In Rules

Thursday - October 5th

By RON GURNEY

A very pleasing trial by Heavens Keep at Awapuni this morning has given trainer Lucy Tanner a lot of confidence going into Saturday's meeting at Hawke's Bay. Fast work took place on the plough (good), with just one gallop recorded on the No 1 grass (slow).

Heavens Keep used the plough and had unraced stablemate Eugenie Joy (by Dalghar) alongside over 1000m (1.10.2), increasing the tempo as they went to come the final 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 36.8. Heavens Keep tackles the r85 mile on Saturday, the same race he won 12 months ago at double-figure odds ridden by Johnathan Parkes, who is back on board. Last-start winners Sir Nate and Platinum Volos were paired over 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 37.3, and a Postponed mare trained by Stephen Nickalls took 53.3 and 38.4. A Nom du gelding, also trained by Nickalls, covered 1000m in 1.7.4, the last 600 in 38.2. Hawke's Bay runner Brad Thorn (r75 2200m) did a quiet round (1400m) before picking up Stephenstihls (r75 1400m) on the second circuit to run 1000m in 1.8.1, the last 600 in 38.1, while a Guillotine gelding from the Nickalls barn clocked 1.9.5 and 38.7. Elucidate completed a nice 1000m in 1.4.8, the last 600 in 39.1, and Mango (by Falkirk), unplaced on debut in May, came up with 1.8.6 and 39.2. That's Amore and Kathy's Lincoln were on terms throughout 800m in 55.1, the last 600 in 40.5. Raul, who was a costly failure on debut in the autumn, ran 800m in 55.5, the last 600 in 41.5, and an Alamosa half-sister to Mighty Matt sprinted 600m in 41.2. Hawke's Bay entrant Beefeater (r85 mile), who will race without blinkers, had French Serge for a partner over a quiet 1000m in 1.12.8, the last 600 in 42.3.

On the No 1 grass, an Iffraaj filly and an Alamosa gelding, both trained by Lisa Latta, covered 800m in 53.4, the last 600 in 39.7.

Tuesday - October 3rd

By RON GURNEY

Five To Midnight and Kamanda Lincoln were in grand form at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work took place on the plough (good), where Five To Midnight and Kamanda Lincoln were paired over a solid 1000m in 1.4.3, the last 600 in 35.7, and they look ready for business. Ticket Clipper, a huge disappointment at his last start, ended with 600m in 36.2.

Brad Thorn worked impressively on his own, cutting out 1000m in 1.2.5, the last 600 in 37 even, while his stablemates Glengoyne and a Road To Rock mare covered 800m in 49.4, the last 600 in 37.5. Authentic Paddy and Black Sav came up with 50.9 and 37.2. Beefeater and Hank Moody stayed locked together over 1000m in 1.3.1, the last 600 in 38.4, and Heavens Keep, with trainer Lucy Tanner in the saddle, went alone in 1.5.1 and 38.6. Shadows Cast ran the same distance in 1.5.6 and 38.7, while Al Munroe took 1.5.9 and 38.6. Suffign, close to starting a new campaign, was timed 1000m in 1.6.6, the last 600 in 38.2, while a Nadeem maiden and a Thano maiden, both trained by Mark Oulaghan, clocked 1.5.6 and 39.1. Ringo and Stephenstihls were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.5.8, the last 600 in 39.4, and Mr Baggins (by Mettre En Jeu) did a quiet round before galloping 1000m in 1.7.9, the last 600 in 39.9. He is with Liz Rennie. Fusion, off to Waverley on Thursday (mdn 2200m), had trainer Deborah Parry aboard over 1000m in 1.11.2, the last 600 in 39.5, and Roc 'N' It recorded 1.7.2 and 40.1. Des De Jeu (r65 2200m) required 1.8.1 and 40 even, while Miss Oahu (mdn 1200m) was kept to 1.10.8 and 40.1.

On the sand, Exhibit was given a quiet 1000m in 1.14.1, quickening over the last 600m in 42 even.

Thursday - September 28th

By RON GURNEY

Salamanca and Boxachocolates were impressive in training at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the plough (good) and on the heavy No 1 grass.

