AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, December 11 By RON GURNEY There were some good times overall at Awapuni this morning, but top sprinter-miler Shadows Cast stood shoulders above the rest. The majority of fast work was on the plough (good), with just one gallop recorded on the course proper (dead). Shadows Cast used the plough and cut out 1000m in 1.2.5, the last 600 in 36.3, and he could be heading to the Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) on the second day at Manawatu on Saturday week. The gelding has not raced since finishing 19 lengths last in the Coupland's Mile at Riccarton a month ago, but has freshened up well. This Saturday's Manawatu entrant Original Gangster (r65 1550m) and stablemate Just Fabulous were at a good clip from the 1200m mark, being timed from the 1000m in 1.4.8, the last 600 in 37.4. Original Gangster was a last-start maiden winner at the Rangitikei meeting three weeks ago, and Just Fabulous was third at the same meeting. She steps up in class for the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1550m) this week. China Star (Manawatu Cup Prelude) had last-start Otaki winner and Waikato entrant Fictitious (r72 2400m) for a partner over 800m in 49.7, the last 600 in 37.5, while their stablemates Dreams Of Platinum (r65 1200m) and Eva Dawn took 49.7 and 37.9. Five To Midnight, chasing back-to-back Waikato Cup wins on Saturday, and Kamanda Lincoln (r72 2400m) were on terms throughout 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 37 even. They were followed soon after by Windsor and Manawatu runner Lubaya (r72 1400m), who left 1000m behind in 1.7.4, the last 600 in 37.6. Matthew Eales-trained Showshanelle (by Showcasing), a younger half-sister to stablemate Showing Grace, and an Indy King maiden ran 1000m in 1.6.2, the last 600 in 37.4. A Niagara filly and an Alamosa gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, covered 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 37.8, while Lincoln Star, in at Manawatu (r65 1550m), and Lincoln Fury took 52.5 and 38.7. Amorata, off the scene for 12 months, did nice work over 1000m in 1.2.9, the last 600 in 38.5, and she has recorded two thirds in as many recent trials at Woodville and Awapuni respectively. Lincoln Honey worked alone over 800 in 51.3, the last 600 in 39.2, while a Reliable Man filly and a Burgundy filly, both trained by Lisa Latta, came up with 52.6 and 39.1. A Pierro gelding and an Alamosa gelding, both from the Breslin barn, were timed 800m in 53 even, the last 600 in 39 even. Dal Kilchoan ran an easy 1000m in 1.14.1, the last 600 in 43.6, and Kapinos did 800m in 59.7 and 43.2. On the course proper, Manawatu entrant Red Red Robin (r65 1550m), third at Waverley last start, was sent 1000m in 1.7.6, coming the final 800m in 52.4, the last 600 in 38.7.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, December 6 By RON GURNEY Lincoln Falls followed up an impressive gallop on Tuesday with a very satisfactory final trial at Awapun i this morning. The majority of fast work was on the plough (good), with one hit-out recorded on the sand (good). Lincoln Falls worked in company on the course proper on Tuesday, but went alone on the plough today, completing 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in a nice 37.5. The first race at Trentham on Saturday (3yo 1400m) looks his for the taking. He has not raced since Livamol Classic day at Hastings in early October, but has been ticking over beautifully in training. Last week, he finished second to Start Wondering in an open trial (1000m) at Awapuni. Time honours went to Waipukurau entrant Glide Queen (mdn 3yof 1200m), who skipped over 800m in 49.3, the last 600 in 37 even. She has had three unplaced runs in a new campaign, but did win a 1000-metre trial at Awapuni on Tuesday of last week. The blinkers go on this Sunday in what could be a significant gear change. Platinum Mam'selle, a