Matamata Trackwork

Tuesday 17th January 2012

Irish Rebel looked on target for Saturday’s Little Avondale Wakefield Challenge Stakes when he and stablemate Minqar Qaim worked impressively at Matamata this morning.
 

Galloping 18m out on a dead course proper, Irish Rebel (Cameron) was travelling smoothly alongside Minqar Qaim (Brett) at the end of 1200m in 1:21.5, building momentum from the 1000m mark in 1:04.9 and a final 600m in 36.9, the best of the session on that section of the track. 
 

Irish Rebel has made good progress since his second placing to stablemate Warhorse in the Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. Lack of ringcraft didn’t help him in that race, but with the benefit of the experience and a return to left-handed racing in the Trentham two-year-old feature he will be hard to beat on Saturday. Minqar Qaim ran an improver’s race for third in the Woodville Cup at his last start and will be an interesting runner in Saturday’s Anniversary Handicap.
 

Another pair from the Jason Bridgman team, Burgundy (Cameron) and Gijima (Yeung), had pace on from the start of their 1200m workout, running the full distance in 1:16.4, 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 38.7. Burgundy is in good order for Saturday’s Wellington Stakes, while Gijima runs at Pukekohe on the weekend. 
 

Suaza (Verry) confirmed her fitness for the Trentham Stakes when leading Lucky Aura (Mullineaux) to the end of 1200m in 1:19.8, 1000m in 1:04.6 and 600m in 38.7. Suaza struck an unsuitable wet track at her most recent outing but is capable of turning her form around.
 

Working against the rail in the five-metre position for Friday’s race meeting, Rich Hill Mile placegetter Villifye (Colgan) ran a sound trial for the Anniversary Handicap when leading Mosh Pit (Tanaka) after a solid 1200m in 1:16.2, 1000m in 1:02.6 and 600m in 37. The only other gallop on the rail saw Sharp ’n’ Fast (M Brosnan) and Croatia (Kasim) run good time over 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 36.5.
 

Pacific Jewellers Wellington Cup prospects Green Supreme and Single Minded pleased their trainer Graham Richardson in separate workouts. Green Supreme (McDonald) cut out 1200m in 1:19.6, 1000m in 1:05.4 and 600m in 39.6, while Single Minded (Grylls) was likewise not extended to clock 1:19.9, 1:05.1 and 39.6. Both smart stayers have trained on well from their Ellerslie wins.
 

Stablemate Top Spot (Burton), who will also run in the Wellington Cup on Saturday week if she makes the field, looked bright when leading Dadzadreamer (Sapsworth) over the final stages of 1200m in 1:19.4, 1000m in 1:05.8 and 600m in 39.7. Fireside (O’Sullivan) appeared sharp for Pukekohe on Saturday when she and Precious Time (Kasim) cut out 1200m in 1:19.7, 1000m in 1:04.5 and 600m in a respectable 37.6.
 

Kaptain Kirkup (Coleman) strode over the same distance in 1:25.3, gathering momentum over the last 1000m in 1:07.6 and 600m in 38.7. He may struggle to gain a start in the Telegraph Handicap on Saturday, but has a lower grade race as an alternative.
 

Mr Thorpedo (Colgan) and Yourein (Stack) covered 1200m in 1:17.9, with poor light restricting sectional timing to 800m in 51.2. Fashion Rocks (Shirahama) and Viadana (Lammas) left 1200m behind in 1:18.2, 1000m in 1:04 and 600m in 38.3. They run at Pukekohe and Trentham respectively on the weekend.
 

Over And Above (Colgan) and Virginia Wade (Verry) were timed over 1000m in 1:05.4 and 600m in 38, while Rock ’n’ Pop (Brett) was kept to three-quarter-pace over 1200m in 1:30.2 and 45.4. He starts next at the Karaka Million twilight meeting on Sunday week.
 

Shez Kapable (K Jones) strode over 1200m in 1:20.9, 1000m in 1:06.5 and 600m in 39.6. Over the same ground Apache Sky (M Brosnan) returned 1:19.4, 1:05 and 39, Condescender (Brock) and Upstream Lad (C Ormsby) 1:21.6, 1:06.4 and 39, Authentic (Cameron) and Zelus (Brett) 1:21.4, 1:06.6 and 39.7, and Bonnie Mac (C Ormsby) and Fly Silca Fly (O Richardson) 1:19.9, 1:04.7 and 37.8.
 

On the sand Telegraph Handicap form runner Baby Guinness, with raceday rider Craig Grylls up, was not extended over the last 1000m of her work in 1:07.8 and 600m in 39.   

 

Tuesday 3rd January 2012

Sadist and Banchee prepared for the 1600-metre feature at Tauranga on Saturday with a solid hitout in training at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping 14 metres out on a slow courser proper, Sadist (Colgan) and Banchee (Stack) were well matched over 1200m in 1:20.8, with their last 1000m in 1:06.1 and 600m in 38.5. Both John Sargent-trained horses were scratched from the Rich Hill Mile on Sunday due to the slow track and need only an improvement in conditions to show their worth on the weekend.
 
Woodville Cup candidate Minqar Qaim (Brett) and Kindred (Smillie), a likely starter at Rotorua on Friday, had pace on from the start of their 1200m gallop, clocking 1:18.9 for the full distance, 1:06 for 1000m and 39.4 for the final 600m.
 
Single Act (Brett) looked ready for a bold run in the Woodville two-year-old race when he worked boldly with Glad (Smillie) over 1000m in 1:08.3 and 600m in 38.2. Single Act, a Bachelor Duke colt with Jason Bridgman, finished third in his only start to date.
 
Resume (Russell) and I Did It (Yeung) worked well later in the session when cutting out 1200m in 1:19.9, 1:05 for 1000m and 38.8 for the last 600m. The Paul Jenkins-trained pair are likely runners at Rotorua on Friday. Over the same ground Tauranga entry Miss Sharapova (Coleman) returned 1:21.8, 1:06.4 and 38.6, while Apache Sky (M Brosnan) took 1:21.2, 1:05.7 and 38.9.
 
Better Together (Grylls) and promising maiden Red Unicorn (Mullineaux) did sound work for Tauranga over 1200m in 1:21.9, 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 38.2. Shanghai Court (Colgan) looked ready to quit maiden class at Rotorua when he and Deecruz (Mullineaux) cut out 1000m in 1:04.7 and 600m in 38.8.
 
Illuminating (R Jones) tuned up for Ruakaka on Thursday with 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 39. Over the same ground Karaka Vintage (Edmeads) and Gijima (Toh) did well to record 1:06 and 38.5, while View From The Top (Stack) and Game For Fame (Hercock) took 1:10.8 and 39.2 and Beauty Harmony (Wong) and Army Girl (Shirahama) 1:12.4 and 42.
 
On the all-weather track, Gold Coast Magic Millions prospect Travino (P McKay) underlined his fitness for his pending mission when he dashed over the final 600m of his work in 36.2, easily accounting for his gallop mate, an unnamed Oratorio colt. Travino is scheduled to fly to Sydney on Saturday and travel by road to Southport early the following week.
 
Sir Slick (Mullineaux) was his usual enthusiastic self over 1200m in 1:22.9, 1000m in 1:08.5 and 600m in 38.6. Won’t Lie Down (Coleman) and Come On Cuba (Blair) wasted no time over 1000m in 1:03.6 and 36.8, while New Order (O Richardson) clocked 1:04.8 and 36.9 and Valencia’s Image (C Ormsby) took 1:07.4 and 39.6. The Moroney-Clarken-trained pair run at Rotorua.
 
On the sand, Double Take (Coleman) and Cloudy Bay (C Ormsby) did sound work over 1200m in 1:20.3, 1000m in 1:04.5 and 600m in 37.6. Woodville entrant The Looker (Lammas) went with Exabelle (Toh) over the same ground in 1:19.7, 1:04.9 and 38.2.
 
Cat Woman (Allen) and Sometime Later (Stack) left 1000m behind in 1:05.8 and 37.2, while High Voltage (Swann) took 1:04.6 and 37.6. St Mark (Mullineaux) strode over 1200m in 1:23.7, 1000m in 1:09.1 and 600m in 39.2. Van Helsing (H McQuade) ran the same trip in 1:25.2, 1:10.3 and 41, while Champagne Lass (Wong) took 1:26.8 and 42.7, and Phar Las (Yeung) 1:28.5 and 44.2.      

 

Tuesday 27th December 2011

Green Supreme underlined his readiness for the Dunstan Feeds Final on New Year’s Day when he galloped in dashing style at Matamata this morning.
 
On a plough that was conducive to fast times, Green Supreme (Mehmet) worked away steadily from the 1200m mark, running that distance in 1:16.2 and picking up the tempo over the last 1000m in 1:01.9 and the final 600m in a brilliant 35. The talented galloper has made good progress since his Te Rapa win and trainer Graham Richardson is satisfied that he will front up at peak fitness for the Ellerslie feature.
 
Several other members of the Richardson team also got through sound work. City Of Auckland Cup entry Don Domingo (Sapsworth) strode over ground, with his last 1200m in 1:17.6, 1000m in 1:03.3 and 600m in 36.6. Rich Hill Mile lightweight entry Villifye (Grylls) and Taupo Cup candidate Dadzadreamer (Sapsworth) put on the pace over 1200m in 1:14.6, with the last 1000m in 1:01.9 and 600m in 36.
 
Sircross (M Gibbs), another for the Rich Hill, was not after time over 1200m in 1:20.2, 1000m in 1:05 and 600m in 38. Single Minded (Grylls) and Top Shot (Burton) were paired over 1200m in 1:16.9, 1000m in 1:02.6 and 600m in 36.7. Richardson will attempt to get Single Minded into the City Of Auckland Cup field in favour of the Dunstan Final, while Top Shot is a lightweight Dunstan prospect. Plan Ex (Sapsworth), yet another member of the Richardson middle-distance ranks entered for Ellerslie, was let off with three-quarter pacework.
 
Magic Briar (Grylls) enhanced her prospects for the Blandford Lodge Railway Stakes when working with Taupo maiden candidate Sora Dawning (Turner) over 1000m in 1:01.9, the last 600m in a scintillating 34.8. It was excellent work by both horses, with Magic Briar understandably shading her companion. Sora Dawning has shown promise with a third and a fifth in her two starts to date.
 
On the all-weather track, Banchee (Mullineaux) turned in a sound trial for the Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie when she and Mr Thorpedo (Verry) cut out 1000m in 1:03.3 and 600m in 36.8. Back on the plough, Banchee’s stablemate and race rival Sadist (Colgan) was not extended over 1000m in 1:06.5 and 39.4, while Casting Stones (Mullineaux) and St Moritz (Stack) took 1:03.9 and 35.6, and Ellerslie two-year-old candidates Marechal (Mullineaux) and Magic Shaft (Stack) recorded 1:05 and 36.8.
 
Hastings New Year’s Day runners Gunsmoke (Smillie) and Sovereign Rose (Cameron) left 1200m behind in a smart 1:14.2, their last 1000m in 1:01.8 and 600m in 35.9. Viking Ace (H McQuade) looked in good order for Ellerslie as he strode over 1200m in 1:20.2, 1:04.9 and 37, while Lucky Aura (Allen) covered the same distance in 1:25.4, 1:09.4 and 40.2, Wisecrack (Blair) 1:23.9, 1:08.5 and 40.5, Black Rocks (Swann) 1:20.1, 1:05.9 and 39.7, and Coffee Club (Shirahama) 1:27.7, 1:10.9 and 41.7.
 
Minqar Qaim (Cameron) covered 1200m in 1:18.7, 1000m in 1:03.4 and 600m in 37, while Rio Moral (H McQuade) returned 1:19.8, 1:04 and 37. Sir Tane (Yeung), who runs at Thames next Tuesday, was not pressed to run 1200m in 1:21.6, 1:05 and 37.6.
 
Glad (Cameron) and Precious Time (Brett) took 1:24.3 for 1200m, with their last 1000m in 1:07.8 and 600m in 38. Taupo candidate The Raconteur (S Collett) ran the last 1000m of his work in 1:05.8 and 600m in 37. Gospel (O Richardson) was working well at the end of 1000m in 1:06 and 600m in 36.7. Maraschino (Mullineaux) was kept to 1000m in 1:12.2 and 40.6.

 

Tuesday 13th December 2011

 Lagonissi and Doubletake prepared for Te Rapa on Saturday with a sound gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 23 metres out on a dead course proper, Lagonissi (Grylls) and Doubletake (C Ormsby) maintained a solid rate over 1200m in 1:18.6, with the last 1000m in 1:04.1 and 600m in 37.7. Lagonissi’s fitness levels have improved with her first-up run and on Saturday returns to the scene of her two wins to date, while Doubletake takes solid placed form into the maiden staying event.
 
Te Rapa open stayers’ candidate Heza Karma Karzi (Allen) worked well over 1200m in 1:18.1, 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 38.2, while stablemate and race rival Sir Slick (Mullineaux) did similar work in 1:19.2, 1:05 and 38.9. Yourein (Lui) and Sadist (Colgan), two more from the Sargent team racing at Te Rapa, ran the same trip in 1:18.8, 1:04.3 and 37.7.
 
Green Supreme (McDonald) and Dadzadreamer (Tanaka) did good work later in the session with 1200m in 1:18.7, 1000m in 1:04.5 and 600m in 38.9. They both run at Te Rapa. Shanghai Bund (Leveque) and Marechal (Lui), who are being aimed at the Ellerslie carnival, caught the eye when cutting out 1000m in 1:05 and 600m in a smart 36.7. 
 
Minqar Qaim (Brett) and Razziya Of Sydney (Cameron) prepared for Te Rapa with 1200m in 1:21.3, 1000m in 1:05.9 and 600m in 39, while Plan Ex (Tanaka), a runner at Awapuni on Saturday, strode over the same ground in 1:24.6, 1:09.8 and 40.7.
 
Cloudy Bay (Coleman) was kept up to his work for the final stages of 1200m with The Lions Rule (O Richardson) in 1:19.4, 1000m in 1:04 and 600m in 37.5. Ghostinthemachine (O Richardson) and Pentango (C Ormsby) covered the same ground in 1:21, 1:06.2 and 38.5.
 
Casting Stones (Colgan) and Choice Bro (Grylls) cut out 1000m in 1:06.3 and 600m in 38.4, while King’s Salute (Brett) and Irish Rebel (Cameron) took 1:06.7 and 38.2. Capone (Bosson) left 1200m behind in 1:25.2, 1000m in 1:08.5 and 600m in 40.9.
 
On the all-weather track Antonio Lombardo (D Johnson) and Vincent Mangano (P McKay) ran in from the 800m in 49.8, with their final 600m in an impressive 36.2. Antonio Lombardo is in good shape for the Challenge Stakes at Awapuni on the weekend.
 
Stablemate Thundermore (Wratten) prepared for Te Rapa when bowling over the last 1200m of his work in 1:14.9, 1000m in 1:01.7 and 600m in 36.8. Smartly (Grylls) ran 1000m in 1:03.6, the final 600m in 36.3, while Costello (D Johnson) and Witt’s End (S Collett) had pace on when clocking 1:02.8 and 36.3.
 
Cap Ferrat (D Johnson) was timed over his last 800m in 50.2 and 600m in 37.2. Won’t Lie Down was well contained over 1000m in 1:08.2 and 600m in 39.6.

 

 

Tuesday 8th December 2011

Villifye and Mydiamond Bracelet prepared for Saturday’s big Te Rapa meeting with a sound gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 23m out on a dead course proper, Villifye (Colgan) and Mydiamond Bracelet (Sapsworth) maintained a strong gallop over 1200m in 1:18.2, 1000m in 1:04.3 and a final 600m in 37.9. It was good work by the pair of Graham Richardson-trained mares, especially given it took place later in a busy session.
 
Villifye will be chasing her fourth consecutive win on the weekend, with the choice yet to be made whether she runs in the Gr. 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes or the Rating 85 event over the same 1600 metres. Mydiamond Bracelet, who followed her recent Te Rapa win with a useful effort in the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, is an entry for the Listed Ag and Turf Sprint at Te Rapa.
 
Magic Briar (Grylls), a rival for Mydiamond Bracelet, caught the eye when she shaded Awapuni-bound Miss Thorn (Smillie) at the end of 1200m in 1:17.7, 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 37.2.
 
Waikato Times Gold Cup candidate Better Together (Lui) was partnered over ground by Wisecrack (Coleman), with their 1200m taking 1:19.3, the last 1000m in 1:04.7 and 600m in 38.5. It was solid work by both horses. Wisecrack, who appears to have taken no harm from his unplaced Ellerslie run last week, is set to run in the R75 2400 on Saturday.
 
Don Domingo (Sapsworth) prepared for the Waikato Times Gold Cup with 1200m in 1:17.5, 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 38.2, while race rival Dawn Ghost (Waddell) covered the same ground in 1:20.2 and 38.5.
 
Burgundy (Cameron) took time honours over 1000m, cutting out the distance in a deceptive 1:03.2 and the final 600m in 36.7. That was the smart colt’s first full gallop since returning from a brief rest and showed that he had lost none of his style.
 
Miss Sharapova (Coleman) who runs at Ellerslie on Sunday, returned 1:04.8 for 1000m and 37.9 for her final 600m. Warhorse (Cameron), an entry for the Te Rapa Listed juvenile event, went with Tauranga Friday starter Precious Time (Smillie) over 1000m in 1:06 and the last 600m in 38.3.
 
Kiwi Spirit (Moody) and Valencia’s Image (Kasim) prepared for Tauranga on Friday with 1000m in 1:04.3 and 600m in 37.9. Over the same distance Dollario (Colgan) took 1:06.6 and 38.8, Single Act (Smillie) and Irish Rebel (Cameron) 1:05.5 and 38, Needastar (Dowling) 1:07.2 and 39.5, Captain Kirkup (Kasim) 1:05.6 and 38.3, and Sora Dawning (Turner) and Dawn Star (Yeung) 1:05.8 and 37.2.
 
Promising three-year-old Ocean Park (C Ormsby) and Fast Tempo (Shirahama) got through good work over 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 39.2. Te Rapa runner Toma Valea (M Brosnan) and Ellerslie-bound Apache Sky (Kasim) covered the same ground in a smart 1:03.2 and 36.8.
 
Heza Karma Karzi (Colgan) was keen in his work over 1200m in 1:16.2, 1000m in 1:03.3 and 600m in 39.3. Stablemate Sir Slick (Mullineaux) ran over 1200m in 1:21.8, 1:06 and 38.2, while Straight Furrow (Swann) took 1:22.7, 1:07.8 and 41, Suaza (Verry) 1:19.3, 1:06.4 and 38.5, and Orutan (Waddell) and Virginia Wade (Grylls) 1:20.2, 1:04.8 and 378.8.
 
Beauty Leap (S Wong) and Coffee Club (Dowling) left 1000m behind in 1:07.6 and 600m in 37.6, Karaka Vintage (Edmeads) and Ardeche (Cameron) took 1:06.3and 38.7, and She’s A Cougar (Stack) and Imaran (H Wong) 1:04.6 and 37.8.
 
Single Minded (Grylls) and Rock My World (Tanaka) strode over 1200m in 1:20.4, with their last 1000m taking 1:06.7 and 600m 39.6. Sirrevie (M Gibbs) and Commander Cody (Tanaka) ran the same trip in 1:24.3, 1:06.4 and 39. Over 1000m Tauranga entries Glad (Brett) and Sovereign Rose (Tong) were not extended in 1:10.2 and 38.6.
 
Other gallops: 1200m sand: Sir Tane (Turner) 1:19.7, 36.8; Connie Be Good (Kasim) 1:18.6, 37.8; Razziya Of Sydney (Smillie) 1:23.7, 39.7; Shahbab (O Richardson) 1:20.3, 36.7; Sadist (Colgan) 1:23.1, 40.3; Little Chief (M Brosnan) 1:19.4, 38.2.
 
1200m all-weather: New order (O Richardson) 1:23.6, 38; Beauty Supreme (McFetridge) 1:28.4, 44.5.
 
1000m sand: Savarhys (Yeung) 1:11.7, 41.6; Fireside (H Wong) and Clan Munro (Turner) 1:05.5, 37.6; Lady Aura (Lui) and Bohemia (Mullineaux) 1:05.4, 37.8; Allsortsafun (Godwin) and Pinot Express (Forbes) 1:05.3, 36.5; Veronica Hall (Coleman) 1:06.2, 37.7; Zealous (Cameron) and Authentic (Brett) 1:08.3, 37.9; Fleet Street (Turner) 1:10.2, 40.5; Kaleidoscope (H Wong) 1:10.8, 41.2; Abagale (Goodwin) and Paradise Chief (Forbes) 1:05.6, 36.8; Power Playa (Blair) and Blue Moon (Turner) 1:01.4, 36.6; Riomoral (H McQuade) 1:05.6, 38.7.
 
1000m all-weather: Slashing (Moody) 1:05.4, 37.8.

 

 

Tuesday 29th November
 

 Xanadu looked set to extend her unbeaten record at Ellerslie on Saturday when she worked brilliantly at Matamata this morning.
 
On a good plough, Xanadu (Grylls) was partnered by Guess What (R Jones), moving off steadily from the 1200m to cover that distance in 1:17.2, putting on the pace over the final 1000m in 1:01.4 and 600m in 35. Xanadu has left a big impression in her two wins to date and steps up another level for the three-year-old 1600m at Ellerslie. Guess What, a lightly tried maiden in the Paul Shailer team, did well to stay with Xanadu and may be one to watch at Waipukurau on Sunday.
 
Mae Jinx (Coleman) prepared for Saturday’s Concorde Handicap with a smart gallop over 1000m in 1:02.4 and 600m in 35. It was good solo work by the talented sprinter, who had no luck from her draw in the Counties Bowl. The winner of that race, Undisclosed (P McKay), who is also heading for the Concorde, was allowed a steady gallop with Grande Rosso (Wratten) over 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 37.2. Undisclosed looks very bright.
 
Vincent Street (Turner) turned in a sound trial for Ellerslie when working over 1200m in 1:14.2, picking up Have No Mercy (K Hillis) for a final 1000m in 1:01.5 and 600m in 37. Summer’s Boy (Russell) drew attention to his weekend prospects with 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 35.7.
 
Pinot Express (Goodwin) and Dancing Embers (Forbes) caught the eye over 1000m in 1:04.4 and 600m in 35.3, while Condescender (C Ormsby) and Kiwi Spirit (Brock) also did well over the same trip in 1:01.8 and 35.3, and Cat Woman (Mollet) returned 1:02.3 and 35.2. Others to show up over 1000m included Marcello (Forbes) and Lozada (J McKay) in 59.2 and 35.9, Rose Of Falkirk (Kasim) and Karaka Jack (M Brosnan) who took 1:03.2 and 37.3, Darci’s Gold (Edmeads) and a Lucky Unicorn filly (Sami) 1:02 and 37.2.
 
Red Ruler (Yeung) worked boldly over 1200m in 1:14.6, 1000m in 1:02 and 600m in 36.5. He may run in the Waikato Times Gold Cup on Saturday week or be reserved for the Zabeel Classic on Boxing Day. Burgundy (Cameron) was allowed his first quicker work since returning from a let-up, running 800m in 1:01.5 and 600m in 45.6. He thrived in the break that followed his disappointing run in the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and is being aimed at the Great Northern Guineas.
 
Kuroda Field (Mullineaux) and Maciano (Lui) wasted no time over 1000m in 1:01.6, the last 600m in 35.8. Kuroda Field, the winner of two of her 11 starts in Victoria, is a recent addition to the Sargent stable.
 
Rio Moral (H McQuade) was well contained over 1000m in 1:07 and 600m in 39.6. Karaka Vintage (Brett) and Sunset Pass (Smillie) covered the same ground in 1:07.8 and 38.9, Gijima (Yeung) and a High Chaparral gelding (Cameron) 1:02.5 and 35.4, and Magic Briar (Blair) 1:08.8 and 41. She is likely to run next in the Listed 1400 at Te Rapa on Saturday week.
 
Green Manner (Tanaka) turned in a solid trial for Ellerslie with 1200m in 1:16.4, 1000m in 1:03.8 and 600 in 38. Over the same ground Atomic Road (M Brosnan) returned 1:18.8, 1:01.3 and 35.6, Arctic Heights (Colgan) 1:24.2, 1:08.2 and 39.6, Dadzadreamer (Coleman) and Top Spot (Burton) 1:17.6, 1:03.3 and 37.6,  and Van Helsing (K McQuade) 1:20.8, 1:07.3 and 39.2.
 
On the all-weather track Ellerslie entry Seaflyte (W Hillis) strode over 1200m in 1:24.2, 1000m in 1:08.6 and 600m in 39.6. Connie Be Good (Grylls) ran the same distance in 1:20.2, 1:06 and 41.6, while Supercharged (Forbes) left 1000m behind in 1:04 and 38.3.  
 
Other gallops: 1000m plough: Fireside (Coleman) 1:12.2, 41; Miss Thorn (Brett) 1:11.3, 42.5; Fleet Street (R Jones) 1:09.6, 41.3; Cloudy Bay (Brock) 1:08.6, 39.1; Upstream Lad (C Ormsby) 1:08, 39.4; Corporal Lance (Brown) 1:12.8, 43.2; Abbey Tralae (Forbes) 1:06.8, 39; Beauty Harmony (S Wong) 1:13, 43.8; Sir Tane (O’Sullivan) 1:14.7, 44.2; Maidantus (M Gibbs) and Get The Message (Tanaka) 1:05.7, 38.2; Fiscal Wings (Toh) 1:12, 43.7. 

 

 Tuesday 22nd November
 

 Promising stayer Wisecrack prepared for Ellerslie on Saturday with an impressive gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
On dead ground against the course proper rail, which is in the nine-metre position for tomorrow’s race meeting, Wisecrack (Coleman) rolled into his work over ground and was timed from the 1200m mark in 1:17, with the last 1000m in 1:03.2 and final 600m in 36.8.
 
The Ken and Bev Kelso-trained gelding has done everything right since his impressive return to winning form earlier this month and will be hard to beat in Saturday’s R75 Dunstan series qualifier.
 
The only other horse to gallop on the course proper was Heza Karma Karzi (Grylls), who did his work 22m out where he was timed over 1200m in 1:17.6, 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 37.2. The big chestnut has come through his first-up Tauranga win in good order and runs in Saturday’s Eagle Technology Stakes.
 
Stablemate and race rival Sir Slick (Mullineaux) prepared for the Ellerslie 1600-metre feature on the plough, which was in good condition. The veteran looked very bright and willing as he cut out 1200m in 1:18.5, with the last 1000m in 1:03.9 and 600m in 36.4.
 
Levin Classic contendor Shanghai Bund (McDonald) was partnered by another member of the Sargent team heading to Otaki, Yourein (Lui), over a soundly run 1200m in 1:17.3, 1000m in 1:02.1 and 600m in 35.4.
 
Pre-post Levin Classic favourite Antonio Lombardo (J McKay) was let off with light work on the all-weather track in company with race rival Estrato (P McKay). Their 600m at the end of two rounds of striding work was completed in a smart 35.9. Estrato appeared to be travelling better at the finish, but for not the first time his well performed stablemate was doing only as much he had to.
 
Back on the plough, Levin Stakes candidate Vincent Mangano (P McKay) went solo over 1000m in 1:03.5 and 600m in 36.4. Race rival Kaptain Kirkup (Kasim) was partnered by Fly Silca Fly (Grylls) over a solid 1200m in 1:16.3, 1000m in 1:01.1 and 600m in 35.6.
 
Sans Souci (Edmeads), who may also head to Otaki, and Jetset Man (Brett) did sound work over 1000m in 1:04.4 and 600m in 36.1. Ellerslie entrant Just A Gem (Colgan) and Demophon (Lui), who goes to Otaki, dashed over the same distance in 1:00.4 and 35.5, while Ellerslie runners Gospel (O Richardson) and Pentango (Brock) covered 1200m in 1:17.2, 1000m in 1:02 and 600m in a slick 35.
 
Toma Valea (R Jones) and Atomic Road (Kasim) cut out 1000m in 1:03.5 and 35.4, Geariguru (Swann) and Storm Patrol (S Collett) recorded 1:02.8 and 36.8, and Dickens (Russell) 1:04.4 and 37.9.
 
Brave Ali (Dowling) and Fashion Rocks (Lammas) strode through 1200m in 1:17.7, with their last 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600m in 37.6. So Regal (Verry) and Suaza (Mullineaux) ran the same trip in 1:18, 1:03.2 and 36.8, Nicole Amy (Russell) 1:20.2, 1:06.1 and 39.2, and Astronomical (R Jones) 1:24, 1:08.6 and 40.6.
 
Mr Clooney (Goodwin) prepared for Ellerslie with 1000m in 1:05, quickening attractively over the final 600m in 35.6. Viking Ace (Lammas) covered the same ground in 1:03.8 and 37.3, while Mr Trim (O’Sullivan) was unextended to run 1:11.6 and 41.4.
 
On the all-weather track Ellerslie entrant Armadio Estrada (S Collett) did well over 1000m in 1:02.3 and 600m in 35.8. Xalted (C Ormsby) got through 1200m well in 1:16.4, 1000m in 1:02.2 and 600m in 36.3.
 
Other gallops: 1200m plough: Lagonissi (Grylls) 1:18.2, 1:02.8, 35.5; He’s Under The Gun (C Ormsby) 1:18.8, 1:03.6, 27.4; Virginia Wade (Colgan) and Orutan (Grylls) 1:17.4, 1:02.2, 36; Sadist (Allen) 1:17.6, 1:02.9, 36.4; Green Supreme (McDonald) 1:19.4, 1:06.1, 39.3; Matabrahma (Forbes) 1:18.9, 1:04.7, 38.8; Sacred Warrior (Russell) and I Did It (B Lang) 1:18.2, 1:04.3, 39.
 
1000m plough: Fireside (Turner) and a Shinko King gelding (O’Sullivan) 1:08, 39.8.     

 

 

Tuesday 9th November

 

Sir Slick and Heza Karma Karzi prepared for a return to racing at Tauranga on Saturday with bold work at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping 18m out on a dead course proper, Sir Slick (Mullineaux) and Heza Karma Karzi (Grylls) hit top seed as they passed the 1000-metre mark and completed the distance in 1:01.9, with the final 600m in 37.2. The veteran Sir Slick will be having his first start for John Sargent in the open 1400 at Tauranga, while Heza Karma Karzi is back with the same trainer after spending last season by Leo Molloy.
 
From those quarters he won fresh-up at Tauranga in January, while Sir Slick has an even more impressive record of five wins on the track. Leith Innes has been engaged to ride the 10-year-old.
 
The Raconteur (S Collett) completed his serious training for Saturday’s Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup when working over ground, with the last 1200m in 1:18.9 and 1000m in 1:05. He was joined by Juggernaut Rock (C Ormsby) at the 800m and the pair completed the final 600m in 37.8. The Raconteur never figured in his most recent start at Ellerslie last week but was a very good third in Listed company the time before. Trainer Jason Price has him in solid order for his Riccarton test.
 
Red Ruler (McDonald) and Better Together (Lui) had first use of the track when they cut out 1200m in 1:17.9, 1000m in 1:02.6 and 600m in 36.4. An off track didn’t suit Red Ruler when he finished out of the placings at Ellerslie last week, but he appears to have taken no harm from the run. Dependent on whether he secures an invitation to next month’s Hong Kong International meeting, he may start instead in the Counties Cup on Saturday week.
 
Kahngofasta (S Collett) and Te Ariki (Wenn) prepared for Tauranga with 1200m in 1:19.4, 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600m in 37, while Single Minded (Grylls) and Maidantus (M Gibbs) left 1000m behind in 1:06.4 and 600m in 38.2.
 
On the plough, where fast times were common, Sand Jewell (M Brosnan) and Master Guru (P Ormsby) had pace on throughout 1200m in 1:13.9, 1000m in 1:00 and 600m in 35.9. It was solid work by in form trainer Mark Brosnan’s pair. Sand Jewell, who has two wins and four placings from her last six starts, is likely to run at Te Awamutu on Sunday.
 
