THE GREAT RACES RUN AT AWAPUNI 

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, June 11 By RON GURNEY Manawatu entrant Platinum Command and last-start winner Johnny Lincoln turned up the heat when galloping at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the plough (good), the No 1 grass (heavy), with one gallop recorded against the rail (true) on the heavy course proper, using the big top bend. Platinum Command (open 1500m) and Johnny Lincoln used the plough and worked solidly throughout 800m in 49.2, the last 600 in 36.3. Platinum Command has some huge winter targets on the radar again, no doubt including an attempt on back-to-back Winter Cups at Riccarton in early August. Johnny Lincoln followed up an Otaki trial second with a fresh-up win at Awapuni (1550m) a few weeks ago, and has trained on nicely. Wanganui maiden runner Rex Royale (2040m) and Kamanda Lincoln were paired over 800m as well, clocking 50.4 for the full distance, the last 600 in 37.2. Rex Royale should go very close on Thursday. Race rival Cog Knish drew as much attention with her 1200m in 1.20.4, coming the final 800m in 52.1, the last 600, sprinting hard, in 37.8. She is mixing her form on heavy tracks. Manawatu runners That's Amore and Brahmarahma (r65 mile) matched strides over 800m in 51.3, the last 600 in 37.7, while Here Comes Trouble (by Darci Brahma), fifth on debut in the autumn, and a Savabeel filly recorded 52 even and 37.6. Wanganui entrant He's Done A Runner (mdn 1200m) and Car Pie were on terms throughout a 600m dash in 38.1, while their stablemates Voralto (by Sacred Falls), unplaced on debut in March, and a Rubick gelding took 38.6. King Cougar worked alone over 800m in 54 even, the last 600 in 39.4, and Battle Creek came up with 55.1 and 39.5. Obrigado sprinted 600m in 40.8. Rock With Choux (mdn 3yo mile) covered 1000m in 1.12.7, the last 600 in 40.9. He is holding his form well, but the blinkers are going on at Wanganui. Kings Kite, who tackles the Manawatu Steeplechase on Saturday, had trainer Stephen Beatson aboard over 1200m in 1.24.4, the last 600 in 42 even. Shelly's Lass, freshened since racing in the autumn, and Casino El Jay sprinted 600m in 42.5. On the No 1 grass, Platinum Appeal and Lava Rock, rivals in the maiden 3yo mile on Thursday, were timed 1000m in 1.11.2, the last 600 in 40.2. Their stablemates Passing Glance (mdn 2040m) and last-start maiden winner Maidstone Park did similar work with 1000m in 1.11.3 and 40.1. Passing Glance will wear blinkers for the first time. A No Excuse Needed maiden with Matthew Eales ran 800m in 54.6, the last 600 in 40.5, and a Jakkalberry maiden with Mark Oulaghan took 56.2 and 41.2. A Mastercraftsman filly from the same stable took 57.7. and 41.9. Manawatu runner Wafer (r65 mile) was sent 1000m in 1.12.1, the last 600 in 42.4, and Last Chance, in at Wanganui (r65 1200m), posted 56.9 for 800m, the last 600 in 43.3. Derecho, off to Wanganui as well (mdn 3yo mile), covered 800m in 57.7, the last 600 in 43 even. On the course proper, Manawatu entrant Chartwell (r65 mile) and He's A Freak ran 800m together in 57.8, the last 600 in 42.1.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, June 4 By RON GURNEY Excelleration continued her rise to winning form again with an impressive workout at Awapuni this morning. Fast work during a quiet gallop session took place on the plough (good) and wide out on the No 1 grass (heavy). Excelleration, now trained by Peter Didham, used the plough and went alone over 1000m in 1.3.9, coming the final 800m in 49.3, the last 600 in 36.1. She has had two trial thirds and two unplaced race-day runs in a new campaign, finishing fourth at Trentham (r72 1400m) a few weeks ago, and looks ready to chalk up another win. Veloce, who ran second on her home track last week, was timed 800m in 53.9, quickening along the way to complete the last 600 in 37.8. Dashing Ruby, off to New Plymouth on Thursday (mdn mile), had a Shamexpress gelding for a partner over 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 38.5. On the No 1 grass, Wellington entrants King Cougar and Salamanca were paired over 800m in 50.1, the last 600 in 37.3, and Veracious, also heading there on Saturday, went 1000m in 1.8.2 and 39.5. A No Excuse Needed gelding trained by Matthew Eales ran 800m in 54.3, the last 600 in 39.9, and jumper Des De Jeu covered 1000m in 1.9.6, the last 600 in 41.3. He is likely to run over hurdles at Trentham.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, May 30 By RON GURNEY Almo Street is so much fitter for a trial placing and two race-day outings in a new campaign, judging by his final gallop for Wanganui at Awapuni this morning. Fast work took place on the No 1 grass (slow) and on the plough (good), with one gallop each recorded on the course proper (heavy) and the sand (good). Almo Street used the No 1 grass and had amateur rider Nicole Jensen aboard over a very smart 800m in 47.8, the last 600 in 36.1. The rising six-year-old has had just 12 starts in his career for two wins (slow tracks) and two seconds, and he will have his first ever look at Wanganui on Saturday, with Charlotte O'Beirne claiming 3kg to 54.5kg. His younger brother Port Lincoln resumes in the maiden 1340m, and had stablemate Rock Island Line alongside over 800m in 50.2, the last 600 in 37.5. Port Lincoln will wear blinkers for the first time, and commands respect. Yin Dragon covered 800m in 51.8, the last 600 in 37.5, and Heni was not after time with her 600m in 43.7. On the plough, Amorata was strong over 1000m in 1.4.4, the last 600 in 36.5. It's been a long time between wins for the six-year-old mare, whose placings keep mounting, but her superb fitness will show through eventually. A Dissident two-year-old and an Echoes Of Heaven two-year-old, both trained by Lisa Latta, ran 800m in 53.1, the last 600 in 38.5, while Platinum Spirit (by Charm Spirit) and a Dalghar maiden ended with 600m in 38 even. Wanganui entrant Hare Bawl (r65 2040m No 2), who resumes on Saturday, worked alone over 1000m in 1.9.7, the last 600 in 39.2. The multiple place-getter has not raced for over 12 months. Lincoln Melody and a Super Easy filly stablemate were timed 800m in 54.2, the last 600 in 39.6, and Master Finn left 1000m behind in 1.11.1, the last 600 in 41 even. Young Squire (by Alamosa), unplaced in two starts during the summer, and a Pierro gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, sprinted 600m in 42.7. On the course proper, AG Challenge Stakes rookie Platinum Rapper matched strides with Dashing Ruby over 800m in 52.8, the last 600 in 39.6, and on the sand, Lovetokeephim ended with 600m in 41.2.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK

Tuesday, May 28

By RON GURNEY

 

Feilding entrants Passing Glance, Maidstone Park, Platinum Appeal and first starter Jenever, all maidens trained by Lisa Latta, worked in fine style at Awapuni this morning.

The majority of fast work was held on the plough (good), with four gallops recorded on the No 1 grass (slow) and one on the course proper (inside top bend) against the rail (slow).

Passing Glance and Maidstone Park, in respective maidens over 1550m, were on terms throughout 800m in 50 seconds even, the last 600 in 36.9, while Platinum Appeal and Jenever (mdn 3yo 1200m) came up with 50.3 and 36.6.

Passing Glance begins a new campaign on Thursday, but did finish third fresh up at Otaki (slow 8) last December.

Maidstone Park won a Foxton trial at the end of April, then was unplaced when resuming at Otaki. He looks a big improver just the same, with the blinkers going on.

Platinum Appeal was unplaced in her sole start as a late two-year-old and was then off the scene for almost a year. She has been unplaced in two races back in a new campaign, but could be ready to strike.

Jenever (by Rip Van Winkle) finished second at the Levin jump-outs two weeks ago. She is a half-sister to fellow Lisa Latta-trained gallopers North And South (by Strategic Image) and Rock Island Line (by Rock 'n' Pop).

Johnny Lincoln, who resumes from a spell on Thursday (r65 1550m), had Wanganui entrant Master Lincoln (r65 2040m) for a partner over 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 37.3.

Johnny Lincoln finished third in a Levin jump-out two weeks ago and followed up with a second at the Otaki trials last Tuesday.

Amorata, who is holding good form without winning, caught the eye with her 1200m in 1.19.5, coming the final 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 38 even.

Cog Knish (mdn 2100m), who ran a solid third placing last start, and Itellyouonething were paired over 1200m as well, being timed from the 1000m in 1.4.3 and completing the final 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 38.4.

Our Legacy sprinted 600m in 38.4, while That's Amore (r65 1550m) and first starter Sanctum (mdn 1200m) ended 800m with 600 in 38.6. Sanctum (by Red Giant) has not been seen at the trials this year.

Higher Power covered 1000m in 1.10.4, the last 600 in 38.9, and My Father's Gun (by Per Incanto), who debuts on Thursday (mdn 3yo 1200m), took 1.13.5 and 38.7.

Former northerner Rex Royale (by Rock 'n' Pop), who was narrowly beaten in a maiden highweight at Otaki last start, and Wanganui entrant Hare Bawl (r65 2040m) ran 800m in 52.5, the last 600 in 38.7.

Thursday's form runner Rock With Choux (mdn 2100m) covered 1000m in 1.10.2, the last 600 in 40.4, while race rival Weare Rocking and Prince Turbo (r65 1550m) left 800m behind in 54.6 and 40 even.

Derecho (mdn 1550m No 1) was kept to 800m in 55.2, the last 600 in 40.7, just after He's A Done A Runner (mdn 1200m) and Flying Surf (mdn 2yo & up 1400m) took an easy 59.3 and 42.7. Tiro ended 1000m with 600 in 42.5.

On the No 1 grass, Castletown Stakes entrant (Wanganui) Platinum Bordeaux and Keep It Savvy matched strides over 800m in 50.6, the last 600 in 37.1, and stablemate Yin Dragon came up with 50.8 and 37.8.

Lincoln's Command, in at Feilding (mdn 1550m No 1), and debut runner Dependable Man (by Reliable Man), in the maiden 1550m No 2, were timed 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 38.2, while He's A Freak (r65 1550m) and Wanganui runner Just You (r72 1200m)  recorded 52.1 and 38.3.

On the course proper, a Rip Van Winkle gelding and a Pins gelding ran 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 38 even.

 

 