race rival for Lincoln Falls at Trentham (3yo 1400m), had Platinum Invador (special mile) alongside over 800m in 50.6, the last 600 in 37.1. Platinum Mam'selle will carry just 52.5kg (Wiremu Pinn). Ben Jovi, in a Waipukurau (mdn mile), and Maidstone Park, unplaced in two runs so far, covered 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 37.6, while Got The Call and an Iffraaj two-year-old sprinted 600m in 37.7. Wellington runner Obrigado (r82 2500m) left 1000m behind in 1.8.6, the last 600 in 38.3, and Father Lenihan (r72 mile) had Stunning for a partner over 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 38.4. Jessiegee (r72 mile), who will race in blinkers on Saturday, and Waipukurau entrant Hypatia (mdn 2200m) were on terms over 800m in 52.7, the last 600 in 38.6, and Eva Dawn took 53.2 and 38.5. Rosetta (r65 mile) and stablemate Just Fabulous were at a good clip early over 1000m in 1.3.3, easing down to complete the last 600 in 39.3. Dal Kilchoan, back in a new campaign, ran 800m in 53.6, the last 600 in 39.6, while un-raced four-year-old mare Roxy Brown (Alamosa-Dawn Ghost) and a Tavistock-Celtic Crown three-year-old filly sprinted 600m in 39.8. On the sand, Waipukurau runner Exhibit (r65 mile) covered 800m in 51.3, the last 600 in 36.8. The blinkers will come off on Sunday.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, December 4 By RON GURNEY Highly-regarded three-year-old colt Lincoln Falls and stablemate Master Lincoln were impressive at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the middle of the course proper (dead), on the plough (good) and on the sand (good). Lincoln Falls and Master Lincoln used the course proper and had tongues wagging after a bold 800m in 47.1, the last 600 in 35.1. Lincoln Falls, first and second in two starts so far, will get his first view of Trentham this Saturday (3yo 1400m) as a lead-up to the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) there on January 12. He has not raced since Livamol Classic day at Hastings (October 6), but did finish a nice second to top sprinter Start Wondering in a trial (1000m) at Awapuni last Tuesday. Master Lincoln, off to Waipukurau on Sunday (r65 mile), is a big improver from a resuming run at home early last month. Possible Waipukurau maiden rivals Ben Jovi (by Nom du Jeu) and Piccolo Toro (by Edenwold), both unplaced on debut, were paired over 80m in 49.1, the last 600 in 36.8. Their stablemates That's Amore (r65 mile) and Wellington entrant Platinum Mam'selle (3yo 1400m) came up with 52.2. and 38 even. On the plough, Authentic Paddy and stablemate He's A Freak really caught the eye with a bold 1000m in 1.1.9, coming the final 800m in 49.6, the last 600 in 37.6, and revelling in their work. This pair heads in different directions on the weekend, with Authentic Paddy tackling the Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham, and He's A Freak in at Waipukurau (r65 mile). Authentic Paddy finished fourth in the Captain Cook last year, then fourth in the Manawatu Cup Prelude (2000m) before winning the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. He looks on the same path. Time honours on the plough went to Jeff Lynds-trained Higher Power, who skipped over 1000m in 1.3.6, the last 600 in 36.6, while Wellington runners Platinum Wild Card (r65 1400m) and Platinum Invador (spec mile) went 800m together in 50 seconds even, the last 600 in 36.7. Waipukurau entrants Tout Sur Moi (by Pour Moi) and stablemate Quatromosa (by Alamosa) ran 800m in 49.6, the last 600 in 37.1, while Hell Fire and Port Lincoln, two more for Sunday, posted 51.9 and 37.7. Maiden winner Lyano (by Thano), who has not raced for 12 months, had a Per Incanto-Semper Fidelis gelding for a partner over 1000m in 1.5.8, the last 600 in 37.1, and Battle Creek went alone in 1.6.1 and 37.8. On the sand, Exhibit, in at Waipukurau (r65 mile), did a quiet round and a half before working over 800m in 51.4, the last 600 in 38 even, and her stablemate, a Cape Blanco-Woodsong mare, took 52.9 and 39.2 in similar work.