Veronica Hall (Coleman) looked the goods for her debut at Te Awamutu when she cut out 1000m in 1:01.6 and 600m in 35.4. She was a recent trial winner on the course. Tauranga candidate Yourein (Leveque) and So Regal (Hunt), who may go to Dargaville on Friday, were in dashing form over 1200m in 1:14.4, 1000m in 1:01.2 and 600m in 36.3.
 
Heza Rebel (S Wong) and Viadana (Dowling) prepared for Tauranga with a smart 1200m workout in 1:15.8, 1000m in 1:00.8 and 600m in 36.6. Over the same ground stablemates Loviste (S Wong) and Headsup (Dowling) returned 1:18.6, 1:03.7 and 36.9, Encosta Larrocha (Verry) took 1:14.8, 1:00.3 and 35.4, Rose Of Falkirk (M Brosnan) and The Debutante (P Ormsby) 1:16.7, 1:01.5 and 35.5, and Kiwi Spirit (R Jones) 1:18.6, 1:03.4 and 37.2.
 
Antonio Lombardo (J McKay), looking bright as he continued his preparation for the Levin Classic later this month, was paired with Marcello (C Ormsby) over 1000m in 1:03.7 and 600m in 37.3. Ready Steady (O’Sullivan) did good work for Tauranga when working with Te Awamutu candidate Lady Burlesque (H Wong) over 1200m in 1:16.2, 1000m in 1:00.5 and 600m in 35.4.
 
On the all-weather track Condescender (C Ormsby) and Chicharita (O Richardson) caught the eye as they prepared for Tauranga with 1200m in 1:16.6, 1000m in 1:00.5 and 600m in 36. Dawn Ghost (Woollams) strode over two rounds, finishing off with 1200m in 1:22.6, 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 37.8.
 
Xalted (C Ormsby) ran the last 1000m of his work in 1:03.6 and 600m in 36.4, while Magic Briar (Blair) and Quest (McFetridge) were well held over 1000m in 1:10.2 and 600m in 41.2.
 
Other gallops: 1200m plough: Pinaz (Barnabas) and Sir Tane (Brown) 1:19.5, 36; Upstream Lad (Grylls) 1:24.4, 38.3; Lights Are Shining (Colgan) and Saint Mark (Mullineaux) 1:17.2, 36.3; Staged (Grylls) 1:22.4, 36.6; Sophia’s Dream (Coleman) 1:23.4, 37.6; Diamonds Are Blue (O Richardson) 1:24.2, 40.4; True Light (Grylls) and Saw Her Walkin By (Dowling) 1:16.9, 37.3.
 
1000m plough: Authentic (Brett) and Sovereign Rose (Edmeads) 1:02.5, 35.8; Arctic Heights (Lui) and Justagem (Mullineaux) 1:08.4, 37.9; Glad (Edmeads) 1:08.6, 40.8; Mr Trim (Barnabas) and Shinko King gelding (O’Sullivan) 1:07.2, 37.5; La Tourneau (Mullineaux) and Bonamici (Colgan) 1:04.6, 36.5; Calcutta (H Wong) and Soradawning (R Jones) 1:06.9, 37.3; Sharp ’N’ Fast (R Jones) 1:10.8, 35.8; Matabrava (Russell) 1:09.5, 41.8; Boomstix (Wenn) 1:08.8, 38.7; Redoute’s Choice-Zirna filly (Toh) 1:14.5, 44.6.
 

Tuesday 1st November
 

Shanghai Bund confirmed his trip to Christchurch for the Sothys New Zealand 2000 Guineas with a sound gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping on a good plough with raceday rider Vinnie Colgan in the saddle, Shanghai Bund stretched out freely over 1200m in 1:16.9, with the last 1000m in 1:02.2 and 600m in a smart 35.7. Even allowing that he worked early in the session when the plough was at its fastest, it was impressive solo work. He and other northern horses heading to Christchurch were due to fly from Auckland early Wednesday.
 
The John Sargent-trained three-year-old has trained on well from his last start Hastings win and is currently a $7 third favourite for Saturday’s classic behind Burgundy at $2.40 and Anabandana at $3.20. Colgan has picked up the ride on Shanghai Bund following James McDonald’s engagement for Anabandana on the assumption that she lines up against the males on the weekend.
 
Nicole Amy (Russell), a late entry for next week’s Coupland’s Bakeries Mile at Riccarton, underlined her fitness with bold work over 1200m in 1:14.8, 1000m in 1:00.6 and 600m in 35.8. She too has gone on the right way for Paul Jenkins since her return to form at Ellerslie.
 
Baby Guinness (Grylls) prepared for the Listed sprint at Te Rapa on Saturday with 1000m in 1:00.8 and 600m in 36.2, good time later in the session. Wisecrack (Coleman), another for Te Rapa, was paired with likely Gisborne runner Medici (Grylls) over a solid 1200m in 1:16.4, 1000m in 1:01.6 and 600m in 35.6.
 
Danrose (Kasim) and Toma Valea (P Ormsby), members of the in form Mark Brosnan team headed for Te Rapa, cut out 1000m in 1:02.6 and 600m in 35.7. Fashion Rocks (Dowling) and Handsome Dan (Brown) ran time over 1200m in 1:17, 1000m in 1:00.4 and 600m in 35.4.
 
Marechal (Grylls) and Army Girl (Lammas), trial winners by General Nediym and Captain Rio respectively, tuned up for the Te Rapa juvenile event with attractive work over 1000m in 1:02.9, the last 600m in 35.8. Needastar (Lammas) and Essaouira (Dowling) left 1200m behind in 1:14.7, 1000m in 1:00.4 and 600m in 35.5.
 
Authentic (Brett) and Power Climber (Smiley) covered the same ground in 1:17.2, 1:02.8 and 36.9, Captain Cruising (Weatherley) and Global Partner (McGill) took 1:19.6, 1:03.7 and 35.8, Brave Ali (Wong) and Coffee Club (Lammas) 1:17.1, 1:03.2 and 36.7, Encosta Larrocha (Verry) 1:18.8, 1:04 and 36.6, and Fromelles (Mullineaux) and Chennai (Leveque) 1:17.9, 1:02.6 and 35.6.
 
He’s Under The Gun (Grylls) looked bright when kept to 1200m in 1:23.7, 1:06.9 and 41.2, while Headsup (Dowling) returned 1:27.6, 1:10.4 and 40.9, Connie Be Good (Kasim) 1:24, 1:08.8 and 39.3, and Cool Radiance (Turner) 1:21.6, 1:05.4 and 35.8. Lozada (P McKay) and Quintero (J McKay) cut out 1000m in 1:00.4 and 600 in 36.2.
 
Minqar Qaim (Smiley) underlined his progress when working with Academy Royale (Brett) over 1000m in 1:01.7 and 600m in 35.8. Van Helsing (S Collett) ran the same trip in 1:01.8 and 36.6, Beautiful Brother (Swann) took 1:03.1 and 37, Abbey Tralae (Goodwin) and Allsortsafun (Taylor) 1:06.2 and 36.4, Pinzee (T Autridge) 1:03.8 and 37.7, and Little Shamrock (Coleman) and Sirrevie (M Gibbs) 1:06.2 and 35.8. 
 
On the all-weather track Art Beat (K Hillis) was unextended over 1000m in 1:09.2 and 600m in 40. She runs next in the Listed sprint at Te Rapa.
 
Other gallops: 1000m plough: Better Together (J Hunt) 1:04.7, 37.2; Precious Time (Edmeads) and Te Akau King (Toh) 1:03.8, 36.2; Astronomical (Barnabas) 1:04.7, 37.2; Sweet Pass (Smiley) and Sans Souci (Brett) 1:07.2, 38.9; Guess What (Lewis) and a Pins gelding (Turner) 1:11.6, 40.8.

Tuesday 25th October
 

Banchee confirmed her fitness for Flemington on the weekend when she turned in an impressive gallop at Matamata this morning.

 

Working 22m out on a dead course proper, Banchee (McDonald) worked away from the 1200m mark to run the full distance in 1:17.2, picking up momentum over the last 1000m in 1:03 and rounding off with a final 600m in 37. It was excellent work by the John Sargent-trained mare, who is scheduled to fly to Melbourne tomorrow.

 

Banchee’s mission is the A$500,000 Myer Classic, at weight-for-age over 1600 metres for fillies and mares, for which she was assured of a start when entries closed yesterday (Monday). Another entry is fellow Peter and Phillip Vela-owned Guiseppina, but at 22 in the preference order she is not guaranteed to make the 16-horse cut. James McDonald has been engaged to ride Guiseppina, with the proviso that he will switch to Banchee should the other mare not make the field.

 

Miss Upstart (Sapsworth) and Green Supreme (McDonald) turned in a sound trial for Friday’s Matamata meeting when they cut out 1200m 1:18.2, 1000m in 1:04 and 600m in 37.6. Green Supreme has trained on well from his last start second, which was his first run for Graham Richardson since returning from Hong Kong. Miss Upstart has had no luck with barrier draws so far this spring but certainly looks well.

 

Three Wishes (Wenn) did well late in the session to record 1:03.3 and 37.2 over 1000m. She is scheduled to run at Te Awamutu on Saturday. Dawn Ghost (Mullineaux) prepared for Saturday’s Feilding Gold Cup at Awapuni with 1200m in 1:24.8, 1000m in 1:08.8 and 600m in 38.9.

 

Red Ruler (C Ormsby) looked bright when sent over 1200m in 1:22.3 with the last 1000m in 1:06.5 and 600m in an impressive 37.5. He has trained on well from his Spring Classic placing and will run in the Nicola Feuillate Stakes at Ellerslie next Tuesday.

 

Thorn Star (Coleman) and Sir Tane (Brown), form runners in maiden grade on their home track on Friday, left 1000m behind in 1:06.3 and 600m in 37.5. Over the same ground Sharp ’N’ Fast (R Jones) recorded 1:07.4 and 39.3, Quest (Coleman) and Edensor (Wells) 1:04.8 and 38.5, Crown Of Thorns (Moody) 1:06.5 and 38.5, and Ulittlebeauty (Turner) 1:10.5 and 40.6.

 

New Zealand 2000 Guineas candidate Shanghai Bund (McDonald) got through his work well over 1200m in 1:20.4, 1000m in 1:06.2 and 600m in 39.7. La Montoya (Allen) covered the same ground in 1:21.7, 1:06 and 38.2.

 

On the sand, Don Domingo (Sapsworth) turned in a sound trial for the Feilding Gold Cup when striding over 1200m in 1:16.8, 1000m in 1:03.4 and 600m in 37.6. He looks bright and will appreciate the return to handicap conditions on Saturday. Race rival The Raconteur (S Collett) was partnered by Juggernaut Rock (C Ormsby) over 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 37.5. The Raconteur has trained on well from his last start stakes placing.

 

Cool Cruising (Weatherly) prepared for Friday’s local meeting with a sharp 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.7. Sequin (Coleman) and Rock My World (Sapsworth) also ran good time over 1000m in 1:02.6 and 36.5, Viking Ace (H McQuade) took 1:05.9 and 38.5, whereas Te Awamutu sprint candidate Mae Jinx (Coleman) was restricted to 1000m in 1:11.3 and 39.8.

 

On the all-weather track Major Rio (Kesner) prepared for Ellerslie next Tuesday with a smart 1000m in 1:03.7, the final 600m in 37.5. Stablemate Art Beat (K Hillis) ran the same trip in 1:05.8 and 38.5. She runs next in the Listed sprint at Te Rapa on Saturday week.

 

Promising maiden Xanadu (Grylls) did well in company with Magic Briar (Cook) to cut out 1000m in 1:02.9 and 600m in 35.3. Matamata entries Loviste (Dowling) and Juliann (Lammas) left 1200m behind in 1:19.5, 1000m in 1:05.4 and 600m in 37.9.

 

Two Ticks (Moody) covered the same ground in 1:20.2, 1:05.5 and 39.3, while Keepa Lady (K Jones) recorded 1:23.2, 1:08.2 and 39, and Saw Her Walkin By (Lammas) and True Light (Dowling) 1:20.6, 1:05.6 and 40.4.

 

Over 1000m Beauty Leap (Dowling) returned 1:05.8 and 39.5, and Luvlybubbly (Russell) 1:07.2 and 40.4.
 

Tuesday 27th September

Matamata’s quartet of NZB Insurance Spring Classic prospects all satisfied their connections for Saturday’s Hastings feature when they galloped at Matamata this morning.

Working 18m out on the course proper, which was dead under a heavy frost, Don Domingo (Sapsworth) impressed in the way he got through 1200m in 1:17.4, maintaining a solid rate over the last 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 38.2. While unproven in weight-for-age company, the Graham Richardson-trained grey has form on the Hastings track and will front up in excellent order on the weekend.

Proven weight-for-age performer Red Ruler had his raceday rider Chad Ormsby on board when he and Ying Yang Master (Lui) strode over 1200m in 1:18.3, 1000m in 1:03.9 and 600m in 37.2. The John Sargent-trained gelding looked very comfortable at the end of the gallop and is peaking at the right time.

Stablemate Dawn Ghost (Mullineaux) did her Spring Classic work on the all-weather track, where she rounded off striding work with 1200m in 1:18.8, 1000m in 1:05.1 and 600m in 37.8. Matamata’s fourth runner in the big race, the Wayne and Vanessa Hillis-trained Seaflyte (Grylls), was partnered by Ballynova (Lammas) over a solid 1200m in 1:19.6, 1000m in 1:05.9 and 600m in 38.4.

Seaflyte appears to have trained on well from his close second at Hastings last week, while Ballynova, a member of the in-form Glenn Old stable, will be shooting for a hat-trick at Hastings.

Back on the course proper, Kaptain Kirkup (Coleman) and Fly Silca Fly (Grylls) prepared for Hastings with dashing work over 1200m in 1:16.5, 1000m in 1:02.2 and 600m in 37.8. Over the same ground Burgundy (McDonald) and Miss Thorn (Shirahama) returned 1:22.3, 1:06.2 and 39. Burgundy has made a good recovery from the foreleg cut he suffered in his winning debut and will return to Taupo next week, when he will be ridden by James McDonald due to the race being confined to apprentice riders.

Banchee (Colgan) worked away steadily to cover 1200m in 1:21.9, gathering momentum over the last 1000m in 1:04.8 and hitting the line strongly after a final 600m in 38.4. Sir Royal (Lui) and Chennai (Colgan) caught the eye when preparing for Te Rapa on Sunday with 1000m in 1:02.9 and 600m in 37.4.

Green Supreme (McDonald) and Sirrevie (M Gibbs) did sound work over 1000m in 1:04.4 and 600m in 38, while Lady Istidaad (Burton) and Que Sera (Barnabas) recorded a smart 1:03.3 and 37.5. Hawke’s Bay candidate Kashin Girl (Wilson) and Te Rapa runner Dadzadreamer (Sapsworth) cut out 1200m in 1:18.6, 1000m in 1:04.3 and 600m in 38.

Planex (Wilson), who will have his first start since returning from Hong Kong at Pukekohe on Friday, strode over 1200m in 1:24.6, with his last 1000m in 1:09.2 and 600m in 40.2. Mr Spock (C Ormsby) was timed over his last 800m in 50.5 and 600m in 37.6.

On the sand, which was in good order, Peter McKay’s Hawke’s Bay Guineas duo Antonio Lombardo (J McKay) and Estrato (P McKay) were well matched over 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 37.5. The pair of last start winners are in good condition for the three-year-old feature.

Stablemate Thundermore (Wratten) was in brilliant form over 1000m in 1:02.4, the final 600m in 36.5. He is capable of a bold fresh-up run at Hastings. Polarity (Brett) and Thrive (Smiley) were matched in sound work over 1200m in 1:18.2, 1000m in 1:04.4 and 600m in 37.9. Last start winner Polarity returns to Taupo next Thursday, while Thrive may start at Te Rapa on Sunday.

Cool Cruising (S Tata) was another to do smart work on the sand, with 1000m in 1:02.5. Fog prevented a 600-metre sectional time. St Moritz (Leveque) and Demophon (Mullineaux) left 1200m behind in 1:20.4, 1000m in 1:03.8 and 600m in 50.6.

Heza Rebel (Lammas), who runs at Tauranga this Thursday, covered 1200m in 1:19.2 and 1000m in 1:05.6, with fog again affecting the timing. La Tourneau (Lui) and Lights Are Shining (Woollams) prepared for Te Rapa with 800m in 51.8 and 600m in 36.2.

Promising three-year-old Jetset Man (Cameron) was travelling well alongside Mayhem Magic (Edmeads) at the end of 1200m in 1:18.7, 1000m in 1:04.4 and 600m in 38.2. Viking Ace (H McQuade) covered the same ground in 1:21.6, 1:06.4 and 40, while Beautiful Brother (S Collett) took 1:19.4, 1:03.8 and 37.2, and Dixie Run (Sliz) and Magic Epic (Kasim) 1:23.6, 1:08.2 and 40.3.

On the all-weather track Mercury Mistress (Dowling) and Saw Her Walkin By (McDonald) cut out 1000m in 1:02.4 and 600m in 36.9. Hype (Arumugam) was timed over 800m in 52.7 and 600m in 38.4, while Storm Patrol (Joseph) and Revelator (C Ormsby) took 55.3 and 41.7.

Confederate (Grylls) was not after time over 1200m in 1:26.6 and 600m in 42.8 and stablemate Magic Briar (Coleman) strolled over 1000m in 1:14.2 and 600m in 43.2. She is close to going to the trials.

Other gallops: 1200m sand: Medici (McDonald) 1:26, 40.2; Savvy Dancer (O Richardson) 1:28.8, 43.9; Pinaz (Barnabas) 1:25.4, 43; Jules Verne (Cameron) 1:26, 43.8.

1000m sand: Sharp Decision (Shirahama) and Ocean Park (S Collett) 1:06.3, 37.7; Chaparral Lass (Lammas) 1:08.3, 40.2; Lord Roberto (Cameron) 1:09.7, 41.2; Excuse Me Madam (Browne) 1:12.2, 42.8; Northern General (Edmeads) 1:15.5, 45.2; Academy Royale (Brett) 1:13.6, 44.

800m sand: The Raconteur (S Collett) and Donna Rules (K Price) 55.6, 38.4; Nola Wood (Russell) 1:02.8, 44.2.

 

Tuesday 20th September

Baby Guinness and Golden Globe looked the part for Saturday’s Taranaki “Xtreme Raceday” when they worked in dashing style at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping 25m out on a heavy course proper, Baby Guinness (Sliz) held an early lead over Golden Globe (S Collett) on the way to running 1000m in 1:07.2, finishing together after a final 600m in 39.6. It was smart work by both horses in the conditions. Baby Guinness is in good order to resume in the R80 sprint at New Plymouth, while Golden Globe is a form runner in the three-year-old 990-metre event.
 
Wai Not (Lammas), another heading to New Plymouth, and Ready Steady (O’Sullivan) were paired in sound work over 1200m in 1:27.4, quickening from the 1000m in 1:08.2 and 39.3 for the final section. Ready Steady is in forward condition to resume in three-year-old stakes company at Ellerslie on Saturday.
 
Justagem (Lui) drew attention to her fresh-up prospects at Rotorua on Sunday when she led Ellerslie candidate Dollario (Mullineaux) at the end of 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 39.4. The Muffin Man (Arumugam) handled the conditions better than Sterling Prince (W Hillis) over 1200m in 1:22.3, 1000m in 1:09 and 600m in 41.8. The Muffin Man is likely to start at Ellerslie.
 
Ellerslie open stayers’ candidate Montjee (Coleman) maintained an even rate over 1200m in 1:21.6, 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 40.2. Sand Jewell (M Brosnan) and Avoca Ruler (P Ormsby) covered the same ground in 1:22.8, 1:08.2 and 41.9, while Genaffair (Gartner) and Heads Up (Dowling) recorded 1:23.8, 1:09.2 and 41.7, and Sircross (Kasim) and Miss Upstart (Sapsworth) 1:19.5, 1:06.3 and 40.6.
 
New Plymouth entrant Miss Danni (S Collett) left 1200m behind in 1:20.5, with the last 1000m in 1:05.7 and 600m in 40.4. Insignificant (Sliz) did long work and was timed over the last 1200m in 1:29.4 and 600m in 43.7. He is putting together a solid formline over hurdles and gets another opportunity at the Rotorua-Bay of Plenty Hunt meeting on Sunday.
 
On the sand promising maiden Curtain Raiser (Joseph) prepared for Rotorua with a soundly run 1200m in 1:18.3, 1000m in 1:04.5 and 600m in 38.5.
 
Champagne Girl (Coleman) stretched out well over the final stages of 1000m in 1:11.4 and 600m in 38.8. Vincent Mangano (P McKay) and Lozada (Wratten) were also travelling strongly at the end of their work over 800m in 55.8 and 600m in 40.2, while Ellerslie candidate Art Beat (K Hillis) was timed from the 600m in 39.8.
 
Rio Moral (H McQuade) had a solid hitout over 1200m in 1:19.8, 1000m in 1:05.9 and 600m in 38.7. Over 1000m Geariguru (Joseph) and Beautiful Brother (S Collett) recorded 1:04.2 and 38.5, Coffee Club (Lammas) 1:09.2 and 40.8, Mae Jinx (Coleman) 1:06.2 and 38.7, Shelley Bee (H McQuade) 1:06.2 and 38.7, and Beauty Perception (Lammas) 1:06.2 and 38.6.
 
On the all-weather track Pinot Express (Taylor) and Abagale (Goodwin) cut out 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.2. Vincent Street (Grylls) and Armadio Estrada (K Hillis) ran the same trip in 1:09.3 and 40.7, while Claws Are Out (Grylls) took 1:10.2 and 39 and Wisecrack (K Jones) 1:14.4 and 44.5

Tuesday 13th August

Largo Da Barra and Orutan prepared for Hastings on Saturday with impressive work together at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping 18m out on a slow course proper, Largo Da Barra (Mullineaux) and Orutan (Lui) were well matched over 1000m in 1:06.2, with the final 600m in 38.2. Even allowing that the work took place early in the session before the ground cut up, it was good work by the John Sargent-trained pair.
 
Largo Da Barra has trained on well from his first-up win late last month and will be ridden by Vinny Colgan in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas, while Sam Spratt is booked for Orutan for her reappearance in the Gold Trail Stakes. 
 
Race rival Queen Boudicca (Colgan) was partnered by The Raconteur (S Collett) over 800m in 53.2 and 600m in 38.6. Little went Queen Boudicca’s way on the first day at Hastings and it would not surprise to see her turn that form around.
 
Windsor Park Plate candidate Atom Cat (Wilson) had the measure of Get The Message (Sapsworth) at the end of solid work over 1200m in 1:18.5, the last 1000m in 1:03.1 and 600m in 39.6. Our Ella Belle (Ritchie) prepared for the R90 1400 at Hastings with 1000m in 1:07.3 and 600m in 39.6.
 
Cracker (O’Sullivan) and Pinaz (Blair) ran good time over 1000m in 1:06 and 600m in 38.1. Cracker is likely to head south for the Canterbury Belle Stakes at Riccarton Saturday, while her stablemate runs at Te Rapa on Friday.
 
Two more for Te Rapa, Ying Yang Master (Coleman) and Yourein (Colgan), left 1200m behind in 1:20.9, 1000m in 1:06.1 and 600m in 38.7. Later in the session Seaflyte (Hillis) and Generous Type (Boyack) did well over the same distance in 1:21.4, 1:07.5 and 41.2, while Don Domingo (Sapsworth) returned 1:20.4, 1:07.1 and 41.4. Seaflyte and Don Domingo are likely to clash in the open stayers’ event at Hastings.
 
Condescender (C Ormsby), a runner at Pukekohe on Sunday, worked with Te Rapa entry Two Ticks (Kasim) over a sound 1000m in 1:08.2 and 600m in 39.9. Over the same ground Gunna (Russell) and Delaman (C Ormsby) clocked 1:08.6 and 41, Shahbab (O Richardson) 1:08.2 and 39.9, Rose Of Falkirk (M Brosnan) and Sharp ’N’ Fast (P Ormsby) 1:06.8 and 39, and Danrose (P Ormsby) 1:07.7 and 39.6. She will run in the Gold Trail Stakes only if the track softens.
 
Ledecky’s Girl (Grylls) and Zardetto (Colgan) maintained an even rate over 1200m in 1:21.6, 1000m in 1:07.3 and 600m in 40.4. Loviste (Lammas) appeared to manage the conditions better than Medici (Dowling) over the same distance in 1:20.5, 1:06.3 and 39.2.
 
Others over ground included Crown Of Thorns (Moody) and Savvy Dancer (O Richardson), who returned 1:20.8, 1:05.5 and 39.8; Keepa Lady (Grylls) and Dixie Run (Sliz) 1:21.6, 1:07.2 and 39.4; and Beauty Avanti (Gartner) and Beauty Humour (Wong) 1:23.2, 1:07.4 and 39.8.
 
Wai Not (Lammas) and a Perfectly Ready filly (S Collett) took 1:08.9 and 40.8 over 1000m, while Amadagio (Dowling) and Crystal Heights (Lammas) clocked 1:08.3 and 40.2. Beautiful Brother (S Collett) ran from the 800m in 53 and, with the last 600m in 39.6, and Western Treasure (Shirahama) followed in 54.3 and 41.2.
 
On the all-weather track Allsortsafun (R Jones) and Mr Clooney (Goodwin) ran a smart trial for Te Rapa over 1000m in 1:02.8, the final 600m in 36.4. Art Beat (K Hillis), who runs next at Ellerslie on Saturday week, was not extended over the same ground in 1:05.4 and 38.8, while Whitby (Goodwin) took 1:08.4 and 37.2.
 
On the sand, which was not conducive to fast times, Master Guru (M Brosnan) and Toma Valea (P Ormsby) did well to record 1:19.8 over 1200m, with the last 1000m in 1:02.6 and 600m in 36.4.
 
Estrato (P McKay) and Quintero (J McKay) wasted no time over 1000m in 1:03.4 and 600m in 36.8, St Moritz (Colgan) clocked 1:06.7 and 38.4, Gay Guru (S Collett) and Black Rocks (Murray) took 1:08 and 39.2, and Dollario (Colgan) 1:05.6 and 37.8.
 
Sand Jewell (Kasim) covered 1200m in 1:20.2, the last 600m in 39.6, while Thundermore (Wratten) stretched out well over 800m in 50.4 and 600m in 37. In easy work over 1000m, Magic Reilly (Barnabas) clocked 1:12.8 and 43.5, Golden Globe (S Collett) and Miss Danni (Joseph) 1:12.3 and 41.2, Gimme A Flyer (Russell) 1:13.5 and 41.8, Lady Burlesque (O’Sullivan) 1:14.6 and 41.8, and Beauty Perception (Wong) and a Pentire gelding (Lammas) 1:12 and 40.8.

Tuesday 30th August

Miss Upstart suggested a bold fresh-up effort at Wanganui on the weekend when she galloped impressively at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 25m out on a slow course proper with raceday rider Michael Coleman on board, Miss Upstart turned in a bold solo gallop over 1000m in 1:08.7, finishing off with a sound 39.5 for the last 600m. The Graham Richardson-trained filly, a stakes winner at two last season, has had a trial since resuming and could take some beating in the Trudy Thomson Memorial at Wanganui.
 
Last start winner Boomstix (Grylls), who runs in the Wanganui Guineas, was paired with Ellerslie entrant Heads Up (Dowling) over a soundly run 1000m in 1:08.6 and 600m in 40.6. Dollario (Lui), another for the Wanganui Guineas, and Ellerslie entrant Shanghai Bund (Colgan) had early use of the track when cutting out 1000m in a smart 1:07.5 and 600m in 39.2.
 
Recent impressive juvenile trial winner Saatchi (Grylls), the Strategic Image colt prepared by Danica Guy, looked on song for the first two-year-old race of the season at Wanganui when he ran in from the 600m in 43.4. The precocious chestnut stretched out in professional manner over the final 200m.
 
Slashing (Moody), who goes to Ellerslie provided the track is not too heavy, turned in bold work over 1000m in 1:07.7, the final 600m, while stablemate He’s Under the Gun (Moody) strode over 1200m in 1:27.4, 1000m in 1:10.8 and 600m in 41. Magic Briar (K Jones) was well held in her work over 800m in 1:01.3, quickening from the 600m in 43.8. She looks bright after a winter spell.
 
On the sand, which was good, Coolross (Turner) recorded a bold trial for Ellerslie when paired with Ballynova (Swann) over 1000m in 1:02.8, with the final 600m in a brilliant 35.8.
 
Danrose (P Ormsby) and Master Guru (M Brosnan) prepared for Wanganui with a smart 1000m in 1:02.9 and 600m in 36.3 Master Guru has come really solid, while Danrose, who turned in a very good fresh-up effort, is a leading candidate for the Wanganui fillies’ feature.
 
Sand Jewell (Kasim), another in-form member of the Mark Brosnan team heading for Wanganui, turned in good work over 1200m in 1:17.5, 1000m in 1:03.3 and 600m in 36.4. Peter Brosnan’s Great Northern Hurdles runner Southern Countess (J Brosnan) looked fit when working over ground, with her last 1200m in 1:26.6, 1000m in 1:10.5 and 600m in 41.5.
 
Kashin Girl (Sasada) and Get The Message (Sapsworth) worked well together over 1200m in 1:17.2, 1000m in 1:04.1 and 600m in 38.5. Curtain Raiser (S Collett) was another to waste no time over ground, clocking 1:15.2, 1:02.4 and 37.5, while Red Shift (Russell) and a Starcraft filly (Grylls) took 1:16.2, 1:03.8 and 39.
 
Straight Furrow (Pos) dashed over 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 36.8, while High Heels (P Ormsby) was not extended in 1:09.6 and 600m in 40.8. Viking Chief (Sapsworth) left 1200m behind in 1:22.8, 1:08.4 and 40.5, and Dixie Run (Sliz) returned 1:23.2, 1:08.2 and 40.4. Mae Jinx (Moody) indicated her progress with 800m in 55.3 and 600m in 40.8. 
 
On the all-weather track Art Beat (Grylls) prepared for a return to racing at Ellerslie when cutting out 1000m in 1:10.3, the last 600m in 39.4. Stablemate Seaflyte (Arumugam), who is also set to resume on the weekend, bowled into his work over 1200m in 1:19.5, 1000m in 1:05.7 and 600m in 38.8.
 
The Muffin Man (Blair) was hard held over his last 800m in 1:01.5 and 600m in 44.8. He races next at New Plymouth on Sunday week. Kiwi Spirit (Moody) and Chichirita (O Richardson) ran their last 800m in 55.4 and 600m in 41.2.

Tuesday 23rd August 2011

Ghostinthemachine looked the part for Hastings on Saturday when he galloped stylishly at Matamata this morning. Heavy fog that descended midway through the session prevented the timing of many gallops, including all those on the course proper.
 
Early in the session Ghostinthemachine (O Richardson) worked on the all-weather track, where he had pace on throughout 1200m in 1:15.8, 1000m in 1:02.1 and finished off with an impressive final 600m in 35.8. The Moroney-Clarken-trained grey won his maiden race last season at Hastings and appears to have trained on well from his bold fresh-up fifth a month ago.
 
Also on the all-weather track, Dazzling Heights (Russell) was partnered by Delaman (Grylls) over 1000m in 1:06.3 and 600m in 38.9. The Paul Jenkins-trained mare will attempt to complete a hat-trick at Tauranga on Saturday.  
 
Last start maiden graduate Ballynova (Lammas) prepared for Hastings with 1200m in 1:22.8, 1000m in 1:08.6 and 600m in 40.8, while Dawn Ghost (Colgan) was timed over 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 38.4. She is set to resume at Tauranga on the weekend.
 
On the sand Rio Moral (H McQuade) and Viking Ace (K McQuade) set the standard when they dashed over 1000m in 1:00.8 and 600m in 35.6. They are being set for the Wanganui meeting on Saturday week.
 
Queen Boudicca (K Price), one of last season’s best juvenile fillies, prepared for the three-year-old sprint at Hastings when paired with The Raconteur (J Price) over 800m in 54.2 and 600m in 39.7. Queen Boudicca looks bright after a bold trial at Te Teko earlier in the month.
 
