In Rules

Thursday - August 31st

By RON GURNEY

Heavens Keep begins a new campaign at Hastings this week and his final gallop at Awapuni this morning suggested some stake money was not out of the question. The majority of fast work took place on the plough (good), with just one gallop recorded on the heavy No 1 grass after overnight rain.

Heavens Keep, in the r85 1200m on Saturday, used the plough and had trainer Lucy Tanner aboard over a strong 1000m in 1.3.1, coming his final 800m in 49.7, the last 600 in 37.6. Awapuni apprentice Tim Johnson will ride Heavens Keep with a 2kg claim. Time honours over the last 600 metres went to Black Sav and Five To Midnight, who cut out 1000m in 1.5.1, the last 600 in 36.3, while Red Red Robin (by Fully Flegded), who last raced in the autumn, clocked 1.9.4 and 37.9. She is with David Hayes. Hastings entrant Itsagem (r75 mile) and Rip Into Ghia were paired over 800m in 50.9, the last 600 in 37.6, while Just Georgie (by Gold Centre), who has not raced since the summer, and Edwardian Lady (by Sufficient), unplaced on debut in May, sprinted 600m in 37.5. They are with Gail Temperton. Ollie's Note had trainer Laura Knight in the saddle over 1000m in 1.5.2, the last 600 in 38.9, while a Darci Brahma filly and a Pour Moi filly, both trained by Lisa Latta, ran 800m in 53 even, the last 600 in 38.8. That's Amore posted 52.2 and 38.3. Sweepstake and Son Of Surf were on terms throughout 800m in 53.5, the last 600 in 38.7, and Bushfire had an Ocean Park filly stablemate alongside over a 600m dash in 38.5. Lincoln Hills, off to Hastings on Saturday (3yo 1200m), ended with 600m in 39.1.

Authentic Paddy (Tarzino Trophy) was timed an easy 1000m in 1.14.6, coming in from the 800m in 55.4, the last 600 in 39.2. He finished fifth in the Hastings race last year and looks in fine fettle after his Foxbridge Plate resuming run (5th) a few weeks ago. Dal KIlchoan covered 1000m in 1.7.1, the last 600 in 39.3, while Hastings runner Carnaby (r65 2000m) and Adonis went together in 1.9.8 and 40.1. Unraced Faltaat mare Hidden Valley and Mr Baggins (by Mettre En Jeu), unplaced on debut in March, came up with 1.10.1 and 40.1. They are with Elizabeth Rennie. Laura Knight's unraced Faltaat gelding left 800m behind in 55.9, the last 600 in 40.5, while Hastings entrant Beefeater (r85 1200m) and unraced Alamosa three-year-old Windsor ended with 600m in 41.2. Boxachocolates and a Reliable Man colt clocked 41.4, and Ravenhill (by Bernadini), who showed good maiden form in the autumn, posted 42.7. Nom Du Beel (r65 2000m) did a quiet round and a half before galloping 800m in 57.1, the last 600 in 42.5, while Grand National winner Upper Cut did similar work, finishing with 1000m in 1.12.5, the last 600 in 43.5. Amorata was given a quiet 1000m, the last 600 in 45.3.

On the No 1 grass, Tarzino Trophy hopeful Ringo and Stephenstihls (r75 mile) matched strides over 800m in 57.9, the last 600in 42.3. 

Tuesday -August 29th

By RON GURNEY

Authentic Paddy and Mighty Solomon lapped up the improved track conditions to record a first-class semi-final trial together at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the outside of the course proper (slow), on the No 1 grass (slow) and on the plough (good).