Lincoln's Gal and Dreams Of Platinum earned admirers for the Wanganui meeting on Saturday when they worked boldly together at Awapuni this morning. All fast work was on the plough (good), where Lincoln's Gal (r65 1340m) and Dreams Of Platinum (r65 1200m) were paired over 800m in a smart 48.5, the last 600 in 36.8. Both are one-win horses with a trial each and runs under the belt since resuming earlier in the spring. Lincoln's Gal was third over 1100 metres first run back, but lost all chance with a slow beginning last time out. Dreams Of Platinum has not paid a dividend in three runs back, but inside draws have not done her any favours. These two mares are quite capable of running in the money on Saturday. Their stablemates Lincoln Melody (by Savabeel) and Lincoln Raider (by O'Reilly) covered 800m in 50.2, the last 600 in 36.7. A Guillotine-La Petite three-year-old gelding trained by Leon Mudgway took 50.3 and 37.2 for 800m,, followed soon after by Lisa Latta-trained Maidstone Park and Quatromosa who came up with 50.8 and 37.8. Akela Belle and Wanganui runner Lincoln Star (r65 mile) were on terms throughout 800m in 50.8, the last 600 in 38 even, and Lincoln Star followed up a second at the trials with an improver's fifth last start. Lincoln Dreamer (by Savabeel), who will resume shortly, and un-raced Soul Vacation (by Alamosa), trained by Peter Didham, ran 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 38.6. Wanganui Cup entrant Ringo and stablemate Hypatia cruised over 1000m in 1.7 even, the last 600 in 39.4, and My Calendar Girl went alone in 55.7 and 39 even. Chartwell (by Redwood), who debuts on Saturday (mdn 1340m), had Ben Jovi for a partner over a quiet 800m in 54.9, the last 600 in 40.4. Chartwell has had four trials for one second placing (May). Lincoln Bay (r72 2040m) and Lincoln's Command (by Pentire) were not after time over 800m in 55.7, the last 600 in 40.7, and Cheese Maker (r72 2040m) was at an even clip from the 1000m in 1.11.7, the last 600 in 42.7.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, November 27 By RON GURNEY Sentimental Miss and Fictitious, two of Lisa Latta's in-form lower graders, did eye-catching work on a quiet gallop morning at Awapuni Tuesday morning, with official race trials scheduled for later in the day. Friday's Levin entrants Sentimental Miss (Wellington Stakes) and Fictitious (r65 2300m) used the plough (good) and were paired over 800m in 49.7, the last 600 in 37 even. Sentimental Miss was a last-start maiden winner at Otaki, and Fictitious has recorded three seconds and a third from four starts in a new campaign. They are thriving. Saturday's Wanganui runners Windsor (r72 1340m) and Sophia Magia (r65 1340m) warmed up from the 1000m mark to run home the final 800m in 52.9, the last 600 in 37.7. Lincoln Star (r65 mile), unlucky when resuming three weeks ago, and Platinum Bordeaux (by Per Incanto) took 52.6 and 38.9. Platinum Bordeaux debuts at Wanganui (2yo 1000m) after a second at the Otaki trials. China Star (Wanganui Cup) and Lincoln's Secret were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.3.7, the last 600 in 38.4, while un-raced four-year-old gelding Chartwell (by Redwood) and a Savabeel gelding, both trained by Lisa Latta, ran 800m in 54.4 and 40.3. Chartwell debuts at Wanganui (mdn 1340m). On the course proper, Matthew Eales-trained Derecho (Wellington Stakes) and an un-named maiden prepared by David Hayes covered 1000m in 1.6.5, the last 600 in 38.1. On the sand, David Goldsbury's un-raced Cape Blanco-Woodsong mare, who won at the Woodville trials last week (1200m), ended with 600m in 41 even.