Trainer Roydon Bergerson took away a heap of confidence for Sires' Produce Stakes day when members of his stable worked at Awapuni this morning.
Fast work took place on the middle of the course proper (dead) and on the plough (slow) after 10mm of rain over the previous 24 hours. Bergerson's Sires' Produce Stakes two-year-olds Nest Egg and Reign It In were impressive to say the least, covering 1000m in 1.5.2, the last 600 in 35 seconds even. Both horses are very promising in their own right but, as maidens, they do have the task in front of them on Saturday.
Jessiegee and Colorado Star were paired over 1000m in 1.4.4, the last 600 in 35.7, while Platinum Rapper, who is working a treat, and Sir Nate clocked 1.6.5 and 35.8. Raffle, who was brilliant winning on debut early in March, and Flying Surf ran 800m, the last 600 in 35.1, and Flying Surf's last-start disappointment at Trentham is best forgotten.
New Year two-year-old winner Ansu and a Savabeel-Include two-year-old ended with 600m in 35.3.
Ansu has been freshened, and finished second in a two-year-old trial (1000m) at Foxton last week.
Akela Belle and a Shocking filly warmed up from the 1000m (1.11.4) to run home the last 600 in 35.9. Flying Handicap runner Shadows Cast worked alone over a strong 1000m in 1.2.6, the last 600 in 36.9, and a top run on Saturday may well earn him a tilt at the Canterbury Gold Cup three weeks later.
Town Cryer and Cambridge visitor Mandalorian were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.4.4, the last 600 in 36.6. Town Cryer, who is working solidly, was far from disgraced in the Lowland Stakes last start. The blinkers go on.
Glide Queen, who ran a bold third fresh up last month, was timed a nice 1000m on her own in 1.5.5, the last 600 in 36.4, while Passione and Platinum Spirit went together in 1.5.4 and 36.8.
Inmyshadow, third on debut, and stablemate Antipodes matched strides over 1000m in 1.8.1, the last 600 in 36.9.
Nod Of The Head, who won a Foxton trial (1000m) last week, and Lincoln Star ended with 600m in 36.7, while Red Rufus and Jessie's Rock posted 37.9. Derecho, off the scene since November, and a Road To Rock gelding put 800m behind them in 49.8, the last 600 in 37.1, and Red Red Robin was kept to 1000m in 1.10.1 and 39.3.
On the plough, a Highly Recommended-Elle's Aura gelding ran 1000m in 1.8.9, the last 600 in 39.6, and he is trained by Roydon Bergerson.
Twentyoneblack and Miss Sailor (by Vespa) ended with 600m in 39.9, while Champagne Sunday covered 1000m in 1.8.5, the last 600 in 40.8.
Rock Island Line and The Rippa were not after time over 800m in 56.4, the last 600 in 41.5, followed soon after by Far Site and Sassy Susan, who ended with 41.7, as did Bradman and un-raced five-year-old Sindacato (by Per Incanto).