Salamanca and Boxachocolates used the plough and stayed locked together over a bold 800m in 47.9, the last 600 in 36.3, and both Alamosa horses have freshened nicely since racing in mid-winter. Their re-appearance on raceday is awaited with plenty of interest. Prosecco and Sweepstake, two more from the Breslin barn, also galloped strongly over the same distance, running the 800m in 49.5, the last 600 in  36.8, while their stablemates Strada Roccia and a Darci Brahma filly came up with 50.1 and 36.9. Windermere Lad, who will be ridden by Matthew Cropp in a maiden hurdle at Te Aroha on Sunday, really caught the eye when working alone the reverse way (right-handed). He began with a quiet round (1400m) before speeding up on the second circuit to run 1000m in 1.3.1, the last 600 in 37.3. He deserves respect. Ozil and Stephenstihls were paired over 1000m in 1.3.9, the last 600 in 37.5, while a Nadeem gelding and a Thano gelding, both trained by Mark Oulaghan, recorded a very respectable 1.4.2 and 37.1. Shadows Cast left 800m behind in 50.9, the last 600 in 37.4, while Ravenhill and a Savabeel filly took 51.2 and 37.7.

Ringo and Brad Thorn matched strides over 1000m in 1.4.8, the last 600 in 38.6, while recent debut two-year-old winner Sir Nate and an O'Reilly colt were timed 800m in 52.7, the last 600 in 38.2. A Postponed mare trained by Stephen Nickalls posted 53.2 and 38.6. Mustafa cruised over 800m in 53.9, the last 600 in 38.3, while a Swiss Ace colt and a Sizzling colt, both trained by Mike Breslin, took 55.1 and 38.1. Wafer was at a good clip early over 800m in 51.5, but eased to record 39.2 for the last 600. A Faltaat gelding trained by Laura Knight, ran 800m in 53.5 and 39.4. Itsagem, in the r75 1400m at New Plymouth on Saturday, worked alone over a quiet 800m in 55 even, the last 600 in 39.4, and race rival King Cougar had Heni alongside over the same distance in 55.6 and 39.9. A Guillotine gelding trained by Stephen Nickalls sprinted 600m in 40.8.

On the No 1 grass, jumpers Our Gazza and The Great Guru, both heading to Te Aroha on Sunday for hurdle races, ran 1000m in 1.7.7, the last 600 in 39.6, and they are both strong winning chances. Yin Dragon, in the greys' race (1400m) at New Plymouth, went 800m in 55.7, the last 600 in 41.6. Rock Island Line, a Foxton trial winner earlier this month, and He's A Freak covered 800m in 56.7, the last 600 in 42.6, and New Plymouth entrant Keep It Savvy, a big chance fresh up (r65 1300m), went alone in 58.2 and 43.5.

Tuesday - September 26th

By RON GURNEY

Lightly-raced maiden Shez Gonna Getcha stole the show in training at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the plough (slow) and on the heavy No 1 grass.

Shez Gonna Getcha, who won a Foxton trial (1000m) three weeks ago, used the plough and sped over 1000m in 1.2.6, the last 600 in 37.7. Trained by David Hayes, the five-year-old mare paid a dividend three times from just four raceday appearances in her last preparation and has come as well as ever. Thursday's Waipukurau entrant To Sir With Love (mdn mile) pleased trainer Lucy Tanner with 1000m in 1.6 even, the last 600 in 38.3, and race rival Counter Attack came up with 1.6.2 and 38.5. Luroel, a maiden winner last spring, covered 800m in 52.1, the last 600 in 38.2. Al Munroe had stable apprentice Tim Johnson aboard over 1000m in 1.8.4, the last 600 in 39.5, while Hank Moody (r75 mile) and Beefeater went together in 1.8.3 and 39.9. Maiden mare Suffign, who has not raced since April, posted 1.8.3 and 39.8. Belle Canto (mdn 1200m) and unraced Pania (mdn 3yo 1200m), in at Waipukurau, were paired over 800m in 55 even, the last 600 in 39.9, while a Rip Van Winkle filly and a Road To Rock mare, both trained by Mike Breslin, recorded 55.3 and 39 even. Yemanya went alone in 55.4 and 40.6.