Tauranga maiden candidates Whosyourmaster (R Jones) and Pearl Lustre (O’Sullivan) showed their paces over a smart 1000m in 1:01.6 and 600m in 36.2. Pinaz (Baranabas), another for Tauranga, ran the same trip in 1:04.5 and 37.4, while Dollario (Colgan) took 1:05.2 and 37.1, Toma Valea (P Ormsby) and Sharp ’N’ Fast (M Brosnan) 1:05.2 and 37.6, and Dickens (Russell) 1:08.9 and 39.2.
 
Kaleidoscope (Wong) and Silver Bracelet (Browne) were not after time when striding over 1000m in 1:13.8 and 600m in 42.7. In similar work Party Royal (Cameron) returned 1:10.2 and 40.8, and Authentic (Brett) 1:15.2 and 44.6.
 
Among those who appeared to be working well on the course proper as they emerged from the fog were Makfi Challenge Stakes candidate Atom Cat (Wilson), who shaded Miss Upstart (Sapsworth) at the end of their gallop.
 
Atom Cat has returned from his Queensland winter campaign in good order, where the last of three starts produced a third placing in the Tatts’ Mile, and trainer Graham Richardson is more than happy with the progress he has made leading up to the first Group One race of the domestic season. Miss Upstart is scheduled to resume in the three-year-old fillies’ feature at Wanganui on Saturday week.
 
Zardetto (K Jones) and Genaffair (Dowling) prepared for their respective engagements at Hastings and Tauranga with sound work, while others to catch the eye included Red Ruler (Allen), who finished striding work in good style. He remains an entry for the NZB Insurance Spring Classic on the final day at Hastings and will step up a notch with an outing at next week’s Te Teko trials.
 
Recent impressive maiden graduate Excuse Me Madam (R Jones) looked smart in her work for Tauranga, while others to hit out well were Montjee, who is also headed for Tauranga, promising three-year-old Glenorchy and recent trial performer In Overdraft.


WELCOME TO THE START OF THE NEW 2011/12 SEASON

Crown Of Thorns looked ready for another winning run in Saturday’s Interprovincial Championship when he galloped stylishly at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping 20m out on a course proper that was slow under a very heavy frost, Crown Of Thorns (Moody) shaded Lady Istidaad (K Jones) at the end of 1200m in 1:23.6, the last 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 42.2.
 
While this wasn’t the fastest time of the session, Crown Of Thorns impressed in the manner he got through his work, indicating that he is in the right shape to complete a hat-trick in the novelty New Plymouth event in which he will wear the Otago provincial colours. Lady Istidaad, who finished a bold fresh-up third late last month, runs at Te Aroha on Friday.
 
Recent Te Teko trial winner Essential (Colgan) prepared for Ellerslie on the weekend when working with Te Aroha debutant Jack Romanov (Lui) over 1200m in 1:29, the last 1000m in 1:11.5 and 600m in 39.5. Over the same ground Global Partner (Ali) and Captain Cruising (Weatherley) returned 1:24.9, 1:08.4 and 42.4, while Get The Message (Sapsworth) led Andi Black (Barlow) after clocking 1:24.4, 1:09.8 and 42.6. The pair of last start winners both start at Te Aroha on Friday.
 
Loviste (Dowling) covered 1200m in 1:22.8, picking up an O’Reilly filly (Lammas) for a final 1000m in 1:08.1 and 600m in 41.2. New Plymouth entrants Master Guru (P Ormsby) and Rose Of Falkirk (M Brosnan) were timed from the 800m in 55.2, with their last 600m in 40.8.
 
Miss Danni (Blair), another heading to the Taranaki meeting, cut out 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 40.9, while Hawke’s Bay-bound St Germaine (Mullineaux) could have gone faster than 1:10.5 and 41.2. Chemin De Dame (McGill) was keen in her work over 1200m in 1:23.7 and 600m in 40.2.
 
On the all-weather track Brave Centaur (Dowling) and Crystal Heights (Lammas) caught the eye in their work over 1000m in 1:08.3 and 600m in 39.8. Fonzie (Brick) and a Perfectly Ready gelding (Grylls) ran the same trip in 1:07.5 and 39.4, while Beauty Perception (Gartner) and a Don Eduardo gelding (Wong) did well to clock 1:05.5 and 38.2.

Tuesday 24th May

Heavy fog made the timing of gallops impossible at Matamata this morning, but several candidates for weekend racing appeared to shape up well in their work on a heavy course proper.
 
Dollario (Lui) turned in a sound trial for the Great Northern Foal Stakes at Ellerslie when he and One Nite Stand (Colgan) ended their 1000m gallop in good style. Dollario, who will be ridden on Saturday by James McDonald, is in good shape for his attempt at a hat-trick.
 
Dicky Lui, his claiming jockey in his last two wins, will be riding on Saturday at Trentham, where he has been engaged for members of the Lisa Latta team.
 
Animate (R Jones) appeared at home in the conditions when leading Loviste (Dowling) to the end of their gallop. The pair will be rivals in the R80 1600 at Ellerslie. Trentham candidate Genaffair (Lammas) was another that appeared untroubled by the heavy ground when she worked with Once More (Ng), while Pentango (Moody) worked solo in preparation for Ellerslie.
 
Everpoise (Colgan), another heading to Ellerslie, was accompanied by Boystar (Wratten) in sound work, and Delago Dancer (Brett) prepared for Hastings on Thursday, where he should appreciate the anticipated improved track conditions. 

Tuesday 17th May

Baby Guinness left no doubts that she has trained on well from her last start win when she galloped stylishly at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 28m out on a heavy course proper, Baby Guinness (Fraser) had the measure of Beauty Leap (Ng) at the end of 1200m in 1:24.6, 1000m in 1:07.8 and 600m in 41.3. It was sound work in the conditions and drew attention to the Fursdon-Sliz-trained filly’s prospects when she steps up to Rating 80 grade at Te Rapa on Saturday.
 
Shinko Miss (Lammas) also managed the conditions well as she prepared for Paeroa on Friday with 1200m in 1:22.1, 1000m in 1:07.9 and 600m in 40.4. Elusive Chik (Russell), another for Paeroa, worked over the same ground in 1:28.8, 1:10 and 41.9, while Kaptain Kirkup (Grylls) and Antonia Bella (Kasim) took 1:26, 1:09.4 and 40.7. English import Kaptain Kirkup shapes as a likely improver at Te Rapa on the weekend.
 
Last start winners Demophon (Colgan) and Justagem (Lui) prepared for Te Rapa over 1000m in 1:12 and 600m in 40.4, while Extra Explosive (O’Sullivan) and Animate (R Jones) were well held in 1:13.3 and 41.6, and Sir Royal (Lui) and a Foreplay gelding (Woollams) were not extended in 1:14.9 and 42.8.
 
Bella Carolina (K Jones) and Powerplaya (Lammas) left 1200m behind in 1:25.7, 1000m in 1:09.9 and 600m in 41.2. Foralltosee (Leveque) and Encosta Larrocha (Colgan) had early use of the track when they covered 1200m in 1:23.8, 1000m in 1:09 and 600m in 41.1, while later in the session Sateka (Ng) ran the same trip in 1:24.1, 1:09.5 and 41.8.
 
On the sand, which was firm, Allsortsafun (R Jones) looked sharp for Te Rapa when dashing over 1000m in 1:01.4 and 600m in 36.5. Others who caught the eye included Art Beat (K Hillis) and Sexy Magic (Arumugam), candidates for Te Rapa and Paeroa respectively, as they cut out 1000m in 1:05.3 and 36.8.
 
Vilify (Sweet) and Mr Darcy (Wratten) had pace on from the start of their 1000m gallop in 1:03.1, the final 600m in 37.6, while stablemate Princess Zabeel (Wratten) returned 1:04.9 and 38. Henri Jayer (P Turner) worked in good style over 1200m in 1:20.8, 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 37.5.
 
Hollywood Bowl (Grylls) strode over the same ground in 1:21.5, 1:06.3 and 39.2, while He’s Glovin It (O’Sullivan) took 1:24.6, 1:09.8 and 41.2, and Mr Trim (O’Sullivan) and Calcutta (Lammas) 1:20.3, 1:05.4 and 38.2.
 
Absolute Shambles (Colgan) ran from the 800m in 56.5 and 60m in 40.8, while Valencia’s Image (Kasim) was held to 1:15.4 over 1000m and 44.1 for the last 600m.
 
On the all-weather track Nicole Amy (Russell) was timed over her last 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 40.4. She is one of the Paul Jenkins team on tomorrow’s charter flight to Brisbane. Papawai Hine (Fraser) had pace on throughout 1200m in 1:19.8, 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 36.9.     

Tuesday 10th May

Slashing prepared for Rotorua on Saturday with an impressive gallop at Matamata this morning, where heavy fog prevented the timing of most early gallops.

Working 18m out on a heavy course proper, Slashing (Coleman) was travelling strongly at the end of 1200m in 1:25.6, the last 1000m in 1:09.8 and 600m in 38.8. The Moroney/Clarkin-trained gelding has shown improvement in each of his recent races and will be well placed to get his reward in R70 grade on the weekend.

Dollario (Lui) prepared for Rotorua when he and an unnamed Shinko King filly (Colgan) in the Sargent stable covered 1200m in 1:07.5 and 600m in 39. Dollario has trained on well from his last start win.

Spare A Fortune (S Collett) drew attention to his Rotorua prospects as he shaded My Lilly (Shirahama) at the end of 1200m in 1:22.8, 1000m in 1:08.5 and 600m in 40.6. Spare A Fortune looks improved for his recent fresh-up run.

Rotorua course specialist Shahbab (O Richardson) prepared for the weekend with 1200m in 1:20.4, 1000m in 1:05.9 and 600m in 39.7. Ledecky’s Girl (K Jones), who has her first start from the Kelso stable on Saturday, worked with Down Play (Coleman) over 1200m in 1:24.4, 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 39.6.

Delago Dancer (Toh), another for Rotorua, was partnered by Academy Royale (Brett) over the same ground in 1:25.3, 1:09.8 and 38.9, while Let It Ride (Grylls) and Guacamole Kid (O Richardson) took 1:22.8, 1:06.4 and 39.5, and Tiz Weissmuller (Palmer) 1:25.4, 1:09. and 39.8.

Roly Poly (Wratten) was not after time as he strolled over 1200m in 1:33, 1000m in 1:16.7 and 600m in 44.3, while Letmeby (Elliot) and Andi Black (Wratten) did well late in the session over 1000m in 1:09.7 and 39.7.

On the sand, which was good, Abbey Tralae (J Hunt) and Pinot Express) looked sharp for Rotorua when they cut out 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600m in 36.9. Viking Ace (K McQuade) and Shelly Bee (Lammas) also put plenty of zest into their work over 1000m in 1:02.8 and 36.9.

Montjee (K Jones), who is coming to hand well, strode over 1200m in 1:22, 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 38.5, while High Heel (P Ormsby) returned 1:21.4, 1:06.1 and 38.6 and Coolross (K McQuade) 1:19.8, 1:05.5 and 38.3.

High Voltage (Pos) and Straight Furrow (S Collett) were timed over 1000m in 1:06.3 and 600m in 38.9.

On the all-weather track Rotorua entry Sircross (Kasim) put plenty of dash into his work with Shezaruler (Verry) over 1000m in 1:02.6 and 600m in 36.3. Donnybrook (Grylls) ran the same trip in 1:04.4 and 37.2, while Matakan (S Lacy) was restricted over 1000m to 1:11.2 and 41.6. 

Gallops that could be timed only in part due to fog included:

1200m sand: Coffee Club (Ng) and Juliann (Lammas) 1:17.2; Captain Kirkup (Kasim) 1:25.2; Antonio Bella (Grylls) 1:24.6; Brave Ali (Lammas) and Amadagio (Ng) 1:16.8; Upstage Lad (O Richardson) 1:26.4.

1200m all-weather: Backstabber (H McQuade) 1:19.2; Oriental Lad (Lacy) 1:17.8.  



Tuesday 3rd May

Seaflyte looked the part for Saturday’s Platinum Homes Rotorua Cup when he worked impressively at Matamata this morning, where fog interfered with the timing of some gallops.
 
Galloping 15m out on a heavy course proper with co-trainer Wayne Hillis in the saddle, Seaflyte worked away from the 1200m mark to run that distance in 1:25.5, with the last 1000m in 1:10.7 and 600m in 41.2. He finished the gallop full of running and should front up in the right shape on the weekend to make up for the wretched luck he suffered in the Hawke’s Bay Gold Cup.
 
Show Up (Wilson) prepared for the Rotorua Stakes with smart work late in the session, cutting out 1000m in 1:05.9 and 600m in 39. Rush’n Prince (Wratten), another from the Richardson stable with genuine prospects at Rotorua, covered the same distance in 1:07.3 and 39.9.
 
Que Sera (Blair), who runs at either Rotorua or the day before at Ruakaka, worked with Rotorua candidate Keepaway (Hutchings) over 1000m in 1:09.2 and 40.8. Bella Carolina (K Jones) and Zardetto (Grylls), entries for Te Rapa on Thursday, covered 1200m in 1:27.6, 1000m in 1:12.2 and 600m in 40.7.
 
Te Rapa hurdle candidate Shacuse (Anderson) strode over 1200m in 1:26.7, 1000m in 1:11.9 and 600m in 40.8. Stablemates Precious Time (Edmeades) and Mayhem Magic (Lammas) were timed over their last 600m in 40.7. Rotorua-bound Panthera (Grylls) took 1:08.3 for 1000m and 40.1 for her final 600m.
 
Waikeepadacash (Hutchings) turned in an encouraging trial for Rotorua when he shaded Insignificant (Sliz) at the end of 1200m in 1:20.6, 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 41.8. The Raconteur (S Collett) ran the same trip in 1:27.5, 1:11.3 and 42.3, while Mydiamond Bracelet (Wratten) and Mary Astor (Wilson) returned sound work in 1:22.5, 1:07.6 and 40.5.  
 
On the sand, which was good, Mae Jinx (Richardson) was not after time but still impressed over 1000m in 1:08.2 and 600m in 37.9. Provided track conditions are reasonable, she will chase a hat-trick in the Rotorua Stakes.
 
Race rival Nicole Amy (Russell) also appeared to have trained on well from her last start win when she strode over 1200m in 1:24.4, 1000m in 1:09, and 600m in 40.3.
Coffee Club (Ng) and Brave Ali (Lammas) had pace on throughout 1200m in 1:19.5, 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 37.6.
 
Fledgling (Lui) and One Nite Stand (Hepi) cut out 1000m in 1:04.4 and 600m in 37, while Voorsitter (Russell) returned 1:09.2 and 39.5, and Lovingthelimelight (Fraser) took 1:06.8.
 
Connie Be Good (Grylls) covered 1200m in 1:24.4, 1000m in 1:08.9 and 600m in 38.8, Saw Her Walkin By (Ng) and Astrogal (Lammas) took 1:21.8, 1:07.6 and 39.2, Hollywood Bowl (Russell) 1:23.2, 1:07.8 and 39.7, Lagonissi (Grylls) 1:23.2, 1:08.4 and 39.3, and Two Ticks (Kasim) 1:21.2, 1:06.3 and 37.5.
 
Bowling Boy (Russell) strode over 1200m in 1:23.1, 1000m in 1:08.3 and 600m in 40.9. Ugo Boss (Grylls) was timed over 1200m in 1:23.8 and 1000m in 1:08.5, while Delaman (Fraser) clocked 1:25.4 and 1:10.3.
 
On the all-weather track Pinzee (P Turner) left 1200m behind in 1:18.7 and 1000m in 1:05.2, while Ruakaka two-year-old entry Diva Down Under (Blair) appeared to manage the conditions well when running 600m on the two-year-old grass.   

Tuesday 19th April

Dawn Ghost underlined her fitness for Saturday’s Hawke’s Bay Cup when turning in sound work at Matamata this morning.
 
With first use of the course proper, which was slow 25m out, Dawn Ghost (Allen) strode away from the 1200m mark to cover that distance in 1:24.2, gradually increasing the tempo for a final 1000m in 1:08.6 and 600m in 39.4. The John Sargent-trained mare has trained on well from her Awapuni Gold Cup second and looks in the right order to get her reward in the Hastings feature, in which she will be ridden by James McDonald. 
 
Don Domingo (Wratten), who will be bidding for a start in the same race, worked in his usual keen style when covering 1200m in 1:21.2, 1000m in 1:07and 600m in 40.4. The Graham Richardson-trained grey also appears to have gone on the right way since his last start win. Hawke’s Bay Cup hopeful Better Together (Leveque) and Tauranga entrant La Montoya (Allen) left 1200m behind in 1:23.5, 1000m in 1:07.7 and 600m in 39.7.
 
Heads Up (Dowling) prepared for the feature 1600-metre event at Awapuni on Thursday with a steady 1200m in 1:28.5, 1000m in 1:12.2 and 600m in 40.4. Stablemate Viadana (Lammas) turned in a smart trial for Hastings when leading Loviste (Wells) to the end of 1000m in 1:05and 600m in 40.2.
 
Fiscal Wings (R Jones), a scratching from Ellerslie due to the heavy track, signalled his maiden two-year-old prospects at Hastingswhen shading Party Royal (Edmeades) at the end of 1000m in 1:09and 600m in 39.3. Que Sera (O’Sullivan) and Dutch Striker (Coleman), candidates for Tauranga and Hastings respectively, got through their work well to record 1:24.1, 1:07.9 and 39.9.
 
Spare A Fortune (S Collett) looked ready for a bold fresh-up run this weekend when he and Awapuni candidate Chief’s Daughter (K Jones) cut out 1200m in 1:22.9, 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 39.7. Over the same ground Mydiamond Bracelet (Grylls) and Pure Reason (Gartner) returned 1:21.6, 1:07.3 and 40.5, while Made My Point (Weatherley) took 1:25, 1:109.4 and 40.2, Nicole Amy (Russell) 1:20.7, 1:06.2 and 39.8, and Genaffair (Gartner) and Needastar (Lammas) 1:21.6, 1:07.4 and 40.5.
 
Roly Poly (Wilson) was keen through the early part of his 1000m gallop in 1:06, with the final 600m in 39.7, while Lovingthelimelight (Fraser) and Bazinsky (Russell) were timed over their final 600m in 37.8.
 
On the all-weather track, Gallant (Coleman) drew attention to his Hastings prospects when he led Sircross (Verry) at the end of 1200m in 1:17.6, with the last 1000m in 1:02.2 and the final 600m in a brilliant 35.7. Hawke’s Bay Cup entrant Seaflyte (Grylls) kept up a good gallop over 1200m in 1:20.4, 1000m in 1:05.9 and 600m in 37.6.  
 
Pinzee (Turner), another for Hastings, left 1200m behind in 1:17.5, 1000m in 1:03.8 and 600m in 37.2. Blonde Bombshell (Colgan) prepared for Tauranga with 1000m in 1:08and 600m in 38.3, while Pinot Express (Taylor) took 1:09.2 for 1000m and 40.6 for the last 600m.
 
On the sand, where times were generally moderate, Pinot Girl (Colgan) turned in a sound trial for Tauranga when she left 1200m behind in 1:20, 1000m in 1:03.9 and 600m in 37.2. Shacuse (Anderson) prepared for Awapuni on Thursday with 1200m in 1:19.6, 1000m in 1:05.1 and 600m in 38.2.
 
Over the same ground Mr Trim (O’Sullivan), who runs at Ellerslie next Monday, returned 1:19.8, 1:04.6 and 37.3, Brave Ali (Lammas) took 1:24.8, 1:11.2 and 41.7, Lagonissi (Grylls) 1:20.3, 1:05.2 and 37.5, and Foralltosee (Allen) 1:18, 1:02.6 and 39.3.
 
Delago Dancer (A Hunt) left 1000m behind in 1:07.4 and 600m in 39.6. Mae Jinx (Coleman) was well contained over the same distance in 1:10.4 and 40.2, while Rani Orissa (Lui) clocked 1:09.8 and 37.5, Mr Clooney (Taylor) 1:09.2 and 38.3, Kasumi (Hepi) 1:09.6 and 39.3, and Two Ticks (Kasim) 1:06.6 and 38.
 
Other gallops: 1200m sand: Beautiful Sister (S Collett) 1:24, 38.8; Ugo Boss (Grylls) 1:23.6, 39.2; Antonio Bella (Moody) Moody) 1:26.8, 40; Calcutta (Coleman) 1:23.6, 38.4; Extra Explosive (Hutchings) and Animate (Blair) 1:28.5, 43.2; Phenomenon (O’Sullivan) 1:28.7, 41.8; Hollywood Bowl (Grylls) 1:24.4, 39.2; Colossus Of Rhodes (Grylls) 1:22.8, 39.2; Snowed In (Blair) 1:24.6, 39.8.
 
1000m sand: Dollario (Hepi) 1:08, 38.4; Power Climber (Ellis) and Ustinov gelding (A Hunt) 1:11.6, 41.8; Slashing (Moody) 1:14, 41.8.
 
800m sand: Virginia Wade (Lui) 51.5, 38.2; Sans Souci (Edmeades) 59.5, 44.2.   

Tuesday 12th April

Better Together looked on target to complete a hat-trick at Ellerslie on Saturday when she worked impressively at Matamata this morning.

Galloping 20m out on a dead course proper, Better Together (Leveque) was partnered by Arctic Heights (Allen) over 1200m in 1:21.6, with the last 1000m in 1:06.5 and 600m in 39.4. Better Together, who had a slight edge on her gallop-mate, will return to the scene of her last start win on the final day of the Auckland Cup carnival and run in the R90 stayers’ event. Arctic Heights disappointed at her last start but is worth another chance in the lower grade middle-distance at Ellerslie.

Fiscal Wings (Cameron) tuned in a sound trial for Saturday’s Champagne Stakes when he and Sultan Of Sydney (Brett) cut out 1000m in 1:05.5 and the final 600m in 38.5. Fiscal Wings has shaped up well with placings at his last two starts and should appreciate the 1600 metres of the Ellerslie two-year-old feature.

Ellerslie candidate Fashion Rocks (Dowling) and Astrogal (Lammas), who runs at Rotorua on Friday, were paired in a solid 1200m workout in 1:20.2, 1000m in 1:05.6 and 600m in 39.4. Alarico (Wratten) and Mary Astor (Wilson) strode over 1200m in 1:21.2, 1000m in 1:06.4 and 600m in 39.4. Alarico was an impressive winner on debut recently and heads to Trentham on the weekend, while his stablemate will run at Ellerslie.

Bella Carolina (K Jones) and Royal Excuse (Coleman) prepared for Rotorua with 1000m in 1:08.8 and 600m in 39, while Andi Black (S Collett) and Valasca (Coleman) returned 1:06.2 and 38.9. Rotorua entrant Frockstar (Browner) was travelling well at the end of 600m with Honolulu (Wenn) in 38.2.

Made My Point (Weatherley) left 1200m behind in 1:25.7, 1000m in 1:09.5 and 600m in 41.2, while Tackytu (Kasim) and Rush’n Prince (Wratten) took 1:05.2 for 1000m and 39.5 for their last 600m. Queen Of Pearl (Kasim) and Deep Forest (Grylls) were timed over their last 800m in 52 and 600m in 39.2, while Fledgling (Lui) and Just A Gem (Colgan) took 52.2 and 38.5.

Fog affected the timing of some earlier gallops. On the sand, which was good, Recording (R Jones) and Papas Revolution (Taylor) looked sharp for Rotorua when they cut out 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 37.2.

Zest Princess (S Collett) prepared for Trentham when she and Pentara (J Price) left 1000m behind in 1:09.7 and 600m in 38. Ellerslie candidate Lagonissi (Grylls) strode over 1200m in 1:19.2, 1000m in 1:05.5 and 600m in 38.4.

Cool Cruising (Leveque) had pace on throughout 1000m in 1:01.3 and 600m in 36.2, while Ugo Boss (Kasim) took 1:05.8 and 39.5 and Connie Be Good (Grylls) 1:05.6 and 37.6. Over 1200m He’s Glovin It (Turner) clocked 1:21.2 and 37.4, Genaffair (Dowling) and Once More (Lammas) 1:21.9 and 39.6, and Xalted (Coleman) 1:28 and 41.2.

Other gallops: 1000m sand: Encosta Larrocha (Colgan) 1:05.3, 37.2; Za Star (Ellis) and Manny Pacuiao (Edmeades) 1:06.5, 37.8; Viking Chief (Wilson) and Mr Darcy (Clements) 1:08.9, 41.6; Lucky Spur (Colgan) 1:06.8, 37.6; Diamonds Are Blue (Grylls) and Short Tail (O Richardson) 1:10.4, 40.2; Captain’s Song (Turner) 1:10.2, 39.4; Sovereign Rose (Brett) and Mayhem Magic (Edmeades) 1:07.4, 40.2; Stag Party (H McQuade) 1:04.3; Shahbab (O Richardson) 1:07.8, 37.7; Allsortsafun (R Jones) and Colheita (Cameron) 1:06.2, 37; Baby Guinness (Sliz) 1:13.3, 42.2.

1200m all-weather: Saw Her Walkin By (Dowling) and Essaouira (Lammas) 1:18.8, 37.9; Monzieur Bond (Fraser) and Stravinsky filly (Russell) 1:23.5, 40.4; Izonit (Grylls) 1:20.6, 42.2.

1000m all-weather: Midnight Sky (Clements) 1:05.7, 41.2; Dawn Ghost (Woollams) 1:11.3, 39.6.


Tuesday 5th April

Banchee underlined her New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes prospects with impressive work at Matamata this morning.

With the advantage of early use of the course proper, which was slow 18m out and quickly deteriorated after heavy rain, Banchee (Colgan) was partnered by Better Together (Lui) over a solid 1200m in 1:24.2, the last 600m in 39.2. With the decision by James McDonald to ride impressive Awapuni winner Guiseppina, Banchee will be ridden by Vinnie Colgan in Saturday’s fillies and mares’ feature. Better Together travels to Awapuni for the Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes on Friday.

Magic Briar (K Jones), a likely rival for Banchee at Te Aroha, appeared to manage the conditions well when shading stablemate Spirits Bay (McFetridge) at the end of their work, but no time could be taken due to poor early light. Their stablemate Miss Sharapova (Coleman) looked in good order for the Te Aroha Cup as she strode over 1200m in 1:24.9, 1000m in 1:09.4 and 600m in 40.4.

Atom Cat (Kasim) and Keen Marie (Wilson) did well late in the session to cut out 1000m in 1:08.2 and 600m in 40.2. Atom Cat resumes in the open sprint at Te Aroha while promising maiden Keen Marie runs at Awapuni on Friday. Nicole Amy (Russell) prepared for Te Aroha with 1200m in 1:23.2, 1000m in 1:08.4 and 600m in 40.8.

Promising two-year-old Shopaholic (Wenn) was paired with Frock Star (Browne) as they ran home strongly over the last 600m of their work in 38.8. Te Aroha entries Mary Astor (Coleman) and Saw Her Walkin By (Lammas) covered 1200m in 1:24, 1000m in 1:08.8 and 600m in 40.3.

Over the same ground Another Invader (Russell) and Delaman (Nolan) recorded 1:23.5, 1:10 and 42.5, Heads Up (Dowling) and Brave Centaur (Gartner) 1:23.5, 1:08.3 and 41.8, Panthera (Grylls) 1:26, 1:11.2 and 42.2, Mr Trim (O’Sullivan) 1:28.4, 1:13.2 and 42, and Tinseltown (Moody) 1:28.3, 1:13.5 and 43.8. He is booked to fly to Sydney, where he will run in the Chairman’s Handicap at Randwick on Saturday.

Whosyourmaster (P Turner) appeared to manage the conditions better than Rock ’N’ Pop (Brett) as they got through 1000m in 1:09.5 and 600m in 39.2. After going keenly early, Staged (O Richardson) and Mae Jinx (Grylls) slowed over the final stages of 1000m in 1:07.9 and 600m in 42.6.

Serapis Bey (Nolan) and Storm Patrol (J Collett) left 1000m behind in 1:07.9 and 41, while High Heels (P Ormsby), an entrant for Te Teko on Thursday, was kept to 1000m in 1:11.2 and 42.

On a loose sand, Te Aroha two-year-old candidates Dollario (Hepi) and Orutan (Lui) cut out 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 36.3. Other good work at that distance was turned in by Abbey Tralae (Taylor) in 1:05.5 and 36.2 and stablemate Mr Clooney (Taylor), clocking 1:05.2 and 36.4.

Promising juvenile Sharp ’N’ Fast (M Brosnan), an entry at Te Teko on Thursday, worked well over 1000m in 1:06.5 and 600m in 37.8. He’s Mine (Shirahama) and Catalina Gold (Grayson) ran the same distance in 1:10.5 and 39.5, while Apache Sky (M Brosnan) covered 1200m in 1:21.8, 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 37.8.

Miadonna (P Turner) took 1:25.2 for 1200m, 1:09.6 for 1000m and 39.4 for the last 600m, while Calcutta (Hutchings) returned 1:28.2, 1:11.5 and 38.8. Que Sera (O’Sullivan) was timed over 1000m in 1:10.3 and 600m in 40, while Shahbab (O Richardson) clocked 56.6 for her last 800m and 41.7 for the last 600m.

On the all-weather track Good Thinker (S Collett) and Sharp Decision (Shirahama) left 1000m behind in 1:04.7 and 600m in 37.6. Encosta Larrocha (Colgan) clocked 1:06.5 and 38.8, Ugo Boss (Grylls) and Hollywood Bowl (O Richardson) 1:02.8 and 37, Blonde Bombshell (Allen) 1:05.5 and 36.4, and Pinzee (P Turner) 1:06.9 and 38.4. Made My Point (Weatherley) was restricted to 1200m in 1:26.8, 1000m in 1:11.6 and 600m in 42.2.


Thursday 31st March

Ebony And Ivory drew attention to her Ellerslie prospects when she turned in a smart final gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working on a good sand, Ebony And Ivory (P Turner) strode off from the 1200m mark to cover that distance in 1:22.3, quickening from the 1000m in 1:07.2 and finishing off with 600m in 37.8. The Andrew Scott-trained mare, who has previous fresh-up form, looks in forward condition for her first start since early January.
 
Slashing (Coleman) was in good form as he prepared for Awapuni, cutting out 1000m in 1:07.2, with the final 600m in an impressive 36.7. He looks improved by his two starts since resuming and could well be up to a bold showing on the weekend.
 
Ellerslie starter Don Domingo (Clements) wasn’t after time but still impressed as he got through 1200m in 1:21.2, 1000m in 1:06.4 and 600m in 39.3. Over the same ground Xalted (Grylls) returned 1:23.8, 1:09 and 38.9, Mr Trim (P Turner) 1:22.4, 1:07.7 and 37.7, Tinseltown (Moody) 1:25.2, 1:09.2 and 40.2, Essaouira (Gartner) 1:27, 1:10.7 and 41.4, and Astrogal (Ng) 1:26.4, 1:09. and 41.4.
 
On the course proper, where the going was dead 20m out, Rave Review (Russell) and Lovingthelimelight (Fraser) completed their training for Ellerslie with 1000m in 1:10.8 and 600m in 39.4.
 
Fresh-up Ellerslie runner Merrymaker (O Richardson) covered 1200m in 1:28.6, 1000m in 1:11.8 and 600m in 41.4. Banchee (Russell), who starts next in the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha on Saturday week, was in good form over 1200m in 1:23.5, with her last 1000m in 1:07.6 and 600m in 37.9.
 
Back on the plough Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes runners Savabill (Lai) and Chateauneuf Dupape (Leveque) were given separate 600m sprints at the end of the work, clocking 40.8 and 40.2 respectively.
 
Fireside (Coleman), who is headed to Canterburyfor upcoming stakes events, worked soundly over 1000m in 1:08.8 and 600m in 40.2. Loviste (Ng) strode over 1200m in 1:25.4, 1000m in 1:09.6 and 600m in 40.3, while Za Star (Ellis), another for Ellerslie, left 1000m behind in 1:05.3 and 600m in 38.6.
 
Awapuni sprint candidate Mare Jinx (Moody) was well contained over 1000m in 1:11.7 and 600m in 41.6. Princess Chapel (Edmeades) covered the same ground in 1:08.6 and 40.6, while Cat Woman (Leveque) ran in from the 600m in 42.6.
 
