KEY POINTS:
Darci Brahma was again the star trackworker at Matamata yesterday as he rounded off his preparation for the Waikato Draught Sprint.
Galloping 18m out on a dead course proper, Darci Brahma (Bosson) was partnered by Congaline (Sapsworth) over a solid 1200m, cutting out the distance in 1:16.9, the
last 1000m in 1:02.6 and 600m in 36.7.
The work only served to underline Darci Brahma's condition going into tomorrow's weight-for-age feature. He is right at the top of his game. It was also good work from Congaline, who runs at Rotorua next Wednesday.
Waikato Draught Sprint second favourite Jokers Wild (Coleman) got through his work well when covering 1200m in 1:20.7, the last 1000m in 1:06.2 and 600m in 38. He is forward for his first start since the Levin Classic in late November.
Whakanui Stakes favourite Sharvasti (Smellie) was not after time when sent over 1200m, clocking 1:29.3 for the full distance, 1:11 from the 1000m and 38.8 over the final 600m. Race rival Pentane (O'Sullivan) had more speed on for his 1200m, taking 1:22.2 and 38.6 for the final section.
Stablemate Charliehorse (Rastrick) looked well when running the last 1000m of his work in 1:06.6 and 600m in 38.3. Velvet And Satin (C. Lammas) did solid work over 1200m in 1:19, the final 60m in 38.6.
Rivals in the Sir Tristram Classic to run over the same ground were Like Me Wild (Turner), who took 1:22.4 and 37.9, Veloce Bella (M Brosnan), 1:20.4 and 38.8, Soelin (Bosson), 1:21 and 39.3, Keep The Passion (C. Ormsby), 1:29.2 and 39.4, and Irlanda (Dowling), 1:32.2 and 43.
On the sand, which was firm, Princess Coup (Bosson) confirmed her favouritism for the Sir Tristram Classic when she cut out 1200m in 1:17.5, the last 1000m in 1:03.5 and 600m in 37.5. She is thriving.
Whakanui Stakes runner Maroofity (Boson) strode through his 1200m in 1:21.6 and 600m in 39.2. Young Centaur (Sliz) completed his Te Rapa preparation with 800m in 53.5 and 600m in 40.3, Johari (Smellie) ran in from the 600m in 41.2, and Lottin Ridge (Weatherley) clocked 51.2 for 800m and 37.6 for the last 600m.
On the all-weather track Imananabaa (C. Lammas) prepared for the Waikato Draught Sprint by running her last 800m in 53 and 600m in 37.4. Race rival Clifton Prince (McKay) ran in from the 600m freely in 36.2, while Kerry O'Reilly (Gray) finished off two rounds with 600m in 42.4. He is in good order for Whakanui.
* Tatlock was again impressive in training at Cambridge yesterday morning when preparing for Te Rapa this weekend. Galloping on a firm plough Tatlock (Holmes) travelled sweetly throughout 1000m, completing the final 800m in 48.7. He is a strong chance in the Rating 92 1200.
The Guitar Man (Tata) and Primo (Gould) hit out strongly over 1000m in 1:1, sprinting the concluding 600m in 35.9. Hagar (Whitworth) worked nicely over 1000m, the final 800m in 48.8. Danny Cool (O'Styke) left 1000m behind in 1:4, the final section in 37.5.
Leica Guv (Du Plessis), who is coming to hand well in a fresh preparation, worked in fine style over 1200m in 1:14.5, the last 600m in 35.4. Dauntless (Wood) and Saint Zed (medium weight) finished together after completing the final 600m of work in 36.6. Flute (Callaway) was given an easy hit-out over 1000m in 1:9, the last 600m in 40.
Galloping on the Nol grass The Silence Sir (Waters) returned 38s for 600m.
* Towzee promised further good form at Te Rapa tomorrow if his work at Pukekohe yesterday was any indication.
Using the all-weather sand, Towzee (N. Collett) paceworked round to the 800m and then, given a little rein, covered the last 600 comfortably in 39. He has not raced for six weeks but usually performs well when fresh.
Gallions Reach (Spratt) was given a very easy 16000m, taking 1:30.1 for the final 1200 and 44.9 for the 600. A beaten favourite last time out, he is better drawn tomorrow and should atone.
He looks as well as ever.
Kingsinga (Judy Collett) looked thoroughly fit for the weight-for-age 2000m when paceworking twice round.
In pacework, top 2-year-old Crossyourheart (N. Collett) seemed better than ever and Cog Hill (Judy Collett) appeared to be coming to hand well.