Nest Egg will go into the NZ Derby on Saturday as fit as hands can make him, judging by his very pleasing trial at Awapuni this morning.

All fast work was on the course proper (dead), where Nest Egg and his stablemate Hikon worked right-handed over 1200m in 1.18.3, the last 600 in 36.6.

Nest Egg was unplaced in the Avondale Guineas (2100m) last start, but will be better suited by the Derby distance of 2400 metres. Hikon (by Ghibellines), who is working solidly, was unplaced on debut, but looks a big improver for Friday.

Princess Ani and Friday entrant Parisian Poppy (r65 2100m) were paired over 1000m in 1.4.8, the last 600 in 35.9, and they are both holding good form without winning.

Unraced four-year-old gelding Lazy (by Complacent), trained by Stephen Mercer, did well to run 800m in 50.5, the last 600 in 36 seconds even. He debuts on Friday (mdn 1550m).

Saltbush Bill, who has not raced since the spring, had senior jockey Chris Dell in the saddle over 1000m in 1.8.1, the last 600 in 38.9.

Three-year-old filly Madrid (by Turn Me Loose), in the maiden 1200m,  and three-year-old colt Hemi Ridapest (by Exosphere), in the maiden 1400m, ran 800m in 52.1, the last 600 in 38.7.

Madrid was unplaced on debut last October in her only race so far, while the Exosphere colt has been placed at the jumpouts (Levin) and at the trials (Foxton). They are trained by Lisa Latta.

Top two-year-old filly Wolverine, building for the Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes on April 2, and Queen Of Spades were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.7 even, the last 600 in 39 even.

Dedoje and Bee Sting gathered speed from the 1000m, which they covered in 1.15.9, to run home the last 600 in 40.7.

Busybeingfabulous worked alone over 1000m in 1.11.7, the last 600 in 41.1, and Belclare was let off with a quiet 1000m, the last 600 in 43.2.