Sea Monarch and Cholula won plenty of admirers with a strong gallop in testing conditions at Awapuni this morning.
Fast work was on the outside of the course proper, where Sea Monarch and Cholula were paired over 1000m in 1.17.4, coming the final 800m in 54.7, the last 600 in 40.7.
Sea Monarch has had one unplaced resuming race in a new campaign, albeit five weeks ago, but has been working impressively ever since. He keeps improving.
Meanwhile, It has been a long time between drinks for Cholula, who is chipping away in a new campaign. Another victory is close at hand.
Last-start winner Far Site and maiden stablemate Fabian Hawk were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.22.4, increasing the tempo to finish with 800m in 59.9, the last 600 in 40.6. It was pleasing work.
Sacred Pearl, who is holding her form solidly, and Mormaire covered 1000m in 1.18, coming the final 800m in 57.2, the last 600 in 41.7.
Unraced six-year-old Jhadira (by Haradasun), who will debut at Woodville on Friday, did well to run 800m in 55.3, the last 600 in 41.1. She has recorded a win and a second at the Levin jump-outs.
Balalaika and Barzetti ran 800m in 60.9, the last 600 in 43.3, and their stablemate Zackery went alone in 60.8 and 44.5.
Canbiteabit was timed 1000m in 1.20 6, the last 600 in 46.7, while Nun So Bad and Blackcomb went together in 1.25.3 and 46.8. Almeraki clocked 1.25.6 and 47.1.
Top mare Belclare, shaping up for spring racing, was kept to 800m in 66.1, the last 600 in 48.2. She won five races last season.
Tweedledee ran 1200m twice, being timed from the 1000m each time in 1.26 and 48.7, then 1.23 and 50.7. Precious Niamh left 1000m behind in a quiet 1.32 even, the last 600 in 50.6.