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, November 22 By RON GURNEY Darci Brahma mare Before Dawn has shown in training this week that she deserves the utmost respect at the Rangitikei meeting on Saturday. All fast work at Awapuni this morning was on the plough (good), where Before Dawn (mdn 1550m) had stable apprentice Danielle Hirini aboard over 800m in 51.2, sprinting the last 600 in 37.8. The four-year-old had two successive trial placings earlier in the spring before a resuming fourth at Waipukurau a month ago. Her work on Tuesday (course proper) of this week was impressive. Time honours this morning went to last-start Otaki winner Sentimental Miss and Quatromosa, who cut out 800m together in 50.1, the last 600 in 36.6. Quatromosa was unplaced on debut in the same race at Otaki. Rangitikei entrant Rusty In Melbourne (r65 1550m), unplaced when resuming at Trentham last month, covered 1000m in 1.4.2, the last 600 in 38.2, and she looks a big improver. Ringo (Bulls Country Cup) and last-start winner Prince Turbo (r65 2100m) were paired over 1000m in 1.5.2, the last 600 in 38.3. Both horses look certain to run prominently again on Saturday, with Ringo unlucky to run into an in-form Five To Midnight when second in the Feilding Cup last start. Bryce Newman-trained pair of Trending and Guillada were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.5.5, the last 600 in 39.2, and maiden Guillada (by Guillotine) has good form on the board. Lincoln Bay, in on Saturday (r65 2100m), had Robert Hannam in the saddle over 800m in 51.9, the last 600 in 39 even, and steps up over ground for the first time in two years. He has paid a dividend twice previously at 2100 metres. Stunning (mdn 1550m) was timed 800m in 54.1, the last 600 in 39.2, and Battle Creek (r65 1200m) was kept to 55.1 and 39.3. Lincoln Star and a Pins filly sprinted 600m in 39.7, while an Alamosa-Dawn Ghost gelding took 39.5. Sligo and a Pins gelding recorded 40.1. Veracious (r72 2100m) had trainer Deborah Parry aboard over a quiet round and half before sprinting home the last 600 in 41.1. Fruition did a quiet round as well, picking up an El Hermano gelding at the 800m on the second circuit to run the last 600 in 41.4. Un-raced Alamosa four-year-old Roxy Brown and a Tavistock filly, both trained by Peter Didham, sprinted 600m in 41.3, and a Guillotine-La Petite gelding trained by Leon Mudgway took 41.8.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, November 20 By RON GURNEY Paddy Bourke and the Mike Breslin-trained stablemates Prosecco, Sweepstake and Lincoln Honey were all impressive workers at Awapuni this morning. Fast gallops took place on the middle of the course proper (good) and on the plough (good). Times were very good on both tracks. Paddy Bourke used the course proper and had jockey Tim Johnson aboard over a very smart 1000m in 60.7, the last 600 in 34.7, and he has improved immensely with two races under the belt in a new campaign. Prosecco and Sweepstake were paired over 1000m in 1.3.5, the last 600 in 34.7, and Prosecco's return to race-day competition is awaited with interest after his second placing at the recent Otaki trials. Lincoln Honey was the last to use the course proper, yet cut out an eye-catching 800m in 47 even, the last 600 in 34.8. She has not raced since the autumn, when unplaced in two race-day appearances. Veloce and Calendar Girl, both trained by Talia Yeates, were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.2.8, the last 600 in 35.2, while Shared Secrets, who ran a much improved race at Awapuni last week, and Bruno Kelly came up with 1.2.1 and 36.4. Ringo and last-start winner Prince Turbo matched strides over 1000m in 1.2.4, the last 600 in 36.3, while Lyano and a Super Easy gelding. both trained by Mark Oulaghan, posted 1.3.6 and 36.3. Before Dawn and a Rip Van Winkle mare stablemate covered 1000m in 1.4.4, the last 600 in 36.5, and Makoura Lodge had Heavenly Echo for a partner over the same task in 1.4.8 and 37.2. De Gaulle, who placed at long odds last start, worked alone over 1000m in 1.6.6, the last 600 in 37.4, while a Per