Unraced Faltaat mare Hidden Valley, trained by Liz Rennie, was timed 1000m in 1.9.2, the last 600 in 40.3, and Saturday's Taranaki entrant King Cougar (r75 1400m) was kept to 1.9.9 and 40.7. Veracious, heading to Waipukurau (r65 mile), had trainer Deborah Parry aboard over a quiet 1000m in 1.13.2 and 40.9. Last Chance (r65 f&m 1400m) was not after time over 800m in 56.9, the last 600 in 41.3, and a Savabeel filly trained by Lisa Latta took 56.6 and 41.8. Fibonaaci was kept to 800m in 57.7 and 41 even, and his  stablemate Miss Interpreted (r65 mile), posted 58.8 and 42.6. Amorata was at pace from the winning post and timed from the 1000m in 1.11.5, the last 600 in 42.8, while her stablemates Rosetta and a Pins-Trocair gelding were much quieter with 800m in 59.6 and 43.6. Possible Waipukurau runners Son Of Surf (mdn 3yo 1200m) and Jessiegee (r75 mile) went 600m in 44.1.

On the No 1 grass, last-start winner Yin Dragon, a double entrant for Taranaki, had Keep It Savvy (r65 1300m) for a partner over 800m in 52.6, the last 600 in 39.6, while Just Georgie and unraced Just Chocolate (by Nom Du Jeu), third at the Waverley trials last month, took an easy 56.6 and 42.3. They are with Gail Temperton. Candy Cross (by St Reims) and Edwardian Lady (by Sufficient), four-year-old mares trained by Temperton, ran 800m in 58 even, the last 600 in 43.4.

Thursday - September 21st

By RON GURNEY

Salamanca and Heni have been freshened and are poised for a huge return to spring competition judging by their gallop together at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Salamanca and Heni were paired over a very smart 800m in 48.6, the last 600 in 36.9. Both horses have not raced since July.

Black Sav and Keep It Savvy, two more in a fresh start, were on terms throughout 800m in 49.3, the last 600 in 36.6, and unraced Dalghar three-year-old filly Eugenie Joy, trained by Lucy Tanner, was timed 1000m in 1.8.4, sprinting hard the last 600 in 36.4. Petite Midas and a Darci Brahma filly covered 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 37.1, and Just Georgie (by Gold Centre), who has not raced since the summer, ended with a solid 600m in 37 even. Nom Du Beel, a form runner for the r65 2200m at Hastings on Saturday, did a quiet round (1400m) before galloping 800m in 51 even, the last 60 in 38.9, while Pania and Rosetta went together in 52.8 and 38.7. Tip The Dancer and Strada Roccia recorded 52.9 and 38.8. Heavens Keep (r85 1400m) and To Sir With Love matched strides over 1000m in 1.8.3, coming the final 800m in 52.2, the last 600 in 38.6, followed soon after by Beefeater, also in the r85 1400m, and Hank Moody, who posted 1.7.8 for 1000m, running home the final 800m in 53 even, the last 600 in 39.2.

Ozil and Sweepstake stayed together over 800m in 53.2, the last 600 in 39.5, and their stablemate Wafer went alone in 53.3 and 39.4. An O'Reilly filly and a Pins gelding, both trained by Roydon Bergerson, sprinted 600m in 40.1. The O'Reilly filly is a half-sister to Nashville, while the Pins gelding is a half-brother to Shillelagh. Jeff Lynds-trained four-year-old mare Close To Me (by Stravinsky), unplaced on debut in April, had a Redwood gelding alongside when running 600m in 41.7, while Lovetokeephim, in Saturday's r65 2200m at Hastings, was kept to three-quarter pace on the sand.

Tuesday - September 19th

By RON GURNEY

Jessiegee and Boxachocolates looked on song for spring racing when they galloped together at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the outside of the heavy course proper, on the plough (good), with one gallop recorded on the sand (good).

