THE GREAT RACES RUN AT AWAPUNI 

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, February 19 By RON GURNEY Thien Ly and Awapuni newcomers Blue On Black and Wings were in great form this morning, with a view to Group 1 day at Otaki on Saturday. All fast work took place on the plough, but fog prevented the timing of some gallops. Thien Ly took the day's honours with a bold 1000m in 1.4.8, the last 600 in 37 even. The Stravinsky eight-year-old gelding had a resuming run (unplaced) over the Wellington Cup carnival last month and has since had a trial at Foxton (unplaced), last week. He is in Saturday's r82 1200m. Blue On Black (r65 1400m) covered 1000m in 1.4.6, the last 600 in 37.4, while his stablemate Wings (3yo 1200m) recorded 1.6.5 and 37.3. Both horses, who won on the same day at Ruakaka in September, are three-year-olds trained by Anne Herbert. Sweepstake (r82 1200m) and Prosecco were paired over a nice 1000m in 1.4.5, the last 600 in 37.2, and Kamanda Lincoln (r82 2200m) went with Lincoln Falls in 1.5.4 and 37.9. Glide Queen ran 800m on her own in 52 even, the last 600 in 37.7. Original Gangster (3&4yo 2100m), who deserves another chance at a middle-distance, and Sophia Magia (r65 mile) were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.6.9, the last 600 in 38.3. Hypatia and last-start maiden winner Casino El Jay, who both hold middle-distance nominations for the second day at Wairoa on Sunday, completed 1000m in 1.8.2, the last 600 in 39.6. Duplicity, nominated for the Auckland Cup in two week's time, did a quiet round before increasing the tempo on the second circuit to run 1000m in 1.8.5, the last 600 in 39.3. Otaki runner Colorado Miss (r65 mile) and Just Fabulous were not after time over 1000m in 1.11.1, the last 600 in 39.4, and La Jungles went alone in 1.10.8 and 41.6.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, February 12 By RON GURNEY Shared Secrets and Sir Nate, both likely candidates for Group 2 races at Ellerslie on Saturday, worked very satisfactorily in separate gallops during a quiet session at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the course proper (dead) and on the plough (good). Shared Secrets was the only horse to use the course proper and, working the reverse way (right-handed), covered 1200m in 1.23 even, the last 600 in 38.9. The Nadeem mare was back in winning form last start in the Summer Cup (r82 2400m) at Trentham, and trainer Mark Oulaghan intended to nominate her for the $100,000 Avondale Cup over the same distance this week. On the plough, Sir Nate worked the reverse way as well and had stablemate Platinum Invador alongside all the way over 1000m in 1.4.6, the last 600 in 35.9. Sir Nate heads north for the $100,000 Avondale Guineas (2100m). Form maiden Don't Know Jakk, trained by Mark Oulaghan, showed he was holding his form strongly with a solid 1000m in 1.4.7, the last 600 in 37.4, while Red Red Robin and an Ego-Sunshine Park maiden clocked 1.9 even and 37.4. Quatromosa and Viva La Platinum matched strides over 800m in 52.3, the last 600 in 38.8, followed soon after by Shelly's Lass, unplaced on debut, and last-start Hokitika maiden winner Car Pie in 52.7 and 38.5. Atenartin, who won the Ryder Stakes at Awapuni in July, and maiden stablemate Derecho were paired over a steady 800m in 54.5, the last 600 in 40.2. Atenartin has not raced since finishing unplaced in the Wanganui Guineas in early September.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, February 7 By RON GURNEY Rising star three-year-old Lincoln Falls will wear blinkers for the first time when he contests the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) on Saturday. The Dundeel colt trialled in them at Awapuni this morning and did not disappoint in his final gallop before Te Rapa. Lincoln Falls worked alone on the plough (good) and reeled off 1000m in 1.4.3, increasing the tempo as he went, to come home the final 800m in 48.8, the last 600 in 35.6. He was not disgraced finishing fifth in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) last start, just under a length and a half from the winner, and will appreciate the step up to 2000 metres. Anne Herbert-trained duo of Blue On Black and Wings were paired over 1000m in 1.6.6, the last 600 in 37.6, while Hypatia and Rockabye clocked 1.7.7 and 38.1. Authentic Paddy, who suffered a cardiac arrhythmia in the Thorndon Mile last start, breezed over 800m in 52.4, the last 600 in 38.7, and Sweepstake, unplaced in the Telegraph Hcp, took 52.5 and 38.2. Last-start Trentham winner Shared Secrets (Summer Cup) covered 1000m in 1.9.2, the last 600 in 39.7, while Car Pie and a Howbaddouwantit filly sprinted 600m together in 39.7.