Belardo Boy and his maiden stablemate Lincoln The Fox, both heading to Otaki on Friday, highlighted a quiet gallop morning at Awapuni today.

All fast work was held on the outside of the heavy (holding) course proper.

Belardo Boy, who disappointed at Waverley, and Lincoln The Fox were paired over 1000m in 1.14.2, the last 600 in 38.6.

Belardo Boy won a trial last month and was then at short odds resuming on Queen's Birthday weekend three weeks ago, when he seemed to lack the finishing punch.

His trackwork suggests he can turn that form around in the r74 1400m at Otaki.

Lincoln The Fox (by Tarzino), in the maiden 1200m, raced twice last summer, but was unplaced in both outings. However, the three-year-old continues to show promise in training.

Nobellem, trained by Nikki Hurdle, and Ted Can Too (Peter Didham) gathered speed from the 1000m (1.19.1) to run home the final 800m in 58.6, the last 600 in 39.7. They are likely rivals in the r65 1200m on Friday.

Nun So Bad and Valhalla Rising, who were both nominated for maiden mile, covered 1000m together in 1.10.7, coming the final 800m in 53.7, the last 600 in 40.2. Valhalla Rising was also entered for the maiden 1200m.

Their stablemates Dedoje and Princess Ani recorded 1.12.1 and 54.9, the last 600 in 41 seconds even. Dedoje  could race at Tauranga on Saturday (r65 2100m).

Though entered for Otaki (r65 2100m) ,Princess Ani could be seen in the amateur riders' race at Rotorua (r65 2200m) on Sunday.

Two-year-old filly Crossfire and Cholula, two more from the Breslin barn, matched strides over 1000m in 1.17, coming the final 800m in 56.3, the last 600 in 41.1.

Crossfire (by Iffraaj) finished a strong second on debut at Otaki last month, and seems to be right at home in wet conditions. He returns to that venue on Friday.

Far Site and Dorothy's Daughter (mdn 2200m) did good even work over 1000m in 1.14.6, the last 600 in 42.2.

Uncle Charlie (mdn 2200m), unplaced in two career starts so far, ran 1000m in 1.18.4, the last 600 in 43.6.