Lincoln Raider, an improver's second last start, indicated he can go one better this week after a strong trial at Awapuni this morning.

All fast work during a quiet session was held on the plough (good), where Lincoln Raider galloped over 1000m in 1.6.1, the last 600 in 37 seconds even.

The seven-year-old gelding had his first race beyond 1600 metres at Tauherenikau last Sunday week (2nd), and steps up to 2200 metres (r74) at Trentham on Saturday. His dam was successful at 2100 metres.

Race rival Platinum Rapper was at a good clip over 1000m in 1.3.1, the last 600 in 36.8, and Beltoy covered 800m in 52.6 and 36.4.

Nod Of The Head, a leading prospect in the Anniversary Handicap, ran 1000m in 1.4.5, the last 600 in 38.6. Lisa Allpress rides him for the first time.

Raffle (r74 1400m) and Sea Monarch (r65 1200m) were paired over 800m in 51.8, the last 600 in 38.5, and both horses are in great form.

Putorino (r65 1600m) left 1000m behind in 1.8.1, the last 600 in 39.7, while Lydia Pickford-trained duo of Surprize Me and Trustworthy were timed 800m in 52.7 and 39 even.

Inmyshadow, (r74 2200m)  who worked in bold fashion on Tuesday, was kept to 1000m in 1.10 even, the last 600 in 40.7. Back-to-back wins would not surprise.

British Royalty (r65 1200m) was not chasing the clock either over 800m in 57.7, the last 600 in 41.9, while two-year-old filly Knickerless (Wellesley Stakes) and Apache Anne went 58.5 and 42.2.