Incanto gelding and a Per Incanto filly, three-year-olds in the Oulaghan stable, recorded 1.4.2, the last 600 in 39 even. On the plough, Original Gangster, wearing blinkers, had Darryl Bradley in the saddle when warming up from the 1200m mark to be clocked from the 1000m in 1.3.5, the last 600 in 37.9. Glide Queen was another to work alone, and she left 1000m behind in 1.5.9, the last 600 in 37.7. Lincoln Star and He's A Freak went 800m together in 50.4, the last 600 in 37.3, and an un-named sister to Showing Grace (by Showcasing) took 51.4 and 37.2. Derecho and former northerner Salt 'n' Pepper were paired over 800m in 51 even, the last 600 in 38 even, and Lincoln Falls came up with 51.6 and 38.4. That's Amore and Platinum Invador (by Redwood) were together throughout 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 38.6, and Platinum Invador, unplaced in one start during the winter, finished third at the Otaki trials. Stunning and Lincoln Fury were timed 800m in 51.9, the last 600 in 39 even, while Fruition and Falakros did a quiet round and a half before galloping 800m in 54.8, the last 600 in 39.5.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, November 15 By RON GURNEY Stravinsky mare Prosecco looked ready to begin a new campaign on a good note when she trialled at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work was on the plough (good), with one trial recorded on the course proper and one on the sand. Fog prevented the timing of some early gallops. Prosecco used the plough and had stable apprentice Danielle Hirini aboard over 800m in 52.5, quickening up to run the last 600 in 37.7. The winner of three from 21 starts, Prosecco has not raced for over a year, but finished second at the recent Otaki trials (1000m). She has trained on well. Rosetta and a Per Incanto gelding stablemate were paired over 1000m in 1.7.3, the last 600 in 38.5, while Sweepstake and last-start winner Prince Turbo went 800m, the last 600 in 38.8. Lisa Latta-trained maidens Hell Fire and Ben Jovi covered 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 38.9, while an Alamosa gelding and a Rip Van Winkle filly, both trained by Mike Breslin, took 57.4 and 38.1. Windsor worked alone over 1000m in 1.15.1, the last 600 in 39.8, and Sunday's Waverley entrant Nighttronic (mdn 2200m) clocked 1.15.6 and 39.2. Last-start winner Last Chance had Robert Hannam in the saddle over a quiet 1000m in 1.12, the last 600 in 40.5, while a Niagara filly and an Iffraaj gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, did 800m in 58 even and 41.8. A Pierro gelding and an Alamosa gelding, two more from the Breslin barn, sprinted 600m in 41.9, and a two-year-old by Sebring and a two-year-old by Reliable Man, both with Roydon Bergerson, sprinted 600m in 42.2. On the course proper (against the rail), Just Fabulous and Original Gangster were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.4.3, coming the final 800m in 49.4, the last 600 in 35.7. On the sand, a Cape Blanco-Woodsong mare trained by David Goldsbury covered 1000m 1.6.2, the last 600 in 37 even.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, November 13 By RON GURNEY Secret Allure enhanced her prospects for the NZ One Thousand Guineas at Riccarton on Saturday with a first-class trial at Awapuni this morning. All fast work timed was on the plough (good), where Secret Allure was paired with stablemate Lincoln's Secret over a smart 800m in 48.3, the last in 600 in 36.5. This term, Secret Allure has yet to recapture some of the fine winning form last season as a two-year-old, when her two wins included the (Listed) Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton in May. However, she has been building steadily in the lower grades for this return trip to Christchurch with solid placings from her last two starts. She remains the dark horse for the Group 1 fillies' feature on Saturday. Lincoln's Secret (by Excelebration), a