Authentic Paddy and Mighty Solomon used the course proper and were at an even clip early over 800m in 50.9, increasing the tempo for the final section to come home the last 600 in 35.9. Both horses ran solid races in the Foxbridge Plate (1200m) last start, especially Mighty Solomon, who was blocked for a run in the home straight. They look huge improvers for the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on Saturday. Heavens Keep (r85 1200m) and Thursday's Woodville runner To Sir With Love (mdn 1400m) caught the eye when galloping together over 1000m in 1.2.7, the last 600 in 38.1, while Carnaby (Hawke's Bay) and Nasheeta lost no kudos with their 1.2.4 and 38.8. Lincoln Hills (Hawke's Bay) and Jimmy Lincoln were paired over 800m in 50.6, the last 600 in 38.1. De Gaulle (Hawke's Bay) and Princess Spice gathered speed from the 800m, which they covered in 56.6, to run home the last 600 in 38.9, and Ringo (Tarzino Trophy) had Stephenstihls (r75 mile) for a partner over 1000m in 1.4.2, the last 600 in 39.6. Last-start winner Lovetokeephim (r65 2000m) was timed 800m in 56 even, the last 600 in 39.4.

Just two gallops were recorded on the No 1 grass, where Thursday's Woodville acceptors Lucky Snip (mdn mile) and Kathy's Lincoln (mdn 1400m) were sent 800m in together in 52.7, the last 600 in 39.9. Yin Dragon (r75 1200m) went alone in 53.2 and 40.2.

On the plough, Mike Breslin-trained Raul, second at the Foxton trials last week, and a Jimmy Choux-Salada three-year-old gelding covered 800m in 49.4, the last 600 in 36.9, while The Rippa, a winner from the trials, and Almo Street clocked 50.4 and 36.3. The Rippa is in at Woodville (mdn 1200m) on Thursday without blinkers. A Savabeel filly and a Fully Fledged filly, both trained by Breslin, were on terms throughout 800m in 50.5, the last 600 in 37.1, while Back Street Boy and a Cape Blanco filly, both trained by David Goldsbury, ran 1000m in 1.7.2, the last 600 in 37.3. Bryce Newman-trained Belladita (by Savabeel) and Belle Canto, trained by Roydon Bergerson went 1.8 even and 38.2. Woodville runners Veracious (r65 f&m mile) and Fusion (mdn mile) matched strides over 1000m in 1.8.5, the last 600 in 38.7, and Exhibit did a quiet round and a half before galloping 1000m in 1.10.6 and 38.4. Cullister (r65 f&m mile), who will race without blinkers, warmed up from the 1000m to come home 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 38.5. Luroel had Masa Tanaka aboard over 800m in 52.7, the last 600 in 38.1, while his stablemates Beefeater and unraced Alamosa three-year-old Windsor went together in 53.1 and 38.6. Beau Jeu, unplaced on debut in May, clocked 52.7 and 39 even, and Shadows Cast ended 1000m with 800m in 53.2 and 39.3. Hawke's Bay entrant Fruition (r65 1400m) and Helvetica were paired over 1000m in 1.7.5, the last 600 in 39.4, while a Thano gelding and a Nadeem gelding, both four-year-olds with Mark Oulaghan, took 1.7.7 and 39.2. Cartagena, off to Woodville (mdn 2100m), and Elucidate posted 1.9.1 and 40.3.

A No Excuse Needed gelding and an Ekraar filly, both trained by Matthew Eales, were timed 800m in 54.2, the last 600 in 40.6, and Amorata, making good progress in a new campaign, was kept to 55.3 and 40.5. Her stablemates Hard But Fair and unraced Ocean Park filly Pania required 56.6 and 40.4. Talented filly Dijon Bleu, third when resuming at Taupo a few weeks ago, sprinted 600m in 40.7, while a Sebring filly and a Mastercraftsman filly, both trained by Mark Oulaghan, ended with 800m in 56.4, the last 600 in 41.3. Woodville runner Miss Interpreted (r65 f&m mile) was not after time over 800m in 57.1, while Hank Moody, a winner at the Foxton trials last week, and French Serge were even quieter with 58.3 and 43.1.

Thursday - August 24th

By RON GURNEY

Platinum Command rounded off her preparation for the Pakuranhga Hunt meeting on Saturday with a very satisfactory final trial at Awapuni this morning. Fast work during a quiet session was on the heavy No 1 grass and on the plough.

