stretching out boldly over a smart 800m in 48.7, the last 600 in 36.3. She has not started since finishing fourth in the NZ Breeders' Stakes (1600m) in April, but two Foxton trials last month, one of which she won (1000m), have brought her right back to racing trim. Un-raced Alamosa four-year-old gelding Port Lincoln and winning four-year-old mare Fictitious were paired over 800m in 49.8, the last 600 in 36.9, while a Per Incanto gelding and an Alamosa gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, took 50 seconds even and 36.8. Un-raced Dundeel three-year-old colt Lincoln Falls, a dual Foxton trial winner this year, and Rock Island Line gathered speed from the 800m to come their last 600 in 36.7. Heavens Keep had apprentice Alex Shin aboard over 1000m in 1.4.4, the last 600 in 37.7, and he is set to resume at Hastings on Saturday week, with Shin the likely rider. Sentimental Miss and Platinum Wild Card matched strides over 800m in 50.9, the last 600 in 37.1, while their stablemates Johnny Lincoln and Lincoln's Secret came up with 51.4 and 37.5. Black-type winner Secret Allure and Group 3 placed Platinum Mam'selle were on terms throughout 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 37.3. Secret Allure, who won the Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton in May, should make a huge impact in Saturday's 3yo fillies' feature (1200m) at Wanganui.

Sweepstake and Ravenhill were sent 800m in 51.4, the last 600 in 37.8, while Derecho and Valour recorded 52.9 and 37.2. Windsor sprinted 600m in 39 even. Wanganui entrant Monsieur (r65 mile) had trainer Ashley Meadows aboard over 1000m in 1.8.1, the last 600 in 39.5, followed soon after by Belle Canto (r65 1200m) and Rosetta, who ran 800m together in 51.8 and 39 even. Wafer left 800m behind in 52.3, the last 600 in 39.3, and her stablemate Before Dawn (by Darci Brahma), unplaced in three outings during the autumn, clocked 53.4 and 39.1. Lincoln Bay worked on his own over 800m in 54.8, the last 600 in 39.9, while un-raced three-year-old filly Wotarocker (by Road To Rock) and a Redwood filly posted 54.9 and 39.7. Hank Moody and un-raced four-year-old gelding Tiro (by O'Reilly), a winner at the Foxton trials last week, were timed 1000m in a quiet 1.12.2, the last 600 in 40.5. Just Fabulous and un-raced three-year-old colt Kapinos (by Savabeel) sprinted 600m in 42.1.

On the No 1 grass, Ryder Stakes (1200m) winner Atenartin had regular jockey Danielle Hirini aboard over a well-held 800m in 58.1, the last 600 in 43.3. Since winning the Ryder Stakes in July, he has won a trial at Foxton (1200m) just last week, and will chase further black type in Saturday's Wanganui Guineas (1340m). He looks equal to the task again. 

Tuesday - September 4th

By RON GURNEY

Top mare Heni and stablemate King Cougar drew plenty of attention in a semi-final gallop at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the course proper (heavy), on the No 1 grass (heavy) and on the plough (good).

Heni and King Cougar used the course proper and covered 800m together in 53.2, the last 600 in 38.8, which was very satisfactory work. Heni has not raced since finishing fourth in the NZ Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha in April, but has had two trials in a new campaign, winning one of them at Foxton (1000m) last Tuesday as a lead-up to Saturday's open 1200 metres at Wanganui. King Cougar had one start for one win at the Grand National carnival (1200m) last month and has been ticking over nicely in the wings ever since. He has a lot more winning to do yet. Shadows Cast, who has the Windsor Park Plate at Hastings earmarked for him on Saturday fortnight, had stable apprentice Tim Johnson aboard over 800m in 52.7, the last 600 in 39.4. He finished a close second at the Foxton trials (1000m) last week and, as a lead-up to Hastings, will also run in Saturday's open 1200m at Wanganui. Stakes-winning two-year-old Atenartin, trained by Matthew Eales, and Lucy Tanner-trained Bella Margarita were paired over 800m in 53.6, the last 600 in 39.7. Atenartin will chase further black type in the (Listed) Wanganui Guineas this Saturday, and wet weather conditions should stay in his favour.

On the No 1 grass, Yin Dragon had jumps jockey Gary Walsh in the saddle over 1000m in 1.8.5, the last 600 in 38.6, and this talented flat performer could be seen in the hurdling role soon. Keep It Savvy and Wanganui enrant Manhattan Street (open 1200m) revelled in the heavy conditions over 800m in 52.9, the last 600 in 39.2, while Platinum Volos (r65 1200m) and a Rock 'n' Pop gelding took 53.5 and 40.1.

On the plough, Thursday's Taranaki runner Sea Ya Later (mdn mile) impressed with 1000m in 1.5.8, the last 600 in 35.8, and she has freshened well. Her stablemates Mancini and Prince Turbo also caught the eye with their 800m in 50 seconds even, the last 600 in 36.2. Son Of Surf and a Road To Rock-St Jessie mare were timed 800m in 51.4, the last 600 in 37.9, and Lovetokeephim went alone in 53.5 and 37.9. Platinum Edition and Roc 'N' It did good even work over 1000m in 1.6.6, the last 600 in 38.1. A maiden by Thewayyouare, trained by Ashley Meadows, cut out 1000m in 1.8.3, the last 600 in 38.5, and stablemate Monsieur posted 1.10 even and 39.8. An Alamosa gelding and an Alamosa filly, both trained by Mike Breslin, ran 800m in 54 even, the last 600 in 39.6, while Rosetta and Belle Canto came up with 54.7 and 39.1. Du'Blues ended 800m in 55.6, the last 600 in 39.8, and Just Fabulous, trained by Roydon Bergerson, and a Road To Rock-Power (by Electronic Zone) gelding with Peter Didham recorded 55.7 and 41.1.