Abbakiss looked ready to repel a strong northern challenge in Sunday's Wellington Stakes when she galloped in great fashion at Awapuni on Thursday morning.

The majority of fast work was held on the middle of the course proper, where Abbakiss had senior rider Erin Leighton aboard over 1000m in 1.6.9, coming the final 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 36.2.

The Microphone filly is a last-start winner of a 3yo 1400m at Waverley two weeks ago and has trained on solidly. Kate Hercock rode her that day and keeps the mount at Otaki.

Time honours this morning went to Mike Breslin-trained stablemates Pepeha and Papa Surf, who were the last to use the course proper. They sped over 800m in 49 seconds even, the last 600 in 35.1.

Pepeha returned to winning form at Waipukurau last Sunday week, his first success for 12 months.

The assertiveness of the victory, and this follow-up gallop, suggests he hasn't finished winning just yet. His next race is likely to be at Tauherenikau on Wednesday week. 

Wanganui acceptors Qacentina (r65 1200m) and Sir Mikki (r75 mile) were paired over 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 36.5, and Omega Boy, in at Otaki on Sunday (r75 1400m), posted 51.4 and 36.9.

Gray-trained Toronto was timed 800m in 54.2, the last 600 in 37.6, while Heza Monty and unraced four-year-old Derrick (by Derryn), both trained by Ashley Meadows, took 54.5 and 37.1.

Hard Too Think (by All Too Hard) sprinted 600m in 37.7, and his stablemate Silent Is Gold (by Star Turn) posted 38 seconds even.

They are former Singapore gallopers in the Gray stable who have not raced in New Zealand since early in the year. Silent Is Gold was a last-start winner at Wanganui in April.

Last-start Waipukurau winner Thrilling had stablemate Damiano for a partner over 1000m in 1.8.7, the last 600 in 38.2.

A Contributer gelding and an Almanzor gelding, both trained by Bryce Newman, ran 800m in 53.8, the last 600 in 38.1, while Levin acceptor Midnight Dart (2yo 1100m), a winner on debut, and Port Chalmer went together in 54 seconds even and 38.3.

War Princess, in the 3yo fillies' 1340m at Wanganui, left 800m behind in 54.5, the last 600 in 38.2, and she is seeking a winning hat-trick on Saturday.

Platinum Goddess (mdn 2040m) and Platinum Tyche (r65 2040m), two more for Wanganui, ran 1000m in 1.10.8, the last 600 in 39.5, and Cosentino, in at Otaki, went 800m alone in 55.8 and 39.4.

Lantern Way (r65 1340m) was timed 1000m in 1.12.7, the last 600 in 40.1, and Zackery (r65 2040m) did 800m in 53.9, the last 600 in 40.2. He will have blinkers added to the gear on Saturday.

Wingman, in at Otaki (r75 1400m), was not after time over 1000m in 1.14.8, coming the final 800m in 57.6, the last 600 in 41.4. Neither were his stablemates Nadheema (r65 1340m) and Too Sweet with 800m in 56.8.

Vee Vee (r75 mile) and Our Giulia did similar work over 1000m in 1.15.9, the last 600 in 42.2, while Merroca and unraced Darci Brahma mare Epitome, two more from the Bergerson barn, did 800m in 59.8 and 42.1.

Uncle Arch (r75 mile) was kept to three-quarter pace over 600m in 47.1, and his stablemate Casino took 44.4.

On the plough, Wanganui Cup lightweight Sailor Jack had co-trainer Shaun Fannin in the saddle over 1200m in a quiet 1.12.7, the last 600 in 42.4.

On the synthetic track, Reservoir and unraced four-year-old Waititi (by Reliable Man) ran 1000m in 1.8.7, coming the final 800m in  52.6, the last 600 in 38.9.