Jessiegee and Boxachocolates used the course proper and were able to reel off a pleasing 800m in 51.3, the last 600 in 36.2. Jessiegee resumed on the first day at Hastings (1300m) with an unlucky fifth placing and looks a huge improver. Their stablemates Prosecco and Ravenhill were paired over 800m in 53 even, the last 600 in 38.2, and Hawke's Bay entrant Heavens Keep (r85 1400m), with raceday rider Tim Johnson aboard, covered 1000m in 1.4.3, the last 600 in 39.7. Nom Du Beel (r65 2200m) and Cullister, in at Wanganui on Thursday (mdn hurdle), came up with 1.5.1 and 39.3. Showing Grace, racing without blinkers at Wanganui (r65 mile), ran 800m in 54.8, the last 600 in 39.5, while Platinum Valos, who has been gelded, and Leicacutcat, both in the maiden 1200m there, posted 54.7 and 40 even. Rock Rulz (by Road To Rock), who has not raced since the autumn, clocked 56 even and 40.9. Wanganui runner Lucky Snip (mdn f&m mile) and Roc 'N' It matched strides over 1000m in 1.4.9, the last 600 in 40.7, while an Ekraar filly and a No Excuse Needed gelding, both trained by Matthew Eales, went 1.7.1 and 41.7. Lovetokeephim, in at Hawke's Bay (r65 2200m), was given a quiet 800m, the last 600 in 42.2.

On the plough, Shadows Cast caught the eye with his first-class trial over 1000m in 1.1.0 even, the last 600 in 36.2. He ran a solid third at the Foxton trials (1000m) two weeks ago, while Hank Moody and Hawke's Bay entrant Beefeater (r85 1400m), who finished second in the same heat as Shadows Cast, were paired over the 1000m in 1.2.5 and 36.9. A Darci Brahma filly and a Rip Van Winkle filly, both trained by Mike Breslin, sprinted 600m in 37.8, and Mustafa, unplaced in two raceday appearances so far, covered 1000m in 1.6 even, the last 600 in 38.7. Hawke's Bay entrants Kamanda Lincoln (r65 1400m) and Jimmy Lincoln (3yo 1100m) were sent 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 38.2. Jimmy Lincoln was also nominated for Taupo (r65 1300m) on Friday. Counter Attack, who makes his hurdle debut on Thursday, earned admirers with his 1000m in 1.3.5, the last 600 in 39.3. He has been working well, and his stablemate Al Munroe came up with 1.6.5 and 40.1. Belle Canto, second and third in as many raceday starts so far, and recent Foxton trial winner French Serge were kept to 800m in 56.7, the last 600 in 40.7 while their stablemates Pania and an O'Reilly maiden were given an easy 600m in 44.7.

On the sand, four-year-old maiden mare Suffign, who has not raced since the autumn, did a quiet round before galloping home 600m on the second circuit in 42.3, and Our Gazza, in the restricted open hurdle on Thursday, did a couple of rounds over the brush fences in the centre.

Thursday - September 14

BY RON GURNEY

Windermere Lad and Son Of Surf drew plenty of attention for Saturday after a first-class final trial at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the plough (good) and on the heavy No 1 grass, with one gallop recorded on the sand (good).

On the plough. Windermere Lad (r65 2100m) did a quiet round (1400m) before picking up stablemate Son Of Surf (mdn 3yo 1200m) on the second circuit to run home 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 37.4. Windermere Lad finished third over hurdles last start, but is quite capable of transferring that form to the flat on Saturday with the help of a 2kg claim (Danielle Hirini). Son Of Surf, on the other hand, worked up well at the trials before his two raceday outings so far, which were full of merit. He will have a 2kg claim (Hirini) as well. Time honours went to their stablemates Wafer and Heni, who cut out a smart 800m in 48.8, the last 600 in 35.9, and Salamanca and Sweepstake, two more from the Breslin barn, ended with 600m in 37 even. Mustafa worked alone over 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 37.3, while Nasheeta and Callidora went together in 51 even and 37.8. Kamanda Lincoln and Mighty Solomon were at a good clip early over 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 38.1. Strada Roccia and Tip The Dancer covered 1000m in 1.9.3, the last 600 in 38.3. Rosetta and a Pins half-brother to Shillelagh sprinted 600m in 39.5, while Raul and a Savabeel filly went 800m in 53.1, the last 600 in 39.1. Des De Jeu (r65 2100m) went alone in 53.1 and 39.3. Petite Midas and a Darci Brahma filly were kept to 55.1 and 39.8. Two Savabeel colts trained by Lisa Latta were timed 800m in 54.6, the last 600 in 40.2, while an O'Reilly two-year-old and an Alamosa two-year-old, both trained by Roydon Bergerson, were given an easy 600m in 42.3.