On the all-weather track Awapuni Gold Cup runner Dawn Ghost (Woollams) was allowed 600m at the end of her work 41.5. Mr Clooney (Taylor) covered 1000m in 1:10.8 and 600m in 41.7, Pure Reason (Gartner) took 1:09.8 and 41.4, while over 1200m Magic Briar (K Jones) clocked 1:29.6 and 44 and Princess Kyoto (Clements) 1:26.8 and 42.7.
 
Other gallops: 1200m sand: First Instinct (Hutchings) 1:25.5, 38.8; Kiwi Spirit (Grylls) 1:21.7, 36.8; Once More (Ng) 1:19, 38.2; Dutch Striker (Hutchings) 1:23.2, 40.6; Celestial (Kasim) 1:23.9, 39.4; Connie Be Good (Grylls) 1:28, 40.2, Ugo Boss (Grylls) 1:26.6, 38.6.
 
1000m sand: Party Royale (A Hunt) 1:11.3, 41.2; High Voltage Colgan) 1:12, 41.8; Captain’s Song (P Turner) 1:05.1, 38.3, Blonde Bombshell (Colgan) 1:10.9, 40.3.
 
1000m all-weather: Coffee Club (Ng) 1:08.2, 39; Gallant (K Jones) 1:15.8, 43.7.  

Tuesday 29th March

Chateauneuf Dupape and Savabill prepared for Saturday’s Manawatu Sires’ Produce Sakes with a sound gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 28m out on a dead course proper, Chateauneuf Dupape (Lai) and Savabill (Weatherley) were well matched over 1000m in 1:07.7, the final 600m in 39.6. The John Sargent-trained appeared to have made good progress since the Diamond Stakes.
 
Race rivals Antonio Lombardo and Queen Boudicca also shaped up well in their work for the two-year-old feature. Antonio Lombardo (J McKay) was partnered by Undisclosed (P McKay) in a solid 1000m in 1:06.6 and 600m in 38.8. Antonio Lombardo showed none of the wayward tendency that marred his Diamond Stakes performance.
 
Queen Boudicca (Colgan) and The Raconteur (S Collett) covered the same ground later in the session, recording 1:08.7 and 39.8. Queen Boudicca has not raced since her third in the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes a month ago but she shaped up pleasingly at last week’s Cambridgetrials.
 
Maidantus (Wilson) and Mydiamond Bracelet (Grylls) drew attention to their weekend prospects at Ellerslie when they cut out 1000m in a smart 1:04.6, with the last 600m in 38.4. Encosta Diablo (Brett) had pace on from the start of 1200m, which he covered in 1:17.8, with the last 1000m in 1:04and 600m in 39.4.
 
Over the same ground Awapuni runners Dawn Ghost (Allen) and Cat Woman (Leveque) took 1:23.8, 1:07.9 and 38.6, Our Ella belle (Ritchie) 1:21.6, 1:06.1 and 39.3, Lovingthelimelight (Fraser) and Hong Kong Star (Russell) 1:23.5, 1:08.7 and 40.5, and Ebony And Ivory (P Turner) 1:23.9, 1:08.7 and 39.8.
 
Don Domingo (Wilson) prepared for the R90 middle-distance at Ellerslie with 1200m in 1:18.3, 1000m in 1:05.1 and 600m in 40.4. Capone (Wenn) ran the same distance in 1:24.2, 1:07.9 and 39.2, while Slashing (Moody) led Antonio Belle (Kasim) at the end of 1200m in 1:21.5, 1:07.7 and 39.3.
 
Bespoke (Brett) and Za Star (A Hunt) were not after time over 1200m in 1:30.6 and 600m in 45. He’s Glovin It (R Jones) and Mr Trim (Mo) were timed over 1000m in 1:08and 600m in 40.3. Loviste (Ng) and Once More (Lammas), who worked early in poor light, were timed over 800min 51.6.
 
On the sand, Mae Jinx (R Jones) turned in a good trial for the feature sprint at Awapuni when she cut out 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.9. Race rival Vincent Mangano (P McKay) ran the same distance in 1:04.2 and 38.6.
 
Ellerslie entrants Pinot Express (R Jones) and Dancing Embers (Taylor) left 1000m behind in 1:06.9, the last 600m in 38, while Only Johking (Allen) clocked 1:04.8 and 37.2. 
 
Need A Star (Gartner) and Brave Centaur (Dowling) covered 1200m in 1:21.2, with the last 1000m taking 1:06 and the final 600m 39. Van Helsing (K McQuade) ran the same trip in 1:26.2, 1:11.7 and 42.7.
 
Costello (Colgan), another of the Peter McKay team heading to Awapuni, covered 1000m in 1:08.6 and 600m in 40.8. Over the same distance Dollario (Lai) returned 1:08.2 and 38.4, Authentic (A Hunt) and Manny Pacuiao (Brett) 1:04.4 and 37.8, Kiwi Spirit (Grylls) 1:10.4 and 41, One Nite Stand (Colgan) 1:10.4 and 38.9, and Celestial (Kasim) 1:10.2 and 40.8.
 
Xalted (Grylls) wasted no time over 1200m in 1:16.4, 1000m in 1:02.7 and 37, while Essaouira (Lammas) and Astrogal (Ng) took 1:19, 1:05.7 and 39.3, Better Together (Leveque) 1:27, 1:12.2 and 42.8, Mon Visage (Hutchings) 1:28, 1:13.3 and 41.8, Dutch Striker (P Turner) 1:23.3, 1:07.1 and 38, and Tinseltown (Moody) 1:22.8, 1:08.2 and 40.7.
 
Shinko Miss (Dowling) and Brave Ali (Gartner) left 1200m behind in 1:24.6, with the last 1000m in 1:09.4 and 600m in 41.4. Over the same ground Viadana (Ng) and Amadagio (Lammas) clocked 1:21.5, 1:06.9 and 39.6. Deep Forest(Grylls) took 1:08.8 for 1000m and 39.9 for her last 600m, while Atom Cat (Wilson) was allowed 800m in 52.2 and 600m in 38.
 
On the all-weather track Fiddler (R Jones) covered 1000m in 1:06.4 and 600m in 38.5. He appears to have trained on well from his recent fresh-up third. New Order (O Richardson) covered 1200m in 1:23.9 and 600m in 40.2.


Thursday 24th March

Magic Briar looked ready to extend her winning record when she and stablemate Spirits Bay worked stylishly at Matamata this morning.

Galloping on the all-weather track, Magic Briar (K Jones) and Spirits Bay (McFetridge) went steadily through the early stages of 1200m which they completed in 1:20.8, quickening from the 1000m in 1:04.3 and hitting the line strongly after a final 600m in 36.5.

It was impressive work by the Ken and Bev Kelso-trained pair and left no doubts that Magic Briar is in the right order to complete a hat-trick in the three-year-old sprint at Tauranga. Japan Trophy lightweight Spirits Bay will be backing up from an equal third at Te Rapa last Saturday.

The pair’s stablemate Miss Sharapova (Coleman) also impressed in her final work for Tauranga when striding over 1200m in 1:24.2, 1000m in 1:08.5 and 600m in 38.4. Storm Patrol (J Collett) turned in a smart trial for Waipukurau on Sunday when she shaded Izonit (W Hillis) at the end of 1200m in 1:21.4, 1000m in 1:05.4 and 600m in 39.6.

On the course proper, which was dead 28m out, Rave Review (Russell) underlined her fitness for Tauranga when hitting out boldly over the last 800m of her work in 56.8 and 600m in 40.2. The Paul Jenkins-trained mare was unplaced on slow ground at her last start but a better guide may be her previous start win on better footing. 

Pinot Girl (Allen) and Dollario (Leveque) were paired over 1200m in 1:26, with the last 1000m in 1:08 and final 600m in 39.2.

On the sand, whish was on the slow side, Cat Woman (Allen) turned in a sound final trial for Tauranga with 1200m in 1:23.9, 1000m in 1:07.7 and 600m in 39.4. Apache Sky (M Brosnan) cut out the last 1000m of her work in 1:04.8 and 600m in 38.4, while Tauranga maiden rival Demophon (Allen) was allowed to stretch out from the 600m in 41.8.

Mae Jinx (R Jones) wasn’t after time over 1000m in 1:07.3 and 600m in 38.8. Over the same ground Queens Summit (J Hunt) clocked 1:07.8 and 38.8, Slashing (Coleman) 1:10.2 and 40.9, Loviste (Dowling) 1:12.6 and 43.6, Connie Be Good (Grylls) 1:11.8 and 41.3, Allsortsafun (R Jones) and Abagale (Taylor) 1:06.3 and 38.4.

Two Ticks (Grylls) worked over 1200m in 1:24.4, with the last 1000m in 1:09.2 and quickening over the final 600m in 38.7. Ebony And Ivory (P Turner) worked in similar style to record 1:24.5, 1:09.3 and 38.5, while Don Domingo (Clements), who returns to Ellerslie next week, sauntered around in 1:28.5, 1:12.2 and 42.4. 

Dawn Ghost (Woollams) looked bright in her work over 1200m in 1:21.8, 1000m in 1:06.3 and 600m in 37.6. Over the same ground Xalted (Moody) took 1:26.8, 1:11.6 and 41.8, Julie Ann (Wells) 1:25.6, 1:11.8 and 41.7, Genaffair (Ng) 1:24.5, 1:10.3 and 41.2, Animate (Hutchinson) 1:26.8, 1:10.8 and 40.7, and Brave Ali (Wong) and Viadana (Ng) 1:22.9, 1:08.1 and 41.5.

Lucky Spur (Woollams) and Shanghai Bund (Lai) left 1000m behind in 1:09.6 and 600m in 38.8, while Abbey Tralae (Taylor) took 1:12.2 and 41. Atom Cat (Wilson) was allowed to stretch out over his last 600m in 45.8.

On the all-weather track, He’s Glovin It (P Turner), who returns to racing at Ellerslie next week, covered his last 1000m in 1:10.7 and 600m in 38.5. Pure Reason (Gartner) ran the same trip in 1:12.8 and 43.3, while Midnight Sky (Clements) took 1:09.6 and 41.9.

Panthera (W Hillis) was timed over 800m in 53.3 and 600m in 40.4, while Mr Darcy (Wilson) and Letmeby (Grove) took 53.4 and 40.2.  


Tuesday 15th March

Lagonissi put forward a strong case for a start in Saturday’s New Zealand St Leger when she worked impressively at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping on a good plough, Lagonissi (Grylls) had pace on throughout 1200m, recording 1:16.5 for the full distance, 1:02.3 for the last 1000m and 36 for the final 600m. The Moroney-Clarken trained mare has shown real staying potential with wins at her last two starts and a decision now must be made whether to try for a hat-trick back at Te Rapa on Saturday or in the Listed staying feature at Trentham the same day.
 
New Zealand Oaks favourite King’s Rose (A Hunt) was partnered by Shacuse (Brett) over a solidly run 1200m in 1:16.2, 1000m in 1:02.7 and 600m in 36.8. While it might not have been the best work that King’s Rose has turned in this campaign, her mid-work sectionals were a fair excuse for not hitting the line as comfortably as she might have and she should strip fit for Saturday’s classic.
 
Mercury Mistress (Dowling) and Heads Up (Ng), rivals in the open 1400 at Te Rapa on the weekend, were responsible for brilliant work over 1200m in 1:14.5, 1000m in 59.8 and 600m in 35. Mercury Mistress obviously took no harm from the parade ring incident that forced her withdrawal at Ellerslie last Wednesday.
 
SpiritsBay (Ng) prepared for Te Rapa with a bold 1200m workout in company with Dutch Striker (P Turner) in 1:13.2, 1:00.3 and 36.2. Mary Astor (Ng) also drew attention to her weekend prospects when she and Astrogal (Lammas) ran the same trip in 1:16.2, 1:01.8 and 36.2.
 
Allsortsafun (Taylor) and Recording (J hunt) were in good form for Te Rapa when cutting out 1000m in 1:03.3 and 600m in 35.5. Over the same distance Hugo Boss (Coleman) and Valasca (Wilson) dashed home in 1:00.9 and 35.6, Beauty Sparkle (Dowling) and Beauty Supreme (Gartner) took 1:05.6 and 35.9, Mr Clooney (J Hunt) and Trincomalee (Taylor) 1:05.5 and 35.8, Riomoral (Colgan) 1:02.2 and 37, and Art Beat (W Hillis) 1:04.9 and 36.9.
 
Atomic Road(R Jones) did good work for Te Rapa over 1200m in 1:16.5, with the last 1000m in 1:00.6 and 600m in 35.2. Pinzee (P Turner) covered the same ground in 1:17.5, 1:02.2 and 36, while Capacia (O’Sullivan) recorded 1:20.2, 1:05.6 and 38.2, Rave Review (Russell) and Lovethelimelight (Lacy) 1:21, 1:04.8 and 37.6, Van Helsing (K McQuade) and De La Vega (R Jones) 1:15.6, 1:01.8 and 36.4, and Animate (O’Sullivan) and Calcutta (Hutchinson) 1:25.4, 1:04.4 and 37.2.
 
Benedict (O’Sullivan) was not after time as he prepared for Te Rapa over 1200m in 1:25.8, while Keen Marie (Clements) returned 1:27.5, 1:12.2 and 41.8, and Once More (Ng) 1:28.6, 1:12.3 and 41.5.
 
Trentham sprint candidate Vincent Mangano (P McKay) set off behind Santorielli (Wratten) and did well to lead him at the end of 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 36. Nicole Amy (Russell) breezed over the same ground in 1:07.8 and 39.6, Princess Chapel (Brett) and Bear Hug (A Hunt) chased time in 1:00.4 and 35.2, Mr Spock (Colgan) took 1:02.8 and 35.3, and Chillypin (Edmeades) and Bikini Royale (Anderson) 1:07.3 and 37.  


Tuesday 8th March

Our Ella Belle drew attention to her Ellerslie weekend prospects when she worked in dashing style at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping 15m out on a dead course proper with co-trainer Julia Ritchie in the saddle, Our Ella Belle covered the last 1000m of her work in 1:03.4 and 600m in 36.9. The Encosta de Lago mare, who finished off strongly, has obviously thrived since her Taranaki Cup win last month and will step up to weight-for-age company in the New Zealand Stakes on Saturday.
 
Race rival Red Ruler (Allen) also looked bright in his work but due to poor light during the early part of the course proper gallops, he could be timed only over his last 600m in 38.6. Three Wishes (Wenn) and Magic Briar (K Jones) turned in a good trial for the Mr Tiz Trophy over 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 36.8.
 
Diamond Stakes contendor Chateauneuf Dupape (McDonald) was partnered by Read My Lips (Colgan) over 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 38. Another Diamond Stakes entrant, Miss Upstart (Wilson), and Maidantus (Elliot) were keen in the early stages of their work over 1000m in 1:02.9, steadying for a final 600m in 37.8.
 
Miss Sharapova (K Jones), who runs in the R90 middle-distance at Ellerslie on Saturday, did sound work by herself over 1200m in 1:20.9, 1000m in 1:05.8 and 600m in 38.2. Made My Point (Weatherley) covered the same ground in 1:22.8, 1:08.8 and 39.6.
 
Banchee (McDonald) looked right on target for her proposed Sydneycampaign when she cut out 1000m in 1:04.9, the final 600m in a brilliant 36.3. Fromelles (Lau) and Better Together (Leveque) left 1000m behind in 1:05.4 and 600m in 38.2, while Mr Spock (Allen) took 1:06.5 and 38.2.
 
On the sand Don Domingo (Wilson) prepared for the final day at Ellerslie with 1200m in 1:19.2, 1000m in 1:05and 600m in 37.8.  New Zealand Oaks contendor Chaparral Lass (Lammas) ran the same trip in 1:23.9, 1:09.4 and 41.2, while Capacia (O’Sullivan) took 1:19.2, 1:05.4 and 38, Fashion Rocks (Gartner) and Heads Up (Ng) 1:19.2, 1:04.6 and 38.5, Xalted (Grylls) 1:19, 1:04.8 and 37.6, and Astrogal (Ng) and Beauty Leap (Lammas) 1:19.2, 1:05.2 and 38.4.
 
Whitby(J Hunt) and Paradise Chief (Taylor) were timed over their last 1000m in 1:09.8 and 600m in 40.2, while High Voltage (Colgan) took 1:09.4 and 37.2, Princess Chapel (A Hunt) 1:04.8 and 37.8, Natadola Bay(R Jones) 1:10.5 and 40.2, and Foralltosee (Grylls) 1:08.2 and 38.2.
 
Over 1200m Arctic Heights (Allen) recorded 1:22.3 and 38, Van Helsing (K McQuade) 1:28.5 and 43.4, Celestial (Grylls) 1:21.9 and 38.6, Insightful (Gartner) and Genaffair (Lammas) 1:22 and 39.8, and Miadonna (P Turner) 1:23.2 and 38.9. The Raconteur (J Price) rolled in from the 800m in 57.3 and 600m in 42.4.
 
On the all-weather track Diamond Stakes entrant Antonio Lombardo (J McKay) was paired with Marcello (Wratten), running in from the 600m in 37.3. Izonit (W Hillis), who looks improved for his first-up run, covered 1200m in 1:24.2, 1000m in 1:08.8 and 600m in 39.5.
 
New Order (O Richardson) had pace on throughout 1200m in 1:17.2, with the last 1000m in 1:03.8 and 600m in 37. Keeping (Russell) hit the line well at the end of 1000m with Hong Kong Star (Burton) in 1:03.7 and 600m in 37.3, while Newyorkbakerboy (Colgan) and Undisclosed (Wratten) took 51.6 for 800m and 37.6 for their last 600m. Dollario (Colgan), who has been freshened, was timed over the same ground in 53.5 and 39.2.
  
Runners in tomorrow’s Stella Artois Auckland Cup drew attention yesterday (Monday) morning when they worked right-handed 23m out on a dead course proper. Tinseltown (Moody) was never at top as he strode over the last 1200m of his work in 1:29.3 and 600m in 41.6, while stablemate He’s Under The Gun (Moody) did the same task in 1:29and 41.5. Both Moroney-Clarken runners look well for their big assignment.
 
Cup day two-year-old acceptors Soul Commander (Brett) and French Connection (A Hunt) quickened up attractively over the final stages of their work to record 38.2 for the last 600m. In similar work Westbury Classic acceptor Mae Jinx (Moody) returned 40.5, while So Regal (Leveque) was never at top as she completed her work with 600m in 44.5.
 
On the all-weather track Spirits Bay (McFetridge) and Gallant (K Jones) did smart work over 1200m in 1:16.2 and 600m in 37.2.    


Thursday 3rd March

Wisecrack and Icepin completed their Telecom New Zealand Derby preparations in pleasing style at Matamata this morning.

Wisecrack (K Jones) worked on the all-weather track, cantering through his first round and then steadily gathering momentum to complete his last 800m in 53.3 and 600m in 37.2. The long-striding gelding, who will be ridden in the Ellerslie classic by last-minute call-up Douglas Whyte, hit the line with plenty in reserve.

Icepin (Anderson) worked on the plough, which was dead after overnight rain. He was allowed to quicken from the 1000m, recording 1:08.7 and running in from the 600m in a deceptive 36.8. Icepin has thrived since his Avondale Guineas win and has finally come up with a good draw for the Derby.

Stablemate Encosta Diablo (Anderson) looked bright when restricted to 1000m in 1:14.2 and 600m in 42.2. John Sargent’s Derby trio were also given a light final hitout. Ying Yang Master (Allen) was timed over 1000m in 1:09.8 and 600m in 38.6, Banchee (Woollams) breezed in from the 600m in 38.6, while Yourein (Leveque) was clocked from the 800m in 53.2 and 600m in 38.

Darley Plate acceptor Miss Raggedy Ann (P Turner) turned in another smart workout when she and Extra Explosive (Hutchinson) covered 1000m in 1:07.2, quickening from the 600m in 36.5.

Tinseltown (Grylls) looked on target for next Wednesday’s Stella Artois Auckland Cup when he got through long work, the last 1200m in 1:19.6, 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 37.5. Mae Jinx (R Jones) who runs in the Westbury Classic on Wednesday, was untroubled to cover 1000m in 1:09.2 and 600m in 39.8.

Another second day candidate, Fireside (Coleman), did sound work over 1200m in 1:18.6, 1000m in 1:04.6 and 600m in 38.6. King’s Rose (A Hunt) completed her work for the Lowland Stakes at Hastings with 1000m in 1:16.4 and 600min 45.6. She is in capital order.

Lovethelimelight (Russell) and Delaman (Fraser) were paired over 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 38.7, while Essential (Verry) ran the same trip in 1:08.2 and 38.8, Mon Visage (Mo) took 1:04.6 and 36.7, Papawai Hine (Fraser) 1:07.5 and 40.2, and Timo Santos (Clements) 1:06.8 and 38.7.

Xalted (Coleman) strode through 1200m in 1:21 and 600m in 37.6, Cool Radiance (P Turner) took 1:19.3 and 37.8, Celestial (Kasim) 1:24.3 and 40, Genaffair (Ng) 1:23.2 and 38.6, and Fashion Rocks (Dowling) 1:29.6 and 42.5. Connie Be Good (Grylls) took 1:11.8 for 1000m and 37 for her last 600m, while Academy Royale (Anderson) took 1:11.2 and 41.4.

On the all-weather track Fiddler (R Jones) and Groover (Gillies) cut out a sound 1000m in 1:04.8 and 600m in 37.7. Fiddler looks in good order to resume at Ellerslie next Saturday, while his stablemate will run there on Wednesday.

Golan Grey (Clements) hit out freely over his last 1200m in 1:18.9 and 600m in 39.2, while Gallant (K Jones) and Spirits Bay (Colgan) were well held over the same ground in 1:28.5 and 41.8. Amadagio (Wong) covered 1000m in 1:13.2 and 42 and Astrogal (Ng) took 1:15.8 and 44.6.


Tuesday 1st March

Icepin and Encosta Diablo took time honours amongst several Telecom New Zealand Derby candidates to get through sound work at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping on a good plough, Icepin (Anderson) set off a couple of lengths ahead of Encosta Diablo (Brett) and the pair were together at the end of 1200m in 1:15.4, with the last 1000m in 1:01.2 and 600m in a brilliant 34.9. It was excellent work by the Jason Bridgman-trained pair.
 
Wisecrack (K Jones) did his work on the all-weather track, where he strode impressively over 1200m in 1:18.2, 1000m in 1:03.9 and 600m in 36.6. The High Chaparral gelding, who will be ridden on Saturday by Queensland jockey Chris Munce, may be the least experienced Derby runner but there is no doubting his staying potential.
 
Back on the plough Banchee (Verry) also worked solo, covering 1200m in 1:21.5, 1000m in 1:06.1 and 600m in 37. She is in very good heart. John Sargent’s two other Derby entrants, Yourein (Leveque) and Ying Yang Master (Verry) turned on the pace over 1200m in 1:18.5, 1000m in 1:03.8 and 600m in 35.8.
 
King’s Rose (Bosson) indicated that she is right on target for Saturday’s Lowland Stakes at Hastings when she and race rival Dolce Bella (A Hunt) left 1200m behind in 1:15.4, 1000m in 1:01 and 600m in 35. With Opie Bosson committed to Ellerslie, Chris Johnson takes the mount on King’s Rose this weekend.
 
Miss Raggedy Ann (O’Sullivan), who returns this weekend to the scene of her Railway Stakes win, and Hastings maiden candidate First Instinct (Hutchinson) were in dashing form over 1000m in 60 seconds flat and 600m in 34.9. Another for the Darley Plate, Amaryllis (Ramsay), took 1:15.7 for 1200m, with the last 1000m in 1:01.1 and 600m in 36.2.
 
Last start winner Rave Review (Russell) looked ready for another bold effort at Ellerslie on Saturday when she and Storm Patrol (S Collett) cut out 1000m in 1:01.4 and 600m in 36. Read My Lips (Colgan) and Chateauneuf Dupape (Lau) ran the same trip in an impressive 1:02.9 and 35.6, while Chillypin (Edmeades) and a Spinning World filly (Anderson) took 1:04.2 and 35.4.
 
Our Ella Belle (Ritchie) turned on the pace over 1200m in 1:14.6, 1000m in 1:01.1 and 600m in 35.2. Tinseltown (Grylls) continued his Auckland Cup preparation with striding work over 1200m in 1:24.4 and 600m in 39, while He’s Under The Gun (Moody) did similar work in 1:26.4 and 40.9.
 
Benedict (O’Sullivan) warmed up for Hastingsover 1000m in 1:05.2, quickening from the 600m in 36.4. Another heading to the Bay, Clovelly Park(Sharahima), was paired with Hype (Arumugam) in a smart gallop over 1000m in 1:03.7 and 600m in 35.7.
 
Voorsitter (Grylls) recorded 1:05.2 and 38.4 over 1000m, while Extra Explosive (R Jones) took 1:09.8 and 40, Riomoral (H McQuade) 1:04.2 and 37.1, Summer’s Pride (Russell) 1:08.3 and 39.6, Savoy (J McKay) and Santorielli (Wratten) 1:02.3 and 36.2, Love Chilly (Russell) and Love The Limelight (Fraser) 1:03.8 and 37.5, and Maidantus (Wilson) 1:03.9 and 37.6.
 
Fireside (O’Sullivan), who will run in the Sunline Vase on the second day at Ellerslie, was well held over 1200m in 1:28.2 and 600m in 40.2. Over the same ground Armati (Brett) clocked 1:25.8 and 42.4, Heads Up (Dowling) 1:31.3 and 42.4, and Xalted (Moody) 1:26.8 and 41.4.
 
Maciano (Verry) and Expectation (Colgan) cut out a smart 1200m in 1:15.2, with the last 1000m in 1:01.2 and 600m in 35.2, while Palraf (K McQuade) returned 1:17.8, 1:03.3 and 38.2 and Post Xcellence (O Richardson) 1:22.5, 1:07.8 and 38.9.
 
Over 1000m Hawke’s Bay entrant Pinzee (P Turner) clocked 1:03.7 and 35.8, Panthera (Hillis) took 1:05.8 and 36, Delaman (Clements) 1:09.9 and 41, and Smartly (Grylls) 1:09.4 and 41.5. 


Tuesday 22nd February

Magic Briar and Three Wishes were in brilliant form as they prepared for Saturday’s local meeting at Matamata.
 
Galloping on a good plough, Magic Briar (K Jones) and Three Wishes (Wenn) reeled off 1000m in 1:01.2, with their final 600m in a sizzling 34.9. On top of a recent trial win, the work left no doubts that Magic Briar is set to live up to the huge promise she showed in the spring. She will run in the three-year-old 1200 on the weekend, while Three Wishes, who has also freshened up well, will be entered for the open sprint.
 
Several candidates for Saturday’s feature J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes drew attention in their work. Miss Upstart (Wilson) and Queen Boudicca (Colgan), galloping 20m out on a good course proper, were well matched over 1000m in 1:07.3 and 600m in 37.4. Both fillies are in good order for their big test.
 
On the plough Orutan (Verry) was partnered by Foralltosee (Leveque) over 1000m in 1:05.6, the final 600m in 36.8. Cracker (O’Sullivan) went with Waikato Stud Slipper runner Bespoke (R Jones) over 1000m in 1:03and 600m in 36.2. Savabill (Lau), who starts in the same race, was partnered by Read My Lips (Verry) over 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 36.8.
 
Weekend entrants Heza Rebel (Lammas) and Saw Her Walkin By (Ng) covered 1200m in 1:17.6, quickening for a final 1000m in 1:01.3 and 600m in 35.8. Hinemoa (Grylls) was in good form over the same ground in 1:15.8, 1:01.3 and 35.2, while Chaparral Lass (Lammas) returned 1:16.5, 1:02.7 and 36.9, Capacia (P Turner) took 1:26.7, 1:03.5 and 36.8, and Better Together (Leveque) and So Regal (Verry) 1:17.6, 1:02.6 and 36.
 
Don Domingo (Wilson) was deceptive as he cut out 1200m in 1:14.2, with his last 1000m in 1:00.2 and 600m in 35.4. Stablemate Show Up (Wilson) worked boldly over 1000m in 1:03.5 and 600m in 36.8, while Miss Loaded (Lu) and First Instinct (Hutchinson) turned on the pace over 1200m in 1:13.8, 1000m in 1:00.2 and 600m in 35.3.  
 
On the all-weather track Miss Sharapova (Coleman) prepared for the weekend with 1200m in 1:18.6, 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 37. ArcticHeights(Woollams) and Fromelles (Mau) ran the same distance in 1:19.5, 1:04.8 and 37.3, while SpiritsBay(Colgan) and Gallant (K Jones) cut out 1000m in 1:02.2 and 600m in 36.2.
 
Back on the plough, Red Ruler (Allen) looked bright as he strolled over 1200m in 1:20.8 and 600m in 38.2. A decision is expected later in the week whether he will be aimed at the Auckland Cup or the New Zealand Stakes.
 
Lagonissi (Grylls) did similar work, clocking 1:20.2 and 37. She will return to Te Rapa next week. Miss Raggedy Ann (O’Sullivan), who is being aimed at the Darley Plate on the first day of the Ellerslie carnival, was well held over 1000m in 1:10.4 and 600m in 39.
 
De La Vega (S Collett) left 1200m behind in 1:18.5, 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 37.6. Over the same ground Miss Judged (R Jones) took 1:24.4, 1:07.6 and 40.5, Genaffair (Ng) 1:28.7, 1:13.5 and 43.5, Made My Point (Weatherley) and The Goddaughter (Lau) 1:14.7, 1:01 and 37, and Encosta Larrocha (Colgan) 1:18.2, 1:02.4 and 36.3.
 
Chief’s Daughter (K Jones) was not pushed over 1000m in 1:08.8 and 600m in 39.3, while Kindred (Woollams) and Maraschino (Lau) took 1:04.6 and 37.4, and Whosyourmaster (P Turner) and As You Like It (Hutchinson) 1:07.5 and 36.7.
 
Make A Wish (Lu) and He’s Glovin It (P Turner) covered 1000m in 1:04.2, the last 600m in 36.7. Benedict (P Turner) didn’t hurry over 1000m in 1:10.2 and 600m in 39.2, while Sexy Magic (W Hillis) and Seagold (Arumugam) ran in from the 800m in 53.3 and 600m in 38.2.   


Thursday 17th February

Mary Astor prepared for Ellerslie on Saturday with an impressive gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working on a good plough with raceday jockey Michael Coleman in the saddle, Mary Astor was not after time but still impressed as she strode over 1200m in 1:26.1, picking up the tempo from the 1000m in 1:08and the final 600m in 38. The Graham Richardson-trained filly shaped satisfactorily in her first middle-distance start and will be out to confirm a start in next month’s New Zealand Oaks when she runs in the R70 2100 on Saturday.
 
Avondale Cup lightweight He’s Under The Gun (Moody) turned in a sound trial over 1200m in 1:24.8, 1000m in 1:07.6 and 600m in 38.6. Stablemate and race rival Tinseltown (Coleman) covered the same ground in 1:23.9, 1:07.2 and 38.9. he has a big weight to carry in the Ellerslie feature but looks well for his attempt at a repeat of his 2008 Avondale Cup victory.
 
Cool Radiance (P Turner) prepared for Ellerslie with 1200m in 1:22.8, 1000m in 1:07.1 and 600m in 37.6. Mae Jinx (Moody) was not after time over 1000m in 1:10and 600min 40.5, while Storm Patrol (J Collett) clocked 1:07.8 and 38.2, and New Plymouth two-year-old candidate took 1:04.2 and 39.4.
 
None of the centre’s Avondale Guineas were sent at speed, with the pick of them Ying Yang Master (Colgan) as he strode over 1200m in 1:29.8, quickening over the last 1000m in 1:11.6 and 600m in 41.2. Encosta Diablo (Anderson) covered the same ground in 1:23.7, 1:08.9 and 41.8, while Banchee (Woollams) was let off with 600m at the end of her work in 42.7 and Icepin (Anderson) idled through his last 600m in 47.2.
 
Fashion Rocks (Ng) looked well in her work over 1200m in 1:22.3, 1000m in 1:07and 600m in 38. Another for Ellerslie, Maciano (Verry), covered 1200m in 1:20.3, 1000m in 1:04.3 and the last 600m in a slick 35.7. Mercury Mistress (Dowling) also finished off her work attractively, cutting out 1200m in 1:23, 1000m in 1:04.5 and 600m in 35.
 
