Horses with engagements at Saturday’s big meeting at Pukekohe were the centre of attention at Matamata on Tuesday morning, where most fast work took place on the plough.
Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes entries Lux Libertas and Kelly Coe looked the part in separate hitouts over 1000m. Kelly Coe (Farr) got through her task in a deceptive 1:02.8 and 36.6, and was followed by Lux Libertas (Leighton) in an equally impressive 1:02.3 and 36.2. The O’Sullivan/Scott-trained pair are in excellent order for Saturday’s fillies and mares’ feature.
Race rival Campionessa (Bosson) was accompanied by Malborough Bay (Pinn) over a well-held 1000m in 1:07.6 and 37.4. Campionessa has followed a similar pathway to last year when she won the Breeders’ Stakes after being freshened and looks sharp for the weekend. Malborough Bay will take some beating at New Plymouth on Friday.
Counties Cup candidates Quali Al Farrasha (Pinn) and Cognito (Bosson) were paired in a solid workout over 1200m in 1:18.6, with the last 1000m in 1:03.4 and 600m in 37. Sassy Lass (Farr) prepared for the Counties Cup with solo work over 1200m in 1:18.4, maintaining the tempo for a final 1000m in 1:03.6 and 600m in 37.1.
Te Akau juveniles To Bravery Born (Bosson) and Return To Conquer (Pinn) shaped up for their black-type assignment at Pukekohe with 1000m in 1:07.8, quickening in style from the 600m in 36.2.
Counties Bowl entry Waitak (Leighton) had plenty up his sleeve at the end of 1000m in 1:06.4 and 36.8. Race rival Karman Line (Farr) cut out the same distance in 1:04.6 and 37, while Rocababy (Halliday) looked sharp as she recorded 1:03.8 and 35.9.
Jolted (Turner), who is on the borderline for a start in the Counties Cup but has an option in Rating 75 grade at Pukekohe, had pace on from the 1200m to record 1:16.8, 1:02.1 and 37.8. Wanganui entry Drop Of Something (Jaffer) was timed over 1000m in 1:04.5 and 36.5, Petrucci (Bosson) ran the same distance well-held in 1:05.5 and 37.1, as did Hankee Alpha (Tynan) in 1:09 and 39.8.
Rule Of Law (Sheehan) and Akenehi (Pinn) had more pace on over 1000m to record 1:03.9 and 36.3. Therapeutic (Wratten) and Lovearoadie (Halliday) also wasted no time in 1:02.4 and 37, while Livid Sky (Sanson) took 1:04.6 and 37.
Sonoran (Prendergast) and Ten Foot Tall (Allen) left 1000m behind in 1:05.6 and 37.2, while He’z Dramatic (McQuade) and Illuminated Miss (Turner) returned 1:07.8 and 39. Kananaskis (Sanson) was timed over 800m in 52 and 38.5.
Counties Cup entry Wolfgang was ridden by co-trainer Shaun McKay on the No. 1 sand, where he completed striding work with 600m in 40.4. He has continued to thrive since his Ellerslie placing in the Balmerino Stakes.
On the course proper, where the going was good 20 metres out, Pukekohe runners Reputation (Nishizuka) and Pericles (Parmar) worked well over 1200m in 1:18.8, the last 1000m in 1:04 and 600m in 37.6. Shoes (Nishizuka) was well held over 1000m in 1:08.4 and 38.5. Off the back of a hat-trick on her way through the grades, she will step up to stakes company in the Counties Bowl.