With Tuesday morning’s trackwork session taking place in wet and very windy weather, combined with relatively light weekend entries, fast work was at a minimum at Matamata.

Galloping wide out on a heavy course proper, War Of Succession (Hassman) drew attention to his weekend prospects when he strode over ground, timed from the 1200m in 1:24.8, respectable time in the conditions.

The Walker/Bergerson-trained gelding completed his hitout with 1000m in 1:09 and the final 600m in 39.8. After a last-start third in Rating 75 grade at Ellerslie three weeks ago, War Of Succession steps up to open grade back there on Saturday and even with the rise in class he warrants respect at the venue where three of his four wins have been scored.

Likely rival Fly My Wey had trainer Mark Bosnan in the saddle in similar work, cutting his last 1200m in 1:24.8, the last 1000m in 1:09.6 and final 600m in 41.4. Fly My Wey looks improved for his recent bold first-up run over 1600m, when he would have finished closer than fifth but for copping a significant check when attempting to join the action inside the final 200m.

Ellerslie two-year-old candidate Judy’s Smarties (L Singh) was partnered with Run Don’t Walk (P Singh) over a well-held 1000m in 1:13.4, the last 600m in 41.6. Judy’s Smarties, a Sword of State colt with Wexford Stables, has had a thorough trial preparation ahead of his raceday debut and looked the part when winning at Taupo in his most recent appearance.

Pokuru Gold and Desert Mystic, two of the horses who missed a start at Te Aroha on Monday due to the severe wind, were both allowed a well-contained hitout in preparation for Thursday’s rerun of the remaining races on the Te Aroha programme.

Open sprint candidate Pokuru Gold (Azrul) was timed over his final 600m in 43.2, while Rating 75 1600 entry Desert Mystic (Leighton) completed similar work, clocking 42.6