Platinum Designs emphasised what an improved horse he is with a very satisfactory final gallop at Awapuni this morning.

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

Platinum Designs used the plough and had Jonathan Riddell aboard over 1000m in 1.3.4, the last 600 in 36.1.

The three-year-old son of U S Navy Flag cleared maidens at Otaki (1400m) last start with Riddell in the saddle.

However, the gelding will be ridden by Joe Doyle in the MAAT 1400 at Trentham on Saturday, and the ace draw looks a big bonus.

Princessa Gold, who raced three wide without cover at Otaki last start, covered 1000m in 1.7.3, the last 600 in 37.3.

Desert Gold Stakes prospect Fashion Icon and stablemate Moon Money (r65 1400m) were paired over 800m in 52, the last 600 in 38.4, which was all trainer Peter Didham was looking for.

Both horses plus three others from the Didham stable, will be ridden on Saturday by visiting Australian jockey Daniel Stackhouse.

Maggie McMuffin, who is not having much luck in her races, ran 1000m in 1.7.8, the last 600 in 38.2, and she is close to chalking up her maiden victory.

Wellington entrants Sevenayes (MAAT 1400m) and Revolt (r65 1200m) were timed 800m in 54.5, the last 600 in 39.5, while Pepeha and Hot Dip, two more from the Breslin barn, took 54.4 and 39.3.

Revolt won fresh up at Otaki just before Christmas with Kozzi Asano aboard, but he and Sevenayes will be ridden on Saturday by Masa Hashizume.

Rimutaka Classic runner Benefactor, who has been in top form this campaign, worked alone over 1000m in 1.9.1, the last 600 in 39.6. He won at Hastings last start with Kate Hercock in the saddle, and she retains the mount.

Showbastian Coe (r65 1200m) was never in top gear over 800m, the last 600 in 39.7, and his stablemates, unraced three-year-old filly Gorgeous Grace (by Alamosa) and Parisian Poppy, ran 800m in 53.6 and 40.1.

Authentic Paddy's half-brother Final Chapter did two quiet rounds with a 600m sprint at the end of each one in 40.2 and 36.1 respectively. He was fourth at Tauherenikau and is making solid progress.

Danjuro (3yo 1200m) and Bellucci were not chasing the clock over 1000m, the last 600 in 43.7.

On the synthetic track, Sparta from the Bryce Newman stable was timed 1000m in 1.7.5, with the final 800m taking 49.3, the last 600 in 36.2.

Her stablemates Uncle Arch and Fablue were given a similar assignment, covering 1000m in 1.5.7 and 800m in 50.4, the last 600 in 37.7. All three could race at Trentham on Saturday week.

This Saturday's entrants Voice Over (3yo 1200m) and Wal (MAAT 1400m) were given an easy 600m sprint 41.6.

Kana, in the r75 1000m, was kept to a quiet 600m in 43.2, and she has not raced since the NZ Cup meeting in November.

She won on the first day (r75 1100m) down there, but was unplaced in the Stewards' Stakes seven days later. This mare could be the giant-killer with Stackhouse aboard.

Papa Surf and her Darci Brahma gelding stablemate ran an easy 600m in 45.3.