Awapuni Trackwork

Tuesday - January 23rd

BY RON GURNEY

Hard Merchandize warmed up for the Karaka Million 3YO Classic at Ellerslie on Saturday with a first-class trial at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place close in on the course proper (dead) and on the plough (good), with one gallop recorded on the sand.

Hard Merchandize used the course proper and had stablemate and third-day Wellington entrant Nadiasstar (r65 2100m) alongside when going the reverse way (right-handed) over 1200m in 1.18.5, the last 600 in 36.1. It was very pleasing work. Hank Moody (Summer Cup) and So It Was (r65 2100m), both heading Wellington, ran 1200m in 1.19.4, the last 600 in 36.5, while their stablemates Original Gangster (mdn mile) and Hard But Fair came up with 1.19.9 and 36.7. Hard But Fair is in at Woodville on Thursday (mdn 2100m). Wellington entrant Ticket Clipper (Summer Cup) caught the eye over 1200m, being timed from the 1000m in 1.2.6, the last 600 in 36.3, and Sweepstake and Heni, both in the Westbury Classic at Ellerslie, worked the reverse way over 1000m, the last 600 in 36.6. Duplicity, another in the Summer Cup at Wellington, had Rosie Myers aboard over 1000m, but was only timed from the 800m, which took 52.4, the last 600 in 37.8. He is in the right form to make his presence felt.

On the plough, Wellington entrant Boy Soldier (mdn 1000m) had a No Excuse Needed gelding alongside over a smart 800m in 48.8, the last 600 in 36.5, and an unraced Cape Blanco-Woodsong filly trained by David Goldsbury took 50.4 and 36.8. He's A Freak (mdn mile) and Thats Amore (r65 mile), both heading to Wellington, were paired over 800m, the last 600 in 37.3, and Suffign (r65 2100m) went 1000m alone in 1.6.4, the last 600 in 38.4. Five To Midnight, who tackles the Auckland Cup (2400m) on Saturday, and Kamanda Lincoln were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.7 even, the last 600 in 38 even. Kamanda Lincoln is entered for the Summer Cup (2400m) at Trentham. Race rival Hare Bawl and The Rippa (r75 mile) stayed together over 800m in 52.5, the last 600 in 38.9, and Staywithme, who will race without blinkers at Woodville (mdn 1400m) on Thursday, clocked 53.3 and 38.6. Captain Lincoln, in the Woodville Cup (r75 2100m), worked alone over 1000m in 1.5.9, the last 600 in 39.3, and Beefeater warmed up from the 1000m to run 800m in 53.8, the last 600 in 39.2. Stephenstihls (Woodville Cup) and a Jimmy Choux gelding stablemate were kept to 800m in 54.1, the last 600 in 39.7. On the sand, Upmarket did well to run 1000m in 1.3.6, the last 600 in 36.6. He goes to Wellington for the maiden mile.

Thursday - January 18th

By RON GURNEY

Shared Secrets followed up an eye-catching workout on the course proper on Tuesday with another impressive gallop today, this time on the plough. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Shared Secrets hit out boldly over 1000m in 1.2 even, the last 600 in 36 even, and she appears to be the horse to beat in Sunday's Woodville-Pahiatua Cup (r75 2100m).

Her stablemate Shadows Cast, who also drew plenty of attention on Tuesday, covered 1000m in 1.3.7, the last 600 in 37.5, and he poses as a major threat in Saturday's Group 1 Thorndon Mile at Trentham. Donaldson, who has not raced since July, showed his solid progress with 1000m in 1.4.5, the last 600 in 37.7, and Word Savvy, off to Woodville (mdn mile), came up with 1.5.5 and 37.8. Wellington Cup chance Thorn Pass and Kathy's Lincoln were paired over 1000m in 1.5.9, the last 600 in 37.9, while their stablemates Johnny Lincoln and Wiseman's Fairy ran 800m in 49.8, the last 600 in 37.2. A Pour Moi filly and a Snitzel filly, both trained by Lisa Latta, were timed 800m in 50.8, the last 600 in 37.3, and Woodville runner Teraseeda (mdn 2100m) recorded 51.5 and 37.1. Staywithme (mdn 1400m) warmed up from the 1000m (1.7) to run his final 800m in 51.5, the last 600 in 38.1, while Tip The Dancer and Boxachocolates went 800m together in 50.4 and 38 even.