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, February 5 By RON GURNEY Lisa Latta-trained stablemates Platinum Wild Card and The Rippa really caught the eye in training at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work took place on the plough (good), with two single gallops recorded on the course proper (old top bend), which was dead. Platinum Wild Card and The Rippa used the plough and were paired over 800m in 48.9, the last 600 in 36.4, which was very pleasing work. Platinum Wild Card led all the way over 1600 metres at Wanganui two starts ago and almost pulled off another victory with similar tactics at Trentham last start (1400m), only to be caught right on the post. He certainly appears to be holding that form and will start one of the favourites for the r65 1550m at the Manawatu meeting on Friday. The Rippa's form on paper has been fair since scoring fresh up in October, and he looks ready to re-enter the winners' circle this week. Wafer, who finished last of nine in the Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) last start, worked alone over 800m in 49.4, the last 600 in 36.3. She is better than that, and can make amends in the r72 1400m on Friday. Lincoln Fury and a Sweet Orange gelding skipped over 800m in 50 seconds even, the last 600 in 37.3, while Lincoln Hills (r65 1400m), who last raced in early December, and Waikato Guineas hopeful Lincoln Falls came up with 51.6 and 38.3. Manawatu entrant Du'Blues (r82 1550m) and Duplicity covered 1000m in a nice 1.3.7, the last 600 in 38.5, while a few minutes earlier Jessiegee (r82 1550m) and Ravenhill (r65 2100m) went the same distance in 1.4.9 and 38.2. Kamanda Lincoln and Lincoln's Secret matched strides over 1000m in 1.7.7, the last 600 in 38.6, and their stablemates Akela Belle (r72 2100m) and Lincoln Sky (Waikato) ran 800m in 51.9, the last 600 in 38.5. My Calendar Girl, who finished third after a big mid-race lead last start (Wanganui), worked on her own over 800m in 53.7, the last 600 in 38.5. She races on her home track on Friday (mdn 1400m). A Roc de Cambes maiden and a Shamoline Warrior maiden, both trained by Roydon Bergerson, sprinted 600m in 39.7, and Lyano (r65 2100m) worked post-to-post (1400m), being timed the final 1000m in 1.11.1, the last 600 in 41.4. Matthew Eales-trained trial place-getter Showshanelle (by Showcasing) was kept to 800m in 56.7, the last 600 in 42.2, while a Super Easy gelding with Mark Oulaghan took 57.7 and 42 even. On the course proper, Blue On Black stretched out boldly over 1000m in 1.3.8, the last 600 in 36 even, and a short time later his stablemate Wings left 800m behind in 49.7, the last 600 in 36.5. They are trained by Anne Herbert.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, January 31 By RON GURNEY Beefeater and Original Gangster again showed they are at the top of their game for the Taranaki meeting on Saturday with a bold final trial at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), though fog prevented the timing of several trials. Beefeater (Taranaki Cup) and Original Gangster (r65 2000m) galloped in solid fashion together on Tuesday and have followed that up with more pleasing work. They gathered speed from the 1200m peg to run the final 1000m in 1.5.1, the last 600 in 37.6, and both horses look leading prospects on Saturday. Beefeater won the Taranaki Cup last year, and Original Gangster will appreciate the step in distance in his first attempt past 1600m. A Guillotine gelding trained by Leon Mudgway and a Sweet Orange gelding trained by Lisa Latta were paired over 800m in 51.3, the last 600 in 37.9, and Veloce went alone in 52 even and 37.4. Heni and Ravenhill matched strides over 1000m in 1.6.8, the last 600 in 38.6, while an Alamosa filly and a Road To Rock filly, two more from the Breslin stable, ran 800m in 51.9 and 38.5. Weare Rocking and an Alamosa mare left 800m behind in 52.7, the last 600 in 38.7, while a Per Incanto gelding and a Rubiz colt, also from the Breslin barn, took 53 even and 38.1. Casino El Jay and a Sacred Falls maiden covered 800m in 53.1, the last 600 in 38.3, while their stablemates Young Squire (by Alamosa), placed third on debut at Otaki last Monday week, and Shelly's Lass (by Niagara), unplaced the same day, ran 53.1 and 39.2. An Ego-Sunshine Park maiden trained by David Hayes was timed 1000m in 1.7.6, the last 600 in 39.3.