AWAPUNI TRACKWORK
Last-start winner Sir Beets is at the top of his game, judging by a bold semi-final trial at Awapuni this morning.
Fast work took place on the plough (good) or on the No 1 grass (holding), with most horses preparing for Waverley (Friday) or Marton (Saturday).
Sir Beets used the No 1 grass and had maiden stablemate Cher Ami for a partner over 800m in 50.8, the last 600 in 38 seconds even.
He will attempt back-to-back wins when he steps out on home turf this Saturday, while three-year-old filly Cher Ami (by Shocking) is improving all the time.
Splodge, another last-start winner from the Lisa Latta barn, worked with Keep It Savvy over 1000m in 1.9 even, the last 600 in 39 even. Splodge was quite impressive at Otaki, while Keep It Savvy is ready to fire third time back.
Jenever ended with 600m in 39.1, followed soon after by Semper Magico and Super Flash, who ran 1000m in 1.6.2, the last 60 in 40 even. Semper Magico showed his true talent winning at Awapuni last start.
Steely Zeb and Belclare, who both ran on well for fourth in separate races at Otaki, warmed up from the 1000m (1.10.3) to run home the last 600 in 40.3.
Gaelic Spirit, who cleared maidens in fine style at Wanganui last start, was kept to 800m in 56.4, the last 600 in 42.2. She will hold her form while the tracks are heavy.
On the plough, Kusuda caught the eye with her 1000m in 1.7 even, the last 600 in 37.1. She is mixing her form, but probably prefers any track better than heavy.
Bee Sting, unplaced on debut early last month, stretched out boldly over 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 37.2, and she is a definite improver.
Her stablemate Obrigado worked over a quiet round and a half before warming up on the second circuit to run 800m in 50.5, the last 600 in 37.9. Prince Turbo and Khalfani ended with 600m in 37.3.
Atenartin left 800m behind in 51.6, the last 600 in 37.5, and Favoloso, who ran his best race last start (third), clocked 53.1 and 38.4.
Valhalla Rising and Albufeira, who were both nominated for Waverley, were paired over 1000m in 1.10.3, the last 600 in 38.6.
Precious Niamh (by Niagara), unplaced in her two starts last month, ended with 600m in 39 even, and Derecho recorded 39.1.
Jugador was timed 800m in 54.3, the last 600 in 39.4, while a Pins two-year-old filly and a Niagara three-year-old gelding, both trained by Mark Oulaghan, ran 1000m in 1.10.2 and 40.3.