Miss Oahu (mdn 1100m) galloped with a Savabeel gelding over 800m in 52.9, the last 600 in 38.4, and Heart Of Fame (mdn mile) had stablemate Drum Rise (mdn 1200m) alongside over the same distance in 53.5 and 39.1. Hard But Fair (mdn 2100m) and Original Gangster left 1000m behind in 1.8 even, the last 600 in 39.5, while Garment (mdn 1100m) and Classic Touch (Wdvl-Pahiatua Cup) covered 800m in 53.5, the last 600 in 39.1. A Rock 'n' Pop gelding and an Ocean Park filly, two-year-olds trained by Lisa Latta, were given an easy 800m in 55.7, the last 600 in 40.4, and Kamanda Lincoln worked alone in 55.7 and 41.1. Yemanya, off to Trentham for the r75 1400m, matched strides with So It Was over 1000m in 1.11.2, the last 600 in 41.7. Yemanya, who worked brilliantly on Tuesday, will have regular blinkers replaced with a shadow roll on Saturday. A Reliable Man filly and a Pentire filly, both trained by Lisa Latta, ran an easy 800m in 58.6 and 42.5.

Tuesday - January 16th

By RON GURNEY

Shadows Cast could not have been more impressive at Awapuni this morning as he prepared for his Group 1 assignment in the Thorndon Mile at Trentham. Fast work was held close in on the course proper (good) and on the plough (good).

Shadows Cast used the course proper and had stable apprentice Tim Johnson aboard over 1200m in 1.15.1, the last 600 in 34.5. The Per Incanto gelding is in the best form of his life and looks a force to be reckoned with on Saturday. Not to be denied, lower grade performer Yemanya also raised a few heads with her 1000m in 57.5, the last 600 in 34.5 as well, and Shared Secrets, a stablemate of Shadows Cast, lost no kudos with her 57.2 and 35.1.

On the plough, Captain Lincoln and Hare Bawl were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.2.7, the last 600 in 36.6, while their stablemates Five To Midnight and Wellington Cup nominee Thorn Pass came up with 1.3.4 and 37.1. Ticket Clipper caught the eye with his bold 1200m in 1.17.9, covering his final 800m in 49.9, the last 600 in 37.2. He was keen to go a lot faster. Sir Nate and Lincoln's Gal were revelling in their work over 1000m in 1.4.8, the last 600 in 37.1. Deedee Panache gathered speed from the 1000m (1.7.8) to run home the final 800m in 52.2, the last 600 in 37.8, while Rosetta and her unraced stablemate Sligo (by Pins) ran 800m in 52.4, the last 600 in 38 even. Staywithme, who will head to Woodville on Monday, cruised over 800m in 53.1, the last 600 in 38.7, and Veloce had an unraced Towkay stablemate alongside over the same distance in 54.5 and 39.1. Sassy Bride, who has recorded two successive seconds in her comeback campaign, had trainer Ashley Meadows in the saddle over 1000m in 1.9.1, the last 600 in 39.5, while Glengoyne and a Rip Van Winkle gelding sprinted 600m together in 41.1. Tip The Dancer and Boxachocolates were kept to 800m in 58.2 and 42.9.

Thursday - January 11th

By RON GURNEY

Authentic Paddy rounded off his preparation for the Trentham Stakes in the perfect way with a very satisfactory final gallop at Awapuni this morning.

All fast work during a quiet session was on the plough (good), where Authentic Paddy covered 1000m in 1.5.9, the last 600 in 38.1. He should be as competitive as ever on Saturday, but has a wide draw to contend with first. Lincoln Raider (by O'Reilly), unplaced on debut last month, and an unraced Excelebration three-year-old gelding, both trained by Lisa Latta, ran 800m  in 53 even, the last 600 in 38.7, and an unraced Echoes Of Heaven three-year-old gelding trained by Jeff Lynds went alone in 52.5 and 39.1. Anniversary Handicap chance Beefeater and Trentham Stakes ballot Hank Moody were paired over 1000m in 1.8.8, the last 600 in 39.8, and Black Sav (r65 2100m) went 800m on her own in 53.5 and 39.7. Kate The Great (r65 1400m) came up with 53.6 and 39.6. Just You, another from the Latta stable in the r65 1400m, was timed 800m in 54.2, the last 600 in 39.7, and she ran a very good race fresh up on Boxing Day. Yemanya and an unraced Per Incanto three-year-old left 1000 behind in 1.10.1, the last 600 in 40.3.