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, January 29 By RON GURNEY Mike Breslin-trained stablemates Wafer and Jessiegee highlighted a quiet gallop session at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the plough (good) and on the middle of the course proper (old top bend), which was dead. Wafer and Jessiegee used the plough and did not disappoint, with the pair locked together throughout 1000m in 1.1.1, the last 600 in 36.3. Wafer found the track conditions (good) too firm at Wellington (Trentham Stakes) last start, but is ready to bounce back from that disappointing run, and take out the r72 mile at New Plymouth on Saturday. Jessiegee was second the same day at Wellington (r72 mile) after reaching the front 100 metres from the finish, only to be run down in the shadows of the post. He was entered for the Taranaki Cup (1800m). Authentic Charm (by Per Incanto), the half-sister to Authentic Paddy, worked with a Tavistock gelding over 800m in 49.6, the last 600 in 36.9, and Authentic Charm may be ready to earn her first cheque. Beefeater, who will attempt to defend his title in the Taranaki Cup, and Original Gangster (r65 2000m) left 1000m behind in 1.7.4, the last 600 in 37.8, while Rockabye, unplaced in his two starts so far, and Ravenhill covered 800m in 50.8, the last 600 in 37 even. Lava Rock and a Dalghar gelding were not after time over 800m in 55 even, the last 600 in 39.9, and Sweepstake and Prosecco were kept to 56.1 and 41.2. On the course proper, former northerners Wings and Blue On Black, both winners for trainer Anne Herbert at Ruakaka in September, warmed up from the 1000m (1.7.3) to run home the last 600 in 36.8. Herbert is now based at Awapuni.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, January 17 By RON GURNEY Alamosa filly Quatromosa looked a huge improver for the Otaki meeting on Monday judging by her fine track trial at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Quatromosa was paired with stablemate Lincoln's Secret over 1000m in 1.4.5, the last 600 in 36.6. Three races under the belt have not produced any significant form so far, but she has been a work in progress and is ready to pay a dividend at least. Princess Amelie, who is heading to Karaka Million night next week, worked the reverse way (right-handed) with stablemate Lincoln's Gal and reeled off 1000m in 1.5.9, the last 600 in 36.2. Princess Amelie won a trial early last month then finished third over 1200 metres at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Shared Secrets warmed up from the 1000m to run her final 800m in 49.9, the last 600 in 36.9, while Otaki runner Lincoln Fury and a Tavistock gelding took 50.2 and 37.9. Lincoln Fury (by All Too Hard) ran a much improved second placing at Wanganui last start with the blinkers on for the first time. Wellington entrant Higher Power (Desert Gold Stakes) drew attention to her chances with a very sound 1000m with Heavenly Echo in 1.4.1, the last 600 in 37.3. Otaki runners Master Lincoln (Mastercraftsman) and Port Lincoln (by Alamosa) covered 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 37 even, and Don't Know Jakk (Otaki) worked alone, finishing with 600m in 37.7. He can go one better than his last-start second at Tauherenikau. Rockabye, unplaced on debut at Tauherenikau, and Casino El Jay, were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.5.5, the last 600 in 38.3, while Colorado Miss and Tiro came up with 1.6.6 and 38.4. All four go to Otaki on Monday. Telegraph Handicap lightweight Sweepstake had Saturday's race rider Rosie Myers aboard over 1000m in 1.7.3, the last 600 in 38.9, and she has run into form at the right time. Viva La Platinum (Otaki) and a Sweet Orange maiden went together over 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 38.1, and Lincoln Raider, in at Wellington (r82 mile), galloped alone in 51.5 and 38.2. Passing Glance and Alesha Lincoln, both heading to Otaki, matched strides over 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 38.2, followed soon after by Miss Doherty and Sophia Magia in 52 