In Rules

Tuesday - March 11th

By RON GURNEY

Forget the form-line, Wellington Cup winner Savaria is ready to make her presence felt in Saturday's (Listed) Hawke's Bay Cup (2200m) because her semi-final gallop at Awapuni this morning was first-class.

The majority of fast work took place on the plough (good), with just a handful using the No 1 grass (dead) against the rail. Savaria used the plough and had senior jockey Hayden Tinsley aboard when galloping with stablemate Rhiannon over a bold 1000m in 1.3.1, the last 600 in 36.8, which was excellent work. All trainer Roydon Bergerson is hoping for is that the weather gods keep the track conditions in good nick for Hastings.

Time honours went to Platinum Express and Princess Belle, who sped over 800m together in 48.5, the last 600 in 35.6. They are both in the r75 1300m. The Czar and last-start debut winner Jessiegee came up with 49.4 and 36.2, while Thats Amore and possible Swiss Ace debutante Epic Dreamer (mdn 1400m), both with Lisa Latta, posted 50.1 and 36.3. Shocktillyoudrop and Hare Bawl, both in the r75 2500m, covered 800m in 50.1, the last 600 in 37.8, and their stablemates Star Emerald and Denny's Lincoln clocked 50.5 and 37.6. Denny's Lincoln will try to cap off a number of minor placings when she tackles the maiden 2000m at New Plymouth on Thursday. Kolonel Kev and Hawke's Bay entrant Henree Winkler (r85 1400m) were on terms throughout 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 37 even, and Garment and That's Funny were almost identical with 51.1 and 37.2. Miss Doherty (mdn 1400m) and unraced Rip Van Winkle filly Lubaya (2yo 1300m) ended 800m with 600 in 37.1. Boyslightup, who has not raced since the spring, and last-start maiden winner Ballet Choux matched strides over 1000m in 1.9.2, the last 600 in 37.4, and Suffign went alone in 1.10.5 and 37.6. Sophia Magia and three-year-old filly Exceptional (by Nadeem), who scored on debut a few weeks ago, recorded 1.6.1 and 38.6. She is in at Hastings (r65 1200m). 

Heavens Keep was too good for a maiden partner over 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 38.2,  while Petite Midas (mdn 1400m) and Just You went 1000m together in 53.7 and 38.8. A Jimmy Choux filly and a Towkay filly, three-year-olds with Lydia Pickford, came up with 54.1 and 38.1. A Swiss Ace mare, also trained by Pickford, sprinted 600m in 38.5. Foxton trial winner Moorish (by Mastercraftsman), who was not disgraced on debut at Waipukurau, covered 1000m in 1.8.2, the last 600 in 38 even, and New Plymouth entrant Salvinia (mdn 2000m) required 1.10 even and 38.8. A Pins three-year-old gelding and a Nadeem two-year-old filly, both trained by Roydon Bergerson, ran 800m in 54.9, the last 600 in 39.9. Yemanya was not after time over 800m in 54.8, the last 600 in 40.6, and Ready Eddie, preparing for the jumping season, did 1000m in 1.7.8, the last 600 in 40 even. Unraced three-year-old filly Late Date (by Postponed) and a Howbaddouwantit gelding, both with Stephen Beatson, went 1.9.9 and 42 even. Spendaholic, who has not raced since the spring, warmed up from the 800m to run 600 in 42.1, and a Don Eduardo filly trained by Mark Oulaghan took 42.2. Exhibit (r65 1200m) ended with 43.4.

On the No 1 grass, Hawke's Bay double nominee Tiffany's and Soiree ran an eye-catching 1000m in 1.3.4, the last 600 in 36.9, while How Perfect and Bushfire (r65 1200m) took 1.7.1 and 37.9. Trump (by Don Eduardo) and stablemate Scimitar (by Nom du Jeu), both unplaced on debut in recent weeks, worked over 1000m in 1.8.2, the last 600 in 39.1. They are four-year-old geldings with Stephen Nickalls.

