Fast work was held on the middle of the course proper or on the plough as horses prepared for Waverley on Friday or Otaki on Saturday.

Bold Belle used the course proper and gathered speed from the 1000m to complete the final 800m in 48.8, the last 600 in 34.6.

Trained by Bryce Newman, the seven-year-old finished sixth, five lengths from the winner, when resuming in the Lightning Handicap at Trentham three weeks ago. She now heads to Otaki this Saturday.

Epitome (by Darci Brahma) did similar work when galloping with well-performed stablemate Bradman, running home their final 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 34.7. Epitome won at the Waipukurau jump-outs two weeks ago. 

Coulthard, who boasts three seconds from his last four runs, and last-start maiden winner Belle's Charm lost no kudos with a smart 1000m in 1.4.2, the last 600 in 35.3.

Jungle Jane, trained by the Gray partnership, had Bruno Queiroz in the saddle over 1000m in 1.6.5, clocking 49.9 for the final 800m, the last 600 in 35.5.

Heza Monty, racing on Friday, had trainer Ashley Meadows aboard in similar work, covering 1000m in 1.6.4 and 50.4, the last 600 in 35.8, and he continues to gallop solidly.

Zackery and Kawatiri were paired over 1000m in 1.7.1, the last 600 in 35.9, while Friday acceptor Casino went alone in 1.9.3 and 35.6.

Lightly raced maiden mare Wind Talker (by Staphanos), trained by Mark Oulaghan, caught the eye with her 1000m in 1.5.4, the last 600 in 36 seconds even, while Platinum Tyche and Thrilling went together in 1.7.2 and 36.8.

The latter's stablemates Platinum Diamond and Sax Appeal were timed 1000m in 1.7.3, the last 600 in 36.3, followed soon after by Ashley Meadows-trained maidens Derrick and Route Five Reaper (by Shocking) in 1.8.2 and 36.2.

Keepitinyourwallet worked alone over 1000m in 1.8.4, the last 600 in 36.6, and Casta Shadow required 1.9 even and 36.8. Weneedashock and Fourty Eight went together in 1.11 even and 36.7.

Idyllic left 800m behind in 51.6, the last 600 in 36.5, and her stablemate Taupo Dancer clocked 52.9 and 37.3. Sotirio took 53.4 and 37.4.

East End Lad and Sevenayes matched strides over 1000m in 1.9.2, the last 600 in 37.5, while Too Sweet and unraced two-year-old High Rock (by Tivaci) posted 1.10.3 and 37.6. High Rock won at the Foxton trials last month.

The latter's stablemates Timex, racing on Friday, and Our Giulia (Saturday) covered 1000m in 1.10.9, the last 600 in 38.2, while Basslock and Super Flash, two more for Waverley, ended with 800m in 52.8, the last 600 in 38.1.

Former northerner Talentoso ended his work with 800m in 53.7, the last 600 in 38 seconds even, and Kereti did 53.9 and 38.1. Midnight Dart and Sir Mikki went together in 54.1 and 38.9, and Ima Brazen One took 1.11.3 and 39.2.

On the plough, Cheval de Foudre ended with 600m in 35.9, and stablemate John Doe clocked 37.9. Galeforce went 800m in 49.7, the last 600 in 36.8.

Crouch and Donnybrook were paired over 1000m in 1.6.3, the last 600 in 38.2, and Super Gold took 1.7.5 and 38.6.

Punisher and unraced three-year-old filly Tsarista (by Tarzino) were kept to 1000m in 1.12.1, the last 600 in 41 seconds even.