Magic Briar (K Jones), who resumes at the local meeting on Saturday week, did her work well over 1000m in 1:09.9 and 600m in 40.7. Queen Boudicca (Colgan) and The Raconteur (J Price) were well held over 800m in 55.3 and 600m in 40.3, while Sharp Decision (Kasim) ran the same trip in 51 and 36.4 and Pui Pui (Wilson) and Velasca (Elliott) took 52.4 and 38.6.
 
Chief’s Daughter (K Jones) left 1000m behind in 1:09and 39.8, Royal Dude (P Turner) took 1:09.6 and 38.6, Mr Spock (Leveque) 1:10and 38.5, Saw Her Walkin By (Ng) 1:08.8 and 40.3, and Miss Judged (O’Sullivan) 1:11.2 and 42.8.
 
On the all-weather track Miss Sharapova (Coleman) did sound work over 1200m in 1:19.8, with the last 1000m in 1:04.9 and 600m in 37.4. SpiritsBay(Colgan) and Gallant (K Jones) covered the same ground in 1:24.4, 1:07.8 and 38.8. Taranaki Cup entrant Dawn Ghost (Woollams) was allowed to cover her last round at three-quarter-pace.   


Tuesday 15th February

Avondale Guineas entrants Banchee, Ying Yang Master, Icepin, Encosta Diablo and Yourein all shaped up well for their big weekend assignment when galloping at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 25m out on a dead course proper, Banchee (McDonald) and Ying Yang Master (Lau) had pace on from the start of their 1200m gallop, covering the full distance in 1:16.7, 1000m in 1:03 and the final 600m in 37.3. Banchee is in excellent order for the step up to a middle-distance at Ellerslie on Saturday, while her stablemate also appears to have trained on well from his Waikato Guineas placing.
 
Icepin (Anderson) led his stablemate Encosta Diablo (A Hunt) through the early stages of 1200m in 1:19, but the pair were together after a final 1000m in 1:04.7 and 600m in an impressive 36.6. Jason Bridgman’s duo will also be making their middle-distance debuts in the Avondale Guineas.
 
Yourein (Coleman) went with Avondale Cup prospect Dawn Ghost (Woollams) over 1200m in 1:18.5, 1000m in 1:04.5 and 600m in 37.5. Show Up (Wilson) shaped up well for the feature sprint at New Plymouth on Saturday with 1000m in 1:04.6 and 600m in 37.5.
 
Stablemate Mary Astor (Coleman) prepared for Ellerslie over 1200m in 1:20, 1000m in 1:05.8 and 600m in 38.2. Late in the session Walk Away (Sliz) and High Praise (Fraser) strode over the same ground in 1:21.3, 1:07.6 and 39.6, while Street Party (Russell) clocked 1:22, 1:06.5 and 39.6, and Arctic Heights (Verry) and Essential (Leveque) took 1:22.5, 1:06.3 and 38.
 
Victorian two-year-old Chateauneuf Dupape (Verry) and Orutan (Leveque) were timed from the 800m in 51.6, with their last 600m in 37.5.  Chateauneuf Dupape stayed on after the Karaka Million and is in the care of John Sargent. He may run in the Waikato Stud 2YO Classic at New Plymouth on Saturday, while Orutan is being aimed at next week’s Matamata Breeders’ Stakes.
 
Others timed over 800m were Mandy O’Reilly (Brett) and Our Sweetheart (Edmeades), who clocked 54 and 39.8, while youngsters by Elusive City(Palmer) and Jungle Pocket (R Jones) with Paul Shailer took 56 and 40.2.
 
On the all-weather track New Plymouth juvenile candidates Estrato (P McKay) and Antonio Lombardo (McDonald) were not pressured to record 1:09for 1000m and 38.3 over their final 600m. Stablemates Vincent Mangano (P McKay) and Costello (Wratten) chased time over the same ground in 1:02and 36.8.
 
In similar work, Our Ella Belle (J Ritchie) clocked 1:03.2 and 36.7, while Miss Sharapova (Coleman) strolled over 1200m in 1:28.4 and 600m in 42.3.
 
On a dead sand, One Swanstonstreet (Mo) impressed in her trial for New Plymouth when she led Mercury Mistress (Ng) at the end of 1200m in 1:20.9, 1000m in 1:05.5 and 600m in 36.7. Another for New Plymouth, Bankside Belle (Brett), was partnered by Mighty Galaxy (Anderson) over 1000m in 1:06.4 and 600m in 37.2. Might Galaxy returns to Rotorua on Friday, where he won two starts back.
 
Storm Patrol (S Collett) and Curtain Raiser (J Collett) had pace on from the start of their 1200m gallop which they completed in 1:17.7, with the last 1000m in 1:04.3 and 600m in 38.5. Paradise Chief (J Hunt) and Pierre (Taylor) left 1000m behind in 1:07.8 and 600m in 38.6, while Alfred’s Jewel (Brett) and Mayhem Magic (Anderson) returned 1:07 and 40.2, Savabill (Verry) 1:08.2 and 39, and Miss Lipstix (J Hunt) and Pinot Express (Taylor) 1:07.6 and 37.4.
 
Tinseltown (Moody) was not pressured over 1200m in 1:24.7, 1000m in 1:09.1 and 600m in 39.6. Over the same ground Beauty Leap (Lammas) took 1:20, 1:04.3 and 38.2, Saw Her Walkin By (Ng) 1:26.2, 1:10.5 and 40.5, Cool Radiance (P Turner) 1:29.5, 1:15 and 42.6, and Van Helsing (K McQuade) 1:21.2, 1:06.8 and 40. Mae Jinx (Coleman) was timed over last 1000m in 1:14.6 and 42.5, while Make A Wish (Coleman) clocked 1:16.3 and 44.8.
 
Queen Boudicca (K Price) and The Raconteur (J Price) rolled in from the 800m in 59.8, with their final 600m in 42.3.   


Thursday 10th February

Veloce Bella looked far from a spent force when she completed her preparation for the final race of her career at Matamata this morning.
 
Ridden by her trainer Mark Brosnan on a good plough, Veloce Bella covered 1200m in 1:18, the last 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.9. The work was right up with the best that the Volksraad mare has turned in during her 50-start career. She faces compulsory retirement, given she is close to four months in foal, following Saturday’s Darci Brahma International Stakes but looks well up to a bold showing.
 
Race rival Passchendaele (Allen) did her work on the all-weather track, where she strode over 1200m in 1:25.4, 1000m in 1:08.8 and 600m in 39.5. Stablemate Red Ruler (Allen) was let off with 600m on the plough at the end of his work in 41.8.
 
Also on the plough, Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic favourite King’s Rose (A Hunt) cantered 1000m before quickening marginally over her last 600m in 47.4. Annie Higgins (Dowling) prepared for the same race with 1200m in 1:24.5, 1000m in 1:08.2 and 600m in 37.4, while Chennai (Woollams) covered the same ground in 1:21.8, 1:06.8 and 39.
 
Medici (Ng) turned in another sound workout, 1200m in 1:22.5, 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 37.6. New Zealand Bloodstock Premier rival Cat Woman (Leveque) was timed over her last 1000m in 1:11.2 and 600m in 39.4. She has thrived since her first day win.
 
Apache Sky (M Brosnan) had pace on over 1000m in 1:03.9 and 600m in 37.5, while Summer’s Pride (Russell) caught the eye when reeling off 1000m in 1:04.6 and 35.8. Te Rapa runner Steel Stilettos (Coleman) left 1200m behind in 1:23.4, with the last 1000m in 1:05.6 and 600m in 37.2.
 
Rave Review (Russell) and Dazzling Heights(Ng) were well held over 1200m in 1:25, 1000m in 1:09.6 and 600m in 40.5. Walk Away (Sliz) did similar work to return 1:25.6, 1:09.8 and 40.6, while Celestial (C Ormsby) took 1:24.7, 1:07.4 and 38.7, Tinseltown (Moody) 1:23.2, 1:06.6 and 37.4, Don Domingo (Clements) 1:23.7, 1:08.4 and 37.4, and Miss Judged (O’Sullivan) 1:21.4, 1:05.7 and 37.4.
 
Royal Dude (P Turner) looked sharp over 1200m in 1:22.5, 1000m in 1:06and 600m in 36.4. Sircross (Swann) cut out 1200m in 1:17.5, 1000m in 1:03.3 and 600m in 37.5, while Brave Ali (Lammas) clocked 1:22.3, 1:07.4 and 38.6, Cool Radiance (Coleman) 1:26.2, 1:06.3 and 41.2, and Xalted (Moody) 1:26.4, 1:09.6 and 39.2.
 
He’s Got Music (O Richardson) covered the last 1000m of his work in 1:07.5 and 600m in 37.6. Icepin (Brett) was in no hurry over the same distance in 1:13.7 and 42.2, while Maciano (Allen) was timed from the 800m in 52.6, with the last 600m in 38.3. Miss Upstart (Wilson), who is being aimed at the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes, ran the same trip in 53.2 and 39.
 
Needlly (Ng) completed 1200m in 1:22.6, the last 1000m in 1:06and 600m in 37. Over the same ground Made My Point (Weatherley) clocked 1:27.4, 1:11.5 and 41.2, and New Order (O Richardson) 1:24.6, 1:09.2 and 39. 


Tuesday 8th February

A brilliant gallop at Matamata this morning left no doubts that King’s Rose is set to carry on her winning way in the Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic at Te Rapa on the weekend.

On a good plough King’s Rose (A Hunt) and Suaza (Lau) set off at a solid clip to cover 1200m in 1:13.6, with the last 1000m in 1:00.2 and 600m in 35.6. King’s Rose was travelling sweetly at the line and is at the top of her game to take her winning sequence to five in Saturday’s three-year-old feature. Suaza was slightly overshadowed in the gallop but on the strength of second placings at her last two starts warrants respect in the same race.

Annie Higgins (Ng) was partnered by Chaparral Lass (Lammas) over 1200m in 1:17.5, 1000m in 1:03.7 and 600m in 37.5. With placings in the Eight Carat and Royal Stakes at the Ellerslie carnival, Annie Higgins is a definite prospect in the Sir Tristram Classic.

Leading Darci Brahma Stakes prospect Red Ruler (Allen) did well in his solo gallop to cover 1200m in 1:16.4, 1000m in 1:02.6 and 600m in 36.8. Race rival Veloce Bella (M Brosnan) did similar work, recording 1:17.8, 1:03.2 and 37.8. Both horses have come through their Trentham runs in good order.

Medici (Dowling) impressed when he led Pure Reason (Gartner) to the end of 1200m in 1:18.8, 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600m in 37.5. Banchee (Woollams) looked bright in her work over 1200m in 1:20.4, with the last 1000m in 1:05.1 and 600m in 37.8. A decision has yet to be made whether to step her up to a middle-distance and target the New Zealand Derby.

Steel Stilettos (Grylls) and Post Xcellence (O Richardson) shaped up well over 1200m in 1:17.9, 1000m in 1:03.1 and 600m in 36.2. Over the same ground Maciano (Verry) and Yourein (Leveque) returned 1:15.5, 1:02.2 and 36.2, Heza Rebel (Lammas) and Needlly (Ng) took 1:24.2, 1:06.4 and 38.5, Columbus Line (Coleman) and Miss Loaded (P turner) 1:16.8, 1:01.2 and 35.8, So Regal (Leveque) and The Goddaughter (Verry) 1:18.5, 1:03.5 and 36.6, and Xalted (Coleman) 1:14.6, 1:01 and 36.2.

Handsome Dan (P Turner) dashed over 1000m in 1:02 and 600m in 35.2, while Sadist (Allen) covered the same trip in 1:02.8 and 35.6. Te Rapa entrants Read My Lips (Verry) and Orutan (Leveque) clocked 1:06 and 37.4. Pinzee (P Turner) prepared for New Plymouth on Friday with 1000m in 1:07.1 and 600m in 38.3.

Te Rapa candidate Don Domingo (Wilson) strode over 1200m in 1:22.3, with the last 1000m in 1:04.8 and 600m in 36.6. Matabelle (Russell) took 1:26.2, 1:10.3 and 40.6, Sircross (Swann) 1:18.2, 1:04.6 and 37.9, and Rave Review (Russell) and Dazzling Light (Fraser) 1:20.9, 1:05.6 and 38.3.

On the all-weather track Passchendaele (Allen) travelled up well in company with Bang On (Lau), clocking 1:17.8 for 1200m, 1:03.2 for 1000 and 37.2 for the last 600. Chennai (Woollams) and Better Together (Lau) covered the same ground in 1:20.5, 1:05.2 and 37.2.

Other gallops: 1200m plough: Encosta Diablo (Colgan) 1:26.9, 40.6; Miadonna (Mo) 1:26.4, 42.2; Might Galaxy (Edmeades) 1:30.6, 44.5.

1000m plough: Icepin (Anderson) 1:09.4, 41; He’s Got Music (O Richardson) 1:07.8, 38.2; Our Sweetheart (Colgan) 1:13.8, 41.4; One Swanstonstreet (Hutchinson) 1:16.2 44.9; Keep Away (Mo) 1:6.5, 43.5; Miss Judged (R Jones) 1:13.6, 42.9; Pentango (Moody) 1:15.7, 42.8.


Thursday 3rd February
 

Last start winners Miss Sharapova and Wisecrack looked ready to extend their form when they worked well together at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping 28m out on a slow course proper, Miss Sharapova (Coleman) and Wisecrack (K Jones) set off at a solid clip to cover 1200m in 1:19.1, 1000m in 1:05.3 and 600m in 39.4. Miss Sharapova, a restricted open winner at Ellerslie last month, had the edge on her stablemate, who scored on debut three weeks ago, but it was good work by both members of the Kelso stable.
 
Miss Sharapova is set to run in the open stayers’ event at Te Rapa on Saturday, while Wisecrack steps up to R70 grade at Paeroa on Friday.
 
Ying Yang Master (Allen) prepared for Saturday’s Waikato Guineas when partnering Maciano (Leveque) over 1200m in 1:25, with the 1000m in 1:08.4 and 600m in 39.4. Stablemates Captain Cruising (Coleman) and Essential (Lau) turned in solid work over the same ground in 1:19.4, 1:05.2 and 38.5.
 
Art Beat (W Hillis), an entry for the Wairarapa Breeders’ Stakes at Tauherenikau on Sunday, worked well over 1200m in 1:27.2, the final 600m in 41.9. Maidantus (Coleman) caught the eye when preparing for Paeroa on Friday over 1000m in 1:05.1 and 600m in 38.6.
 
Te Rapa candidate Gijima (R Jones) left 1200m behind in 1:22.5, 1000m in 1:08.6 and 600m in 41. Over the same ground Armati (Brett) and Northern General (Anderson) returned 1:23.6, 1:06.8 and 39.4, Golden Gate (Reed) and High Praise (Sliz) took 1:25.6, 1:10.1 and 39.7, Lagonissi (Grylls) 1:20.4, 1:06.8 and 40.2, and Sousa (Woollams) 1:25.6, 1:10.3 and 40.5.
 
Special Encore (A Hunt) and Academy Royale (Edmeades) cut out 1000m in 1:05.8 and 600m in 40.2, while Bespoke (Anderson) and Les Sylphides (S Collett) clocked 1:10.8 and 40. Coffee Club (Ng) and He’s A Rebel (Lammas) covered 1200m in 1:27, 1000m in 1:09.2 and 600m in 39.9.
 
On the all-weather track Marcello (J McKay) and Costello (Wratten) worked boldly over 1000m in 1:05.8 and 600m in 37.7. Gallant (K Jones) was timed over his last 800m in 51.6 and 600m in 37.4, while Slashing (Coleman) ran in from the 600m in 36.5.
 
Promising galloper Encosta Larrocha (Woollams) prepared for Te Rapa with a dashing 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.2. Our Sweetheart (A hunt) and Mayhem Magic (Anderson) were well held over the same ground in 1:09.6 and 40.2, while Fashion Rocks (Ng) and Randy Andy (Lammas) covered 1200m in 1:22.6 and 600m in 39.1.
 
Palraf (K McQuade) took 1:21.2 for 1200m with the last 600m in 36.8. Annie Higgins (Ng) ran the same trip in 1:27.1 and 41.4. 


Thursday 27th January

Veloce Bella completed her preparation for the Century City Wellington Cup with sound work at Matamata this morning, when fog severely restricted the timing of gallops.
 
Trainer Mark Brosnan rode the Trentham Stakes winner in her work on the course proper, where the going was dead 25m out. The only time that could be recorded was 1:24.5 for 1200m, but when she emerged from the fog she looked strong over the last 300 metres.
 
“I’m happy enough with the way she’s come through last weekend, she’s brightened up nicely over the last couple of days,” commented Brosnan, who added that he was more concerned by the prospect of rain on Saturday than his charge’s wide draw.
 
Cup rival He’s Under The Gun (Moody) did similar work, striding from the 1200m in 1:25.3 and likewise hitting the line strongly. Another Cup lightweight, Dawn Ghost (Woollams), rounded off her preparation on the sand, where she finished striding work with 600m in 41.6.
 
Back on the course proper several candidates for the Karaka Million attracted attention. Andrew Scott’s pair Jackthelad and Cracker could not be timed, but both impressed with the way they completed their solo gallops. The John Sargent-trained Dollario (C Ormsby) and Savabill (Weatherley) were paired over 800m in sound work over 53.4.
 
Thorndon Mile topweight Red Ruler (Colgan) was timed over the last 1000m of his work in 1:08.9 and 800m in 54.6, while Hinemoa (Grylls) left 1000m behind in 1:07.8 and Mary Astor (Coleman) and Dadzadreamer (Wilson) did solid work over 1200m in 1:19.8.
 
On the sand Karaka Million starter Queen Boudicca (Colgan) could not be timed but impressed with the way she hit the line.
 
Brief breaks in the fog allowed the timing of Lagonissi (Grylls) over 1200m in 1:25.6 and 600m in 40.7, while Captain Cruising (Weatherley) took 1:25.2 for 1200m and 1:09.6 for his last 1000m.
 
On the all-weather track Miss Sharapova (Coleman) cut out 1200m in 1:24.4, the last 600m in 39.7. She starts next at Te Rapa on Saturday week. Gallant (K Jones) was timed over 800m in 53.8 and 600m in 38.8., while Mr Spock (Verry) ran in from the 600m in 37.8.    


Tuesday 25th January

Dawn Ghost underlined her fitness for the Century City Wellington Cup when she turned in a solid gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 20m out on a slow course proper, Dawn Ghost (Du Plessis) and So Regal (Woollams) maintained a strong gallop over 1200m in 1:19.9, with the last 1000m in 1:05.6 and the final 600m in 38. Dawn Ghost has had one unplaced run since finishing second in the Waikato Gold Cup and will be at peak fitness for Saturday’s feature. So Regal is in good order for her assignment at Ellerslie on Sunday.
 
He’s Under The Gun (Grylls) prepared for thre Wellington Cup with a solo 1200m in 1:20.8, 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 40.3. It was sound work by the Marton Cup placegetter, especially given it was late in the session when the ground had cut up.
 
Karaka Million candidate Super Easy (Du Plessis) had early use of the grass when partnered by Ying Yang Master (R Jones) over 1000m in 1:06.5, the final 600m in 37.8. Race rival Antonio Lombardo (Calder) was travelling well at the end of his 1000m in company with Marcello (P McKay) in 1:09.5 and 600m in 40.5.
 
Astronomical (O’Sullivan) and Mia Donna (P Turner) prepared for Te Aroha on Friday with a smart 1000m in 1:06and 600m in 37.9. Over the same ground Mr Clooney (J Hunt) returned 1:05.8 and 38.2, and Boystar (Wilson) and Keep Away (Hutchinson) 1:08.2 and 40.2.
 
Thorndon Mile candidate Red Ruler (Colgan) strode over 1200m in 1:20.8, 1000m in 1:06.2 and 600m in 39. He has freshened well for the drop back in distance. Karaka Three-Year-Old Mile runners Yourein (Lau) and Chennai (Woollams) cut out 1200m in 1:20.9, 1000m in 1:06.3 and 600m in 39, while Our Ella Bella (Ritchie) returned 1:20.8, 1:06.3 and 38.7.
 
Hinemoa (Grylls), who runs at Trentham on the weekend, got through a sound 1200m in 1:19.8, 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 37.7. Over the same distance Serapis Bey (S Collett) clocked 1:21.5, 1:07.8 and 40.4, and Medici (Dowling) and Chief’s Daughter (K Jones) 1:22.7, 1:08.2 and 39.9.
 
Mary Astor (Grylls), who runs at Ellerslie, and Dadzadreamer (Kasim), an entrant for Te Teko on Monday, covered 1200m in 1:25.2, 1000m in 1:10.2 and 600m in 41.6. Sand Jewell (M Brosnan) covered the same ground 1:19.8, 1:04.6 and 39, while Sircross (Swann) took 1:21.5, 1:07.4 and 39.7, Santangelo (Ramsay) 1:21.4, 1:06.9 and 39.2, Chaparral Lass (Lammas) and Essaouira (Gartner) 1:25.5, 1:09.3 and 39 and Celestial (Kasim) 1:20.6, 1:06.2 and 39.6.
 
Annie Higgins (Ng) was not after time over 1200m in 1:32.2 and 600m in 44.7. Her next start will be the Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic at Te Rapa next month. Tinseltown (Grylls), another marking time until the Waikato meeting, strode over 1200m in 1:28.4 and 600m in 41.3. Whitby (Taylor) was timed over the last 800m of his work in 52.2 and 600m in 38.3.
 
On the all-weather track Ellerslie starter Dolmabache (Ramsay) went with Te Aroha candidate Via Veneto (Ritchie) over a smart 1000m in 1:04.9 and 600m in 36.6.
 
Shezaruler (Swann) covered the last 1000m of her work in 1:05.6 and 600m in 39.2, while Van Helsing (K McQuade) and Palraf (H McQuade) took 1:07.4 and 41.4.  


Tuesday 18th January

Show Up looked sharp for the main sprint at Pukekohe on Saturday when she galloped impressively at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 25m out on a dead course proper, Show Up (Wilson) had pace on from the 1000m mark, covering that distance in 1:02and the final 600m in 36.9. It was very good work and with the drop back to Rating 90 on the weekend, the Graham Richardson-trained mare will be hard to beat.
 
Hinemoa (Grylls) and Mae Jinx (Moody), who are both on the borderline of entry into Saturday’s $1 million Telegraph Handicap, were matched over 1200m in 1:21.6, with the last 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 36.8. Monton (P Shailer) was not after time when he ran in from the 800m in 1:01, with the last 600m in 44.2. Any rain will boost his Telegraph chances.
 
Better Together (R Jones) underlined her prospects for the Matamata meeting on Friday as she and Chennai (Woollams) covered 1200m in 1:19.2, 1000m in 1:03.8 and 600m in 36.8. Over the same ground Wellington Cup prospect Dawn Ghost (Woollams) underlined her progress when she clocked 1:20.7, 1:05.5 and 37.6.
 
Centalign (Coleman) and Shamarose (Wilson) did well late in the session to cut out 1200m in 1:17.5, 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 37.2. Over the same ground Cat Woman (Coleman) and The Goddaughter (Lau) returned 1:17.9, 1:03 and 37, Chief’s Daughter (K Jones) and Rock My World (Wilson) 1:22.6, 1:07.2 and 39.4, Al Lurch’e (K Jones) 1:23, 1:07.2 and 38.6, Shiquan (Clements) 1:26, 1:10.5 and 41.6, and Pentango (Moody) 1:27.2, 1:09.5 and 39.5. Maciano (Allen) stretched out well over 1000m in 1:08.6 and 600m in 39.6.
 
Veloce Bella (P Ormsby) and Atomic Road (R Jones) were allowed use of the course proper against the eight-metre rail position, covering 1200m in 1:17.8, 1000m in 1:04.3 and 600m in 37.8. Atomic Road, a runner at the local meeting on Friday, had the measure of Veloce Bella over the final stages, prompting trainer Mark Brosnan to reconsider plans to start the mare in the Trentham Stakes on Saturday.
 
On the sand, which was in good order despite significant overnight rain, Miss Raggedy Ann (O’Sullivan) prepared for the Telegraph Handicap when partnering Ready Steady (R Jones) over 1000m in 1:04.9 and 600m in 37.2. The upset Railway Stakes winner looks very bright.
 
Voorsitter (Grylls) prepared for Saturday’s Wakefield Challenge Stakes when working with Cloudy Bay(Kasim) over 1000m in 1:07.6 and 600m in 37.3. Voorsitter finished a solid fourth in his only start to date and appears to have thrived since.  
 
Keep Away (P Turner) and Sophia Dream (Hutchinson) put in a smart trial for Matamata on Friday over 1000m in 1:01.2 and 600m in 36.4. Trentham second day runners Columbus Line (O’Sullivan) and Miadonna (Mo) caught the eye over the same trip in 1:00.7 and 35.3.  
 
Miss Lipstix (J Hunt) and Recording (Taylor) prepared for the local meeting with 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 37, while stablemates Straight Melody (Taylor) and Trincomalee (J hunt) returned 1:08.4 and 37.9.
 
Fashion Rocks (Lammas) and Brave Ali (Ng), candidates for Pukekohe and Matamata respectively, covered 1200m in 1:23.6, with the last 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 39.6. Recent trial winner Wisecrack (Coleman) caught the eye over the same ground in 1:17.8, 1:02.9 and 36.4. Vienna (Anderson) and Fiscal Wings left 1000m behind in 1:06.6 and 600m in 37.3. 
 
A number of Karaka Million-bound juveniles were kept up to the mark, including Jack The Lad (O’Sullivan), who wore blinkers when he worked with Make A Wish (Mo) over 1000mmin 1:08.2 and 38.7. Super Easy (Lau) ran the same distance in 1:08and 38.2, while Dollario ((Lau) clocked 1:07and 39.1.
 
Red Ruler (Allen) who will bypass the Wellington Cup in favour of the Thorndon Mile, strolled over 1200m in 1:24.2, 1000m in 1:08.5 and 600m in 39.2.
 
Other gallops: 1200m sand: Sheza Ruler (Swan) 1:22.8, 39.2; Viking Ace (K McQuade) 1:23.4, 40.2; Trophy Head (Allen) 1:21.8, 38.2; Stag Party (H McQuade) 1:20.2, 38.2; Zenno Phobic (Coleman) 1:19.8, 36.6; Yourein (Allen) and Suaza (Jousset) 1:21.2, 38; Xalted (moody) 1:20.6, 38.3; Miss Judged (O’Sullivan) 1:24.2, 41; Captain Cruising (Weatherley) 1:22.3, 37; Post Xcellence (Grylls) and Savvy Dancer (O Richardson) 1:21.5, 36.9; Spera (Jousset) 1:20, 37.4; New Order (O Richardson) 1:21.7, 37.8; Made My Point (McGill) 1:21.2, 37.4.
 
1000m sand: Paradise Chief (J Hunt) and Dancing Embers (Taylor) 1:07.2, 37.8; I’m Jake (Brooks) 1:03.6, 35.8; Art Beat (W Hillis) 1:10.4, 41.5; Truly Wishful (J Hunt) 1:08, 37.1.  



Tuesday 11th January

Promising two-year-olds He’s A Rebel and Venetian Raider prepared for Ellerslie on Saturday with an impressive gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working on a good plough, Heza Rebel (Lammas) and Venetian Raider (J Collett) were paired in a brilliant gallop over 1000m in 1:00.8 and 600m in 35.4. Heza Rebel was an unlucky fifth in his only start to date, while Venetian Raider is already stakes placed. They will be on trial for the Karaka Million in Saturday’s two-year-old event.
 
Banchee (Verry) and Ying Yang Master (Jousset) looked ready for bold efforts in the three-year-old 1600 at Ellerslie on Saturday as they cut out 1200m in 1:22, quickening over the last 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 36.4.
 
So Royal (Woollams) and So Regal (Lau) were well matched over a solid 1200m in 1:15.5, 1000m in 1:00.6 and 600m in 35.5. So Royal runs in the Marton Cup at Awapuni on the weekend, while her younger sister will return to Ellerslie.
 
He’s Under The Gun (Moody), another entered for the Marton Cup, was not after time but still impressed in his work over 1200m in 1:23.7, with the last 1000m in 1:07.1 and 600m in 38.5. Over the same ground race rival Seaflyte (W Hillis) and Donnybrook (Joseph) returned 1:19.9, 1:03.5 and 37.8, Je Suis (Russell) and Rave Review (Wilson) 1:15.7, 1:01.9 and 37.7, and Genaffair (Gartner) 1:20.4, 1:15.2 and 38.8.
 
Veloce Bella (M Brosnan), another likely Marton Cup runner, went with Master Guru (P Ormsby) over 1200m in 1:20.4, 1000m in 1:04.9 and 600m in 38.1. Last start maiden graduates Red Eye Special (K Jones) and Mary Astor (Coleman) did sound work over 1200m in 1:19.6, with the last 1000m in 1:03.7 and 600m in 37.5.
 
Ellerslie two-year-old candidate Queen Boudicca (Colgan) was partnered by The Raconteur (S Collett) over the final 600m of work in 36.1. Za Star (Ellis) and Might Galaxy (Anderson) strode over 1200m in 1:20.8, 1000m in 1:03.8 and 600m in 36.2.
 
Woodinutoo (Grylls) cut out the same distance I 1:18.2, 1:03.4 and 36.7, while Loviste (Ng) and Chaparral Lass (Lammas) returned 1:18.4, 1:04 and 37.2, Gijima (Colgan) 1:25.8, 1:10.2 and 40.2, Spera (Jousset) 1:18, 1:02.4 and 35.6, and Lagonissi (Grylls) 1:18.9, 1:04.7 and 36.5.
 
Red Ruler (Verry) looked bright in his work over 1200m in 1:18.4, 1000m in 1:03.4 and 36.5. It is likely that he will follow the same path as last year and start next in the Trentham Stakes prior to the Wellington Cup.
 
Impressive last start maiden winner Ghostinthemachine (O Richardson) was partnered by Flashy Fella (Grylls) over 1200m in 1:20.7, with the last 1000m in 1:04.5 and 600m in 36.3.
 
Karaka Vintage (Colgan) and Attenti Al Gatto (Anderson) cut out 1000m in 1:05.8 and 600m in 37.4, while Steel Stilettos (Grylls) took 1:08.5 and 40.2, Pinzee (S Collett) 1:05.6 and 37.2, Rose Of Falkirk (R Jones) and Sand Jewell (P Ormsby) 1:05.8 and 37.2, and Dutch Striker (O’Sullivan) and Miadonna (R Jones) 1:04.4 and 38.
 
On the all-weather track Miss Sharapova (Coleman) and Powerplaya (K Jones) looked on target for Ellerslie when they covered 1200m in 1:16.7, 1000m in 1:03.1 and 600m in 37.6.
 
Passchendaele (Colgan) was timed over the last 100m of her work in 1:06.5 and 600m in 36.5. She has come through her fresh-up run in good order and will start next at Pukekohe on Saturday week. Stablemate Dawn Ghost (Woollams) continued her preparation for Trentham with 1000m in 1:07.5 and 600m in 38.4.
 
Sydney visitor Monton (P Shailer) was allowed to stride over the last 600m of his work in 42.2. He looks bright after his unplaced Railway Stakes effort and will have blinkers added for the Telegraph Handicap.  


Thursday 6th January

Sircross boosted his prospects for Tauranga on the weekend when he worked boldly at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping on a good plough, Sircross (Swann) cut out 1000m in 1:03.6, hitting the line strongly after a final 600m in 36.7. The former smart galloper went a bold race before weakening late in the Rich Hill Mile last weekend and drops significantly in class at Tauranga.
 
Ebony And Ivory (O’Sullivan) prepared for Tauranga with 1200m in 1:22.6, 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 37.4. She is another who could readily improve on her below par last start effort.
 
Apache Sky (M Brosnan) turned in another sound workout when he covered 1000m in 1:02.4 and 600m in 36.5. He is well placed in the maiden 1600m at Tauranga. Race rival Mr Trim (O’Sullivan) looked bright when sent over 1200m in 1:22.8, with the last 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 37.7, while Essaouira (Lammas) prepared for the same race with 1200m in 1:23.6, 1000m in 1:07.8 and 600m in 39.8.
 