Thursday - April 6th

By RON GURNEY

Maiden three-year-old Word Savvy put her hand up to be counted with a very satisfactory final gallop at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the plough (slushy), where Word Savvy caught the eye over 1000m in 1.9.1, the last 600 in 38.4, in preparation for the 3yo 1400m at Trentham on Saturday. The Savabeel filly has been handled patiently so far, but has always been a good worker. She could be the dark horse in a small field.

Time honours went to Mike Breslin-trained maiden mare Kini Marie (by Per Incanto), who has not raced since the spring, and she cut out 800m in 49.4, the last 600 in 37.2. Waiz One and a No Excuse Needed filly covered the same distance in 49.9 and 37.3. Salamanca and Leeds, warming up for late autumn and winter racing, were timed 800m in 50.1, the last 600 in 37.9, while two-year-old Authentic Charm (by Per Incanto), who debuts at Trentham on Saturday (1000m), sprinted 600m with Lincoln's Ace in 37.6. Authentic Charm is a half-sister to half-a-million dollar earner Authentic Paddy.

Talk The Torque sprinted 600m in 38.3, and Manhattan Street had a Pins gelding alongside over 800m in 53.2, the last 600 in 39.3. French Serge and Rhiannon left 1000m behind in 1.9.3, the last 600 in 40.6, while a Cape Blanco filly and a Nom du Jeu filly, both trained by Lisa Latta, sprinted 600m in 40 seconds even. Denny's Lincoln and Last Chance were paired over 800m in 57.1, the last 600 in 41.7, while a Rip Van Winkle gelding and a Fully Fledged gelding, both with Mike Breslin, sprinted 600m in 41.8. Heni, who resumes in the r85 1000m at Trentham on Saturday, was kept to 600m in 43.9, and she will be ridden by four-kilo claiming apprentice Kate Cowan.

Thursday - March 30th

By RON GURNEY

Iamishwara earned plenty of admirers for a second Awapuni Gold Cup win in three years after a first-class final trial in testing conditions this morning.After 22mm of rain over the previous 24 hours, all fast work took place on the plough (slushy), where Iamishwara breezed over 1000m in 1.2.2, coming his final 800m in 49 even, the last 600 in 36.6. He has won on a slow surface more than once previously, but a heavy track could be a challenge. In saying that, he is very well.

Kini Marie, who has not raced since the spring, sprinted 600m in 38.2, while a Road To Rock filly and an Excelebration filly, two more from the stable of Mike Breslin, took 39.1. Tarihira, in Saturday's r75 2100m, and Wafer were on terms throughout 800m in 53.1, the last 600 in 39.3. Five To Midnight, another in the Awapuni Gold Cup, had Thorn Pass alongside over 1000m in 1.7.9, the last 600 in 40.2, and last-start winner Shadows Cast (r85 1550m) went alone in 1.10.2 and 41.1. Hare Bawl (r75 2100m) and Manhattan Street came up with 1.12.8 and 41.7. Henree Winkler (r85 1550m), who should go boldly in a fresh state, had Robert Hannam aboard over 800m in 58 even, the last 600 in 42.9, while Rosetta (Manawatu Classic ) and French Serge posted 58.6 and 43.1. A So You Think filly and an Iffraaj filly, both trained by LIsa Latta, sprinted 600m in 43 even. Leeds and Salamanca were not after time over 800m in 58.7, the last 600 in 44.2, and neither were Ravenhill and Master William, who clocked 60.7 and 44.3. Ringo and Sires' Produce Stakes late entry Ozil covered 600m in 44.6, while Our Debutante and Just Collie were kept to three-quarter pace.

Tuesday - March 28th

By RON GURNEY

Classic Touch, trained by Lydia Pickford, could not have been more impressive in semi-final work at Awapuni this morning. Fast gallops took place six metres out from the rail on the course proper (slow) and on the plough (good).