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, May 23 By RON GURNEY Kotahi at Trentham on Saturday and Chartwell at Hawera on Sunday galloped together in bold fashion at Awapuni this morning. The majority of fast work was held on the plough (good), where Kotahi (r65 1200m) and Chartwell (r65 1400m) were paired over a strong 800m in 50 seconds even, the last 600 in 36.5. Kotahi showed great promise during his second campaign this time last year, winning a maiden 1200m fresh up on a heavy 11 at Awapuni. He finished third in a Foxton trial (1000m) three weeks ago and has since finished third in a Levin jump-out last Wednesday. Johnathan Parkes will ride the Alamosa four-year-old on Saturday, and the gelding looks ready to go. Chartwell (by Redwood), who worked in grand style on Tuesday, has come up well in a new campaign and looks poised to run a bold run fresh up on Sunday. Higher Power, off to Trentham for the r65 mile, worked alone over 1000m in 1.5.1, the last 600 in 37.1. This filly failed in Listed company at Riccarton last start, but won a Woodville maiden (1600m) before heading south. Back in lower grade competition on Saturday, she commands respect, with Chris Johnson the rider. Former northerner Excelleration, now trained by Peter Didham, warmed up from the 800m (56.2) to run home the last 600 in 37.7. She ran an improver's seventh when resuming on Anzac Day and then won a Levin jump-out (1000m) last Wednesday. New Plymouth apprentice Hazel Schofer will claim 4kg on the four-year-old in the r72 f&m 1400m on Saturday. A Tavistock filly, trained by Peter Didham, and a Roc de Cambes filly, trained by Lisa Latta, sprinted 600m in 37.2. The Tavistock filly is a half-sister to recent Group 1 winner Nicoletta. Itellyouonething, now trained by Ashley Meadows, and stablemate Proletariat were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.4.4, the last 600 in 38.1. Itellyouonething has not raced since finishing unplaced in the NZ Cup last November. He's A Freak and Trentham runner Lincoln Fury (r65 mile) covered 800m in 52.7, the last 600 in 38.7, while an Alamosa-Triple Billing filly and an Alamosa-Minno Noir gelding, both trained by Peter Didham, sprinted 600m in 38.2. Rock With Choux worked alone over 1000m in 1.9.8, the last 600 in 39.9, and a Jakkalberry two-year-old trained by Mark Oulaghan ran 800m in 54.7 and 39.3. Desert Magic, a big chance at Trentham (r65 1200m), had stable apprentice Danielle Hirini in the saddle over 800m in 55.8, the last 600 in 39.7. A Super Easy filly and a Deep Field filly, both trained by Lisa Latta, were timed 800m in 56 even, the last 600 in 40.3, and Veloce went alone in 58 even and 40.1. Salamanca and Flying Surf were kept to 800m in 56.5, the last 600 in 41.2, and Hawera runner Kings Kite (r65 2100m) left 1200m behind in 1.23 even, the last 600 in 41.1. King Cougar, who will start one of the favourites in the Sprint Final at Trentham (1400m), was given a casual 800m in 56.6, the last 600 in 42.2. He worked impressively on Tuesday. A Rip Van Winkle-Shanro two-year-old filly trained by Anne Herbert, ran 800m in 58.2, the last 600 in 42.5. She finished third in a Levin jump-out (850m) last Wednesday.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, May 21 By RON GURNEY Mastercraftsman mare Akela Belle hinted at a return to top form at Hawera on Sunday, while Saturday's Wellington entrants King Cougar and Desert Magic also impressed at Awapuni this morning. Fast work during a quiet galloping session was on the plough (good), where Akela Belle (r72 mile) was matched with Lincoln's Command over 800m in 50 seconds even, the last 600 in 36.4. Not to be denied, King Cougar and stablemate Desert Magic, both trained by Mike Breslin, covered the distance in 50.6 and 36.9. King Cougar finished second to London Express at Trentham last start when resuming, while Desert Magic placed second the same day. They tackle Saturday's r82 1200m and r65 1200m respectively. Salamanca and Prince Turbo were on terms throughout 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 37.3, and Hawera nominee Chartwell (r65 1400m) and Hare Bawl came up with 50.4 and 37.2. Former top northern filly Excelleration, in the r72 f&m 1400m at Trentham, was timed 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 37.3, and she is now trained by Peter Didham. Bella Margarita, who was nominated for Trentham (r72 2100m) and Hawera (r65 2100m) had trainer Lucy Tanner aboard over a nice 1000m in 1.4.5, the last 600 in 38 even. Rock With Choux left 1000m behind in 1.6.6, the last 600 in 38.9, and maiden Roxy Brown (by Alamosa) ran 800m in 53.5, the last 600 in 38.4. Floral Art (by Road To Rock), now with Peter Didham, sprinted 600m in 38.9.