Heavens Keep, who worked in terrific fashion on Tuesday (course proper), was kept to 1000m in 1.15.2, the last 600 in 41.3, and his form is well up to scratch for the Anniversary Handicap on Saturday, with Trudy Thornton to do the riding. Prince Turbo (by Alamosa) and Hypatia (by Savabeel), unraced three-year-olds trained by Mike Breslin, covered 1000m in 1.12.1, the last 600 in 41.2, while their stablemates Glengoyne and an unraced Rip Van Winkle gelding sprinted 600m in 41.5.

Tuesday - January 9th

By RON GURNEY 

Lisa Latta-trained stablemates Lincoln Hills and Petite Midas made a statement at Awapuni this morning as each horse heads in a different direction this week. The majority of fast work took place on the plough (good), with just one gallop recorded on the course proper (good). Lincoln Hills and Petite Midas used the plough and were at a good clip from the 800m in a smart 48.4, the last 600 in 35.7, which was excellent work. Lincoln Hills has had one start since finishing unplaced in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November and was third in a r65 1400m at Hastings on New Year's Day. He has come forward a great deal with that run under the belt and will contest the Levin Classic at Trentham on Saturday. Petite Midas goes to Wanganui on Thursday (mdn 1200m).

Authentic Paddy, who claimed his first Group 1 victory at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, had last-start maiden winner Denny's Lincoln for a partner over a bold 1000m in 1.1.1, the last 600 in 36.6. Authentic Paddy contests the weight-for-age Trentham Stakes (2100m) on Saturday. Shared Secrets, a last-start winner on Manawatu Cup day, is another horse thriving, and she cut out 1000m in an impressive 1.1.8, the last 600 easing down in 38.1. She is in the Trentham Stakes as well. Suffign (r65 2100m), yet another last-start winner, cruised over 1000m in 1.7.1, the last 600 in 38.2, and Word Savvy, off to Wanganui for one of the maiden miles, came up with 1.8 even and 38.3. Kathy's Lincoln (mdn f&m 1340m) and Platinum Wildcard (mdn 1340m), two more for Wanganui, went 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 38.1.

Temptress (mdn f&m 1340m), who was caught three wide throughout last start, covered 800m in 51.9, the last 600 in 38.9, while her stablemates Lincoln Star (mdn 1200m) and Platinum Chanel (mdn 3yo f 1200m) posted 52.5 and 38.8. The blinkers go on Platinum Chanel. Staywithme, who will resume on Thursday (blinkers off) after an 11-month break (mdn 1340m), was timed 800m in 53.2, the last 600 in 39.5, and top filly Dijon Bleu had He's A Freak (mdn mile) alongside over the same distance in 54.7 and 39.2.  They could have gone much quicker. Windsor (r65 1200m) and debut runner Naderca (mdn 3yof 1200m) were not after time over 1000m in 1.11.3, the last 600 in 40.2, and neither was their stablemates Hard But Fair and a Per Incanto gelding, who went together in 1.11.5 and 40.1. Wellington runner Boy Soldier (special 1000m) had trainer Deborah Parry aboard over a quiet 800m in 57.2, the last 600 in 41.4, while Hank Moody (Trentham Stakes) and Wanganui runner So It Was (r65 2040m) covered 1000m in 1.12.3 and 42.3. Thursday runners Weare Rocking (mdn 2040m) and Dandeedee (r65 2040m, blinkers on) were kept to 1.13.2 and 42.4.

On the course proper, Saturday's Anniversary Handicap (1600m) entrant Heavens Keep and maiden stablemate Teraseeda, who goes to Wanganui on Thursday (mdn mile No 2), reeled off a solid 1000m in 1.5.7, the last 600 in 35.5. Teraseeda continues to work well, but was disappointing at Awapuni on Boxing Day. The blinkers go on.

Thursday - January 4th

By RON GURNEY

Shadows Cast left no doubts about his fitness for Saturday's open sprint at Marton when he galloped in great style again at Awapuni this morning.