Classic Touch used the course proper and had Robert Hannam aboard over 1000m in a smart 1.2 even, the last 600 in  35.7, appearing to have plenty more up the sleeve. The Guillotine mare has competed only four times for two wins and a third and looks a big chance at the Manawatu meeting (r75 1400m) on Saturday. Sires' Produce Stakes entrant Ozil, a debut winner at Wairoa last month, worked with stablemate Heni and covered their last 600m in 35.6, while Tarihira (r75 2100m) and Glengoyne (r65 1550m), two more from the stable of Mike Breslin, were timed 1000m in 1.2.9, the last 600 in 36.9. They are all top prospects for Saturday. Leading Role, in the Manawatu Classic (2000m), had La Monnoye (r65 1550m) for a partner over 1000m, coming the final 800m in 49.9, the last 600 in 36.4, while Five To Midnight (Awapuni Gold Cup) and China Star (r85 1550m) required 49.9 and 36.6. Mighty Solomon (open 1400m) and Henree Winkler (r85 1550m) came up with 50 seconds even and 36.5. Regal Steps (r65 1550m) and Cyclone Tracy did nice work over 1000m in 1.5.8, the last 600 in 36.9, and Sophia Magia, who will have the blinkers removed for Whanganui on Thursday (r65 f&m 1340m), had recent Foxton trial winner Exceptional (by Nadeem) alongside over a quiet 800m in 56.8, the last 600 in 41 even.

On the plough, Awapuni Gold Cup runner Iamishwara sped over 1000m in 1.1.5, coming his final 800m in 48.2, the last 600 in 36.6, which was excellent work. Artemis Rising (by Handsome Ransom), who has not started since August, and unraced Rip Van Winkle two-year-old Lubaya sprinted 600m in 36.8. Savaria, another in the Awapuni Gold Cup, and Hank Moody (r75 2100m) were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.19.2 and came the final 800m in 49.7, the last 600 in 37 even. It was very pleasing work as well. Staywithme covered 1000m in 1.4.7 and finished off with 800m in 50.5, the last 600 in 37.6. Thursday's Whanganui highweight (2040m) rivals and stablemates Just Ishi and Nom Du Beel did a quiet round (1400m) before galloping 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 37.4. Just Ishi won fresh up at Hawera (r65 mile) three weeks ago. Fibonacci, in at Manawatu (3yo 1200m), worked alone over 1000m in 1.7.1, the last 600 in 38.9. Almo Street, who has not raced since December, and a Darci Brahma gelding warmed up from the 800m (53.8) to run home the last 600 in 38.4, and Whanganui double acceptor Tip The Dancer ended with 600m in 38.9. Last-start Trentham winner Shadows Cast (Manawatu) left 1000m behind in 1.5.9, the last 600 in 39.2. Our Debutante did a quiet round before increasing the tempo on the second circuit to complete 800m in 53.5, the last 600 in 39.1, and Jeff Lynds-trained Upmarket (by Cape Blanco), unplaced on debut earlier this month, clocked 54 even and 39.3. Thats Amore, in at Whanganui (mdn 3yo 1400m), and Waiz One posted 54.2 and 39.9. Last-start Otaki maiden winner Rusty In Melbourne cruised over 800m in 56.2, the last 600 in 39.9, and her stablemate Deedee Panache ran 1000m in 1.10.6, the last 600 in 39.7.

Strada Roccia (by Road To Rock), fourth on debut a few weeks ago, and a Guillotine gelding were kept to 800m in 53.2, the last 600 in 40.3. Strada Roccia is in at Whanganui (mdn 3yo 1400m). Lookherepal was not after time over 800m in 57 even, the last 600 in 41.7, and an unraced Tavistock four-year-old trained by Lucy Tanner took 56.6 and 41.8. That's Funny, who has been freshened up by Lydia Pickford, and a another unraced Tavistock four-year-old sprinted 600m in 42.4, and Rhiannon went 43.7. A Showcasing filly and a Jimmy Choux filly, three-year-olds trained by Lisa Latta, sprinted 600m in 43.6 even, and a Jeff Lynds-trained Stravinsky three-year-old filly, placed at the recent Foxton trials, clocked 43.5. Ringo came up with 43 even, and Shrimp Cocktail (Whanganui) 45.9.

Thursday - March 16th

By RON GURNEY

Wellington candidates took things pretty quietly in final gallops as others hogged the limelight at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where maiden three-year-old Suffign again showed her fitness with a pleasing 800m in 51.3, the last 600 in 36.6. The filly finished third on debut at Otaki in January, but three subsequent races have been disappointing. She's better than that.

