Cholula and unraced three-year-old stablemate Showbastian Coe handled tricky conditions better than most at Awapuni this morning.

The majority of fast work during a quiet gallop session was held on a very puggy course proper, where Cholula and Showbastian Coe (by Showcasing) were paired over 1000m in 1.16.1, the last 600 in 41.1.

Cholula finished third fresh up in late May, but was unplaced at her next two runs before a last-start fourth at Hastings, that had plenty of merit.

She scored a maiden win over 1800 metres on a heavy track at New Plymouth last September, and returns to the same venue (r65 1800m) this Saturday.

Showbastian Coe has jump-out wins at Levin in May and June to his credit, but was unplaced at the Foxton trials a month ago. He debuts at Hastings on Thursday (mdn 1200m). 

Canbiteabit, yet to pay a dividend in three race-day outings, and a Darci Brahma maiden did pleasing work over 1000m in 1.17.8, the last 600 in 41.7.

Last-start Otaki maiden winner Lincoln Lover, balloted out at Hastings (r65 1650m), ran 1000m in 1.19.5, coming the final 800m in 58.1, the last 600 in 42.6. She has more winning to do yet.

Showshanelle (r65 1200m) and Barzetti covered 800m in 55.3, the last 600 in 42.4, while Sapporo and a Darci Brahma filly took 60.2 and 44.6.

Hastings runners Extraordinaire (3yo 1400m) and Frankenstein (r65 1650m) warmed up from the 1000m (1.27.7), to come home the last 600 in 44.4, while Balalaika and a Satono Aladdin maiden stablemate sprinted 600m in 44.5.

Rock Island Line (r74 1400m) and Perkyorlamosa (mdn 1200m) left 1000m behind in 1.19.4, the last 600 in 45.7. Rock Island Line was nominated for Saturday's Opunake Cup (1400m) at New Plymouth as well.

Stormcast, in on Thursday (mdn 1650m), and Canucia, who were timed 1000m in 1.24, the final 800m in 61.7 and last 600 in 46 even. 

Pleasure, ready to pounce fresh up in the r65 1200m, gathered speed from the 1000m (1.31.5) to run the last 600 in 46.5.