Contenders for Saturday’s TAB Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie on Saturday were the centre of attention at Matamata on Tuesday morning.

Aotearoa Classic favourite Legarto (Elliot) worked with Westbury Classic entry Karman Line (Farr) eight metres out on the good course proper, covering 1200m in 1:15.6. The tempo quickened for a final 1000m in 1:01.5 and the last 600m in 36.2. Legarto had the measure of her gallop mate over the final stages in what was excellent work ahead of the weekend.

Channel Surfer (B Grylls) and To Catch A Thief (Kareem) were in good form for Ellerslie over a well-run 1200m in 1:14.2, 1:01.2 and 35.2. Karaka Million 3YO entry Pendragon (Dellow) completed 1000m in good style, hitting the line well with a final 600m in 39.

Tevere (Mullineaux) looked sharp for the Westbury Classic when completing her work with 800m in 49 and 600m in 35.5. Race rival Fashion Shoot (Bosson) was paired with El Viento (Parmar) over 1000m in 1:05.6, the final 600m in a smart 36.

Almanzor Trophy rivals Tonia’s Dragon and Shoes were both ridden by Billy Jacobsen in separate gallops, with Tonia’s Dragon completing 800m in 50.7 and 36.2 and her stablemate running the same distance in 51.8 and 37.4.

On the dead plough, Karaka Millions 3YO favourite Molly Bloom (Rastrick) and Grande Gallo (Farr) were paired in sound work over 1000m in 1:04.2 and 37. Both fillies have thrived since last racing. Stablemates and race rivals Geriatrix (Rastrick) and The Weapon (Tynan) worked over 1200m in 1:17.7, quickening from the 1000m in 1:01.9 and the final 600m in an eye-catching 36.2.

Concorde Handicap entry Maven Belle (Bosson) also impressed over 1000m in 1:04.2 and 36,7, while race rival Romancing The Moon (Bosson) covered the same distance in 1:06.2 and 37.5. Our Alley Cat (A Jones) prepared for the Concorde with 1000m in 1:05.6 and 37.

Karaka Millions 3YO Talisker (Bosson) went with Accidental Tourist (Kamaruddin) over 1200m in 1:23.4, 1:06.2 and 37.6. Wild Night (Bosson) did good work ahead of the Aotearoa Classic with Aotea Lad (Kamaruddin), cutting out 1200m in 1:19, 1:03.2 and 36.7.

Almanzor Trophy candidates Star of Justice (Bosson) and Egyptian Queen (Parmar) left 1000m behind in 1:06.5, quickening from the 600m in 36.9. Navigator (Elliot) was not extended over 800m in 52.8 and 37.8.