Platinum Command was the only horse to use the No 1 grass and, under a light weight, reeled off 800m in 52.4, the last 600 in 39.5. She looks in fine order for Ellerslie and is much fitter for her recent racing at Riccarton. On the plough, time honours easily went to four-year-old maiden mare Temptress (by Per Incanto), who warmed up from the 800m to sprint home the last 600 in 35.6. She has not raced since mid-May. A Savabeel colt and a Savabeel filly, two more trained by Lisa Latta, ran 800m in 53.3, the last 600 in 38.2. Ollie's Note, an acceptor for the r75 mile at Ellerslie on Saturday, worked with an unraced Faltaat-Leonucasam four-year-old gelding over 800m in 54 even, the last 600 in 38.7, while Missmosa and a Reliable Man colt sprinted 600m in 38.5. He's A Freak and a Dalghar maiden took 38.8.

A Savabeel filly and a So You Think filly, both trained by Lisa Latta, covered 800m in 54.6, the last 600 in 39.1, while their stablemates Father Lenihan (by O'Reilly) and Rock Island Line (by Rock 'n' Pop), both unplaced on debut in May, came up with 53.8 and 40.2. Brad Thorn, who will represent Manawatu in the ITM Interprovincial Challenge at New Plymouth on Saturday, was kept to 1000m in 1.9.4, the last 600 in 40.8, and his stablemate Sweepstake, who has not raced since January, sprinted 600m in 42.9.

Tuesday - August 22nd

By RON GURNEY

La Monnoye and stablemate Du'Blues looked on song for Woodville on Thursday when they galloped together at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the plough (good) and on the heavy No 1 grass.

La Monnoye (r65 140m) and Du'Blues (mdn 3yo 1100m) used the plough and cut out a bold 1000m in 1.5.2, the last 600 in 35.9, which was excellent work. Both horses have been freshened by trainer Ashley Meadows and it would not surprise if both paid a dividend. Heavens Keep and stablemate To Sir With Love covered 1000m in 1.3.3, the last 600 in 37.7, while Woodville entrant Nom Du Beel (r65 2100m) and Cullister came up with 1.3.6 and 37.3. Son Of Surf (mdn 3yo 1100m) worked alone over 800m in 53.4, the last 600 in 38.3. He was unplaced on debut last month, but looks a definite improver. Dal KIlchoan (mdn mile) left 1000m behind in 1.9.9, the last 600 in 40 even, while Vows You Made (mdn 3yo 1100m) and Carnaby (r65 2100m) sprinted 600m in 41.1. Luroel was a lot quieter with 43.3.

On the No 1 grass, Platinum Command and Miss Oahu were paired over 800m in 55.5, the last 600 in 41 even, while their stablemates Platinum  Edition and Dreams Of Platinum, both in the maiden 3yo 1100m on Thursday, clocked 55.4 and 41.4.

Tuesday - August 17th

By RON GURNEY

Thorn Pass and Don'stopgirl, who are heading in different directions this Saturday, completed a very pleasing trial together at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the plough (good) and on the heavy No 1 grass.

Thorn Pass and Don'stopgirl used the plough and were able to cut out a solid 1000m in 1.5.1, the last 600 in 37.4. Thorn Pass is an acceptor at Waikato (r75  2100m) and, despite a good record on heavy tracks, some of his best races have been on far better footing. Don'stopgirl is in a freshened state for a r65 mile at Wairarapa. Time honours went to two unraced horses from the stable of Mike Breslin, who had an Excelebration filly and a Savabeel filly go 800m together in 50.3, the last 600 in 36.8, while Lisa Latta-trained Lincoln Bay and The Rippa came up with 50.7 and 36.4. Raul and Son Of Surf were on terms throughout 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 37.1, while their stablemates Miss Norway (Waikato) and Glengoyne (Wairarapa) did a quiet round (1400m) before galloping 1000m in 1.8.1, the last 600 in 38 even. Both horses have been working solidly. Itsagem, in at Wairarapa (r75 1400m), is holding her form well and covered 800m alone in 54.3, the last 600 in 39.3, and her race rivals Brad Thorn and Stephenstihls went 800m together in 55.9 and 39.9. Ozil and King Cougar, both in the r65 1000m, ended with 600m in 40.2, and Ozil was placed third at the Waverley trials recently.