even and 38.6. An Alamosa two-year-old trained by Peter Didham and a Roc de Cambes gelding with Lisa Latta ran 800m in 52.3, the last 600 in 38.2, while Weare Rocking and Hypatia clocked 52.3 and 38.6. Otaki entrant Floral Art, now with Peter Didham, left 800m behind in 53.4, the last 600 in 38 even, while a Rip Van Winkle two-year-old and an Alamosa three-year-old, both from that barn, sprinted 600m in 39.3. A Per Incanto gelding and an Alamosa gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, warmed up from the 800m (56.9) to run home the last 600 in 39.5. Authentic Paddy, in Saturday's Thorndon Mile, had Robert Hannam in the saddle over an even 800m in 53.8, the last 600 in 40.2, thus was not extended at any part. He looks in terrific order. Blue On Black (by Camelot), a winner at Ruakaka in September, was not after time over 800m in 56.5, the last 600 in 40.5. He is trained by Anne Herbert, who is now based at Awapuni. Wellington Cup hopeful Duplicity was kept to a quiet round before increasing the tempo slightly on the second circuit to run 1000m in 1.10.1, the last 600 in 40.6. Amorata, in at Otaki, cruised over 1000m in 1.16.9, the last 600 in 40.5, while Lincoln Sky (Otaki) and a Super Easy maiden stablemate did 800m in 56.2 and 41.3. Rosetta sprinted 600m in 41.1, while her stablemates Here Comes Trouble (by Darci Brahma), who was a trial winner in October, and a Pins three-year-old gelding went together in 41.2. Wellington runner Fibonacci (r65 1200m) covered 600m in 42 even, while Anne Herbert-trained Wings (by Rock 'n' Pop), a maiden winner in the spring, clocked 42.3.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, January 15 By RON GURNEY Father Lenihan and Platinum Mam'selle stole the show with an eye-catching semi-final trial at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the course proper (dead) and on the plough (good). Father Lenihan and Platinum Mam'selle used the course proper and reeledd off 1000m together 1.2.5, the last 600 in 36.6, with both horses keen to do more. Father Lenihan, in at Trentham on Saturday (r82 1600m), was a last-start winner at his home track on Marton Cup day, making it three wins from 12 races so far. He has been to Trentham twice previously for a third and fourth placing and looks ready to go one better on the champagne turf. Platinum Mam'selle (3yo 1200m) is no stranger to Trentham either, and was successful at the Wellington Cup carnival last year. She has had three races in a new campaign and is poised to strike winning form again. Telegraph Handicap runner Sweepstake and stablemate Prosecco (r72 1400m) were paired over 1000m in 1.5.7, the last 600 in 36.5, and Sweepstake is a definite combo bet for the $250,000 Group 1 feature. Lincoln Raider (r82 mile) and Sir Nate were on terms throughout 800m in 48.9, the last 600 in 36.4, while Authentic Paddy (Thorndon Mile) and Miss Oahu (r65 1200m) covered 1000m in 1.6.1, coming the final 800m in 49.5, the last 600 in 36.1. On the plough, Lovetokeephim, who has been freshened, and maiden Veloce went together over a nice 1000m in 1.3.8, the last 600 in 37.1. Veloce steps up to 1600 metres at Otaki on Monday and his last-start is best forgotten. Wellington Cup hopeful Duplicity galloped with Mark Oulaghan-trained Dal Kilchoan, beginning with a quiet round (1400m) before gathering speed on the second circuit to run 1200m in 1.22.6. The pair came in from the 1000m in 1.6.8, with the final 800m taking 52.7, the last 600 in 38.9. Duplicity has great credentials going into Saturday's $250,000 Group 3 feature. Fibonacci (r65 1200m) was timed 800m in 53.2, the last 600 in 38.8, while Miss Doherty and Sophia Magia ended with 600m in 38.1. Amorata (r72 2200m) did two rounds, sprinting the last 600m each time, the second of which took 38.3. Red Red Robin left 1000m behind in 1.8.9, the last 600 in 39.9, while Fictitious and last-start winner Stunning ended with 600m in 39.3. Colorado Miss and Tiro were not after time over 1000m in 1.12.8, the last 600 in 43.1, and Don't Know Jakk, second at Tauherenikau last start, was kept to 1.14.9 and 43 even. Un-raced three-year-old filly Wotarocker (Road To Rock-Turfstar) went 600m in 43.4. She is with Mike Breslin.