Sweepstake and Tarihira, both of whom have not raced since the New Zealand Cup meeting early last month, really caught the eye at Awapuni this morning
29 December 2016
Thursday - December 29th
By RON GURNEY
Sweepstake and Tarihira, both of whom have not raced since the New Zealand Cup meeting early last month, really caught the eye at Awapuni this morning.
All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Sweepstake and Tarihira were paired over a solid 1000m in 1.4 even, the last 600 in 37.9. Sweepstake finished third in the 1000 Guineas last start, and Tarihira recorded two seconds at the same meeting. Sweepstake is nominated for the Levin Classic in January with a view to the New Zealand Oaks in March. Time honours went to Monday's Wairarapa entrant Lookherepal (mdn 2050m), who cut out 800m in 49.7, the last 600 in 36.4. He looks ready to strike and will appreciate any easing of the ground. Ticket Clipper, in the r65 mile at the same meeting, covered 1000m in a nice 1.5.1, the last 600 in 37.3. Five To Midnight rounded off his fast work before heading north to the City Of Auckland Cup on New Year's Day when galloping reverse (right-handed) with Masa Tanaka in the saddle. He left 1000m behind 1.5.2, the last 600 in 37.3, and Leith Innes will ride him at Ellerslie on Sunday.
Shocktillyoudrop and Wairarapa runner Freelinks (r65 mile) matched strides over 800m in 51.5, the last 600 in 37.4, while Just Georgie, unplaced on debut, and Handsome Return came up with 52.1 and 37.9. Rod's Lincoln (r85 2050m) and Lincoln's Ace posted 52.2 and 38.3. Stephenstihls, who has not raced since winning a maiden at the New Zealand Cup meeting, and Master William were at a good clip early over 1000m in 1.5.2, easing to run home the last 600 in 38 even. Queenofharpz, in at Stratford on Saturday (r65 1200m), and Wairarapa entrant Rusty In Melbourne (mdn 1300m) covered 800m in 53.1, the last 600 in 38.1. Don'stopgirl and The Great Guru were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.7.7, the last 600 in 39.4, while Beefeater and Stratford Cup chance Savaria took 1.9.3 and 39.6. A Road To Rock filly and a Denman gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, sprinted 600m in 40.3. Cog Knish, who goes to Stratford for the maiden 3yo 1400m, was kept to 1000m in 1.12.4, the last 600 in 41.1, and unraced Alamosa three-year-old King Cougar, who won a trial at Foxton in September, and a Bernadini filly, two more with Mike Breslin, sprinted 600m in 41.7.