Wanganui runner Des De Jeu (r65 2060m) gathered speed from the 1200m and was timed 1000m in 1.7.8, the last 600 in 40.5, while his stablemate Counter Attack (mdn 2060m) was set a similar assignment, covering 1000m in 1.9 even and 40.6. Mustafa, in at Wairarapa (mdn 1400m), gathered speed from the 800m to run home the last 600 in 40.8. Nom Du Beel, in on Saturday (r65 mile), was given a quiet 1000m in 1.12.2, the last 600 in 41.3, and Waikato entrant Leeds (r85 mile) had Wairarapa runner Missmosa alongside over an easy 800m in 55.9 and 41.2. The blinkers come off Missmosa for the maiden 1400m. Miss Interpreted (Wairarapa), a much improved third last start, worked alone over a quiet 800m in 56.9, the last 600 in 42.3, and Nasheeta (Wairarapa) sprinted 600m in 42.1. Rusty In Melbourne recorded 43.6, and Sweepstake 43.7. An Alamosa gelding and a He's Remarkable gelding, both trained by Lisa Latta, took 43.9.

On the No 1 grass, Platinum Edition was clear of Wanganui acceptor Margaux Glas (mdn 1200m) after 800m in 58.1, the last 600 in 44.5, while Lucky Snip and Duchess Of Lincoln, race rivals in the maiden 1360m, took 58.3 and 44.7. Wairarapa runner Bannockburn (r85 1000m) and Kathy's Lincoln, unplaced on debut last month, came up with 58.8. and 45.5.

Tuesday - August 15

By RON GURNEY

Glengoyne and Miss Norway stole the show again when galloping impressively at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work took place on the plough (good), with just one gallop recorded on the heavy No 1 grass.

Glengoyne and Miss Norway used the plough and were paired over a strong 1000m in 1.2 even, the last 600 in 36.9, and these two horses have been marking time for a few weeks now, waiting for an opportunity to turn disappointing form-lines around. They may be heading north this week. Ozil and impressive debut winner King Cougar, both entered for Wairarapa on Saturday (r65 1000m), were on terms throughout a solid 800m in 48.9, the last 600 in 36.2, while Missmosa (mdn 1400m) and Jessiegee and Missmosa, two more from the stable of Mike Breslin, came up with 49.4 and 36 even. How Perfect (r65 1000m) and Nasheeta (mdn 1400m) matched strides over 800m in 50 seconds even, the last 600 in 37.4, and an unraced Dalghar filly trained by Lucy Tanner did well to stay with stablemate Heavens Keep over the same distance in 52 even, the last 600 in 37.3. Lovetokeephim and Carnaby, both in the r65 mile, covered 1000m in 1.4.8, the last 600 in 38.1, while Dal Kilchoan and Wanganui entrant Des De Jeu (r65 2060m) , both trained by Mark Oulaghan, recorded 1.6.5 and 38.6. Five To Midnight and Foxbridge Plate runner Authentic Paddy cruised over 800m in 51 even, the last 600 in 38.1, and their stablemate Black Sav worked alone in 52.1 and 38.3. A Savabeel gelding and a Savabeel colt, both trained by Lisa Latta, warmed up from the 800m (53.3) to run home the last 600 in 38.4.