Retail Therapy (W Hillis) and Donnybrook (Joseph) did well over 1000m in 1:02.5 and 600m in 36.4. Over the same ground Savoy (J McKay) and Bay Ruler (Taylor) clocked 1:04.6 and 37.4, Poppy Rose (Wenn) and Florin (Clements) 1:05.2 and 37.3, Celestial (Kasim) 1:07.2 and 38.8, Irish Jewel (O’Sullivan) 1:05.2 and 37, and Attenti Al Gatto (Anderson) and Karaka Vintage (Edmeades) 1:07.4 and 39.
 
Bear Hug (A Hunt) and Gijima (Edmeades) had pace on from the start of their 1200m workout in 1:15.3, with the last 1000m in 1:00.5 and 600m in 35.3. Others who ran smart time included He’s A Rebel (Lammas) and Coffee Club (Ng), who returned 1:16.3, 1:00.3 and 35.2.
 
Tauranga first starter Voorsitter (Kasim) strode over 1200m in 1:20.6, 1000m in 1:05.4 and 600m in 37.4. Master Guru (P Ormsby) ran the same trip in 1:22.7, 1:06.5 and 38.6, Woodinutoo (Moody) 1:24.8, 1:06.6 and 36.8, Serapis Bey (D Turner) 1:26.8, 1:08 and 41.3, Brave Ali (Ng) 1:22.9, 1:07.5 and 39.5, Encosta Diablo (Anderson) 1:25, 1:07.8 and 39.4, and Steel Stilettos (O Richardson) 1:20.7, 1:05 and 40.2.
 
Pure Reason (Gartner), who continues to race well without any luck, looked well in his work over 1200m in 1:18.2 and 600m in 37.5. Chaparral Lass (Lammas) was restricted to 1200m in 1:28.5 and 600m in 42.
 
Shiquan (Wenn) was in good form over 1000m in 1:05.3 and 600m in 36.5, while Excuse Moi (Ng) took 1:10.5 and 40, Mary Astor (Wilson) 1:15.4 and 44.7, Henri Jayer (P Turner) 1:11and 41.4, and Pui Pui (Wilson) 1:15.8 and 42.2.
 
Calcutta (O’Sullivan) completed his Tauranga preparation over 1200m in 1:23.8, 1000m in 1:07.8 and 37.4. Timely (Mo) and High Road (P Turner) took 1:25.8, 1:08.3 and 37.6, and Rave Review (D Turner) 1:25.8, 1:10.2 and 40.7.
 
Tauranga entrant Cat Woman (Lau) ran in from the 800m in 49.5, with the last 600m in 35.2. Slashing (Moody) was allowed to stretch out over his last 600m in 40.8.   


Tuesday 4th January

Apache Sky prepared for Tauranga on Saturday with an impressive gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
On a good plough Apache Sky (M Brosnan) reeled off 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.4. Given the weight he carried it was especially sound work by the promising maiden, who appears to have trained on well from his last start third at Ellerslie a week ago.
 
Captain’s Song (Hutchinson) drew attention to his prospects at Rotorua on Friday when he partnered Miss Loaded (P Turner) over a slick 1000m in 1:01.8 and 600m in 35.6. Captain’s Song did little in his debut late last month but should have taken some improvement from the experience.
 
Miss Thorn (Anderson) and Zankuro (A Hunt) were paired in smart work over 1000m in 1:01.3 and 600m in 35.6. Miss Thorn heads to Woodville on the weekend, while her stablemate will run at Rotorua.
 
Last start stakes winner Hinemoa (Grylls) turned in a solid gallop over 1200m in 1:21.5, the last 1000m in 1:05.9 and 600m in 36.5. First Date (Ng) and Essaouira (Lammas) had pace on over the same distance in 1:18, 1:03.1 and 36.8, while Ying Yang Master (Woollams) clocked 1:20.4, 1:04.4 and 36.4, Batten Down (Lammas) 1:20.2, 1:05 and 37.3, and Stag Party (H McQuade) 1:17.8, 1:03.6 and 37.5.
 
Suaza (Weatherley) and Made My Point (McGill) turned on the speed from the start of their 1200m gallop, completing the distance in 1:13.8, 1000m in 1:00.6 and 600m in 35.8. Woodville-bound CloudyBay (Grylls) and Voorsitter (O Richardson) took 1:20.5 for 1000m, with the last 1000m in 1:08.9 and 600m in 36.5.
 
Art Beat (W Hillis) prepared for Rotorua with 1000m in 1:09.7 and 600m in 40.5. Another heading in that direction, Shamarose (Wilson), returned 1:20.8 over 1200m, with the last 1000m in 1:04.8 and 600m in 38.4.
 
Rotorua first starters Kaitaia Flyer (Wenbelle) and Ballynova (Lammas) ran in from the 800m in 50.2, with their final 600m in 37. Truly Wishful (J Hunt) and Recording (Taylor) left 1000m behind in 1:04.3 and 600m in 36.9, while Costello (P McKay) and Santorielli (Wratten) took 1:02.4 and 35.8, Encosta Diablo (Anderson) and Attenti Al Gatto (A Hunt) 1:06.4 and 36.2, Three Wishes (Wenn) 1:08.7 and 38.9, and Grande Rosso (P McKay) and Undisclosed (J McKay) 1:03.7 and 37.6.
 
Rave Review (Russell) and Dazzling Heights(J Walker) covered 1200m in 1:20.5, with the last 1000m in 1:04.9 and 600m in 37.6. Van Helsing (H McQuade) covered the same ground in 1:23.7, 1:06.8 and 38.5, and Curtain Raiser (J Collett) 1:26.8, 1:10.2 and 39.6.
 
On the all-weather track Kumari (Allen) and Cat Woman (Jousset) had pace on throughout 1200m in 1:17.8, 1000m in 1:03and 600m in 36.4. Atomic Road (M Brosnan) took 1:06over 1000m and 37.7 for the final 600m.
 
Other gallops: 1200m plough: Zenno Phobic (O Richardson) 1:23, 37.5; Serapis Bey (D Turner) 1:23.5, 41.3; Lagonissi (Moody) 1:25.2, 39.3; Lydian Prince (H McQuade) 1:23.6, 37.5.
 
1000m plough: Karaka Vintage (Ellis) and Viana (Melton) 1:09.6, 38.8; Mr Trim (Mo) 1:15.6, 42.8; Bazinsky (D Turner) 1:08.3, 38; Palraf (K McQuade) 1:04.2, 37.2; Maidantus (Wilson) 1:05.2, 38.4; King’s Counsel (Ellis) and King Of Discretion (Edmeades) 1:10.8, 40.7; Faster Indian (P Turner) and Handsome Dan (Hutchinson) 1:02.2 and 35.8.; The Goddaughter (Lau) 1:07.3, 38.4.  



Thursday 29th December

Cracker looked ready for a bold effort in the Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day when she turned in a bold final gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 18m out on a dead course proper, Cracker (O’Sullivan) was travelling strongly alongside Columbus Line (R Jones) at the end of 1000m in 1:08.4, the final 600m in 37.5.
 
Cracker has won her only start to date and will be out to confirm a start in the Karaka Million when she lines up in Saturday’s juvenile feature. Columbus Line is a Fastnet Rock colt with Andrew Scott set to make his New Zealand debut at Tauranga on Sunday. He showed promise in a handful of starts in Victoria last season.
 
Annie Higgins (Lammas) turned in attractive work over 1200m in 1:23.7, the last 1000m in 1:08.1 and 600m in 38.7. She appears to have come through her Boxing Day run in good heart and should appreciate the step up to a middle-distance in the Royal Stakes on Saturday.
 
Race rival Fireside (O’Sullivan) impressed again with 1200m in 1:21.6, 1000m in 1:0.2 and the final 600m in a smart 36.5. Time honours for the session went to Xalted (Coleman), who cut out 1200m in 1:19.6, 1000m in 1:04.5 and the last 600m in 36.3. Dunstan Championship Final candidate Miss Sharapova (Coleman) also ran time over 1200m in 1:20.2, 1000m in 1:05.4 and 600m in 36.7.
 
Railway Stakes favourite Monton (P Shailer) was again kept to light duties, running in from the 600m in 40.9. The Sydneyvisitor looks very bright. Eclipse Stakes candidate Super Easy (Leveque) was allowed a similar task, clocking 39.8.
 
Tinseltown (Murtagh) completed his City of Auckland Cuppreparation with a leisurely workout over 1200m in 1:27, 1000m in 1:10.8 and 600m in 40.4. Rich Hill Mile lightweight (Ng) ran the same trip in 1:25.6, 1:10.2 and 40.5, while He’s Under The Gun (Moody) clocked 1:25.9, 1:09.6 and 39.5.
 
On the sand, which was on the slow side, Benedict (O’Sullivan) rounded off his training for the Rich Hill Mile with a well held 1000m in 1:11.2 and 600m in 39.7.
 
Royal Stakes favourite King’s Rose (Anderson) was restricted to 800m at the end of her work in 1:00.1 and 600m in 44.2. She looks very well.
 
So Regal (Allen) strode over 1200m in 1:20.4, 1000m in 1:06.4 and 600m in 38.2. She will be an interesting runner at Ellerslie when she steps up to a middle-distance. Over the same ground Championship Stakes runner Yourein (Allen) recorded 1:26.2, 1:09.6 and 41, while Whitby (Taylor) took 1:24.4, 1:07.8 and 39.3, Batten Down (Lammas) 1:23.2, 1:09 and 40.8, and Suaza (Weatherley) 1:20.6, 1:106 and 38.6.
 
Curtain Raiser (Blair) caught the eye with 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 36.9. Over the same ground Made My Point (McGill) took 1:09.5 and 39.6, Don Domingo (Clements) 1:13and 41.8, and Miss Thorn (Colgan) 1:15.2 and 44.8.
Lovedale (Tait) dashed over 800m in 49.2 and 600m in 36.8, while Riomoral (H McQuade) was timed over his last 600m in 36.8.
 
On the all-weather track City of Auckland Cup lightweight Dawn Ghost (Woollams) worked well over 1200m in 1:24.5, 1000m in 1:10.2 and 600m in 38.7. Race rival Seaflyte (W Hillis) began quietly but hit the line well after 1200m in 1:29.9, 1000m in 1:12.4 and 600m in 40.5.
 
Pentango (Grylls) turned in sound work over 1000m in 1:06.8, the last 600m in 38. Maciano (Allen) was allowed to stretch out over 1000m in 1:04.5 and 600m in 38.2, while Ghostinthemachine (O Richardson) clocked 1:06.8 and 37.5.
 
Loviste (Ng) and Essaouira (Lammas) were paired over 1200m in 1:20.4, with the last 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 39.1. Cosmic Heights (Dowling) ran the same trip in 1:22.3, 1:07.5 and 39.8. 


Tuesday 28th December

King’s Rose and Fireside shaped up for Ellerslie on New Year’s Day with an impressive gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
On a fast plough, King’s Rose (McDonald) and Fireside (O’Sullivan) were paired in solid work over 1200m in 1:16.3, the last 1000m in 1:02.3 and 600m in 36. Both fillies looked comfortable as they hit the line with something in reserve.
 
King’s Rose is in excellent order to step up to a middle-distance in the Royal Stakes, in which she will chase further points in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year series. Lower rated Fireside will be entered for both the Royal Stakes and the Championship Stakes.
 
Railway Stakes candidate Italian Princess (Coleman) advanced her prospects for the big sprint when working with Megan’s Tough Love (Wilson) over 1000m in 1:03.4 and 600m in 36.1.  
 
Race rival Monton (P Shailer) was allowed quiet work on the course proper, where the going was good 18m out. The impressively built Sydney visitor rolled home from the 600m in 41.4, satisfying his trainer Tim Martin that he is in the right shape to take on New Zealand’s best sprinters.
 
Back on the plough Tinseltown (Grylls) impressed in his work for the City of Auckland Cup when he strode over 2400m, timed from the 1200m in 1:17.7, 1000m in 1:03.5 and 600m in 37.2.
 
A Chance To Dream (S Collett) prepared for the same race when paired with Stratford Cup candidate So Royal (Calder) over 1200m in 1:20.8, 1000m in 1:05.3 and 600m in 36.7. Stablemate and race rival Dawn Ghost (Woollams) did her work on the all-weather track, where she and Better Together (Jousset) cut out 1200m in 1:19.5, 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 36.3.
 
With Zabeel Classic runner-up Red Ruler also a confirmed starter, John Sargent will have a strong hand in the Ellerslie staying feature.
 
Other smart work on the all-weather track was turned in by the McKay stable’s pair for the Eclipse Stakes, Estrato (P McKay) and Antonio Lombardo (Calder), who reeled off 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 36.4. Over the same ground Passchendaele (Allan) returned 1:05and 36.5. She is close to a return to racing.
 
On the plough Loviste (Lammas) and Saw Her Walkin By (Ng) had pace on throughout 1200m in 1:15, 1000m in 1:01.5 and 600m in 36. They will both run at Tauranga on Sunday.
 
Croix du Sud (A Hunt) prepared for Hastingson New Year’s Day with a solid 1200m workout in 1:15.2, 1000m in 1:01.4 and 600m in 36.5, while stablemates Authentic (Colgan) and Centara (Ellis) were sent over the same ground in 1:20.2, 1:05.4 and 38.2.
 
Eclipse Stakes runners Savabill (Lau) and Super Easy (Leveque) left 1000m behind in 1:05.5 and 600m in 37.2, while race rival Cracker (O’Sullivan) was partnered by Columbus Line (Hutchinson) in a smart 1000m in 1:03.4 and 600m in 36.
 
Don Domingo (Grylls) turned in sound work over 1200m in 1:15.2, 1000m in 1:01.5 and 600m in 36.7. Over the same ground Dunstan Stayers’ Final candidate He’s Under the Gun (Grylls) returned 1:16.8, 1:02.4 and 37, while Thames Cup entry Shi Kin Fly (Jousset) and Ellerslie three-year-old candidate Yourein (Leveque) stopped the clock at 1:15, 1:01.2 and 35.9.
 
Riomoral (H McQuade), who runs at Hastings, and Eclipse Stakes runner Queen Boudicca (Colgan) were timed over 1000m in 1:02.5 and 600m in 37.6. Benedict (O’Sullivan) prepared for the Rich Hill Mile with a well held 1200m in 1:24.5, 1000m in 1:08.5 and 600m in 37.8, while Sterling Prince (W Hillis) clocked 1:18.6, 1:02.3 and 37.
 
Other gallops: 1200m plough: One Swanstonstreet (Hutchinson) 1:20.7, 37.3; Sirani (Woollams) 1:18.7, 36.2; King’s Consul (Ellis) and Obey (Colgan) 1:21, 37.7; Post Xcellence (Grylls) and Ghostinthemachine (O Richardson) 1:20, 35.2; Sircross (Swann) 1:17.4, 37; Dadzadreamer (S Collett) 1:21, 36.5; Matabelle (Russell) and Dazzling Heights (D Turner) 1:17.6, 37.
 
1000m plough: Miss Thorn (Anderson) 1:09.3, 38.5; Karaka Vintage (Brett) and King of Discretion (Calder) 1:08, 1:08. 38.9; Fast Tempo (S Collett) 1:07.3, 37.8; Sirrevie (Swann) 1:07.2, 39.4; Trophy Head (Colgan) 1:03.6, 37.4.
 
800m plough: Glownight Racer (J McKay) and Grande Rosso (Wratten) 48.6, 35.8; Storm Patrol (S Collett) and Venetian Raider (Lammas) 48.5, 35.6; Dolce Bella (Gomas) 58.5, 41.2.  


Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd December

Tinseltown underlined his progress towards the City of Auckland Cupwith a sound gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 20m out on a dead course proper, Tinseltown (Coleman) strode over ground and was timed from the 1200m in 1:27. Without being pressured he picked up the tempo for a final 1000m in 1:11.5 and 600m in 41.2.
 
This was one of only a handful of gallops that could be timed due to fog and while Tinseltown was not chasing time, the work left no doubts that he is on target for the City of Auckland Cup.
 
Ebony And Ivory (O’Sullivan) looked the part for her engagement at Rotorua on Monday when she cut out a solid 1200m in 1:18.6. No sectional times were possible, but she flattened out impressively over the last 300 metres.
 
Poppy Rose (Wenn) and Shiquan (Clements), candidates for Paeroa next Thursday, were paired in a strong gallop over 1200m in 1:17.8, 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600m in 38.4. Others who could not be timed but impressed with the way they finished their work included Ellerslie first day runners Jackthelad, Banchee and Pinot Girl.
 
On the sand Xalted (Coleman) turned in sound work over 1200m in 1:18.2, Don Domingo (Clements) returned 1:18.2 and 1:03.4 for the last 1000m, while Better Together (Woollams) and Kirkway (Leveque) took 1:18.3 and 1:03.6.
 
Rotorua maiden candidate The Wave (Mo) was paired with One Swanstonstreet (Coleman) over 1000m in 1:04.2, Calcutta(O’Sullivan) and Calcutta(P Turner) took 1:18.2 for 1200m and 1:03.4 for 1000m, and Yourein (Leveque) covered 1200m in 1:18.2 and 800m in 51.3.
 
Lagonissi (Kasim) returned 1:19.6 for 1200m and 1:06.2 for the last 1000m. He’s Under The Gun (Moody) was not after time over 1200m in 1:25.9, with the last 1000m in 1:09.4 and 600m in 40.5.
 
Newmarket Handicap runner Mae Jinx (O Richardson) took 1:21.8 for 1200m, while Pure Reason (Dowling) returned 1:27.4. Pachenko (Wenn) cut out 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 38.2.  
 
A bold gallop yesterday (Wednesday) by Three Wishes (Wenn) drew attention to her prospects in the Newmarket Handicap on Boxing Day. Allowed the use of the course proper against the rail, Three Wishes dashed over 1000m in 1:00.3, with the final 600m cut out in a brilliant 33.2. The speedy filly will be an interesting runner in the Ellerslie sprint.
 
Working right-handed 22m out on the course proper during the same session, Amaryllis (Ritchie) and Our Ella Belle (McDonald) left 1200m behind in 1:21.1, with the final 600m in an impressive 36.8. Amaryllis is in good order for the Newmarket handicap.
 
Another Newmarket runner, Show Up (Wilson) was keen as she ran the same distance in 1:19.7 and 40.6. Annie Higgins (Ng) and Mercury Mistress (Coleman) looked bright when preparing for Boxing Day with 1200m in 1:22.7 and 600m in 37.8. Essaouira (Lammas) and Fashion Rocks (Dowling) were restricted to 1:27.5 over 1200m and 42.4 for the final 600m.
 
Great Northern Guineas runner Icepin (Colgan) worked on the sand, where he was timed over his last 600m in 39.4. He has come through his winning run last week in good order. 


Tuesday 21st December

Miss Sharapova shaped up for the first day of the Ellerslie carnival with a bold gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Allowed use of the course proper rail where the going was slow, Miss Sharapova (Coleman) set off over ground and was timed from the 1200m mark in 1:18.4, maintaining a solid gallop over the last 1000m in 1:04and the final 600m in 37.2. Miss Sharapova steps up to a middle-distance on Boxing Day as her final lead-up to the Dunstan Stayers’ Final on New Year’s Day.
 
All other course proper gallops took place 25m out, where Italian Princess (Coleman) was well contained as she strode over 1000m in 1:09.9 and 600m in 39.7. She has trained on pleasingly and is now likely to run in the Newmarket Handicap on Sunday.
 
Ellerslie juvenile candidate Super Easy (Leveque) impressed in his work with Fledgling (Woollams) over a sharp 800m in 51.8 and 600m in 37.6. Ebony And Ivory (O’Sullivan) had first use of the track when she covered 1200m in 1:23.7, 1000m in 1:08.1 and 600m in 39.5.
 
Over the same ground A Chance To Dream (Jousset) and Ying Yang Master (Allen) returned 1:25.9, 1:09.4 and 40, Pure Reason (Lammas) and Genaffair (Gartner) 1:21.8, 1:07.8 and 40.6, Matabelle (Russell) and Dazzling Heights (D Turner) 1:21.2, 1:07 and 41.3, Za Star (Ellis) and Frills (Bridgman) 1:24.6, 1:06.2 and 39.2, and Fast Tempo (Mo) and Spare A Fortune (S Collett) 1:27.3, 1:10.5 and 39.5.
 
Saheel (Anderson) and Bankside Belle (Colgan) were paired in bold work over 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 38.3. The Wave (Hutchinson) and Make A Wish (P Turner) ran the same trip in 1:08.8 and 40.4, while Prince Of Wales (Coleman) was restricted to 1:14.2 and 42.8.
 
On the sand, which was good, Ellerslie Boxing Day entrants Denver (P McKay) and Santorielli (Grylls) caught they eye over 1000m in 1:01.4 and 600m in 36.2. Stablemates Vincent Mangano (P McKay) and Undisclosed (Wratten) were timed over 800m in 50.8 and 600m in 36.4. Vincent Mangano starts next in the Newmarket Handicap at Ellerslie.
 
Kumari (Allen), a runner at Rotorua next Monday, strode over 1200m in 1:22.1, with the last 1000m in 1:07.9 and 600m in 39.7. Needlly (Ng) and Heza Rebel (Lammas) ran the same distance in 1:20.7, 1:04.9 and 37.2, Xalted (Coleman) took 1:22.8, 1:07.5 and 37, and Seaflyte (W Hillis) 1:25.5, 1:08.9 and 40. He will start at Ellerslie on Sunday.
 
Riomoral (H McQuade) was allowed an easy time over 1000m in 1:09.5 and 600m in 39.8. His next start will be at Hastingson New Year’s Day. Henri Jayer (P Turner) covered the same distance in 1:10.9 and 39.
 
Lagonissi (Grylls) left 1200m behind in 1:23.6, 1:08.6 and 39.2, while Steel Stiletto (O Richardson) took 1:25, 1:09.4 and 38.8, He’s Under The Gun (Moody) 1:23.5, 1:07.8 and 40, Pentango (Grylls) 1:22.6, 1:07.8 and 39.4, and Mae Jinx (Grylls) 1:22.6, 1:06.8 and 38.
 
On the all-weather track Pinot Express (Hunt) cut out 1000m in 1:03.8 and 600m in 36.7, while Crossword (McGill) maintained an even pace over 1200m in 1:20.2, 1000m in 1:04.7 and 600m in 38.4. 


Tuesday 14th December 

Red Ruler left no doubts that he has trained on from his awesome fresh-up win a week ago when he galloped stylishly at Matamata this morning.
 
On a good plough the big bay was ridden by Vinnie Colgan, who will stand in for the injured Mark Du Plessis in the restricted open 1600 at Te Rapa on Saturday. Red Ruler was timed over the last 1200m of his work in 1:16.6, the final 1000m in 1:02and 600m in 36.7. He stretched out freely over the final stages of the gallop and despite his anticipated big weight will be the one to beat in his final outing before the Zabeel Classic on Boxing Day.
 
Veloce Bella (M Brosnan) prepared for the open middle-distance event at Te Rapa on Saturday when she covered 1200m in 1:18.2, picking up Toma Valea (P Ormsby) over the last 1000m in 1:03.4 and 600m in 37. Sterling Prince (W Hillis) looked fitter when cutting out 1000m in 1:04and 600m in 37.9. He has had light schooling added to his training routine lately.
 
On the all-weather track Miss Sharapova (Coleman) prepared for Te Rapa with 1200m in 1:20.7, 1000m in 1:05.9 and 600m in 38.4. She is being aimed at the Dunstan Stayers’ Championship on New Year’s Day. Mr Spock (Leveque) was in good form over 1000m in 1:03.5 and 600m in 36.4.
 
Two more for Te Rapa, Bella Carolina (Coleman) and Down Play (K Jones), were well matched over 1200m in 1:18, 1000m in 1:03.8 and 600m in 37.4. Over the same ground New Order (O Richardson) took 1:25.6, 1:07.2 and 37.8. Fledgling (Woollams) was timed over 800m in 51.8 and 600m in 37.4, while Connie Be Good (Grylls) ran the same trip in 55 and 40.2 and Passchendaele (Allen) ran in from the 600m in 37.6. She is coming to hand pleasingly.
 
Back on the plough, Straight Melody (Hunt) and Truly Wishful (K Hillis) prepared for next Wednesday’s local meeting with 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 37.8. Miss Judged (P Turner), another with the same target, strode over 1200m in 1:25.5, 1000m in 1:08.3 and 600m in 38.2.
 
Awapuni weekend runners Fromelles (Leveque) and Orutan (Lau) were in good form over 1000m in 1:04.6 and 600m in 35.8. Orutan is a two-year-old by Pins from former classy filly Naturo. Apache Sky (M Brosnan) was another to catch the eye, clocking 1:18.2 for 1200m, 1:01.9 for 1000m and 36 for the last 600m.
 
Dadzadreamer (S Collett) and Shamarose (Wilson) were paired over a sound 1200m in 1:19.2, with the last 1000m in 1:04.7 and 600m in 37.8. Over the same ground Stag Party (H McQuade) and Van Helsing (K McQuade) returned 1:19.2, 1:04.2 and 37.6, Je Suis (Russell) 1:20.4, 1:05 and 38.2, Zankuro (Colgan) and Eton’s Gold (Brett) 1:19.5, 1:03 and 37.2, Fireside (Coleman) 1:27.2, 1:10.4 and 40.3, Xalted (Coleman) 1:25.2, 1:09.3 and 40.9, and Shezaruler (Swann) 1:23.6, 1:08.2 and 39.5.
 
Awapuni entry Better Together (Hunt) went with Kirkway (Jousset) over 1200m in 1:17.5 and 600m in 36.8. Sadist (Leveque), another heading south, cut out 1000m in 1:03.5 and 600m in 36.2. Encosta Diablo (Colgan), who trials next week, was partnered by Attenti Al Gatto (Brett) over 800m in 50.8 and 600m in 36.9.
 
Other gallops: 1200m plough: Woodinutoo (Grylls) and Zeno Phobic (Kasim) 1:23.6, 37; Beautiful Skin (Grylls) 1:26, 39.4; Julianne (Lammas) and Shinko King filly (Ng) 1:22.3, 39.8; Ebony And Ivory (P Turner) 1:29.2, 43.3; Timely (R Jones) 1:24.8, 39.4.
 
1000m plough: So regal (Woollams) and Ying Yang Master (Jousset) 1:03.8, 37; A Chance To Dream (Lau) 1:01.8, 36.8; Napali (Wratten) and AP Indy filly (D Turner) 1:06.5, 38.2; Littlemissunshine (Mo) 1:04.4, 37.9; Cat Woman (Jousset) 1:06.8, 37.4; Chennai (Woollams) 1:05.5, 37.4; Cool Radiance (P Turner) and Captain Song (Coleman) 1:02.2, 35.8.  


Thursday 9th December

Irish Jewel drew attention to her weekend prospects with a smart final gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
On a good plough Irish Jewel (Coleman) began steadily on the way to covering 1200m in 1:23.2, quickening from the 1000m in 1:07.4 and hitting the line strongly after a final 600m in 37.4. The Andrew Scott-trained filly appeared to respond well to having blinkers fitted and will wear them for the first time in a race in the Eulogy Stakes at Awapuni.
 
Waikato Times Gold Cup topweight Tinseltown (Grylls) completed his preparation for the Te Rapa feature with further sound work, covering 1200m in 1:19.2, 1000m in 1:04and 600m in 37. He is very well. Race rival Shi Kin Fly (Leveque) also looked bright when timed over 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 37.8.
 
Medici (Dowling) and Fashion Rocks (Gartner) prepared for Ellerslie on Sunday with 1200m in 1:22.4, 1000m in 1:07.7 and 600m in 39.8. Medici will be an interesting runner when he steps up to a middle-distance in the Championship Stakes Prelude.
 
Jackthelad (R Jones) and Timely (Coleman) were paired in smart work over 1000m in 1:06.9 and 600m in 36.4. Unfortunately Jackthelad has drawn wide in the juvenile events at both Te Rapa and Ellerslie. Queen Boudicca (K Price), who runs at Ellerslie, went with a Dancefloor gelding (J Price) over 800m in 55.5 and 600m in 40.4.
 
Prince Of Wales (Coleman) looked ready for a bold effort at Ellerslie when he cut out 1000m in 1:07.5 and 600m in 37.2. Over the same ground Storm Patrol (J Collett) and Curtain Raiser (Blair) returned 1:03.5 and 37.8, Shiquan (Wenn) and Lord Cavendish (Clements) 1:03.7 and 37.5, Bay Guinness (Sliz) 1:07.8 and 40.8, Maidantus (Coleman) 1:07.5 and 40.5, and Miss Thorn (Anderson) 1:12.4 and 44.8.
 
Benedict (Coleman) was restricted to 1000m in 1:10.4 and 600m in 39. Te Rapa rival Hinemoa (Grylls) covered 1200m in 1:21.4, quickening from the 600m in 37.2, while Once More (Dowling) recorded 1:25and 40.8.
 
Annie Higgins (Dowling) wasn’t after time when striding over 1200m in 1:29.6 and 600m in 42.2. Nor was Brave Centaur (Lammas) when he covered the same ground in 1:29.8 and 42, Don Domingo (Clements) took 1:23.2 and 39.8, and Cool Radiance (P Turner) 1:25.4 and 40.5.
 
Victim Of Love (W Hillis) cut out 1200m in 1:19.5, 1000m in 1:04.3 and 600m in 38.6. Miss Danni (Blair) did similar work to return 1:19.4, 1:03.6 and 37.4, while Randy Andy (Gartner) took 1:21, 1:06.4 and 40.2, and Excuse Moi (Lammas) 1:24.8, 1:09.2 and 40.6.
 
Sircross (Swann) strode through 1200m in 1:21.2, with the last 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 39. The same work took Casey (McGill) 1:25.2, 1:09. and 39.2, Needastar (Lammas) 1:23.7, 1:08.9 and 40.8, Megan’s Tough Love (Clements) 1:28.5, 1:12.6 and 43.2, and Dadzadreamer (Grylls) 1:28.6, 1:13.6 and 44.5.
 
On the all-weather track Venetian Raider (J Collett) prepared for Te Rapa with 1000m in 1:09.8 and 600m in 39.8. Littlemissunshine (Mo) ran the same distance in 1:07.4 and 38.6.     


Tuesday 7th December 

Tinseltown confirmed his fitness for Saturday’s Waikato Times Gold Cup with an impressive gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
On a good plough with raceday rider Craig Grylls in the saddle, Tinseltown began steadily before completing 1200m in 1:16.7, with the last 1000m in 1:02.5 and 600m in 36.6. Tinseltown has thrived since his Counties Cup victory and is in superb order to add another major cup to his collection.
 
Te Rapa feature sprint candidate Show Up (Coleman) looked the part as she got through 1000m in 1:02.8, the final 600m in 36.4. She too has trained on well from her last start. Hinemoa (Grylls) and Prince Of Wales (Coleman) took time honours over 1200m in 1:14.8, 1000m in 1:00.2 and 600m in 35.4. Hinemoa will run at Te Rapa and Prince Of Wales goes to Ellerslie on Sunday.
 
So Royal (Jousset) and Shi Kin Fly (Leveque) prepared for weekend racing with 1200m in 1:15.5, 1000m in 1:02.3 and 600m in 37.2. So Royal will run in the Waikato Times Gold Cup, while her stablemate is likely to run at Awapuni.
 
Benedict (Coleman) turned in a sound trial for Te Rapa when cutting out 1200m in 1:20.2, 1000m in 1:03.9 and 600m in 35.6. Miss Upstart (Coleman) looked bright in her work with Boystar (M Gibbs) over 1000m in 1:02and 600m in 36.2. Miss Upstart has done everything right since scoring at Pukekohe and will chase another black-type win at Te Rapa.
 
Veloce Bella (M Brosnan) was partnered by her half-sister High Heels (P Ormsby) over 12100m in 1:18.4, 1000m in 1:02.7 and 600m in 36.9. Veloce Bella, who has returned a six-week positive test to Zabeel, will be entered for the Cal Isuzu Stakes on Saturday.
 
