Benefactor worked well enough at Awapuni on Thursday morning to suggest he's a winning chance fresh up at Wanganui on Saturday.

Fast work during a light gallop session was on the plough (heavy) or on the synthetic track.

Benefactor used the plough and did nice work over 1000m in 1.7.2, quickening to complete the last 600 in 38.2.

One of his previous three wins was at Wanganui (1600m) on a soft-6 last November, but he has only two seconds to boast on heavy ground from six attempts.

A big plus for the r75 1340m on Saturday is apprentice jockey Rihaan Goyaram, who will claim 4kg, bringing Benefactor's weight down to 51kg.

Colorado Star (open 1200m) and debut runner Sand Point (mdn 3yo 1200m), two more heading to Wanganui, were given an easy 800m in 56.7, the last 600 in 41.5.

Colorado Star is fresh up with claiming apprentice Amber Riddell (a4) aboard and could run a cheeky race with just 52.5 on his back.

Sand Point (by El Roca) has been making steady progress in the wings, and did win a trial (850m) on the synthetic track two weeks ago.

Sevenayes, in Saturday's r65 1200m, worked with unraced three-year-old Kosta (by War Decree) over a quiet 800m, the last 600 in 44.7, while their stablemates Crouch (r75 2040m) and Donnybrook (open mile) ended with just 46.5.

On the synthetic track, Bryce Newman-trained Bold Belle breezed over 800m in 53.3, the last 600 in 38.2, and her four starts last campaign yielded a win, a third and two fourths.

Durham Lad, in the open 1200m at Wanganui, was not chasing the clock over 800m in 59.1, the last 600 in 42.2.

He has not raced for six weeks, but did finish second in a Foxton trial last month in the hands of apprentice jockey Elle Sole, who keeps the ride on Saturday, claiming 3kg down to 51kg.