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, January 10 By RON GURNEY It's been a long time between drinks for Makfi gelding Lincoln Bay, but the signs are there that he may be close to winning form again. The six-year-old galloped boldly in training at Awapuni this morning and could be a surprise package in the r65 2100m at Trentham on Saturday, with apprentice jockey Madan Singh claiming 2kg. Fast work took place on the plough (good), where Lincoln Bay was paired with maiden stablemate Ajay Lincoln (by Sebring) over 800m in 49.8, the last 600 in 37.3. Lava Rock (by Rock 'n' Pop) had a Sweet Orange maiden for company over a 600m dash in 37.7. Lava Rock has not raced since finishing fourth on debut in September. Wellington entrant Henree Winkler (r82 1400m) covered 800m in 50.8, the last 600 in 38.7, while his stablemates Kamanda Lincoln (Trentham Stakes) and Fictitious (r72 mile) went together in 51.1 and 38 even. Though well held, Hank Moody (Trentham Stakes) was keen in his work over 1000m in 1.8.3, coming the final 800m in 53.9, the last 600 in 39.8. That's Amore and Lincoln Sky, both in Saturday's r65 1400m, were on terms throughout 800m in 52.3, the last 600 in 39 even. Beefeater and Lubaya, race rivals in the Anniversary Handicap (1600m), were not after time, being kept to 1000m in 1.10.3, the final 800m in 55.5 and last 600 in 41 even. They worked impressively on the course proper on Tuesday. Hazelnut (by Road To Rock), trained by Roydon Bergerson, did three-quarter pace over 800m, the last 600 in 43.5. This four-year-old mare was placed in two trials during the spring.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, January 8 By RON GURNEY Roydon Bergerson-trained stablemates Lubaya and Beefeater, probable race rivals at Wellington on Saturday, galloped in great style at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the course proper (good) and on the plough (good). Lubaya and Beefeater (Anniversary Hcp) used the course proper and reeled off 1000m in 1.4.6, the last 600 in 35.9, looking quite capable of going quicker if allowed to. Lubaya entered the open grade frame with an impressive winning run in the Summer Cup (1600m) at her home track on Boxing Day, suggesting there is a lot more to come, something we knew was inevitable from last season. Beefeater won the Bulls Country Cup (1500m) in November, failed in the Wanganui Cup (2040m), then ran second to Lucyinrio (1300m) at Hastings on New Year's Day. He finished fourth in the Anniversary Hcp last year then went on to win the Taranaki Cup (1800m) at his next start. The only other horse to use the course proper this morning was Dal Kilchoan, who warmed up from the 1000m to run his final 800m in 54.4, the last 600 in 39.7. On the plough, Redwood four-year-old Chartwell and stablemate Sentimental Miss were paired over a very nice 800m in 48.4, the last 600 in 36.3. Chartwell put in an eye-catching run for fifth at Hastings (1600m) last start and has improved further judging by this latest solid trial, which augurs well for the maiden mile at Wanganui on Thursday. Wellington entrants Johnny Lincoln (r65 2100m) and Henree Winkler (r82 1400m) were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.4.6 and they completed the final 800m in 49.7, the last 600 in 37.1. Hell Fire (mdn 1340m) and Lincoln Fury (mdn 3yo 1340m), both in at Wanganui, covered 1000m in 1.4.9, with the sectionals coming up in 50.2 and 37.9. Lincoln Fury (by All Too Hard) will wear blinkers. Eva Dawn, who resumes on Thursday (mdn 1200m), worked alone over 800m in 51 even, the last 600 in 37.9, while her stablemates Piccolo Toro and Alesha Lincoln, both in the maiden mile, went together in 51.1 and 37.8. Piccolo Toro (by Edenwold) was unplaced on debut in November, and the blinkers go on, while Alesha Lincoln (by Alamosa) was unplaced on debut at Otaki just before Christmas. Fictitious (Wellington) and Master Lincoln (Wanganui) matched strides over 800m in 49.9, the last 600 in 38.1, and Lovetokeephim, back in work with Kim Clapperton, ended with 600m in 38.2. Wanganui runner Lyano (r65 mile) was timed 1000m in 1.7.1, the last 600 in 39.2, while Wellington entrants Platinum Touch (2yo 1200m), third on debut, and Lincoln Sky (r65 1400m) were kept to 800m in 52.9, the last 600 in 39.4. Weare Rocking (by Road To Rock), who has not raced since June, sprinted 600m in 39.8, and her stablemate Hypatia, in at Wanganui (mdn 2040m), went a quiet 800m in 55.6 and 40.7. Passing Glance (mdn 2040m) and Lincoln's Command clocked 56.5 and 41.6.