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, May 16 By RON GURNEY Per Incanto mare Amorata returns to Te Rapa on Saturday ready to cap off a run of minor placings. She rubber-stamped her fitness for that assignment with a very satisfactory final trial at Awapuni this morning. All fast work was on the plough (good), where Amorata stretched out boldly over 1000m in 1.4.9, coming the final 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 37.9. Amorata finished a close fourth under 58kg (Matt Cameron) in a r72 2400m at Te Rapa last start, but this Saturday tackles just eight rivals in an open 2100m, with Ryan Elliot (54kg) the rider. Rangitikei entrant Bella Margarita r65 2200m) covered 1000m in 1.6.6 and completed the final 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 37.6. This mare works well, but has not been taking that form on to race-day in this campaign. Just You (r72 1200m), who looks a big improver after a resuming run, and Father Lenihan were paired over 800m in 50.2, the last 600 in 37.3. Rangitikei Gold Cup runner Prosecco, second in the Great Easter Stakes, and debutant Khalfani (2yo 1200m) matched strides over 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 37 even, and Khalfani (by Hinchinbrook) has been galloping well. Chartwell, balloted out of the r65 1400m, and Brahmarahma were timed 800m in 52 even, the last 600 in 38.3, while possible race rival Du'blues was sent 1000m in 1.7.1, coming the final 800m in 52.7, the last 600 in 39.1. Almo Street (r72 1200m) and Lincoln Sky (r65 1400m) were on terms over 1000m in 1.11.6, quickening a shade to run the final 800m in 55.5, the last 600 in 41.2. Both horses are winning chances, with claiming apprentices aboard. Sophia Magia was not after time over 1000m in 1.16 even, the last 600 in 42.9.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, May 14 By RON GURNEY Just one pair of horses used the course proper (slow 9) for galloping at Awapuni this morning, and the duo didn't disappoint. The majority of fast workers were preparing for either Otaki (Thursday) or Rangitikei (Saturday) this week. Lincoln Hills and Just You, both entered for Rangitikei (r72 1200m), were at a solid clip on the inside rail from the 800m, being timed their final 600m in 35 seconds even. The form of Lincoln Hills is much better this preparation, and Just You appears to have taken great benefit from a resuming at Trentham recently. On the plough (good), De Gaulle (r72 mile) and Otaki runner Heavenly Echo (mdn hwt mile) matched strides over a bold 1000m in 1.4.2, the last 600 in 36.9, while Sophia Magia and Colorado Miss registered in 1.6.6 and 36.7. Last Chance and Denny's Lincoln, in the same race at Otaki, sped over 800m in a smart 48.3, the last 600 in 36.6, thus recording a similar time to Prince Turbo (Rangitikei) and un-raced Hinchinbrook filly Khalfani, who posted 50.8 and 36.7. Rangitikei runners Master Lincoln and Kamanda Lincoln were on terms throughout a nice 1000m in 1.3.5, the last 600 in 37.1, and Desert Magic went alone over 800m in 50.9 and 37.7. Veloce took 51.5 and 37.5. Lincoln Town and Lincoln Star, two more for Rangitikei, covered 800m in 51.9, the last 600 in 37.7, while their stablemates Lava Rock and Brahmarahma came up with 52.1 and 38.1. That's Amore had Authentic Charm for a partner over 800m in 52.6, the last 600 in 38.5, and Lucy Tanner's un-raced Per Incanto-Dido gelding ended with 600m in 38.9. The latter's stablemate Bella Margarita was sent 1000m in 1.6.6, the last 600 in 39.2, and Wafer recorded 1.8.3 and 39.7. Cog Knish and Du'blues clocked 1.8.3 and 39 even. Lincoln Green (by Ferlax), a winner at Otaki on debut but unplaced at Te Rapa last start, had jumps jockey Sean Fannin aboard over 800m in 53.8, the last 600 in 39.9. Chartwell and Platinum Appeal were kept to 800m in 54.8, the last 600 in 39.3, while their stablemates Dashing Ruby and Maidstone Park went quick early, but eased over the final stages to record 52.8 and 40.3. Prosecco, runner-up in the Great Easter Stakes at Riccarton last start, was not after time over 1000m 1.8.7, the last 600 in 40.1. His stablemates King Cougar and Otaki debutant and trial winner He's Done A Runner (by Per Incanto) were kept to 800m in 56 even, the last 600 in 41.3, and Flying Surf and Weare Rocking, two more from that barn, went 56.3 and 41.4. Kings Kite, preparing for another jumping season, had trainer Stephen Beatson aboard over 1400m, being timed form the 1200m in 1.17.7, the last 600 in 43.9. He resumes on the flat on Thursday.