A Road To Rock filly trained by Mike Breslin warmed up from the 800m (52 even) to run home the last 600 in 36.8, while her stablemates Glengoyne and unraced three-year old filly Jessiegee (by Alamosa) covered 1000m in 1.3.5, the last 600 in 37.8. Platinum Express was in full flight early over 800m in 49.3, the last 600 in 37.4, and Waiz One went alone in 50.1 and 37.2. Last-start Hastings winner Troup Road gathered speed from the 1000m to run his final 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 38.5, while Heni and Wairoa debut winner Ozil (2yo) posted 53.1 and 38.7. Bushfire and Carnaby were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.7.8, the last 600 in 38.5. Penance and a Showcasing gelding were timed 1000m in 1.9.6, the last 600 in 38.9, while an Ocean Park colt and an Iffraaj colt, both trained by Mike Breslin, came up with 1.9.5 and 38.6. Manhattan Street and a Swiss Ace filly warmed up from the 1000m (1.10.3) to complete a 600m dash in 38.1.

Heavens Keep, off to Te Rapa on Saturday for the r85 mile, was too good for a Tavistick gelding stablemate over 1000m in 1.6.3, the last 600 in 39.6, while Showing Grace (by Showcasing), placed third on debut last October, and a No Excuse Needed maiden, both trained by Matthew Eales, ran 800m in 53.8, the last 600 in 39.1. An O'Reilly colt and a Jimmy Choux colt, both trained by Lisa Latta, were paired over 800m in 55.5, the last 600 in 40.2, and their stablemate Don'stopgirl was kept to 57.5 and 41.4. Wellington prospect Beefeater (r85 1400m) was not after time over 1000m in 1.11.9, the last 600 in 41.1, and La Monnoye (r65 1400m) ended with 600m in 42.5. Fibonacci, who will wear side winkers in the Wellington Guineas, did little more than three-quarter pace over 800m, the last 600 in 43.6, and Shared Secrets (NZ Oaks) ran 1000m in 1.13.8, the last 600 in 43 even. Cullister and Our Debutante, building for autumn and winter racing, ended with 600m in 43.7, and Wellington runner Shadows Cast (r85 1400m), who won a 1200m open trial at Foxton on Tuesday, covered 1000m in a quiet 1.15.7, the last 600 in 45.6.

Tuesday - March 14th

By RON GURNEY

Shared Secrets really caught the eye at Awapuni this morning in her semi-final gallop for the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham. Fast work took place on the course proper (dead-slow), using the new top bend, and on the plough (slushy).

Shared Secrets, winner of the New Zealand St Leger Trial (2100m) at her previous start, used the course proper and had stablemate Canny Magic for a partner, warming up from the 1200m pole to be timed the final 1000m in 1.7 even, the last 600 in 37.9. Shared Secrets could give the favourites something to think about on Saturday. Last-start Hastings winner Classic Touch (Cuddle Stakes or r75 mile) and stablemate Garment covered 800m in 51.5, the last 600 in 36.6, and Exhibit, who is entered for Te Rapa on Saturday (3yo 1200m), sprinted 600m in 36.5. She scored on debut at Woodville in October followed by a fifth at Trentham in early December and has freshened up again nicely for trainer David Goldsbury. Trentham runners Fibonacci (Wellington Guineas) and La Monnoye (r65 1400m) were paired over 800m in 55.1, the last 600 in 38.2, while Heavens Keep, who is heading to Te Rapa on Saturday (r85 mile), and an unraced Tavistock gelding came up with 55.2 and 40.2.

On the plough, O'Reilly's Dancer and Johnny Lincoln, rivals in the NZ St Leger (2500m), were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.8 even, the last 600 in 38 even, and their stablemates Star Emerald and Lincoln's Ace were kept to 800m in 54.7, the last 600 in 38.8. Master William and Ravenhill (by Bernardini), who placed second at Awapuni last Friday week, posted 54 even and 39.8. Tarihira and Miss Norway left 1000m behind in 1.8.2, the last 600 in 39.7, and The Czar sprinted 600m in 39.8. French Serge, placed second at Awapuni last start, and Rosetta were given a very quiet 1000m in 1.16 even, the last 600 in 44.4.