All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Shadows Cast again had stable apprentice Tim Johnson in the saddle, gathering speed from the 1400m peg to be timed 1200m in 1.16.5. He came in from the 1000m in 1.1.9, covering his final 800m in 49.3, the last 600 in 36.7. He did similar work on Tuesday. His stablemate Shared Secrets, thriving on a last-start victory at Manawatu, was timed 1000m in 1.4.7, the last 600 in 37.6, and she hasn't finished winning by any means. Wafer and Heni did nice work together, running 800m in 49.7, the last 600 in 37.2. China Star (Marton Cup) left 1000m behind in 1.4.6, picking up stablemate Hare Bawl (r75 2100m) at the 800m peg to run home the last 600 together in 38 even. Heavens Keep went alone in 1.7.1 and 38.9. Captain Lincoln (r85 1550m), who worked boldly over 1000m on Tuesday, covered 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 38.2, while an Excelebration filly from the Breslin stable posted 51.7 and 38.6.

Red Red Robin and Shez Gonna Getcha, both trained by David Hayes, were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.4.9, the last 600 in 39.3, while unraced three-year-old filly Hypatia (by Savabeel) and Brad Thorn were kept to 800m in 53.1, the last 600 in 39.1. Marton acceptor Sweepstake (r85 1200m) had Rosie Myers in the saddle over 800m in 54.2, the last 600 in 39.7, and Fibonacci (r75 1400m), who steps up to 1400m on Saturday (r75), recorded 54.4 and 39.8. Ravenhill had a Jimmy Choux gelding stablemate alongside over 800m in 53.3, the last 600 in 40.1, and Close To Me (by Stravinsky), unplaced when resuming at Otaki last month, ran 1000m in 1.9 even and 40.2. Boxing Day maiden winner Thats Amore, who looks in great order, was not after time over 1000m in 1.12.4, the last 600 in 41.7, and she could go another top race in Saturday's r65 1550m. A Niagara filly and an Alamosa filly, both trained by Mike Breslin, sprinted 600m in 42.3.

Tuesday - January 2nd

By RON GURNEY

Shadows Cast continued his build-up toward the Group 1 Thorndon Mile at Trentham on Wellington Cup day (Saturday fortnight) with a first-class trial at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Shadows Cast had stable apprentice Tim Johnson aboard over a very tidy 1000m in 1.2.5, the last 600 in 36.6. He has not raced since his dead-heat first placing in the Coupland's Mile at Riccarton in November and will step out in the open 1400m at the Marton meeting this Saturday.

Matthew Eales-trained Valour, who was a last-start winner in the autumn, and Du'Blues from the stable of Ashley Meadows were paired over a quieter 1000m (1.7.9), but ran home the last 600 in a smart 36.4. Du'Blues is in at Otaki on Friday (mdn 3yo 1200m). Shared Secrets, a winner on home turf on Boxing Day, covered 1000m in 1.6.1, the last 600 in 37.2, while southern mare Princess Brook and Roydon Bergerson-trained Amorata went together in 1.6.7 and 37.8. Princess Brook finished fourth in the Manawatu Cup and will now contest this Saturday's Marton Cup. Amorata is in the r75 2100m. Garment and unraced four-year-old mare Stocking (by Tavistock), both trained by Lydia Pickford, ran 800m in 55.4, the last 600 in 37.6, and Sassy Bride, off to Otaki (mdn 1400m), went alone in 51.6 and 38 even.

Dual Marton nominee Captain Lincoln and Cup runner China Star were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.2.9, the last 600 in 38.8, and last-start winner Suffign posted 1.8 even and 38 even. Word Savvy, bound for Otaki (mdn mile), was almost identical with 1.8 and 38.7. Former northern mare Incaseitel (by Showcasing), now with Stephen Nickalls, warmed up from the 1000m to run home her last 600 in 38.3, and Marton entrant Sweepstake (r85 1200m) was kept to 1000m in 1.7.9 and 40.2. Fibonacci (r75 1400m) was not after time over 800m in 54.7, the last 600 in 40.3, and Staywithme, who has not raced for 11 months, recorded 58.3 and 42.9. Heart Of Fame and an unraced Roc de Cambes three-year-old filly stablemate sprinted 600m in 42.5.

Thursday - December 21st

By RON GURNEY

Lincoln Hills, who has not raced since finishing unplaced in the 2000 Guineas last month, and his in-form maiden stablemate Petite Midas stole the show at Awapuni this morning. All fast work was on the plough (good), where Lincoln Hills and Petite Midas were paired over a very smart 800m in 48.4, the last 600 in 35.6. Lincoln Hills had a rocky run in the Guineas at Riccarton last month and will look to make amends in the Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham in three weeks.

