Wellington entrant Timberlake emphasised his fitness with another solid gallop at Awapuni this morning.
Fast work was held on the heavy course proper, where Timberlake had stablemate Canucia for a
partner over 1000m in 1.15.5, the last 600 in 40.4.
Timberlake missed a run at Hawera (abandoned) last Sunday, when he was expected to perform up to the best of his ability.
Another week of work in testing conditions at Awapuni can only have brought him on further for Trentham this Saturday (Whyte Hcp).
He will be ridden for the first time by apprentice jockey Temyia Taiaroa, who will claim 2kg, bringing the weight down to 52kg.
A winning run would almost certainly confirm a tilt at the Winter Cup at Riccarton in three weeks' time.
His stablemate Canucia missed a run at Hawera as well, and a resuming run for her is on hold momentarily.
Dal Kilchoan, who tackles the Wellington Hurdles on Saturday, covered 1000m this morning in 1.20.8, the last 600 in 42.8, and his stablemate Super Spirit clocked 1.27.1 and 42.5.
Last-start winner Semper Magico (r74 1400m) came in from the 1000m in 1.22.6, the last 600 in 43.5, and Platinum Fury took 1.29.2 and 43.9.
Atenartin (r65 1400m) completed 800m in 59.7, the last 600 in 43.6, and Master Fin (mdn hurdles) did 1000m in 1.21.7 and 44.6.
Maiden four-year-old Kentucky Boy (by Jakkalberry) ran 1000m in 1.25.6, the last 600 in 45.9. He has not raced for over 12 months.