THE GREAT RACES RUN AT AWAPUNI 

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday April 23 By RON GURNEY Last week's Levin jump-out winner Crystal Bubble and stablemate Garment, both trained by Lydia Pickford, worked in fine style together at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Crystal Bubble and Garment were paired over 1000m in 1.5.5, coming the final 800m in 49.5, the last 600 in 37 even. They are building nicely for winter campaigns. Not to be denied, That's Funny and Thewayyoumademe, two more from that barn, skipped over 1000m in 1.7.1, finishing with 800m in 50.8, the last 600 in 37.8. Lincoln Green (by Ferlax), who scored on debut recently, and Platinum Appeal (by Per Incanto) were timed 1000m in 1.7.2, the last 600 in 37.9. Platinum Appeal has been off the scene since last winter, but resumes at Feilding on Thursday (mdn 3yo 1200m). Stunning (r65 2200m) and Fictitious (r72 mile), two more heading to the Feilding meeting, covered 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 37.8. The blinkers go on Fictitious. A Pentire mare and a Reliable Man two-year-old, both with Lydia Pickford, took 52.1 and 37.9. Miss Oahu (r72 1200m), worked alone over 1000m in 1.12.6, sprinting home the last 600 in 37.6, and Saturday's Hawke's Bay rivals Hank Moody and Amorata (r72 2200m) went together more evenly in 1.7.9 and 38.6. Feilding runners Lincoln Sky (r65 1400m) and Lincoln Hanover (mdn 3yo 1200m) ran 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 38.7. Lovetokeephim and a Maurice O'Brien-trained Thewayyouare gelding were at a solid clip early over 1200m, being timed from the 1000m in 1.4.6, easing to complete the last 600 in 39.9. Feilding acceptor Bella Margarita (r65 2200m) worked on her own over 1000m in 1.8.2, the last 600 in 39.5, while Cog Knish (mdn 1400m) and Du'blues (r65 1400m) were on terms over the same distance in 1.9.1 and 39.8. Prosecco (r72 mile) and Prince Turbo (r65 1400m) matched strides over 800m in a quiet 55.3, the last 600 in 40.4, while a Savabeel filly and a Savabeel gelding, both trained by Roydon Bergerson, sprinted 600m in 40.9. Veracious was not after time over 800m in 58.4, the last 600 in 42.7, and Derecho (mdn 1400m) was kept to 1000m in 1.15.5 and 43 even. The blinkers go on Derecho. Almo Street (r72 1200m) and Hawke's Bay runner Lincoln's Gal (r65 1200m) ran a quiet 800m in 58.1, the last 600 in 44.5.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, April 16 By RON GURNEY Beefeater and Blue On Black, both heading to Ellerslie on Saturday for separate $100,000 Group 2 assignments, galloped impressively together at Awapuni this morning. They used the course proper (dead) and worked the reverse way (right-handed) over 1200m in 1.18.7, the last 600 in 36.5, much to the delight of their respective trainers, Roydon Bergerson and Anne Herbert. Beefeater is nominated for the Manco Easter Handicap (1600m), getting in with just 2kg above the minimum, while Blue On Black, third in the Manawatu Classic last start, tackles the Valachi Downs Stakes (2100m) for three-year-olds. All other fast work was on the plough (good), where Wafer and Prince Turbo took the honours when timed 1000m in 1.6.5, the last 600 in 37.2. Their un-raced stablemates Flying Surf (Niagara-Surf Patrol) and a Per Incanto gelding came up with 1.7 even and 37.9, while Cog Knish and Thursday's Woodville runner Proletariat (mdn 1400m) took 1.6.1 and 38.1. Rock With Choux, who placed third last start, went 1000m on his own in 1.7.5 and 38.7, and goes to Woodville for a maiden 3yo 1600m. Gold Flake (mdn f&m 1600m), unplaced when resuming last month, and Viva La Platinum (mdn 3yo 1600m) were paired over 800m in 52.2, the last 600 in 38.9. The blinkers go on both horses at Woodville. Derecho warmed up from the 1000m (1.10.7) to run home the final 800m in 54.1, the last 600 in 39.4, and his stablemate Glide Queen (mdn 1400m) did similar work (1.13.6), finishing with 55.6 and 40.4. Authentic Charm, the half-sister to Authentic Paddy, was kept to 800m in 55.5, the last 600 in 40 seconds even, but looks close to seizing an overdue victory at Woodville on Thursday (mdn 1200m).