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Thursday, May 9 By RON GURNEY Alamosa mare Wafer looks a big improver after a very smart time at Awapuni this morning. All fast gallops took place on the plough (good), where Wafer had Leah Hemi aboard over 800m in 48.7, the last 600 in 35.5, which was excellent work. After a trial second at Waverley last month, Wafer was unplaced when resuming at her home track on Anzac Day. Almo Street, also trial placed before finishing unplaced fresh up on Anzac Day, covered 1000m in 1.4.1, coming the final 800m in 48.4, the last 600 in 36 even. Lincoln Hills and Port Lincoln matched strides over 800m in 49.4, the last 600 in 36.3, while their stablemates Kotahi and a Deep Field filly posted 49.3 and 37.7. These two have been placed at the trials in recent weeks. He's A Freak and un-raced Rip Van Winkle three-year-old filly Jenever were timed 1000m in 1.8.4, quickening from the 800m to run home the last 600 in 37.1. Salamanca, who resumes in the open 1200m at New Plymouth on Saturday, and un-raced Hinchinbrook two-year-old filly Khalfani gathered speed from the 1000m (1.15.3) to complete the last 600 in 38.7. Kamanda Lincoln and Ajay Lincoln were on terms throughout 800m in 50.9, the last 600 in 38.3. Ajay Lincoln (by Sebring) has been freshened since racing in the summer. ENDS