On the No 1 grass, Platinum Command, in the open mile on Saturday, had a lightweight aboard over 800m in 53.2, the last 600 in 41 even, while Bannockburn (r75 1200m) and Itsagem (r75 1550m) went together in 55.1 and 41.9. Showing Grace, who will race without blinkers in the r65 1550m, did liittle more than three-quarter pace over 600m with a three-year-old Ekraar filly.

On the sand, Lovetokeephim (r65 2100m) worked over a round before speeding up on the second circuit to run 800m in 55.1, the last 600 in 40 even. He could have gone a lot quicker if allowed, and looks in fine fettle.

Tuesday - September 12th

By RON GURNEY

Showing Grace, who has finished unplaced in two races since winning at Hastings in July, galloped in great style at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work took place on the plough (good), with just two gallops recorded on the heavy No 1 grass.

Showing Grace used the plough and, with a lightweight aboard, skipped over 1000m in a solid 1.1.6, the last 600 in 36.4. She could make amends in the r75 1550m race at Awapuni on Saturday. Son Of Surf (mdn 3yo 1200m) and Jessiegee were paired over 800m in 51.8, the last 600 in 36.1, and Counter Attack did well to clock 1.8.2 for 1000m, sprinting the last 600 in 36.5. Lovetokeephim (r65 2100m), was clear of Thursday's Taranaki runner To Sir With Love (mdn mile) at the finish of 1000m in 1.3.8, the last 600 in 37 even, while a Thano four-year-old and a Nadeem four-year-old, both trained by Mark Oulaghan, came up with 1.3.9 and 37.8. Authentic Paddy and Platinum Command, both in the open mile, were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.4.3, the last 600 in 37.2, while Baxstreetboy (by Burgundy) and a Cape Blanco filly posted 1.5.5 and 37.3. They are with David Goldsbury. Windermere Lad (r65 2100m) schooled over the hurdles in the centre before coming out to run 800m in 55.2, the last 600 in 37.2. Cullister and Nom Du Beel matched strides over 1000m in 1.5.2, the last 600 in 38.5, and Battle Creek (double nominee) looked comfortable completing 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 38.3. Boxachocolates and Ravenhill left 800m behind in 53.9, the last 600 in 39.8, while Mr Baggins (by Mettre En Jeu) and unraced Hidden Valley (by Faltaat) ended with 39.7. They are with Elizabeth Rennie. Brad Thorn (r85 1800m) worked alone over 1000m in 1.9.6, the last 600 in 40.3, and Des De Jeu (r65 2100m) did a quiet round before galloping 1000m in 1.13.3, the last 600 in 40.8. Beefeater and Belle Canto were kept to 800m in 55.3 and 40.5. An Alamosa filly and an O'Reilly filly, both trained by Roydon Bergerson, sprinted 600m in 40.9. Cartagena was sent 1000m in 1.10.7, the last 600 in 41.5, while Yemanya and Rosetta, were only allowed 800m in 56.6, the last 600 in  41.8. Prosecco and a Darci Brahma filly stablemate sprinted 600m in 41.4, while unraced Ocean Park three-year-old filly Pania and a Pins gelding, both in the Bergerson barn, took 42.4. Exhibit, after a quiet round and a half, recorded 42.6.

On the No 1 grass, Five To Midnight (open mile) and Keep It Savvy covered 800m in 52.2, the last 600 in 39.6, while their stablemates Yin Dragon (double nominee) and Platinum Edition (mdn 3yo 1200m) came up with 55.6 and 42 even.

Thursday - September 7th

By RON GURNEY

Maiden jumper Paddy Owen looked well and truly ready for his northern trip to Auckland with a first-class final trial at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the plough (good), with just three horses using the heavy No 1 grass.

