Timberlake rubber-stamped his fitness for a return to winning form when he worked in grand style at Awapuni this morning.

Fast work was on the soft course proper, where Timberlake had stablemate Stormcast for a partner over 1000m in 1.11.1, the last 600 in 37.9.

Timberlake, a former northerner, has had two starts with new trainer Roydon Bergerson for two fourths, and looks ready to capture winning form again. A Winter Cup tilt beckons. 

Meanwhile, he steps up to 2100 metres at Hawera on Sunday, a distance he scored over this time last year when trained by the Williams partnership at Byerley Park.

Time honours this morning went to Sequoia Dawn, trained by Jane Davidson, and unraced three-year-old gelding Showbastian Coe (by Showcasing), who were paired over 800m in 50.2, the last 600 in 36.4.

Showbastian Coe, trained by Mike Breslin has Levin jump-out wins in May and June to his credit.

Sweetjineen, a big chance at Hawera (mdn 1200m) with the blinkers going on, and former northerner Corinne ran 1000m in 1.16.6, the last 600 in 37.3. Last-start winner Semper Magico went alone in 1.18 even and 38.1.

Venato, who races at Hastings on Saturday (r65 1650m), covered 800m, the last 600 in 38.9, while Queen Of Spades (3yo 1650m) and Canucia ran 1000m in 1.11.5 and 39.5.

Last-start winner Belardo Boy was timed 1000m in 1.10.2, the last 600 in 40.1, and Super Spirit took 1.18.1 and 41.1.

Tweedledee, in the maiden hurdle at Hawera on Sunday, ran 1200m twice, ending with 600m in 41.9 and 42.1 respectively.

Sapporo, not seen since Christmas, had a Showcasing gelding alongside over 800m in 56.2, the last 600 in 41.6, and Hastings entrant Atenartin (r65 1200m) went 57.6 and 41.3.

Des De Jeu ran 1200m twice, ending with 600m in 42.5 on the second occasion, and he runs in the r74 2100m on Sunday.