Gum Basher and stablemate Korolova completed a very satisfactory trial at Awapuni on Thursday morning.

Fast work was held on the synthetic track or on the plough (good).

Gum Basher and Korolova used the synthetic and were paired together over 1000m in 1.9.6, coming the final 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 38 seconds even.

Gum Basher won fresh up at Wanganui in early April, but has mixed her form in three races since.

Korolova has been unplaced in two runs to date, the latest of which was fresh up on the synthetic track two weeks ago. Both horses could be heading back to synthetic track racing at Awapuni next Friday.

Saturday's Wellington entrant Sotirio (r65 1400m No 2) was not seeking time when running 800m in 56 seconds even, the last 600 in 41.1.

He was less than two lengths from the winner when finishing third fresh up at Trentham three weeks ago and has trained on well.

All other gallops were on the plough, where Queen Of Spades cruised over 1000m in 1.11.2, the last 600 in 37.7. She has not raced since early November.

West Coast, who won the Manawatu Steeplechase last start, had stablemate Kentucky Boy for a partner over a quiet round before galloping 1000m in a smart 1.3.5, the last 600 in 38.2.

Wellington runner Reprobate (mdn 1400m) worked with Moon Money over a well-held 800m in 55 seconds even, the last 600 in 39.7.

Their stablemate Morus (r65 2100m) went alone over 1000m in 1.12.8, the last 600 in 40.5, and is worth respect on Saturday.

The gelding finished second fresh up at Woodville (1400m) in April and his last-start effort at Trentham is best forgotten after over-racing in transit. He finished third at Trentham over 2100 metres a week before Christmas.

Race rival Don't Ask had co-trainer Shaun Fannin aboard over a quiet round before speeding up to run 1000m in 1.13.8, the last 600 in 41.7.

He was keen to go a lot quicker and heads to Trentham much fitter, with his trainers electing to add blinkers to his race-day gear.

Faustian Bargain (mdn 1400m) and stablemate Sharada (r65 1400m No 1) were locked together over 1000m in 1.15.7, the last 600 in 42 seconds even.

Faustian Bargain is certain to be one of the favourites on Saturday after his second there fresh up three weeks ago.

Sharada, despite being fresh up, was a shade disappointing on a heavy track at Wanganui two weeks ago. She might not find conditions much better this week.