Thooza (Tony Pike) was one of the standout workers of the morning, finishing strongly over her final 600m in 39.9. The Cambridge Stud-owned Almanzor mare was an encouraging third in the Listed Team Wealleans Tauranga Classic at weight-for-age last start and appears to have improved ahead of Saturday's Agfirst Engineering Opunake Cup.
Another Opunake Cup contender to impress was Mr Mojo Risin' (Andrew Forsman), who worked alongside stablemate Zanzibar, recording 39.2 for their final 600m on the soft back grass. Mr Mojo Risin' has been racing consistently, winning two starts ago before finishing runner-up in the Lawn Shed Winter Series Sprinters Final. Zanzibar is set to contest the Rating 75 1600m at New Plymouth.
Among the other notable performances:
- Astoria Brooke & Pure Lotus (Tony Pike) – 38.9, the quickest 600m of the morning.
- The Giggler (James/Wellwood) – 39.3, an eye-catching gallop.
- Swiss Prince (Stephen Marsh) – 39.2 after 1100m of work, another sharp effort.
- Paddy Murphy – 39.4, an encouraging hit-out after placing on debut.
- Eliud – 39.7.
- Honey Honey & Cape Reinga – 39.7.
- Onetangi & Just Cruising – 39.8.
- Starlit Express & Want More – 39.8.
Stephen Marsh's unbeaten filly Well Written pleased despite only working quietly, running her final 600m in 41.2 as she prepares for a spring campaign.
Other workers included:
- Lovegold & London Bound – 39.9
- Head Over Boots, Clevedon Bay & Pearling Crown – 40.2
- Shestheone & Molto Spirito – 800m in 55.0, last 600m in 40.2
- Kahului – 40.2
- Oberon – 40.1
- Shirase & Truly Divine – 40.9
- Perfect Pour – 40.9
- Dragon's Gift – 42.2 (quiet work)
The remainder of the Stephen Marsh team completed quieter gallops:
- Feel The Stag – 39.6
- Tardelli – 39.9
- Bourbon And Soda – 41.2
- Ignore Me Not – 41.3
- Miss Janet – 41.3
- Sultan Of Suave – 41.4
- Hello Angel – 41.6
- Smokefall – 41.7
- Genie – 41.8
- Shambo Jack – 41.1
Morning Standouts
- Astoria Brooke / Pure Lotus – 38.9
- Mr Mojo Risin' / Zanzibar – 39.2
- Swiss Prince – 39.2
- The Giggler – 39.3
- Paddy Murphy – 39.4
- Thooza – Strong through the line in 39.9, looking well placed for the Opunake Cup.