maiden winner last autumn, starts a fresh campaign at Awapuni on Thursday (r65 1550m No 2) and a big effort would not surprise given his trial this morning. Kapinos (Savabeel-Karla Bruni), who debuts in the maiden 3yo 1200m, had stablemate Windsor alongside over 1000m in 1.4.2, the last 600 in 37.5, and Kapinos goes racing with solid trial form to back the colt up. Shared Secrets (r72 2100m) warmed up from the 1200m to be timed from the 1000m in 1.5 even, the last 600 in 37.8, and she has improved with one race back from a spell. The blinkers go on. A Per Incanto filly trained by Mark Oulaghan did nice work over 1000m in 1.5.3, the last 600 in 37.9, and Rusty In Melbourne came up with 1.5.7 and 37 even. Lincoln Bay, in Thursday's r65 1550m (No 1), matched strides with un-raced Redwood four-year-old Chartwell over 800m in 50 seconds even, the last 600 in 37.1, and Wafer went alone in 51 even and 37.2. Ringo and maiden stablemate Before Dawn were on terms throughout 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 37.9, while Sabatica and Tonsberg, both of whom have raced since the autumn, took 52.3 and 38.8. Former northerners Salt 'n' Pepper and Nighttronic, both trained by Marieke Simons, caught the eye with their 1000m in 1.2.6, the last 600 in 38.4, and Lyano, a winner last prep for trainer Mark Oulaghan, recorded 1.4.9 and 38.7. Don't Know Jack (by Jakkalberry), unplaced on debut in October, and a Super Easy gelding, both trained by Mark Oulaghan, ran 1000m in 1.6 even, the last 600 in 38.2. Salamanca, in Thursday's open 1200m, ended with 600m in 38 3, while Miss Doherty (r65 1550m No 1) and Rosetta covered the distance in 1.7.5 and 39.8. A Per Incanto gelding in the Oulaghan barn ran 800m in 54.3, the last 600 in 39.2, and Thursday entrants Lincoln Melody (r72 2100m), a last-start winner at Otaki, and Fictitious (r65 2100m) were kept to 800m in 55.5 and 41.1.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, November 8 By RON GURNEY He's A Freak and maiden stablemate Tout Sur Moi highlighted a quiet gallop morning at Awapuni today. The majority of fast work was on the plough (good), with one other timed on the sand. He's A Freak and Tout Sur Moi were paired on the plough over 800m in 49.9, the last 600 in 37.4. Bad draws have done He's a Freak no favours in two races back from a winter break, despite running well at the trials in September. He could turn it all around at short notice. Tout Sur Moi, a four-year-old mare by Pour Moi, was unplaced in two races earlier this year, but is making solid progress in a new campaign. Windsor and un-raced stablemate Kapinos (by Savabeel), who has performed well at the trials, covered 800m in 51.5, the last 600 in 37.4, while Prosecco and a Rip Van Winkle filly took 52.1 and 37.9. Wafer, who ran a fast-finishing third at Hawera last start, had Rosie Myers aboard over 1000m in 1.4.8, coming the final 800m in 51 even, the last 600 in 38.1. Lincoln Dreamer (by Savabeel), who has not raced since the autumn, and Maidstone Park were on terms throughout 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 38.5, and Thien Ly was kept to 54.2 and 39.9. An Alamosa three-year-old and an Iffraaj four-year-old, geldings trained by Mike Breslin, sprinted 600m in 39.4, while Rusty In Melbourne was timed 800m in 54.4, the last 600 in 40.3. Miss Doherty had Rosetta for a partner over a quiet 800m in 55.5, the last 600 in 41.4, and Riccarton acceptor Du'blues (mdn 1400m) and a Saperavi maiden did a quiet round and a half before sprinting home 600m in 41.2 Sunday's Hawke's Bay candidates Falakros (mdn mile) and Fruition (r65 mile No 1) did two quiet rounds, ending in a 600m dash each time in 42.2 and 39.9 respectively. Beefeater, second in the Redcraze Bowl at Awapuni last Saturday, was kept to a quiet 800m, the last 600 in 42.1. On the sand, a Cape Blanco-Woodsong four-year-old mare trained by David Goldsbury, ended with 600m in 41.5.