AWAPUNI TRACKWORK Tuesday, May 7 By RON GURNEY Last year's CJC Winter Cup winner Platinum Command looks ready for a huge run fresh up on Saturday following a first-class trial at Awapuni this morning. All fast work took place on the plough (good), where Platinum Command and stablemate Lincoln's Secret were paired over a smart 800m in 48.7, the last 600 in 36.7. Platinum Command was an eye-catching second at the Foxton trials last week and will tackle the Group 3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m) on Saturday. Lincoln's Secret is fresh up in the r65 highweight at Woodville on Thursday with Shaun Phelan the rider. He has not raced since Christmas/New Year. Time honours went to two other members of the Lisa Latta barn, Platinum Volos and Almo Street, who sped over 800m in 48.2, the last 600 in 36 even. Almo Street was unplaced when resuming on Anzac Day, while Platinum Valos has not raced since the spring. Woodville runner Lincoln Hanover (mdn 3yo 1200m), who has recorded three successive seconds in recent starts, had Johnny Lincoln for a partner over 800m in 49.6, the last 600 in 36.9. Derecho (mdn mile) and Don Blanco (r65 1400m) covered 1000m in a nice 1.4.2, the last 600 in 37.4. Don Blanco (blinkers off) was formerly trained by Karen Zimmerman, but is now with Matthew Eales. Flying Surf and last week's Foxton trial winner He's Done A Runner (by Per Incanto) matched strides over 1000m in 1.8.1, the last 600 in 37.5, and Lincoln's Gal, resuming in the r72 1200m on Thursday, went alone in 1.8.5 and 37.4. Gold Flake (mdn 2200m) and Divine Wine (mdn 3yo 1200m) were on terms throughout 800m in 51.2, the last 600 in 38.1, while their stablemates Akela Belle (r65 1400m) and Hare Bawl came up with 52.8 and 38.2. Lincoln Lane (mdn mile No 1) and Dashing Ruby (mdn mile No 2) were kept to 800m in 53.1, the last 600 in 38.4. Last-start winner Red Red Robin did two quiet rounds with a 600m dash at the end of each one in 39.1 and 39.3 respectively. Rock With Choux, one of the favourites for the maiden mile No 1, cut out 1000m in 1.6.8, the last 600 in 39.8.