Savabill (Du Plessis) and Dollario (Lau) were not pressured to run 1000m in 1:09.7 and 600m in 37.4. Once More (Lammas) and Medici (Dowling) cut out a solid 1200m in 1:16.5, with the last 1000m taking 1:02.5 and 600m in 36.2. Icepin (Colgan) and Chillypin (Anderson) wasted no time over 1200m in 1:16.4, 1000m in 1:01.4 and 600m in 36.2.
 
Annie Higgins (Lammas), an entrant for the Eulogy Stakes at Awapuni, was partnered by Te Rapa special maiden candidate Brave Centaur (Dowling) over 1200m in 1:15.6, 1000m in 1:01.4 and 600m in 36.2.
 
Venetian Raider (S Collett) and Storm Patrol (J Collett) were clocked over 800m in 48.8 and 600m in 35.8. Ellerslie juvenile candidate Queen Boudicca (Colgan) ran the same trip in 54 and 39.5, while Mighty Galaxy (Edmeades) and Precious Time (Gomas) returned 51.2 and 36.8.
 
Megan’s Tough Love (Wilson) and Single Minded (M Gibbs) strode over 1200m in 1:17.2. 1000m in 1:03.7 and 600m in 38.3. Don Domingo (Clements), who resumes at Ellerslie on Sunday, followed in 1:23.4, 1:08and 40.2.
 
Jack The Lad (P Turner) and Timely (Hutchinson) covered 1000m in 1:08and 600m in 37.6. Gijima (Anderson) and Polarity (Edmeades) took 1:17.7 for 1200m, with the last 1000m in 1:02.2 and 600m in 36.2.
 
Over the same ground Irish Jewel (Coleman) and Shan’s Joy (Mo) clocked 1:17.2, 1:02.3 and 36.3, De Lago Dancer (Colgan) 1:20.3, 1:03.9 and 36.3, and Miss Danni (Blair) and Straight Furrow (S Collett) 1:15.5, 1:02.3 and 37.6.
 
On the all-weather track Banchee (Weatherley) and Spera (Du Plessis) were well matched over 1200m in 1:18.2, 1000m in 1:03.87 and 600m in 36.5. Banchee will be ridden by Hayden Tinsley in the Eulogy Stakes.
 
Kumari (Lau), who will chase a hat-trick at Te Rapa, went with Dawn Ghost (Du Plessis) over 1200m in 1:20.4, 1000m in 1:05and 600m in 37.2. Pure Reason (Dowling) and Needastar (Lammas) were timed over 1000m in 1:05and 600m in 37.8.
 
Other gallops: 1200m plough: Bankside Belle (Brett) 1:24, 38.2; Viadana (Ng) and Essauouira (Gartner) 1:17.3, 37.4; Croix Du Sud (Colgan) and Lady Kinloch (Anderson) 1:19.4, 37.9; Fashion Rocks (Gartner) 1:20.6, 39.2; Excuse Moi (Ng) 1:24.2, 39.
 
1200m all-weather: Monzieur Bond (Russell) 1:21.9, 41.5.
 
1000m plough: Steel Stiletto (O Richardson) 1:06.8, 38.2; Needlly (Ng) and Saw her Walkin By (Wells) 1:03.5, 36.4; Columbus Line (Coleman) and Sir Tane (Mo) 1:03.2, 35.8; Donnybrook (W Hillis) and Victim Of Love (Joseph) 1:03.2, 36.4; Waitui Zone (R Jones) and Van Helsing (K McQuade) 1:05, 37.9; Curtain Raiser (S Collett) 1:04.6, 38.5; Riomoral (H McQuade) and Ustinov filly (Wenide) 1:01.6, 37.2; Sircross (Swann) 1:08.6, 38.9; Art Beat (K Hillis) 1:03.2, 37.8; Marcello (J McKay) and Savoy (Grylls) 1:04.8, 38.5; Monopoly (Wenn) 1:06.5, 37.7.
 
1000m all-weather: Kiloton (Woollams) 1:04.5, 37.4; Sateka (Ng) 1:07.6, 37.9.
 
800m plough: Good Thinker (S Collett) and Commands gelding (S Tata) 51.6, 38.   


Thursday 2nd December 2010

Seaflyte hinted at a return to form when he completed his training for Ellerslie with sound work at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping on a good plough with co-trainer Wayne Hillis in the saddle, Seaflyte was well contained over 1200m in 1:24, with the last 1000m in 1:07.6 and 600m in 39.2. He hit the line full of running, indicating that he is in the right order to bounce back to form in the restricted open stayers’ event at Ellerslie, when he will be ridden by Noel Harris.
 
Xalted (Grylls) was another Ellerslie candidate whose work suggested an improved showing. He worked freely over 1200m in 1:20.9, 1000m in 1:04.7 and the final 600m in 36.4.
 
Miss Raggedy Ann (Coleman) prepared for the New Zealand Bloodstock Concorde Handicap with a tidy 1000m in 1:07and 600m in 39.7. Over the same ground Abbey Tralae (Taylor) was unextended to clock 1:06.2 and 37.7, while Mae Jinx (Moody) took 1:07.6 and 39.4, Show Up (Wilson) 1:08.2 and 38.8, and Storm Patrol (J Collett) and Venetian Raider (Blair) 1:04.8 and 37.6.
 
Princess Chapel (Colgan) and Zest Princess (Anderson), members of the Jason Bridgman team set to race at New Plymouth next week, worked attractively over 1200m in 1:18.8, 1000m in 1:02.9 and 600m in 36.8. Elusive Chik (Russell) ran the same trip in 1:17.9, 1:05.4 and 37.6, while Once More (Dowling) took 1:26.2, 1:09and 39, Megan’s Tough Love (Clements) 1:28.2, 1:13.4 and 43.2, and Benedict (Coleman) 1:23.6, 1:06.8 and 37.8.
 
Tinseltown (Moody) was hard held over 1200m in 1:27.4, with the last 1000m in 1:10.2 and 600m in 41. He has thrived since his Counties Cup win and has been confirmed as a starter in the Waikato Times Gold Cup on Saturday week.
 
Waikeepadacash (Swann) prepared for Ellerslie with 1200m in 1:22.1, 1000m in 1:05.9 and 600m in 38. He’s Under The Gun (Moody) strode over 1200m in 1:22.3, 1000m in 1:05.4 and 600m in 37.8. A decision on whether he runs at Trentham or Ellerslie depends on finding a suitable lightweight rider at Trentham.
 
Waitui Zone (Wilson) and Lisa Anne (Reed) covered the same ground in 1:19, 1:04.5 and 38.3, Irish Jewell (P Turner) 1:26.8, 1:09.2 and 39.4, Matabelle (Russell) 1:22.4, 1:06.4 and 38.5, and Crown Of Thorns (Moody) 1:24.8, 1:08.2 and 38.9.
 
Centara (Anderson) and Authentic (Colgan) covered 1200m in 1:20.7, 1000m in 1:05.4 and 600m in 38.2, while Needastar (Lammas) took 1:25.4, 1:10.2 and 39.4, and Miss Danni (Blair) 1:21.5, 1:05.7 and 38.9.
 
The Raconteur (Parish), who runs next at Ellerslie on Sunday week, returned 1:05.4 for his last 1000m and 38.4 for the final 600m, Purse Strings (O’Regan) clocked 1:10and 39.8, and Valencia’s Image (Kasim) 1:10.8 and 40.9.
 
On the all-weather track Altered Image (O Richardson) was kept to a light task, rounded off with 600m in 39.5. He is in excellent heart for the Captain Cook Stakes.
 
Miss Sharapova (Coleman) turned in sound work over 1200m in 1:18.2, 1000m in 1:04and 600m in 37.7. Victim Of Love (Joseph) was timed over 1000m in 1:07.5 and 600m in 39.6, while Merrymaker (O Richardson) took 1:05.8 and 38.
 
Passchendaele (Allen) clocked 42.2 for 600m when allowed to stretch out for the first time since returning from a long injury layoff. Cat Woman (Leveque) prepared for the weekend with 600m at the end of her work in 40.2.  


Tuesday 30th November

Vincent Mangano underlined his fitness for Saturday’s Concord Handicap with a bold gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working on a good plough, Vincent Mangano (P McKay) and Glownight Racer (Wratten) had pace on throughout 1000m in 1:02.6 and 600m in 35.2. Vincent Mangano shaded his lesser performed stablemate at the line, leaving no doubts that he has made good progress since his successful southern campaign. Hewill be hard to beat in the weekend sprint, which will be contested this year at Ellerslie.
 
Race rival Miss Raggedy Ann (O’Sullivan) did her work on the course proper, which was dead against the rail in the seven-metre position, in company with fellow Ellerslie entrant Make A Wish (McDonald). The pair cut out 1000m in 1:03.4, with the final 600m in 36.2.
 
A third Concord candidate to catch the eye was Karapiro visitor Amaryllis (Ritchie), who worked on the plough with stablemate Via Veneto (Ramsay) over 1000m. The pair recorded 1:02.1 and 36.6 for the final 600m.
 
Banchee (McDonald) and A Chance To Dream (Lau) were put to the test over 1200m, cutting out the distance in 1:15.8, 1000m in 1:00.2 and 600m in 34.9. Banchee runs next in the Eulogy Stakes at Awapuni on Saturday week.
 
Altered Image (O Richardson) prepared for Saturday’s Captain Cook Stakes on the all-weather track, where he had no trouble covering 1200m in 1:21.2, 1000m in 1:05.3 and 600m in 37.5. He has trained on pleasingly since his Coupland’s Bakeries Mile success.
 
Royal Excuse (McFetridge) and Down Play (K Jones), candidates for the local meeting on Thursday, covered 1000m in 1:06.9 and 600m in 38.4. Denver (McDonald) had more pace on over the same ground in 1:03.8 and 37.4, while Venetian Raider (Blair) and Storm Patrol (S Collett) took 1:07.4 and 39.2.
 
Ellerslie entrant Miss Sharapova (Coleman) covered 1200m in 1:24.4 and 600m in 38.6, while Bella Carolina (K Jones) and Carlyon Bay (McFetridge) clocked 1:24.9 and 39.2.
 
Back on the plough, Matamata maiden runner Fireside (O’Sullivan) worked soundly over 1000m in 1:06.8 and 600m in 36.4. Mae Jinx (Kazim) and Pentango (Grylls) prepared for Ellerslie and Trentham respectively with a smart 1000m in 1:02.5 and 600m in 35.3.
 
Genaffair (Ng) was not after time as she prepared for Matamata with 1200m in 1:25.5, 1000m in 1:09.5 and 600m in 39.8. Over the same ground Bankside Belle (Brett) took 1:26.2, 1:08.9 and 39.7, Xalted (Coleman) 1:23.6, 1:08.3 and 39.5, Pride Of Tralee (Colgan) 1:25.4, 1:10.2 and 41.3, and Centara (R Jones) 1:24.5, 1:08.7 and 40.4.
 
Matabelle (Russell) and Je Suis (D Turner) did good work over 1000m in 1:01.4 and 600m in 36.6. Acid Rain (Wilson) ran the same distance in 1:06.8 and 37, Sircross (Swann) 1:07and 37.8, Miss Bling (J Collett) 1:06.8 and 37.5, and Queen Pearl (Grylls) 1:09and 39.2.
 
Other gallops: 1200m plough: De Lago Dancer (Colgan) 1:24.8, 38.8; Irish Jewell (P Turner) 1:29.8, 42.7; Yourein (Leveque) and So Royal (Jousset) 1:16.6, 35.6; Apache Sky (M Brosnan) 1:19.2, 36.2; Benedict (O’Sullivan) 1:23.4, 37.8; Casey (Weatherley) 1:26.2, 41.3; Timely (R Jones) 1:27.8, 41; Mydiamond Bracelet (Wilson) 1:21.3, 39.6; Mr Trim (O’Sullivan) 1:22.9, 37.2; Rock My World (Wilson) 1:24.3, 37.8.
 
1000m plough: Ishia Jewell (P Ormsby) and Toma Valea (M Brosnan) 1:08, 38.6; Florin (Wenn) 1:11.3, 40.7; Miss Danni (Blair) 1:07.5, 39.2; Blackie (Allen) 1:04.6, 37.5; Lady Kinloch (Anderson) and Obey (Edmeades) 1:07.2, 38.1; Authentic (Colgan) 1:13.5, 42.6; Spera (Allen) 1:07.4, 37.8.  


Thursday 25th November

Pinot Girl looked a lightweight prospect for the Eagle Technology Stakes when she turned in an impressive final gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
On a good plough, Pinot Girl (Leveque) was steady through the early stages of 1200m, cutting out the distance in 1:21.8 and picking up the tempo for a final 1000m in 1:04.9 and 600m in 37.4. The John Sargent-trained mare is coming to hand pleasingly and is well up to an improved performance in the Ellerslie feature.
 
Race rival Atom Cat (Coleman) again worked well as he completed his weekend preparation with 1200m in 1:20.7, 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 37.6. Wanganui Cup candidate Heads Up (Dowling) was let off with 800m in 58.2 and 600m in 42. She has made good progress since her third placing at Pukekohe last Saturday and will be an interesting runner when she steps up to a middle-distance at Wanganui.
 
Better Together (Woollams) looked ready for her Ellerslie assignment when she cut out 1200m in 1:17.6, 1000m in 1:02.7 and 600m in 36.4. Hinemoa (Grylls) prepared for Ellerslie with 1200m in 1:25.5, 1000m in 1:09and 600m in 38.5. Stablemate Prince Of Wales (Moody) was kept to 1000m in 1:10and 600m in 41.4. He is ready for a bold fresh-up run at Ellerslie.
 
Miss Judged (P Turner) set off quietly on her way to running 1200m in 1:27.8, gradually quickening to complete the last 1000m in 1:10.2 and 600m in 38.4. Apache Sky (M Brosnan) had more speed on as he covered the same ground in 1:18.6, 1:02.1 and 36.6, while Brave Ali (Ng) and Annapaula (Wells) clocked 1:19.4, 1:03.5 and 36.7.
 
Mr Trim (Hutchinson) and Fireside (Coleman) looked bright as they covered 1200m in 1:20.2, 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 36.9. Over the same ground Sand Jewell (M Brosnan) took 1:17.9, 1:03.2 and 37.8, Fashion Rocks (Dowling) 1:24.6, 1:07.3 and 38.3, Annie Higgins (Ng) 1:26.4, 1:10.3 and 43.1, Batten Down (Wells) 1:19.4, 1:05.8 and 40.2, Sirrevie (Swann) 1:23.4, 1:07.9, 39.2, and Walk Away (Sliz) 1:21.4, 1:05.6, 38.2.
 
Ebony And Ivory (P Turner) was comfortable in her work over 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 36.8. Miss Bling (J Collett) and Curtain Raiser (Blair) ran the same trip in 1:02.3 and 36.2, Miss Martel (Hillis) took 1:04.5 and 37.7, Ying Yang Master (Jousset) 1:10.2 and 37.9, First Date (Ng) 1:11.5 and 39.8, Mr Darcy (Lock) and Mary Astor (Gibbs) 1:03.2 and 37.6, Miss Raggedy Ann (Coleman) and Extra Explosive (Hutchinson) 1:04.3 and 36.6, Astrogal (Dowling) 1:14.8 and 42.9, Ishia Jewel (P Ormsby) 1:07.2 and 38.6, and Capone (Clements) 1:12.5 and 42.9.
 
On the all-weather track Golan Grey (Russell) and Hoss (D Turner) were timed over the last 1000m of their work in 1:04.2 and 600m in 37.8. Altered Image (O Richardson) was restricted to 1200m in 1:22.3 and 600m in 39.5. He is progressing well towards the Captain Cook Stakes at Trentham on Saturday week.  



Tuesday 9th November

Sworn To Secrecy and Magic Briar completed their serious training for Saturday’s New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas with impressive work at Matamata this morning.
 
Sworn To Secrecy was ridden by Lance O’Sullivan in her gallop on the plough, which was in good order. She had pace on from the 1200m, recording an outstanding 1:13.6 for the full distance,1000m in 1:00 and hitting the line strongly after a final 600m in 35.6. The Andrew Scott-trained filly has thrived since her last start win and will strip at the top of her game for the Riccarton classic.
 
The Ken and Bev Kelso-trained Magic Briar (K Jones) also impressed when she accompanied SpiritsBay(Colgan) on the all-weather track, cutting out 1200m in 1:16.4, 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 37. While that time was slower than her Guineas rival’s, it was still pleasing work by Magic Briar, who looks improved from her sixth placing in the Sarten Memorial Stakes.
 
Hayden Tinsley has been engaged for Saturday, while Michael Coleman will ride Sworn To Secrecy. The two fillies are booked on the third and final carnival charter flight from Auckland to Christchurch on Thursday morning.
 
Back on the plough, First Date (Ng) and Loviste (Wells) turned in a sound trial for Saturday’s Tauranga meeting when they strode over 1200m in 1:19.2, quickening from the 1000m in 1:03and the 600m in 35.8. Benedict (O’Sullivan) drew attention to his Tauranga prospects with 1200m in 1:22,2, 1000m in 1:05.7 and the final 600m in a deceptive 35.8.
 
Master Guru (P Ormsby) and Sand Jewell (M Brosnan) prepared for the weekend with a smart 1200m in 1:18.5, 1000m in 1:01.3 and 600m in 35.4. Over the same distance Tauranga Stakes candidate Spare A Fortune (S Collett) and stablemate Clovelly Bay(Jason Hercock) recorded 1:20.8, 1:03.6 and 36.8.
 
Shamarose (M Gibbs) and Stopper (Kazim) ran good time over 1200m in 1:15.7, 1000m in 1:01.2 and 600m in 36.8, while So Regal (Leveque) and Te Puna Express (Jousset) took 1:15.6, 1:01and 36.2. Cosmic Heights(Dowling) and Astrogal (Lammas) prepared for Tauranga with 1200m in 1:16.6, 1000m in 1:02.4 and 600m in 36.
 
Savoy (J McKay) and Tabu Soro (Wratten) were paired in a solid 1000m in 1:02.2 and 36.4, while Cool Radiance (P Turner) and Make A Wish (Coleman) did well to clock 1:02.2 and 35.5, and Shi Kin Fly (Jousset) and Sadist (Leveque) took 1:00.6 and 35.8.. Straight Furrow (Blair) a likely runner at Dargaville on Friday, had pace on throughout 1200m in 1:17.4, 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 36.6.
 
Tauranga runner Summer’s Pride (Russell) went with Dickens (D Turner) over 1000m in 1:03.5 and 600m in 37.2. Over the same ground Apache Sky (M Brosnan) took 1:05.4 and 36.2, Mighty Galaxy (Brett) and Gijima (Colgan) 1:06.4 and 37.8, A Chance To Dream (Lau) 1:06.4 and 39.3, and Kool Kitty (R Jones) 1:09.4 and 40.8.
 
Tauranga candidates Walk Away (Sliz) and Lady Istidaad (K Jones) strode over 1200m in 1:19.8, 1000m in 1:04.1 and 600m in 38. Beautiful Skin (Kasim) and Let It Ride (O Richardson) covered the same trip in 1:24.2, 1:08.2 and 40.3, Montetra (Dowling) 1:18.2, 1:03.4 and 37.4.
 
Tinseltown (Coleman) continued his preparation towards next week’s Counties Cup when he strode over 1200m in 1:23.9, with the last 1000m in 1:07.8 and 600m in 38.7. Miss Danni (Blair) had more speed on over the same ground in 1:17.2, 1:03.3 and 36.2, Sircross (R Jones) recorded 1:22.6, 1:07.2 and 38.7, Pinot Girl (Woollams) 1:18.4, 1:03.2 and 37, and Pentango (Kasim) and Mae Jinx (Grylls) 1:21.2, 1:06.2 and 36.
 
Other gallops: 1200m plough: Chaparral Lass (Ng) and Amadagio (Wells) 1:23.2, 39.2; Viking Belle (McGill) and Casey (Weatherley) 1:19.2, 38; Animate (Coleman) 1:25.2, 38.2; Genaffair (Gartner) 1:22.4, 39.5; Gold Card (R Jones) 1:22.1, 38.3; Megan’s Tough Love (Clements) 1:27.2, 43; He’s Under The Gun (Moody) 1:27.6, 43.2; Waikeepadacash (Swann) 1:23, 39.8
 
1000m plough: Obey (Melton) and Let’s Enjoy (Edmeades) 1:08.9, 38.8; Miss Judged (O’Sullivan) 1:11.6, 41.4; Cougar Heights(Clements) and O’Reilly gelding (Wenn) 1:09.6, 38.4; Polarity (Colgan) and Stravinsky filly (Brett) 1:06.8, 39.6.
 


Thursday 4th November

Riomoral and Miss Raggedy Ann signalled their prospects in the Te Rapa feature sprint when they turned in sound final gallops at Matamata this morning.
 
Working on a good plough with raceday jockey Cameron Lammas in the saddle, Riomoral was not after time but still impressed with 1000m in 1:05.6, the final 600m in 38.5. He looks improved for his recent fresh-up race and will be hard to beat with just 52 kilos to carry from an inside draw.
 
Race rival Miss Raggedy Ann (P Turner) began steadily on her way to recording 1:08.4 for 1000m, quickening from the 600m in 37.2. She has been freshened since running second in the Foxbridge Plate in August but looks ready for a bold effort on the weekend.
 
Shahbab (O Richardson) completed her Te Rapa preparation with a well held 1200m in 1:22, the last 1000m in 1:06.4 and 600m in 40.2. She appears to have trained on well since her last start win. Italian Princess (Coleman), one of several smart rivals for Shahbab in the R80 sprint, was let off with striding work and a final 600m in 39.4. She has been off the scene since finishing third in stakes company in March and will be an interesting runner.
 
Mercury Mistress (Dowling) prepared for the same race with 1000m in 1:08and 600m in 39.4, while over the same ground Gold Card (P Turner) and Make A Wish (Mo) returned 1:08.8 and 37. Former Awapuni-trained Gold Card, who finished a close third in the Bonecrusher Stakes at his most recent start, is a recent addition to the Andrew Scott stable.
 
Sworn To Secrecy (O’Sullivan) continued her preparation for next Saturday’s New Zealand1000 Guineaswith 1200m in 1:27.5 and 600m in 42.2. She has come through last week’s home track win in good order.
 
Magic Briar (K Jones), another heading to Christchurchfor the fillies’ classic, worked on the all-weather track, where she and Te Rapa candidate Gallant (Colgan) strode over 1200m in 1:19.6, the last 1000m in 1:05and 600m in 37.2. Gallant looks well for his weekend engagement and will appreciate the step up to 1600 metres.
 
Te Rapa maiden candidate Condescender (Kasim) was timed over 1000m in 1:05.6 and 600m in 39, while Prince Of Wales (Moody) stretched out well over the last 800m of his work in 51.3 and 600m in 36.2.
 
Back on the plough, Xalted (Grylls) caught the eye with 1200m in 1:21.9, 1000m in 1:05.7 and a smart final 600m in 36.5. Sand Jewell (Brosnan) ran good time over 1000m in 1:02.2 and 600m in 36.4, while Curtain Raiser (Blair) took 1:03.2 and 37.2, Rushkah (R Jones) 1:02.8 and 36.9, and Monopoly (Clements) 1:07.2 and 38.6.
 
Other gallops: 1200m plough: Medici (Dowling) 1:25.4, 39.4; Valencia’s Image (Kasim) 1:25.2, 40.9; First Date (Ng) 1:25.7, 40; Royal Amethyst (Gartner) 1:17.2, 37; Benedict (O’Sullivan) 1:26.8, 39; Insightful (Lammas) 1:24.5, 40.5; Pentango (Grylls) 1:22.4, 40.2; Mon Visage (O’Sullivan) 1:24.2, 38.2; Miss Bling (J Collett) 1:21.8, 38.2; Roly Poly (Grylls) 1:20.2, 37.3; Irish Jewel (Coleman) 1:27.2, 41.6.
 
1000m plough: Annie Higgins (Lammas) 1:12.4, 41.6; Que Sera (Mo) 1:10.4, 38.2; Miss Danni (Blair) 1:01.8, 38; Sirrevie (R Jones) 1:05.2, 38.3; Avoca Ruler (P Ormsby) 1:07.2, 39.8; Apache Sky (M Brosnan) 1:04.8, 36.8; Serapis Bey (D Turner) 1:08.4, 40.5; High Heels (P Ormsby) 1:06.8, 36.9; Waikeepadacash (R Jones) 1:06.7, 39.3.  


Tuesday 2nd November 

Mercury Mistress and Annie Higgins prepared for weekend racing at Te Rapa a bold gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working on a good plough where fast times were the norm early in the session, Mercury Mistress (Dowling) and Annie Higgins (Lammas) stopped the clock over 1000m at 1:01.4, the final 600m in 35.8. The Lance Noble-trained pair are in good order for Te Rapa on Saturday, where Mercury Mistress will begin a new preparation in the R80 sprint and Annie Higgins will be out to build on her recent impressive debut win.
 
Shahbab (O Richardson), a rival for Mercury Mistress, was partnered by Pentango (Grylls) in similar work over 1000m in 1:10.1.5 and 35.4, while Miss Raggedy Ann (O’Sullivan) primed up for the Listed sprint at Te Rapa when she and Cool Radiance (Turner) cut out 1000m in 1:00.5 and 600m in 35.4.
 
Riomoral (H McQuade) worked later in the session when he reeled off 1000m in 1:02and 600m in 36.8, good going under a fair weight and with something in reserve. He has taken improvement out of his recent fresh-up race and should be hard to beat in the Te Rapa feature sprint.
 
Italian Princess (Wilson) could also have gone faster in her 1000m workout, clocking 1:03.8 and 37.3. She will be an interesting runner when she resumes in the R80 sprint at Te Rapa. Ebony And Ivory (O’Sullivan) and Mydiamond Bracelet (Wilson) began quietly when recording 1:18.2 over 1200m, but lifted the tempo over the last 1000m in 1:00.1 and 600m in 35.9.
 
Xalted (Grylls) was another to run time early in the session, recording 1:17.3 over 1200m, with the last 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 35.3. Over the same distance Royal Amethyst (Gartner) impressed in 1:16.4, 1:01.5 and 36.3, while Insightful (Lammas) and Medici (Dowling) clocked 1:16.6, 1:02.3 and 35.9, Mae Jinx (Grylls) 1:20.8, 1:05.3 and 36.6, and Moonlight Rock (D Turner) and Matakan (Russell) 1:18.4, 1:03 and 36.6.
 
Saheel (Ellis) and Princess Chapel (R Jones) turned in smart work over 1000m in 1:01.6, the final 600m in 36, while Blonde Bombshell (Leveque) clocked 1:00.8 and 35.3. Late in the session Sirrevie (R Jones) and Shezaruler (Swann) did well to cover 1000m in 1:01.6 and 600m in 36.7, followed by Sateka (Lammas) and First Date (Ng) in 1:00.8 and 35.9.
 
Dadzadreamer (Wilson), who is scheduled to line up at Riccarton on Saturday, was keen through the middle stages of 1200m in 1:15.4, with the last 600m in 38. Spare A Fortune (S Collett) looked bright in his work over 1000m in 1:04.6 and 600m in 37.4, while Papas Revolution (Taylor) was timed over his last 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 37.
 
On the all-weather track Gallant (K Jones) and Sweet Diamond (Coleman) covered 1200m in 1:20.2, with the last 1000m taking 1:03.8 and 600m 36.8. Golan Grey (McKeon) was not after time over the same ground in 1:21.5, 1:07.9 and 40.6, while New Zealand1000 Guineasprospect Magic Briar (K Jones) and Powerplaya (McFetridge) were let off with 1000m in 1:11.6 and 600m in 42.4.
 
Other gallops: 1200m plough: Que Sera (R Jones) 1:29.2, 44; Miss Blink (S Collett) 1:24.2, 38.7; Serious Attitude (Russell) and Much Too Much (D Turner) 1:18.8, 36.3.
 
1000m plough: Let’s Enjoy (Edmeades) and Obey (Melton) 1:11.4, 40.2; Chillypin (Colgan) and Dark Flame (Brett) 1:11.4, 41.5; Pennacchio (Coleman) 1:14.6, 44.1; Lady Kinloch (Colgan) 1:07.6, 40.3.
 
800m plough: Curtain Raiser (J Collett) and Venetian Raider (S Collett) 53.3, 38.4.  



Tuesday 26th October

Walk Away looked on target to complete a hat-trick at his local meeting on Friday when he worked stylishly at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping on a good plough, Walk Away (Sliz) was partnered by Genaffair (Ng) over 1200m in 1:17.9, the last 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600m in 36.4. The work underlined both horses’ fitness, with Walk Away set to step up to a middle-distance and Genaffair well placed to go one better than her last start second.
 
Animate (Coleman) signalled her readiness for Te Awamutu on Saturday with a smart 1200m in 1:15.2, 1000m in 1:00.2 and 600m in 35.6. She will be hard to beat again on the same track that produced a last start maiden win.
 
Show Up (Wilson), who runs at Ellerslie next Tuesday, looked bright when cutting out 1000m in 1:01.2 and 600m in 36.3. Matamata candidates who worked well included Beauty Leap (Ng) and Unforeseen (Lammas), who returned 1:03.2 and 36.3, and Mr Trim (O’Sullivan) and Fireside (Coleman) 1:00.4 and 35.4, and Allsortsafun (Taylor 1:03.2 and 36.
 
Kumari (Allen) and So Regal (Jousset) prepared for the local meeting with 1200m in 1:20.9, 1000m in 1:05.7 and 600m in 37.6. Sworn To Secrecy (O’Sullivan) stretched out well over 1200m in 1:14.5, with her last 1000m in 1:01.2 and 600m in 35.4.
 
Astrogal (Ng) and Brave Centaur (Lammas) covered the same distance in 1:20.2,1:04 and 36.5, Walsburgs Leader (H McQuade) 1:21.2, 1:04.6 and 37.6, He’s Under The Gun (Moody) 1:20.3, 1:04.4 and 36.9, and Chillypin (Ellis) 1:25.5, 1:10 and 40.4.
 
On the all-weather track Spirits Bay(K Jones) and Miss Sharapova (Coleman) cut out a smart 1200m in 1:18.7, 1000m in 1:02.2 and 600m in 35.9. Over the same ground Gallant (Colgan) and Zardetto (K Jones) returned 1:17.6, 1:03.2 and 37, while Keepa Lady (K Jones) and Lady Istidaad (Johnson) took 1:22.6, 1:07.4 and 38.6.
 
Golan Grey (Russell) was timed over the last 1000m of his work in 1:10.2 and 600m in 41.8. Prince Of Wales (Moody), who has been gelded since last racing, took 38.5 for his last 600m.
 
On the course proper, which was good, Crown Of Thorns (Moody) and Let It Ride (Coleman) hit out well over 1000m in 1:04.2, the last 600m in 37.5. Promising maiden My Lilly (S Collett) was timed from the 800m in 56.8 and the 600m in 39.2.
 
Back on the plough, Clovelly Park(S Collett) looked in the right shape to improve on his last start third on Friday when he dashed over 800m in 48.2 and 600m in 35.8. Abbey Tralae (Taylor), who runs next at Ellerslie, was in similar form over 1000m in 1:02.5 and 600m in 35.9, while Better Together (Woollams) returned 1:01.8 and 36.4.
 
Geeza (Wells) and Loviste (Gartner) advanced their preparations with 1000m in 1:09.2 and 600m in 40.5. Over the same ground Toma Valea (M Brosnan) took 1:04.8 and 37, Fledgling (Woollams) 1:08and 37.2, and Matabelle (Russell) 1:09.8 and 41.4.
 
Xalted (Moody) impressed in his work over 1200m in 1:22.8, quickening for a final 1000m in 1:05and 600m in 36.3. Excuse Moi (Gartner) and Cosmic Heights (Dowling) took 1:07.8 for 1000 and 39.8 for the last 600m.
 
The same assignment was completed by Ebony And Ivory (O’Sullivan) in 1:05and 38.2, while Foxy Cugat (Grylls) took 1:08.4 and 37.5, and Cool Radiance (Turner) 1:04.3 and 37.2.   