Carla Hearn's Mustafa, in at Wairarapa (mdn 1400m), and Lucy Tanner's To Sir With Love were sent 1000m in 1.5.6, the last 600 in 39 even, while Wanganui runner Cartagena (mdn 2060m) began from the 1200m and was timed 1000m in 1.6 even, picking up stablemate In Dreamland (mdn 1360m) for the last 600 together in 39.6. Brad Thorn had Stephenstihls for a partner over 1000m in 1.6.8, the last 600 in 39.2, and their stablemates Ringo and Waikato entrant Leeds (r85 mile) covered the same distance in 1.7 even and 39.1. An Iffraaj gelding and an Ocean Park gelding, two more from the Breslin barn, ran 800m in 53 even, the last 600 in 39.2. Leicacutcat (Wanganui) went alone over 800m in 53.4, the last 600 in 39.5, while Beefeater and French Serge went together in 54.8 and 39.7. Counter Attack (Wanganui) did a quiet round (1400m) before galloping 1000m in 1.7.3, the last 600 in 40 even, and Ollie's Note had trainer Laura Knight aboard over the same distance in 1.9.8 and 40.1. Her unraced Faltaat gelding went 600m in a quiet 43.9.

On the No 1 grass, Foxbridge Plate entrant North And South and Yin Dragon stayed together in very testing ground and ran 800m in 61.6, the last 600 in 47.5. Yin Dragon was nominated for both Wairarapa and Wanganui.

Thursday - August 10th

By RON GURNEY

Trainer Mike Breslin is pleased with the progress of two of the stable's up-and-comers, Son Of Surf and Raul, who worked nicely together in training at Awapuni this morning.

With no Central Districrs meeting today or on Saturday, fast work was limited, and fog prevented the timing of some gallops. Son Of Surf (Any Suggestion-Surf Patrol) and Raul (Magic Albert-Versatile Lady) used the plough (good) and gathered speed from the 1000-metre mark, which they covered in 1.10.4, to come the last 600 in 38.1. Son Of Surf won a Waverley trial last month, but was unplaced on debut (800m) in a maiden juvenile (Hastings) nearly three weeks later when forced very wide on the home bend and becoming unbalanced. He has not raced since. Similarly, Raul won a trial in the autumn and was unplaced on debut (1000m) in a maiden juvenile at Tauherenikau two weeks later when very well supported. Both horses look ready to put the record straight at short notice. A Jimmy Choux gelding and an Excelebration filly were paired over 800m in 49.5, the last 600 in 36.3, while a Fully Fledged gelding and a Savabeel filly came up with 49.3 and 36.9. They are all trained by Mike Breslin.

Tuesday - August 8th

By RON GURNEY

Miss Norway and Windermere Lad, two out-of-form gallopers, have been working impressively over recent weeks, and it was no exception at Awapuni this morning. Fast work was held on the plough and on the heavy No 1 grass, but fog prevented the timing of some gallops.

Miss Norway and Windermere Lad used the plough and cut out a bold 1000m in 1.4.4, the last 600 in 36.7, emphasing once again that their raceday form could turn around drastically any tick of the clock. They are entered for the r65 2100m at Woodville on Thursday.  Lightly-raced four-year-old mare Luroel (by Per In canto), who won a maiden race on a heavy track in the spring, dashed 600m in 36.8, while Lovetokeephim, another in the r65 2100m on Thursday, and Heavens Keep were paired over 1000m in 1.4.6, the last 600 in 38.3. Mustafa (by Tavistock), unplaced on debut last week, had Hayden Tinsley aboard over 1000m in 1.7.7, the last 600 in 39.6, while three-year-old filly Du'Blues (by Duporth) and a Niagara gelding were kept to 55.7 for 800m, the last 600 in 39.7. A Dalghar filly trained by Lucy Tanner took 57.9 and 40.9. Woodville entrants Cartagena (mdn 2100m) and In Dreamland (mdn 1400m) went together over 1000m in 1.8.5, the last 600 in  40.4, while He's A Freak (by He's Remarkable) and an Alamosa gelding sprinted 600m in 40.8. They are with Lisa Latta. Miss Interpreted, third at long odds last week, did a quiet 800m in 59.8 and 43.4.

On the No 1 grass, Woodville acceptor Leicacutcat (mdn 1200m) and Thorn Pass were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.13.4, coming the final 800m in 55.5, the last 600 in 41.6, while Margaux Glas (mdn 1200m) and Lucky Snip (mdn 1400m) covered 800m in 55.2, the last 600 in 42.2.