Thursday - March 9th

By RON GURNEY

Cyclone Tracy has freshened nicely judging by her solid trial during a quiet gallop session at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Cyclone Tracy had stable apprentice Robert Harris aboard over 1000m in 1.4.5, the last 600 in 37.2. She has not raced since Hastings on New Year's Day, but did make an appearance (unplaced) at the Manawatu trials last month.

An Ocean Park colt and an Iffraaj colt, both trained by Mike Breslin, cut out 800m in 52.8, the last 600 in 37.2, and their stablemate Tip The Dancer, who has not raced since the spring, covered 1000m in 1.7.9, the last 600 in 38 even. Fibonacci came up with 1.7.9 as well, the last 600 in 38.7. Tiny Temper (by Showcasing), who has not raced for over 12 months, and Lincoln's Ace, both trained by Lisa Latta, left 1000m behind in 1.9.5, the last 600 in 38 even, while a Nadeem filly and a Rip Van Winkle filly, both trained by Roydon Bergerson, took 54 even and 38.9. Unraced three-year-old filly Jessiegee (by Alamosa) and stablemate Heni were kept to 800m in 54 even, the last 600 in 39.8, and Iffwedance was timed 1000m in 1.8.9, the last 600 in 40 even.

Tuesday - March 7th

By RON GURNEY

Ballet Choux and her better performed stablemate Wiggle really caught the eye with a smart gallop at Awapuni this morning in a final hit-out for Otaki on Friday. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Ballet Choux (mdn f&m 1600m) and Wiggle (hwt 1600m) were paired over a strong 1000m in 1.6.8, the last 600 in 37.5. Ballet Choux (by Jimmy Choux) is on the verge of a maiden success after postring three seconds from her last four starts. Wiggle won five races last season, including a hurdle race at Timaru, and is due a winning turn as well.

October debut winner Exhibit, who has not raced since early December, sprinted 600m in 36.1, while Manhattan Street and Dreams Of Platinum were sent 800m together in 52.3, the last 600 in 37.6. Last-start winner Prosecco and Boxachocolates recorded 51.2 and 38.8. Glengoyne (r65 1400m), third when resuming at Otaki last Saturday week, and unraced Road To Rock three-year-old filly Strada Roccia (mdn 1200m) were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.5.2, the last 600 in 38.2, while a Road To Rock maiden and a Nom du Jeu maiden, both trained by Matthew Eales, covered the distance in 1.10.2 and 38.4. Angel In Bluejeans, in at Egmont on Saturday (r65 2100m), and Yodelay matched strides over 1000m in 1.5.6, the last 600 in 39.1 even, and Otaki entrant La Monnoye (r65 1400m) went alone in 1.8.4 and 39 even. Suffign (mdn f&m 1600m) came up with 1.9.5 and 39.3.

Former northerner Electric, who has not raced since May last year, had Robert Hannam aboard over 800m, getting along at a good clip early to record 51.7 for 800m, the last 600 in 39.7. An O'Reilly colt and a Jimmy Choux colt, two-year-olds trained by Lisa Latta, ran 800m in 53.6, the last 600 in 39.4, while NZ Oaks nominee How Perfect and a Lonhro-Captivate two-year-old filly, who won at the Manawatu trials last month, clocked 54.5 and 39.3. Kolonel Kev and Henree Winkler were kept to 55 even and 39.2. Youngsters by Pour Moi and He's Remarkable, both trained by Lisa Latta, went an easy 800m in 56.2, the last 600 in 40.3, while a Pins two-year-old and a Reliable Man two-year-old, two more from that barn, took 56.7 and 41.8. A Rip Van Winkle three-year-old and a Nadeem two-year-old, both with Roydon Bergerson, came up with 57.7 and 41.6. Bushfire (by Pins), who has been off the raceday scene for nearly two years, and unraced three-year-old filly Blondlign (by Align) sprinted 600m in 41.7, and they are with Tony Bambry. Stephen Beatson-trained Tandarra Gold (by Tandarra Crown), building for the winter season, ran 1000m in 1.11.1, the last 600 in 42.7. The seven-year-old has not raced for two and a half years.