Thursday 21st October

Hinemoa and Gospel prepared for Te Rapa on Monday with a sound gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 22m out on a dead course proper, Hinemoa (Grylls) and Gospel (Moody) had pace on throughout 1200 to complete the trip in 1:19.8, with the last 1000m in 1:04.5 and 600m in 37.6. Hinemoa has trained on well since her last start win, while her stablemate is looking close to clearing maiden grade.
 
Magic Briar (K Jones), an entrant for the Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa, was partnered by Sir Tane (Mo) over 1200m in 1:21.1, 1000m in 1:05.6 and 600m in 37.8. Magic Briar, the winner of three of her last four starts, appears to be thriving. Sir Tane is an unraced brother to former top stayer Pentane and is beginning to shape up promisingly.
 
Extra Explosive (Hutchinson), a rival for Magic Briar in the Te Rapa three-year-old feature, went with Que Sera (P Turner) over a smartly run 1000m in 1:03.7 and 600m in 37.4. Que Sera is in good order for the R80 1400 on Monday.
 
Tinseltown (Moody continued his good work with 1:23.4, 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 40.2. Veloce Bella (Grylls), who lines up in the same 1600m event at Te Rapa, ran the same trip in 1:21.4, 1:05.8 and 38.2.
 
Dadzadreamer (Clements) completed his preparation for Ellerslie on Saturday with a sound gallop on the plough, which was in good order. The Graham Richardson-trained chestnut strode over 1200m in 1:21.2, 1000m in 1:05.8 and 600m in 38. He ran an improver’s race at his last start and could be one for longer odds in the final event at Ellerslie.
 
Deep Forest(Grylls) worked on the all-weather track, where she was timed over her last 1200m in 1:22.3, with the last 1000m taking 1:07and 600m in 39.2. She should appreciate the step up to 2400m at Ellerslie.
 
Antonio Bella (Grylls) left her last 1000m behind in 1:09.9, the last 600m in 40, while Kool Kitty (R Jones) took 1:06.8 and 39, First Date (Gartner) 1:07.6 and 37.9, Spirits Bay (K Jones) and Zardetto (McFetridge) 1:07.3 and 38.2, and Sparklet (Ng) and Star Romance (Wells) 1:05.4 and 37.2.
 
Back on the plough, Miss Judged (O’Sullivan) drew attention to her progress with a smart 1000m in 1:02.6 and 600m in 36.1. Up-and-comer Walk Away (Sliz) was never at top over 1200m in 1:20.7, 1000m in 1:05.9 and 600m in 39.4. He will be chasing a hat-trick when he steps up to a middle-distance at the local meeting next Friday.  
 
Je Suis (Clements) was kept to 1:26.5 for 1200m, with the last 1000m in 1:10.3 and 600m in 41.8. Over the same distance Ebony And Ivory (O’Sullivan) returned 1:25.5, 1:09.4 and 39.6, Pentango (Grylls) 1:21.9, 1:06.4 and 37.2, and Te Puna Express (Jousset) 1:18.2, 1:03.8 and 36.4.
 
The Goddaughter (Leveque) and Only Joking (Allen) were paired over 1200m in 1:19.5 and 36.8, while Fireside (P Turner) and Copper Blonde (Groove) took 1:25.2 and 37.4.
 
Rushkah (R Jones) cut out 1000m in 1:05.8, the last 600m in 38.6. Master Guru (M Brosnan) covered the same ground in 1:05.8 and 37.7, while Corporal Lance (Brown) and a Golan gelding (P Turner) took 1:05.6 and 37.4.   


Tuesday 19th October 

Prominent early season three-year-olds Icepin, Singapore Sling, Magic Briar and Miss Thorn featured in training at Matamata this morning as they prepared for upcoming engagements.
 
Galloping 20m out on a dead course that cut up as the session progressed, Icepin (Colgan) hit the line full of running after a solid 1200m with Miss Thorn (Brett) in 1:21.8, the last 1000m in 1:06.1 and 600m in 38. Icepin has trained on well from his Hawke’s Bay Guineas placing and will be entered for the Wellington Guineas at Trentham on Saturday and the Canterbury Stakes at Riccarton the following day.
 
Given the expected better footing at Riccarton, it’s highly likely that trainer Jason Bridgman will opt for that venue. Last start winner Miss Thorn is also making pleasing progress and will run in the Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa on Monday.
 
Two other fillies scheduled to run in the Te Rapa feature, Singapore Sling (Colgan) and Magic Briar (K Jones), were paired in smart work over 1000m in 1:04.9 and 600m in 37.9. Te Aroha visitor Singapore Sling appears to have thrived since her last start Soliloquy Stakes win, while Magic Briar has also pleased her connections since her recent Te Rapa win.
 
Debut winner Three Wishes (Wenn) impressed when she led Capone (Lammas) to the end of 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 37.8, especially good time given the work took place late in the session. Three Wishes runs next at Ellerslie on the weekend.
 
DeepForest(Grylls) and Crown Of Thorns (Moody) also worked later in the session and did well to maintain a solid rate over 1200m in 1:19.9, 1000m in 1:05.6 and 600m in 40.2. Deep Forest will be entered for Ellerslie and Trentham on Saturday, while Crown Of Thorns, who wore blinkers, is expected to race at Trentham.
 
Nicole Amy (Russell) prepared for the Cuddle Stakes at Trentham on Saturday with 1200m in 1:22.7, 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 39.6. Veloce Bella (M Brosnan) ran the same trip in 1:24.7, 1:08.9 and 41.9. She was covered by Zabeel on the weekend and is expected to return to the races at Te Rapa next Monday.
 
Last start juvenile winner Miss Upstart tuned up for Saturday’s Wellesley Stakes when partnering an Exceed And Excel gelding (Lock) over 800m in 51.9 and 600m in 39.2. Irish Jewel (O’Sullivan) and Everbright (Mo) were responsible for sound work over 1000m in 1:05.1 and 600m in 38.1, while Kumari (Allen) and Cat Woman (Leveque) returned 1:05.3 and 39.2, and Spera (Allen) 1:06.7 and 38.5.
 
Heads Up (Dowling) and First Date (Ng) left 1200m behind in 1:22.9, 1000m in 1:07.4 and 600m in 39. Over the same ground Je Suis (D Turner) and Moonlight Rock (Russell) clocked 1:22.3, 1:07.1 and 40.6, Dadzadreamer (Wilson) 1:23.2, 1:08 and 41, Arctic Heights (Leveque) and Sousa (Ismail) 1:21.4, 1:05.8 and 39.8, and Montetra (Dowling) and Randy Andy (Ng) 1:24.6, 1:09.6 and 41.8.
 
On a good sand, Tinseltown (Moody) continued his pleasing recent progress when he strode over 1200m in 1:22.5, 1000m in 1:06.3 and 600m in 37.8. The smart stayer runs next over 1600m at Te Rapa on Monday.
 
Possible race rival Coolross (K McQuade) was not extended over 1000m in 1:10.2 and 600m in 38.6, while Fireside (O’Sullivan) and Copper Blonde (Mo) returned 1:08.8 and 38.2, and The Raconteur (J Price) and Marco D’Meco (K Price) took 1:07.2 and 39.2.
 
Saheel (Brett) was well held over 800m in 57.2 and 600m in 42.5. Mae Jinx (Grylls) covered the same distance in 54 and 38.2, Dark Flame (Brett) and a Van Nistelrooy filly (Edmeades) 54.5 and 39.8, and Macau (Colgan) and Portuguese Prince (Brett) 53.3 and 38.6.
 
Extra Explosive (Mo) covered 1200m in 1:23.4, quickening over the final 600m in 36.6, while Que Sera (P Turner) returned 1:20.3 for 1200m and 38.5 for the last 600m. Lastofthedragons (Mo) was paired with Ellerslie juvenile candidate Jackthelad (O’Sullivan) over 600m in a smart 36.1.
 
Armati (Colgan) was timed over the last 1000m of his work in 1:09.6 and 600m in 39.4. Hinemoa Grylls) ran the same distance in 1:07.2 and 38.2, while Miss Judged (O’Sullivan) took 1:09.2 and 40.5, Corporal Lance (Brown) and a Golan gelding (P Turner) 1:12.7 and 40.3, Sirrevie (R Jones) 1:14.6 and 41.6, Gospel (Moody) 1:11.5 and 41, and Ebony And Ivory (O’Sullivan) 1:11.2 and 42.2.  
 
On the all-weather track Kiloton (Woollams) signalled his prospects for feature sprints at next month’s Riccarton carnival when he cut out 1000m in 1:03and 600m in 35.5. Altered Image (O Richardson) ran the same distance in good style in 1:05and 36.5.
 
Foxy Cugat (Grylls), Let It Ride (O Richardson) and Lagonissi (Fraser) covered 1000m in 1:06.7 and 600m in 36.9, while Oriental Lad (D Turner) took 1:08.2 and 41.6, Upstream Lad (O Richardson) 1:11.2 and 39.5, and Delaman (Russell) and a Zabeel gelding (D Turner) 1:11.6 and 41.8.
 
Pure Reason (Ng) prepared for Te Rapa with 1200m in 1:23.3 and 38.2. Megan’s Tough Love (Clements) covered the same ground in 1:27and 40.2, and Chemin De Dame (Weatherley) returned a respectable 1:18.8 and 37.4.  


Thursday 14th October

So Royal underlined her fitness for Rotorua when she turned in a pleasing final gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 18m out on a dead course proper, So Royal (Allen) strode away quietly from the 1000m mark to run that distance in 1:08 and hit the line full of running after a final 600m in 39.5. The John Sargent-trained mare has shaped up encouragingly in two preparatory runs and is ready for the step up to a middle-distance in the Platinum Homes Rotorua Plate.
 
Race rival Leadership (D Turner), partnered by another Rotorua runner from the Paul Jenkins barn in Merdeka (Russell), was let off with sharp work, cantering to the 600m mark and running in from there in a smart 37.6.
 
I Robot (Coleman) was not after time over 1200m in 1:26.8, with the last 1000m in 1:10.3 and 600m in 40.6, while Shahbab (Moody) was let off with 1000m in 1:14.6 and 600m in 43.2. She looks well for a return to her favourite track on Saturday.
 
The Goddaughter (Leveque) and Suaza (Jousset) caught the eye in their work over 1000m in 1:037 and 600m in 36.9.
 
On the plough, which was in good order, Rotorua maiden candidate Toma Valea (M Brosnan) impressed with 1200m in 1:23.6, 1000m in 1:05.8 and a final 600m in 37.6. Rotorua feature sprint candidate Riomoral (Coleman) was not after time but looked very bright over 1000m in 1:10.9 and 600m in 41.6.
 
Veloce Bella (M Brosnan), who is scheduled to be served by Zabeel, did good work over 1200m in 1:20.3, 1000m in 1:03.1 and 600m in 37.2. Denver (P McKay) prepared for Rotorua with 800m in 51.2 and 600m in 38.3.
 
Deep Forest (Grylls) covered 1200m in 1:26.7, 1000m in 1:10.2 and 39.8, while Que Sera (Mo) took 1:23.2 and 38 for her last 600m. Over the same distance Everbright (Mo) and Calcutta (P Turner) took 1:31.8 and 40.2, and Tinseltown (Moody) 1:34and 46.2. He starts next at Te Rapa on Monday week.
 
Je Suis (D Turner) left 1000m behind in 1:10.8 and 600m in 42.2, while Miss Danni (Blair) dashed over her last 800m in 48.3 and 600m in 35.8.
 
On the all-weather track Roly Poly (Wilson) completed his Rotorua preparation with a solid 1200m workout in 1:18.4 and 600m in 37.2. Serious Attitude (Russell) and Much Too Much (D Turner) covered 1000m in 1:07.2, the last 600m in 39.6, while Medici (C Ormsby) took 1:08.2 and 38.9, Major Rio (C Ormsby) 1:09.5 and 39.9, Moonlight Rock (Russell) and Love the limelight (D Turner) 1:08.9 and 40.6.
 
Miss Sharapova (K Jones) hit the line full of running after 1000m in 1:09.9 and 600m in 39.6. Sateka (Tobler) and Annie Higgins (Lammas) turned in smart work over 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 36.8.  
 
Other gallops: 1200m all-weather: Rave review (Russell) and Matakan (Parish) 1:25.4, 42.2; Nicole Amy (Russell) 1:26.7, 43.6.
 
1000m plough: Let’s Enjoy (Colgan) and Dark Flame (Brett) 1:15.2, 42; Pinaz (Coleman) 1:16.2, 43; Barocco (Colgan) 1:11.7, 41.6.
 
800m plough: Ebony And Ivory (P Turner) 53.4, 40.2; Mae Jinx (C Ormsby) 55.2, 41.8.
 
800m all-weather: Lady Istidaad (K Jones) 53.4, 39.4; Altered Image (O Richardson) 52.6, 39.5.  


Tuesday 12th October

Miss Sharapova tuned up for a return to racing at Rotorua on the weekend with a bold gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 15m out on a dead course proper, Miss Sharapova (Coleman) was travelling strongly alongside Gallant (Colgan) at the end of a smart 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600m in 36.5. The Ustinovmare will be having her first start since finishing fourth in the New Zealand Oaks in the autumn and although Saturday’s R80 1200m will be short of her best, she could still go a bold race while fresh. Promising stayer Gallant is also scheduled to begin his new campaign in the same race.
 
Lamington Vegas (Hutchinson) prepared for Rotorua when partnering New Deal (Turner) over 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 38.4. Promising maiden Merdeka (Russell) drew attention to her Rotorua prospects when working with Matakan (Parish) over 1200m in 1:22.7, with the last 1000m in 1:07.5 and 600m in 38.6.
 
Miss Danni (Blair) covered a solid 1200m in 1:19.6, picking up Venetian Radar (S Collett) at the 1000m mark and running that distance in 1:04.8 and 600m in 39.2.
 
On a good sand Riomoral (H McQuade) looked sharp for the weight-for-age sprint at Rotorua when he and To The Moon (K McQuade) cut out 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 36.7. Riomoral has not raced since winning the Windsor Park Breeders’ Stakes in April but looked the part in a recent trial win. 
 
Yourein (Leveque) and ArcticHeights(Ismail) also did sound work over 1000m, clocking 1:04.8 and 36.5. Over the same ground Everbright (Turner) clocked 1:09.4 and 40.5, Portuguese Prince (Brett) and Martel (Colgan) 1:10.8 and 39.2, and Morocco (Coleman) and Calcutta (Colgan) 1:07.3 and 39.8.
 
Deep Forest (Moody) strode through 1200m in 1:23.4, with the last 1000m in 1:08.5 and 600m in 38.4. Miss Judged (O’Sullivan) was timed over 1200m in 1:24.6 and 600m in 39.4, while Lovedale (Tait) ran in from the 800m in 49.8 and 600m in 37.
 
Frills (Bridgman) was well held over 1000m in 1:09.8 and 600m in 42.4. Excuse Me Madam (O’Sullivan) covered the same distance in 1:13.8 and 43.2, while Sircross (R Jones) covered his last 600m in 41.4 and Ebony And Ivory (O’Sullivan) took 41.1.
 
On the all-weather track Geeza (Wells) stepped up his preparation when he and Medici (Dowling) got through a smart 1000m in 1:03.3 and 600m in 36.4. Over the same ground Fromelles (Weatherley) returned 1:04.4 and 37.2, Condescender (Kasim) 1:05.2 and 37.9, and Sweet Diamond (McFetridge) and Powerplaya (K Jones) 1:03.5 and 37.6.
 
Insightful (Gartner) maintained an even rate over the last 1200m of his work in 1:19.4, 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 38.2. Cosmic Heights (Dowling) covered the same ground 1:20.8, 1:05.6 and 37.2, and Pentango (Kazim) took 1:19.2, 1:04.6 and 37.2.
 
Magic Briar (K Jones), who starts next in the Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa on Monday week, was kept to 1000m in 1:15.1 and 43.7, while Je Suis (Clements) clocked 1:15.4 and 44.7.     


Thursday 7th October

Walk Away prepared for the step up in grade on his home track this weekend when he turned in a sound final trial at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping on a good sand with co-trainer Gemma Sliz in the saddle, Walk Away strode over the last 1200m of his work in 1:21.4, the final 1000m in 1:06.2 and 600m in 37.8. The promising stayer has trained on pleasingly since his fresh-up win at Hastings three weeks ago and comes into R80 grade at a handy level in the weights.
 
Race rival Keepa Lady (K Jones) rounded off her preparation with well held work on the all-weather track, where she covered 1200m in 1:25.1, 1000m in 1:09.8 and 600m in 40.6. The Phil Stevens-trained mare is putting together an impressive formline with three wins and a second at her last four starts.
 
Team Wealleans Matamata Cup candidate Miss Maren (K Jones) impressed again when she and stablemate SpiritsBay(McFetridge) cut out 1200m in 1:18.2, 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600m in 37.3. Race rival Heads Up (Dowling) was comfortable in her work as she covered 1200m in 1:23.4 and 600m in 38.
 
Over the same ground Rushkah (Arumugam) returned 1:19.5, 1:05.7 and 38.8, Pentango (Grylls) 1:21.2, 1:06and 37.6, and Xalted (Moody) 1:28.4, 1:11.8 and 38.5.
 
On the course proper, which provided close to good footing, So Royal (Grylls) was allowed to work against the rail where she covered 1000m in 1:10.2 and her last 600m in 40. She had plenty in reserve at the finish and has trained on well from her fresh-up third.
 
Nicole Amy (Russell) worked 25m out on the course proper, where she covered the last 800m of her work in 50.6 and the 600m in dashing style in 37.6. Miss Raggedy Ann (Turner) and Lamington Vegas (Mo) covered 1200m in 1:25.6, 1000m in 1:09.1 and 600m in 39, while Irish Jewel (O’Sullivan) and Make A Wish (Turner) took 1:11.2 for 1000m and 39.4 for the last 600m.
 
Back on the sand, Hill Of Gold (J Collett) prepared for the weekend with 1200m in 1:23.6, 1000m in 1:04.4 and the last 600m in a stylish 37.5. Over the same ground Dadzadreamer (Clements) took 1:26.4, 1:11.2 and 40, while Kool Kitty (R Jones) returned 1:27.2, 1:11.4 and 39.2.
 
Over 1000m Waikeepadacash (Wenn) clocked 1:11.8 and 41.2, Mr Trim (O’Sullivan) 1:09.2 and 38.2, and Sircross (R Jones) 1:07.8 and 39.5.
 
On the all-weather track Gospel (Grylls) worked soundly when covering 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 37.5, while Miss Sharapova (K Jones) and Gallant (Colgan) ran a smart 1:05.2 and 37.4.
 
Surrounded By Sin (Russell) left 1000m behind in 1:06.4 and 39.8, Condescender (Kasim) took 1:07.2 and 38.8, Lady Smile (Weatherley) 1:07.5 and 39.8, and Mr Clooney (Taylor) 1:10.2 and 39.6.   


Tuesday 5th October 

Miss Maren prepared for Saturday’s team Wealleans Matamata Cup with a bold gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Working 22m out on a dead course proper, Miss Maren (Calder) covered 1200m in 1:20.2, picking up SpiritsBay(Colgan) over the last 1000m in 1:06.4 and travelling strongly for a final 600m in 37.6. Miss Maren has had little go her way this preparation but there would be no surprise if she was to bounce back to form in Saturday’s 1600-metre feature. SpiritsBay has made good progress since a recent trial placing and will resume on her home track in the fillies and mares’ sprint.
 
Needastar (Ng) and Precious Maree (Wells) had first use of the track when they turned in good work over 1200m in 1:19.2, 1000m in 1:04and 600m in 37.6. They are both on target for the weekend. Show Up (Ng), another for the fillies’ and mares’ sprint, ran a smart trial late in the session with 1000m in 1:03.7 and 600m in 38.1. She is in the right order to carry on from her last start Hastings win.
 
Form runners Walk Away (Sliz) and Keepa Lady (K Jones) underlined their fitness with solid work over 1200m in 1:19.5, 1000m in 1:04.5 and 600m in 39.2. Matamata Cup entrant Heads Up (Dowling) was partnered by Fashion Rocks (Gartner) over 1200m in 1:19.4, 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 38.8.
 
Saheel (Colgan), who resumes on Saturday, was partnered by Special Encore (Brett) over a well held 1000m in 1:10.4 and 600m in 39.2. Shiquan (Wenn) and Three Wishes (Clements) ran the same trip in 1:06.3 and 39, while Xalted (C Ormsby) and Mythical (Grylls) stopped the clock at 1:04.9 and 37.6.
 
Dadzadreamer (S Collett) strolled over 1200m in 1:27.9, 1000m in 1:13.2 and 600m in 43.8. Sentinel (C Ormsby) was not after time over 1000m in 1:12.2 and 600m in 39.8, while a Golan filly (Jousset) and a Fastnet Rock colt (Ismail) ran in from the 800m in 57.9 and 600m in 39.8.
 
Unnamed fillies by Golan (J Collett) and Rusty Spur (S Collett) were allowed use of the fresh inside course proper strip where they cut out 800m in 50.8 and 600m in 35.7.
 
On the sand, which was in good condition, Mon Visage (O’Sullivan) and Animate (Calder) had pace on throughout 1200m in 1:14.9, 1000m in 1:01.2 and 600m in 36.
 
Walsburgs Leader (H McQuade) shaped up well when covering 1200m in 1:25.9, quickening from the 1000m in 1:08.2 and finishing off with a final 600m in 36.8. One Nite Stand (Leveque) and Fledgling (Ismail) also worked soundly with 1000m in 1:03 and 600m in 36.2, while A Chance To Dream (Hunt) followed in 1:07 and 36.4.
 
Made My Point (Weatherley) and a Fusaichi Pegasus gelding (Ali) put plenty of dash into the early stages of 1000m in 1:01.8 before finishing off with 600m in 37. Mr Trim (O’Sullivan) wore blinkers when he covered 1200m in 1:18.8, the last 1000m in company with Lastofthedragons (Calder) in 1:03.5 and 600m in 37.5.
 
Coolross (K McQuade) left 1200m behind in 1:18.6, 1000m in 1:04.6 and 600m in a smart 36.4. Over the same ground Armati (Colgan) and a Platinum Scissors gelding (Brett) returned 1:23.3, 1:08.1 and 39.3, Kool Kitty (R Jones) 1:25.5, 1:10.2 and 43.3, Miss Judged (O’Sullivan) 1:24.9, 1:08.8 and 39.2, and Waikeepadacash (R Jones) 1:24.7, 1:08.6 and 40.
 
Academy Royale (Brett) and Marcus Aurelius (Colgan) cut out 1000m in 1:05.6 and 600m in 38.2, while Miss Raggedy Ann (Turner) and Make A Wish (Mo) took 1:08.3 and 39, Champagne Supernova (Colgan) and Authentic (Brett) 1:11.7 and 41.8, and Pentango (Grylls) 1:12.4 and 42.
 
On the all-weather track Chaparral Lass (Dowling) and High Heel Hell (Gartner) looked promising when cutting out 1000m in 1:02.7 and 600m in 36.7. Over the same distance Roly Poly (Wilson) clocked 1:06.6 and 39.5, Kiloton (Walsh) 1:09.8 and 38.4, Cannymac (Kasim) 1:05.5 and 37.7, and Pure Reason (Ng) and Parkson (Wells) 1:05.6 and 37.6.
 
Pinot Girl (Leveque) began steadily to cover 1200m in 1:19.5 and picked up speed attractively for a final 1000m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 35.3. She showed immense promise last season and is close to peak fitness again.
 
He’s Under The Gun (Moody) finished off striding work with 1200m in 1:20.8 and 1000m in 1:05.2, but fog prevented any other sectional timing. Gallant (K Jones) and Power Play (Calder) were not extended over 1200m in 1:24.4, 1000m in 1:09.6 and 600m in 41.4.
 
Sateka (Tobler) and a Zabeel gelding (Dowling) cut out 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 37.4. Star Romance (Wells) and Sparklet (Ng) ran the same distance in 1:09.5 and 39.6, while Cosmic Heights(Dowling) took 1:10.6 and 41.6. Miss Sharapova (K Jones) was allowed to extend in her work over 1200m in 1:25.4 and 600m in 38.9. She is another coming to hand well. 


Thursday 30th September

Veloce Bella and My Keepsake confirmed their fitness for the Ormond Spring Classic with sound final work at Matamata this morning.
 
Veloce Bella was ridden by raceday rider Craig Grylls when she strode over ground on the course proper, which was slow 15m out. She was timed over 1200m in 1:21.8, gradually increasing momentum to cover the last 1000m in 1:06.4 and the final 600m in 37.5.
 
The Mark Brosnan-trained mare has made good progress since her eye-catching late run in the Windsor Park Plate and will appreciate the longer distance of the Hastingsfeature along with the promise of better ground.
 
My Keepsake was put through her fast work by Lance O’Sullivan, covering 1200m on a good sand in 1:16.9, with the last 1000m in 1:02.7 and 600m in 36.2. She flattened out well when asked the question over the final stages and like so many others, will relish the improvement in track conditions.
 
Back on the course proper, I Robot (Grylls) prepared for Hastingswith 1200m in 1:19.5, 1000m in 1:04.8 and 600m in 37.8. Hinemoa (Grylls) covered the same ground in 1:23.2, 1:06.1 and 38, while Sentinel (Kasim) returned 1:09.7 and 39.6 over 1000m and Alarico (Ng) and Mary Astor (Wilson) looked promising when clocking 1:07.2 and a smart final section of 37.2.
 
On the all-weather track Altered Image (O Richardson) worked well in preparation for Hastings, cutting out 1000m in 1:05.2 and 600m in 36.2. He has taken significant improvement from his first-up run and subsequent work.
 
Hawke’s Bay Guineas candidate Fiddler (Gillies) looked bright as he strode through 1000m in 1:07.6 and 600m in 40.4. Zenno Phobic (Grylls) stopped the clock at 49.2 for 800m and 35.6 for her final 600m.
 
Last start winner Keepa Lady (K Jones) was not after time over 1000m in 1:13and 600m in 42.6, while Needastar (Ng) took 1:11.4 and 40.2, and Star Romance (Wells) and Sparklet (Ng) 1:14.2 and 42.2.
 
Miss Maren (K Jones), who is scheduled to run next in the Wealleans Matamata Cup on Saturday week, got through 1200m in 1:25.2, with the last 1000m in 1:10.5 and 600m in 42.1.
 
On the sand Hastingsentry Benedict (O’Sullivan) was well held over 1000m in 1:09.3 and 600m in 39. Lastofthedragons (Turner) and Mr Trim (Mo) strode over 1200m in 1:24.2, 1000m in 1:07.7 and 600m in 37.5, while Suriyan (R Jones) clocked 1:20.5, 1:06 and 39, Spinnaker Run (Sliz) 1:21.3, 1:06.9 and 39.8, Fashion Rocks (Ng) 1:23.2 and 38, and Princess Zabeel (Wilson) 1:31, 1:15.8 and 44.8.
 
Geeza (Wells) was allowed to stretch out over 1000m in 1:13and 600m in 43.2. In similar work Ebony And Ivory (O’Sullivan) took 1:14and 43.1, while Mon Visage (Turner) covered 1200m in 1:25.4 and 600m in 39.2 and Heads Up (Dowling) 1:28.5 and 43.4.



Thursday 23rd September

Extra Explosive completed her preparation for Ellerslie with a sound final gallop at Matamata this morning.
 
Galloping right-handed 20m out on a heavy course proper, Extra Explosive (O’Sullivan) was partnered by Animate (Hutchinson) over 1200m in 1:27.6, with the last 600m in 40.8. It was respectable work in the conditions and should have the Andrew Scott-trained filly primed for a big effort at Ellerslie. She is an acceptor for both the Soliloquy and Bonecrusher Stakes and is expected to run in the latter. 
 
The only other gallops on the course proper were by Copper Blonde (Brown), who maintained an even rate over 1200m in 1:30.4 and 600m in 43.1, and Shahbab (Coleman), who was not after time as she covered 1200m in 1:34.7, quickening over the last 600m in 43.8.
 
On the sand, which was in good order, Miss Maren (K Jones) looked bright in her work over 1200m in 1:19.9, with the last 1000m in 1:05.1 and 600m in 37. She has recovered well from her Mudgway Stakes experience and cannot be discounted from calculations in the Ellerslie open sprint.
 
Stablemate Montjee (K Jones) was let off with striding work and a final 600m in 41.2. He is capable of something like his best form in the Mitchelson Cup. Bonecrusher Stakes candidate Toma Valea (M Brosnan) took 1:20.2 for 1200m, with the last 1000m in 1:05.8 and 600m in 38.2.
 
DeepForest(Grylls) rounded off her weekend preparation with 1200m 1:25.4 and 600m in 39.2. She is a dual acceptor at Ellerslie but has been confirmed for the R70 2100.    
 
Kool Kitty (R Jones) turned in smart work over 1000m in 1:03.2, the final 600m in 36.3. Over the same ground Champagne Supernova (Colgan) and a Scaredee Cat filly (Brett) returned 1:04.5 and 37.4, Montetra (Lammas) 1:08.7 and 41.2, and Sovereign Rose (Melton) and a Spinning World filly (Colgan) 1:06.5 and 37.8.
 
Armati (Ellis) and a Platinum Scissors gelding (Ellis) were not extended over 1000m in 1:11.4 and 600m in 39.8, while The Raconteur (J Price) and Marco D’Meco (K Price) were timed over 800m in 53.6 and 600m in 37.6.
 
On the all-weather track Oriental Lad (Parish) and Merdeka (Russell) caught the eye when finishing off their work with 600m in 36.5. The Paul Jenkins-trained pair have excellent credentials for their respective Ellerslie assignments.
 
Rushkah (Arumugam) did sound work over 1000m in 1:04.2 and 600m in 37.8. Over the same distance Lady Smile (Ali) showed her paces to clock 1:03.6 and 37, while Single Minded (Wilson) took 1:08.9 and 41.6 and Zenno Phobic (Grylls) 1:14.5 and 43.8.



Tuesday 14th September
 

Solidarity completed his Te Rapa preparation with sound work at Matamata this morning.

Galloping on a good sand with regular rider Craig Grylls in the saddle, Solidarity strode over the last 1200m of his work in 1:20.4, with the last 1000m in 1:05 and 600m in 40.2. The grey is a dual acceptor on the weekend, with connections swaying towards the R80 2000 metre event in preference to the open stayers’ event.

He has trained on well from his bold sixth in the Taumarunui Cup and the side-winkers he has been wearing will be replaced by blinkers.

Te Rapa open stayers’ candidate Montjee (K Jones) also did his final serious work on the sand, where he began steadily to cover 1200m in 1:23.2 and 1000m in 1:08, quickening from the 600m in 38.4. He has also trained on well from the Taumarunui Cup but a weekend start depends on forecast rain arriving.

Foxbridge Plate candidates Miss Raggedy Ann and Lamington Vegas did their final work on the course proper, which was heavy 18m out. Miss Raggedy Ann (O’Sullivan) was well contained over 1000m in 1:13.2 and 600m in 42, while Lamington Vegas (Mo) followed in 1:13.6 and 41.8.

Back on the sand, One Swanstonstreet (Mo) rounded off her weekend preparation when partnering Mr Trim (O’Sullivan) over 1200m in 1:23.4, 1000m in 1:08.2 and 600m in 38.5. Over the same ground Kirra Surf (Gartner) returned 1:19.2, 1:06.8 and 39.3, The Lionhearted (R Jones) 1:21.2, 1:06.4 and 39, Hinemoa (Kasim) 1:18.8, 1:05 and 39.2, and Merrymaker (Grylls) 1:19.8, 1:05.8 and 38.5.

Insightful (Dowling) was timed over the last 1000m of her work in 1:08.6 and 600m in 38.3. The promising stayer appears to be coming to hand well. Others timed over 1000m included Deep Forest (Grylls), who returned 1:10.9 and 40.6, Stopper (Wilson) 1:12.2 and 42.3, and Dire Streets (Ng) 1:11.4 and 41.2.

Make A Wish (Mo) and Sworn To Secrecy (O’Sullivan) covered 1200m in 1:21.6 and 600m in 39.6, while Big Grump Grae (Joseph) took 1:21.4 and 39 and Hanna Montana (Turner) 1:27.6 and 40.4.

Tuesday 10th August