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, April 11 By RON GURNEY Talented eight-year-old sprinter Salamanca again showed his solid progress in training with a strong gallop at Awapuni this morning. All fast work was on the plough (good), where Salamanca covered 800m in 50.6, the last 600 in 37.6. The son of Alamosa has not raced since finishing unplaced in the (Listed) Levin Stakes (1200m) at Otaki in late November. Hawke's Bay entrant Bella Margarita (r65 mile) had Tim Johnson aboard over a nice 1000m in 1.5.6, the last 600 in 38.6. She resumes on Saturday after winning a Levin jump-out last week, and Jake Bayliss picks up the ride. Father Lenihan and Lincoln's Gal were paired over 800m in 51.8, the last 600 in 38.7, while Semper Magico, fourth on debut at Tauherenikau last month, ended 1000m with 600 in 38.1. Hawke's Bay Cup runner Kamanda Lincoln worked alone over 1000m, coming in from the 800m in 52.5, the last 600 in 38.8. He is working up well, and could be the giant-killer with Ryan Elliot in the saddle. A Rip Van Winkle gelding and a Dissident gelding, both trained by Lisa Latta, ran 800m in 51.9, the last 600 in 38.8, while their stablemates Manhattan Street and a Reliable Man gelding took 53.1 and 38.5. Fabiola, fourth on debut at Wanganui last week, was timed 1000m in 1.9.4, the last 600 in 39.6, and Beefeater, who may go to Ellerslie for the Easter Handicap next week, worked right-handed in 1.11.7 and 40.4. Lisa Latta-trained Gold Flake, unplaced when resuming at Waipukurau, and a Shamexpress gelding, were on terms throughout 800m in 54.7, the last 600 in 40.5 Hank Moody, the mount of Troy Harris in the r72 2500m at Hastings on Saturday, was kept to 1000m in 1.15 even, the last 600 in 43.2.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, April 9 By RON GURNEY Master Lincoln has taken great benefit from a fresh-up run at Woodville last month to figure prominently in training at Awapuni this morning. Timing was restricted to just a few gallops because of lingering fog. Master Lincoln used the plough (good) and had stablemate Lincoln's Command for a partner over 800m, the last 600 in 37.4. It was strong work, and Master Lincoln is ready for his second win in 11 starts. Hastings entrant Bella Margarita (r65 mile), who has not raced for three months, had trainer Lucy Tanner aboard over 1000m, the last 600 in 37.7, while a Thewayyouare-Ha'penny four-year-old trained by Maurice O'Brien went 1000m in 1.7.5 and 39.5. Beefeater was not extended to run 1000m, the last 600 in 42.6, and La Jungles, with trainer Stephen Beatson in the saddle, covered 1000m in 1.12 even, the last 600 in 42.9.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, April 4 By RON GURNEY Veteran sprinter Salamanca and stablemate Prince Turbo were the best workers during a very quiet gallop session at Awapuni this morning. Fast work was on the plough (good), where Salamanca and Prince Turbo were paired over 800m in 50.4, the last 600 in 37.2. Salamanca is some way off race-day fitness, but is obviously making solid progress. This is his seventh season of racing (10 wins), which started with victory on debut at Otaki (800m) as a two-year-old six years ago this week. At his very next start he won the (Listed) Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton. Prince Turbo, the winner of one from nine, has been freshened since racing in December. Their stablemates Flying Surf and a Per Incanto gelding covered 800m in 49.8, the last 600 in 37.4, while Weare Rocking and four-year-old Almo Costa (by Alamosa), who ran third on debut at Tauherenikau recently, went 1000m in 1.8.6 and 39.1

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, April 2 By RON GURNEY Improving Per Incanto maiden Desert Magic looks ready to chalk up his first win on Friday judging by his fine track gallop at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Desert Magic, ridden by Danielle Hirini, skipped over 1000m in 1.6.4, the last 600 in 37.1. The three-year-old gelding debuted at Wairoa (1200m) in late February, finishing fifth before a much better third at Woodville (1200m) in his only other start so far. He can go one better on Friday (mdn 3yo 1200m) on his home track. Rosetta (r72 mile) and Tiro were paired over 1000m in 1.7.9, the last 600 in 37.6, and Dal Kilchoan (r65 2200m) went alone in 1.6.1 and 38.1. Du'blues (r72 1200m), who posted back-to-back wins (1400m & 1550m) during the summer, ran 1000m in 1.7.6, the last 600 in 38.8. She has been freshened. Red Red Robin finished second at Tauherenikau last start and showed her fitness this morning with 1000m in 1.8.7, the last 600 in 38.9, and Lincoln Falls, who has been gelded, posted 1.9 even and 38.6. China Star, in the