Paddy Owen used the plough and warmed up from the 1200m to run 1000m in 1.5 even, the last 600 in 36.3, and he deserves the utmost respect in the first of the maiden steeplechases at Ellerslie on Saturday. He was placed over country at Riccarton two starts ago before pulling up in the Grand National itself three days later. Salamanca and Heni were paired over 800m in 54.5, the last 600 sprinting hard in 36.9, while Edwardian Lady (by Sufficient), unplaced on debut in  May, and Just Georgie (by Gold Centre) sprinted 600m in 37.1. Wafer and Tip The Dancer posted 38.2. Heavens Keep, in the open 1200m at Wanganui on Saturday, had trainer Lucy Tanner aboard over a nice 1000m in 1.4.7, the last 600 in 38.4, and his stablemate To Sir With Love was kept to 1.9.1 and 38.8. Windermere Lad did a quiet round then picked up Son Of Surf on the second circuit to run 800m in 52.2, the last 600 in 38.3. Platinum Diva (Foxwedge), who has not raced since the summer, was timed 1000m in 1.10.6, the last 600 in 39.6, and Mustafa recorded 1.9 even and 39.9. Grand National winner and Great Northern prospect Upper Cut had stable apprentice Tim Johnson in the saddle over 1400m, being timed from the 1000m in 1.11.1, the last 600 in 41.9. He looks in great order. Ollie's Note had trainer Laura Knight aboard over a quiet 1000m in 1.13 even, the last 600 in 41.3, and Prosecco was kept to 600m in 42.8.

On the No 1 grass, Wanganui acceptor Thorn Pass (r75 2040m), who worked in grand style on Tuesday, had Roc 'N' It for a partner over 800m in 52.4, the last 600 in 39.7, and Last Chance (r65 1200m) went alone in 54.6 and 41.1.

Tuesday - September 5th

By RON GURNEY

Thorn Pass and Our Gazza attracted plenty of attention after their bold trial together at Awapuni this morning. Fast work toook place on the outside of the course proper (dead) and on the plough (good).

Thorn Pass and Our Gazza really appreciated the improved track conditions and were able to cut out 1000m in 1.1.2, the last 600 in 36.2. Thorn Pass is knocking on the door, though it has been some time since he won a race (Jan, 16). Our Gazza is fresh from hurdling at the Grand National meeting last month. Kamanda Lincoln and Last Chance were paired over 800m in 50.7, ther last 600 in 37.4, while their stablemates Master Platinum and Lincoln Bay came up with 51 even and 37.2. My Magician, off to Ellerslie for the maiden steeplechase on Saturday, worked over a mile the reverse way (right-handed), being timed from the 1200m in 1.19.9, the last 600 in 37.6, while Grand National Steeplechase winner Upper Cut, who tackles the Great Northern on Saturday, did similar work (right-handed), covering the 1000m in 1.20.8, the last 600 in 37.7. To Sir With Love and Heavens Keep matched strides over 1000m in 1.4.4, the last 600 in 38.6, and Al Munroe recorded 1.7.3 and 38.9. Des De Jeu was sent 1200m in 1.18.4, the last 600 in 40.1.

On the plough, unraced three-year-old gelding Baxstreetboy (by Burgundy) and a Cape Blanco filly, both trained by David Goldsbury, did a quiet round (1400m) before running 1000m in 1.9.2, the last 600 in 37.8,  while Boxachocolates and Tip The Dancer sprinted 600m in 37 even. Mustafa worked alone over 800m in 52.6, the last 600 in 38.8, while a Mastercraftsman filly and a Sebring filly, both trained by Mark Oulaghan, did a quiet round and a half before sprinting home 600m in 39.1. Salamanca dashed 600m in 40.2, and his stablemate Wafer posted 40.8. Ollie's Note was not after time over 1000m in 1.15.1, the last 600 in 42.5, while a Rip Van Winkle filly and a Darci Brahma filly, both trained by Mike Breslin, sprinted 600m in 42.3. Strada Roccia and Ravenhill took 42.6, and Heni clocked 43.2.