Last-start maiden winner Windsor, who scored on debut at Waipukurau, and Original Gangster were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.6.2, the last 600 in 37.9, while Lincoln's Gal and Just You covered 800m in 50.5 and 37.5. Southern visitor Princess Brook enhanced her Manawatu Cup prospects with a very sound 1000m in 1.4.3, the last 600 in 38.4, and Captain Lincoln, who will have blinkers added to the gear on Saturday (r75 1550m), posted 1.6.5 and 38.8. Mr Baggins, trained by Liz Rennie, was timed 800m in 52.6, the last 600 in 38.9, while Heni and Wafer went together in 53.6 and 38.3. Atenartin (by Showcasing) and Derecho (by Sizzling), two-year-olds from the stable of Matthew Eales debuting on Saturday, were kept to 56.1 and 38.8. Salamanca (Challenge Stakes) and unraced Alamosa three-year-old gelding Prince Turbo worked together over a restrained 1000m 1.7.8, the last 600 in 40.1, and Rosetta had a Nadeem filly alongside over 800m in 55 even and 40 even.

Ollie's Note (r65 1400m) had trainer Laura Knight in the saddle over a quiet 800m in 55.7, the last 600 in 41.1, and Fibonacci (r75v 1200m) did similar work with 57.1 and 41.2. First-day winners Beefeater and Saturday's Manawatu Cup chance Boxachocolates were kept to 1000m in 1.14.7, the last 600 in 43.4, and 1.16.7 and 44.3 respectively. Brad Thorn and Ravenhill covered 800m in 59.8, the last 600 in 43.1.

Tuesday - December 21st

By RON GURNEY

Iffraaj four-year-old mare Exhibit is holding her form strongly judging by a very pleasing semi-final trial at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the plough (good), with a couple of gallops timed on the course proper (dead).

Exhibit used the plough and, after a quiet round (1400m), sped up on the second circuit to run 1000m in 1.4.9, coming from the 800m in 49.8, the last 600 in 36.6. She has not had the rub of the green as far as barrier draws are concerned for her last two starts and connections are hoping for a much better gate this Saturday (r65 1400m). The Rippa and Captain Lincoln, both in the r75 1550m), were paired over 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 38.2, while Classic Touch and Heart Of Fame were timed 1000m in 1.7.6, the last 600 in 39.3. Otaki race rivals Rip Into Ghia, who has paid a dividend in all three starts this campaign and Stunning covered 800m in 54.1, the last 600 in 39.3, and Stunning, unplaced when resuming last month, looks a huge improver on recent track gallops. They tackle the maiden mile on Thursday. Manawatu runner Fibonaaci (r75 1200m) was kept to 800m in 54.9, the last 600 in 39.4, while Troup Road and two-year-old Atenartin (by Showcasing), who debuts on Saturday (1100m) after a third at the trials, clocked 53 even and 39.5. Suffign, off to Otaki (mdn 2100m), left 1000m behind in 1.8.7, the last 600 in 40 even, and Shared Secrets, in at Manawatu (r65 2100m), warmed up from the 1200m to run the same distance in 1.9.9 and 40.8. Red Red Robin, fifth when resuming at Awapuni last month, took 1.10 even and 40.2.

Otaki entrants Dandeedee (r65 mile) and Weare Rocking (mdn mile), unplaced on debut, were on terms throughout 800m in 55.2, the last 600 in 40.8, and Weare Rocking will have blinkers added to the gear. Last-start Hastings debut maiden winner Windsor and Original Gangster, another unplaced on debut, posted 56.6 and 41.3. Ashley Meadows-trained Du'Blues, third at Waipukurau after a Foxton trial success, had Laura Knight's Mini Coopa, in at Otaki (mdn mile), alongside over a quiet 800m in 57.5, the last 600 in 41.2, while Rosetta and unraced trial winner Sligo (by Pins) sprinted 600m in 41.1. A Dalghar-Press Leak colt and an Alamosa-Halfyaluck colt sprinted 600m in 41.4, while a Guillotine-Dawn Ghost colt and another Alamosa colt recorded 42.6. Unraced Sizzling two-year-old Derecho, who has been placed in two trials, took 42 even, and he is down to debut at Manawatu on Saturday (1100m).

On the course proper, Teraseeda, unplaced when resuming at Awapuni last month, warmed up from the 1000m to run her final 800m in 50.1, the last 600 in 36 even, and Word Savvy, off to Otaki on Thursday (mdn f&m 1400m), ran a bold 1000m in 1.3.6, the last 600 in 38.3. She has not raced since the late autumn, but could go well fresh.