r82 1400m on Friday, and Wanganui (Thursday) improver Lincoln Hanover (mdn 3yo 1350m) matched strides over 800m in 52.1, the last 600 in 38.9. NZ Oaks winner Sentimental Miss went with Manawatu entrant Fictitious over 800m in 52.8, the last 600 in 38.6, and Rock With Choux, in at Wanganui (mdn 3yo 1350m), ran 1000m in 1.7.7 and 39.4. He won a Foxton trial last week. Brahmarahma and Denny's Lincoln were on terms throughout 800m in 52.2, the last 600 in 39.2, while Manawatu runner Lincoln Hills (r82 1400m) and Father Lenihan took 52.3 and 39.7. Prince Turbo and a Wandjina gelding stablemate left 800m behind in 53.5, the last 600 in 39.4, and Glide Queen, in at Wanganui (mdn 3yo 1350m), was kept to 1.14.3 for 1000m, the last 600 in 40.8. Un-raced two-year-old filly Princess Ani (by Towkay), a sister to Heni, and an Alamosa-Elegant Emerald gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, were not after time over 800m in 54.8 and 40.5. Cheese Maker, who resumes in a jumpers' highweight on Thursday, had trainer Stephen Beatson aboard over 1000m, the last 600 in 46.4.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, March 28 By RON GURNEY The blinkers are back on Beefeater for the $50,000 open sprint (1400m) at Manawatu on Saturday, with top jockey Chris Johnson having his first ride on the six-year-old in three years. It all looks a winning formula, particularly after the horse's impressive final trial with stablemate Just Fabulous at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Beefeater and Just Fabulous (r65 mile) were paired over 1200m in 1.22 even, coming the final 800m in 53.9, the last 600 in 36.9. Beefeater has a good record on his home track, where he won the Bulls Country Cup (1500m) last November. Just Fabulous blotted his copybook in the Wellington Guineas last start, but should be far more competitive back in r65 grade. Opie Bosson rides him for the first time. Henree Winkler, whom Bosson will ride in the r82 mile, worked in grand style in company on Tuesday, but galloped alone this morning over 1000m in 1.6.9, the last 600 in 37.6, which was also very satisfying. Forget the form on paper because he will appreciate the step up to 1600 metres with some easing of the ground. The blinkers go on as well. Un-raced Tavistock three-year-old Lincoln Town had a Reliable Man gelding for a partner over a nice 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 37.7, while their better-performed stablemates China Star and Almo Street took 51.3 and 37.2. Blue On Black (Manawatu Classic) followed up a nice hit-out on Tuesday with another solid 1000m in 1.8.1, the last 600 in 38.5. He should credit himself well. Un-raced Per Incanto colt Sindacato, trained by Roydon Bergerson, was timed 1000m in 1.8.8, the last 600 in 38.3, and Kamanda Lincoln (Awapuni Gold Cup) was kept to 1.9 even and 38.3. He deserves respect. Race rival Authentic Paddy ended with 600m in 38.9, and an Ekraar filly trained by Jeff Lynds did 1000m in 1.9.5, the last 600 in 38.5. Don't Know Jakk (Manawatu Classic) and Shadows Cast matched strides throughout 800m in 53.2, the last 600 in 38.2, while Prince Turbo and a Per Incanto gelding clocked 53.6 and 39.1. Amorata (r72 2200m) was at a good clip early over 1000m in 1.6.7, easing to complete the last 600 in 39.4, and her stablemates Colorado Miss (r65 mile) and Windsor (r72 1400m) went 1.9 even and 39.9. The blinkers go on Colorado Miss. An Alamosa-Beautiful Red gelding and an Alamosa-Elegant Emerald gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, ran 800m in 54.4, the last 600 in 39.7, and their stablemate Flying Surf went alone in 55.7 and 41.2. A Jakkalberry three-year-old filly with Mark Oulaghan was timed 800m in 56.2, the last 600 in 41.5, and Wafer left 1000m behind in a quiet 1.12.3 and 41.1. Jessiegee ended with 600m in 41 even. D'blues was not after time over 1000m in 1.14.1, the last 600 in 42.6, while a Burgundy filly and a Dalghar gelding, both with Lisa Latta, sprinted 600m in 42.1.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, March 26 By RON GURNEY Henree Winkler and Miss Oahu were stand-out performers at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the plough (good), with two gallops recorded on the course proper (dead). Henree Winkler and Miss Oahu used the plough and reeled off a smart 800m in 48.2, the last 600 in 36.2, with both horses revelling in their work. Henree Winkler is likely to race at Manawatu on Saturday, while Miss Oahu was nominated for the r65 1200m at Waipukurau on Thursday. Princess Amelie and Lincoln Hills were paired over a nice 800m as well, covering the distance in 49.5, the last 600 in 36.3, while their stablemates Authentic Paddy and Authentic Charm came up with 