AWAPUNI TRACKWORK 
 

Semper Magico did not set the world alight in training this morning, but there is no doubting his readiness to put back-to-back wins together at home base on Saturday.

Fast work was light when horses galloped on the heavy No 1 grass or the plough (good).

Semper Magico (open 1550m) used the No 1 grass and covered 1000m in 1.9.2, the last 600 in 39.6. He is building nicely for a tilt on the Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton in four weeks.

In-form Jimmy Choux gelding Venato left 800m behind in 54.4, the last 600 in 39.9, and Derecho recorded 54.1 and 40.3. Atenartin, in the r65 1400m on Saturday, clocked 54.9 and 40.8. All three are trained by Matthew Eales.

Rock Island Line (open 1550m), who has chalked up multiple minor placings, was not out to run time when posting 1.16.4 for 1000m, the last 600 in 43.4. He has not won a race for two years.

On the plough, Favoloso (mdn 1300m) had trainer Lucy Tanner aboard over 800m in 53.4, the last 600 in 39 seconds even. He is much fitter for recent racing and there was plenty of merit in his last-start third at Awapuni.

A Turn Me Loose-Shi Kin Fly two-year-old gelding and a Per Incanto-Letsgetiton three-year-old filly sprinted 600m in 43.7, and a Turn Me Loose-Stunning Princess two-year-old and a Tivaci-Hazel two-year-old took 43.6. All four are trained by Peter Didham.