Racing: Slick work by Vaalu

Vaalu tuned up for the Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day with a slick gallop at Matamata yesterday.

Galloping 10 metres out on an easy course proper, Vaalu was accompanied by Maroofity over 1000m in 1:01.4, maintaining a strong gallop for a final 600m in 35.6. Vaalu missed the first day at Ellerslie because of a wide draw, but yesterday's hitout showed he is right on target for the big sprint. Maroofity also looked good in his preparation for the feature 1600 metre event on January 3.

Auckland Cup prospect The Mighty Lions also got through sound work, running her last 1200m in 1:17.8 and travelling to the finish under a hold in 38.4. She will strip fit for the big one.

Railway Stakes hopeful Clean Sweep looked very bright over 1000m in 1:03.8, the 600 in 36.5.

Zabeel Classic entrant St Jessie went with Arniston over 1200m 1:20.3, quickening for the last 600 in 37.6. Bocelli and Brave Regent were paired in a solid 1200m in 1:15.5, the 600 in 38.2. Bocelli is in the Stratford Cup on Friday, while Brave Regent runs at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Ellerslie final day candidate Crepe De Chine was full of running after 1000m in 1:06.5, the final 600 in a bold 36.5. Call It The Blues worked well to lead Bible Class to the end of 1200m in 1:16.8, the last 600 in 38.

Shastri and Opiki began easily to run 1000m in 1:10.2 and quickened impressively for a final section in 35.8. Eloquent Dancer covered 1200m in 1:19.8, the 600 in 37.7, while Penny Gem took 1:17.3 and slowed for a final 600 in 39.2.

On the sand which was good, Calveen continued her preparation for the final day at Ellerslie with a strong 1200m in 1:20.4, the 600 in 38.4. Mohawk, another for the last day, ran 1200m in 1:21.6, the 600 in 37.3, while over the same ground Royal Stakes entrant Belle Of Marju took 1:26.7 and 39.2.

Railway Handicap contender Gwen's Rules sprinted impressively with Count Trajan at Takanini.

Working on the outside of a firm No 1 grass, Gwen's Rules and Count Trajan finished 1000m in 1:1.3, the last 600 in 36.5, smart time so wide out. Count Trajan had the outside running which made his effort especially pleasing.

Sarajay ran 1000m in 1:2.9, speeding up for the final 600 in 36.4.

Pukekohe visitors Tenjuberry Mud and Coup Christchurch went 1000m in 1:2.5, the last 600 in 37.2.

Tantalic went 2000m, the last 1200 in 1:18.5, 1000 in 1:4.4 and 600 in 39.2.

Cyclades galloped 1200m in 1:18.1, the last 1000 in 1:3.7 and 600 in 39.