49.8 and 36.9. Kamanda Lincoln and Johnny Lincoln left 800m behind in 51.1, the last 600 in 37.6, and Desert Magic went alone in 52.3 and 37.5. Divine Wine and a Darci Brahma filly clocked 51.5 and 38.5. Beefeater and Just Fabulous matched strides throughout a solid 1000m in 1.3.8, the last 600 in 38.2, and Blue On Black ran 1200m in 1.23, coming his final 1000m in 1.6.8, the last 600 in 38.3. King Cougar and Waipukurau runner Weare Rocking (mdn mile) were timed 1000m in 1.8.4, the last 600 in 38 even, while Sophia Magia (r65 mile) and Rosetta posted 1.8.6 and 38.8. Last-start maiden winner Don't Know Jakk cruised over 1200m in 1.27.7, quickening up to run the last 600 in 38.9, and a Jakkalberry three-year-old filly, also trained by Mark Oulaghan, did 1000m in 1.8.2 and 39 even. Cog Knish and a Niagara maiden were not after time over 1000m in 1.12, the last 600 in 39.9, and a Mastercraftsman gelding trained by Mark Oulaghan completed 1000m in 1.9.9 and 40.7. A Reliable Man gelding with Lisa Latta completed 800m in 57.6 and 41.3. On the course proper (against the rail), Waipukurau runner Tiro (r65 mile) and Windsor were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.5.1, the last 600 in 35.7. Atenartin and Derecho, between the markers (5m out from the rail), covered 1000m in 1.6.4, the last 600 in 37.1.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, March 21 By RON GURNEY Three-year-old fillies Princess Amelie and Secret Allure, who will likely be on hand for the Sires' Produce meeting, galloped in fine fashion at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work was on the plough (good), where Princess Amelie and Secret Allure were paired over 800m in 49.9, the last 600 in 36.7. Both fillies raced well below expectations at their last starts, but can easily put the record straight on Saturday week . Sindacato (by Per Incanto) and a Pins gelding, both trained by Roydon Bergerson, warmed up from the 800m (53.1) to run home the last 600 in 37.1. Sindacato won a trial at Foxton last September, but has not raced. Just You, who has not been since the spring, ended with 600m in 37.9, while Garment and Crystal Bubble went together in 38.2. Almo Costa (by Alamosa), a Foxton trial winner earlier this month, and Weare Rocking matched strides over 1000m in 1.6.9, the last 600 in 38.8, and Almo Costa debuts at Tauherenikau on Sunday (mdn 1400m). Bella Margarita covered 800m in 52.5, the last 600 in 38.7, while Prince Turbo and Flying Surf came up with 55.3 and 38.9. Cog Knish and a Niagara gelding stablemate ran 1000m in 1.6.8 and 39.3. Lincoln Fury and a Darci Brahma filly left 800m behind in 54.4, the last 600 in 39.4, and That's Funny recorded 56.8 and 40.3. Beefeater was kept to 1000m in 1.13.4 and 41.2. On the course proper, talented mares Art Deco and Excelleration, in the care of Peter Didham, worked over 800m, the last 600 in 34.7.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, March 19 By RON GURNEY Impressive last-start Otaki winner Platinum Rapper and his stablemate Platinum Wild Card, both heading to Tauherenikau on Sunday, highlighted a quiet gallop session at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Platinum Rapper (r72 mile) and Platinum Wild Card (r65 1400m) were paired over 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 37.7. Both horses are at the top of their game. Not to be denied, Stunning (r65 2050m) and Quatromosa (mdn 2200m), two more from the stable of Lisa Latta, ran 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 37.9. Quatromosa is very close to scoring her first win. Race rival Viva La Platinum and Lincoln Hanover (mdn 1400m) matched strides over 800m in 51.9, the last 600 in 37.6, while Lincoln Star and a Reliable Man gelding posted 52.8 and 37.4. Fabiola (by Per Incanto), who won a trial (1000m) at Awapuni last month, and Semper Magico (by Per Incanto), both three-year-olds trained by Mark Oulaghan, caught the eye over 1000m in a smart 1.2.1, the last 600 in 38.1. Semper Magico debuts on Sunday. Blue On Black worked alone over 1000m in 1.5.4, the last 600 in 38.7, and an un-raced Mastercraftsman three-year-old trained by Mark Oulaghan, was kept to 1.10.5 and 39.7. Dal Kilchoan, in on Sunday (r65 2050m), left 1000m behind in 1.7.2, the last 600 in 40.1, and race rival Sophia Magia recorded 1.9.5 and 40.5. Rock With Choux (by Jimmy Choux), unplaced in three starts last spring, was kept to 1.10.4 and 40.8. Talented mare Art Deco sprinted 600m in 40.9, and a Jakkalberry three-year-old trained by Mark Oulaghan did 1000m in 1.11.5, the last 600 in 41 even. Prince Turbo sprinted 600m in 41.7, while un-raced three-year-old Flying Surf (by Niagara) went 41.8. Top mare Excelleration clocked 42.1.