Thursday - July 3rd

BY RON GURNEY

Miss Norway was a star track-worker last Thursday and took some of the limelight again at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work was held on the plough (good), with just two gallops recorded on the heavy No 1 grass.

Miss Norway used the plough and had stablemate Glengoyne for a partner over a nice 1000m in 1.3. coming the final 800m in 49.9, the last 600 in 37 even. "Lady Luck" has not been on Miss Norway's side in recent starts and she could turn her form around any tick of the clock. The same applies to Glengoyne. Unraced four-year-olds Suggest Alot (by Any Suggestion) and Chew The Fat (by Alamosa), both trained by Mike Breslin, were paired over 800m in 50.1, the last 600 in 37.4, while their stablemates Ringo and Missmosa came up with 50.6 and 37.3. Debut-winning two-year-old Dijon Bleu, who was unplaced in the Karaka Million, had Dreams Of Platinum alongside over 800m in 50.8, the last 600 in 37.2, and their stablemate Kamanda Lincoln (by Savabeel), a maiden winner on Boxing Day, went alone in 50.7 and 37.3. Ozil and an Ocean Park gelding gathered speed from the 800m (52.1) to sprint home the last 600 in 37.9, while Raul and a Fully Fledged gelding did the same (54.7) and ended with 37 even. A Savabeel filly and a Jimmy Choux gelding, two more from the Breslin barn, posted 55.8 and 37.1. The stable's Excelebration filly clocked 37.2. Ready Eddie was a few lengths ahead of lightly-raced Scimitar (by Nom Du Jeu) at the finish of 1000m in 1.4.9, the last 600 in 38.4, and Cartagena was timed over the same distance in 1.6.1 and 39.3. Carnaby and How Perfect went together in 1.8.9, the last 600 in 39.9, and Counter Attack took 1.10.5 and 39.8.

On the No 1 grass, Lincoln Bay and Thorn Pass matched strides over 800m in 55 even, the last 600 in 41.2, while their stablemates Princess Maryanne, an impressive maiden winner on debut  few weeks ago, and Margaux Glas (by No Excuse Needed), unplaced on debut in April, ran 1000m in 1.10.4, the last 600 in 42.6.

Tuesday - August 1st

By RON GURNEY

Platinum Command looked in fine fettle for the Winter Cup at Riccarton on Saturday when she galloped in company at Awapuni this morning.

During a light session, fast work took place on the heavy No 1 grass, with the majority of horses using the plough (plough). Platinum Command used the No 1 grass and had Authentic Paddy for a partner over 800m in 53.5, the last 600 in 40.4. It was good, sound work, and Platinum Command, who was beaten narrowly in the Winter Cup last year, will appreciate the step up to 1600 metres this week. Golden Bay, heading south again (r65 1600m), and Thursday's Egmont runner Hare Bawl (open 2100m) were paired over 1000m in 1.11.1, the last 600 in 42.6.

On the plough, La Monnoye and Duplicity really caught the eye with their bold 1000m in 1.4.2, the last 600 in 35.7, and Heavens Keep had trainer Lucy Tanner aboard when working alone over the same distance in 1.5.4 and 37.4. Mighty Solomon and Five To Midnight were timed 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 37.7. Jessiegee and an Iffraaj gelding covered 800m in 53 even, the last 600 in 38.9, and Egmont runner Battle Creek (r65 1400m), with trainer Gene Andrew in the saddle, was kept to 56.7 and 40.5. A Dalghar filly, trained by Lucy Tanner, and a No Excuse Needed mare trained by Liz Rennie, warmed up from the 1000m (1.17.8) to run their last 600 in 40.1, while a Sebring colt and a Niagara colt, two-year-olds trained by Mike Breslin, sprinted 600m in 40.3. Windermere Lad, off to Egmont (r65 2100m), galloped 1000m in 1.11.2, the last 600 in 42.9, and a No Excuse Needed three-year-old trained by Matthew Eales was kept to 800m in 59 even, the last 600 in 42.7.