Cosentino, from the Kevin and Stephen Gray stable, looked ready to return to winning form, judging by his bold gallop at Awapuni on Tuesday morning.

All fast work was against the rail on the course proper, but some early gallops could not be timed because of poor light and light misty rain.

By El Roca, the sire of Karaka Millions 2YO winner Dream Roca, Cosentino worked alone over 1000m in 1.5.5, increasing the tempo as he went to finish with 800m in 49.8, the last 600 in 35.2.

The four-year-old won his first race on grass (Tauherenikau) 13 months ago, but last winter added three victories on the synthetic track at Awapuni. He is worth respect at Trentham on Saturday.

Knickerless and stablemate Platinum Pantheon lost no kudos this morning when they worked together over 1000m in 1.3.1, the last 600 in 35 seconds even.

Knickerless won at Trentham in early December on a Good-4. She has not paid a dividend in three successive races on the same track, yet her track gallops in the interim have been right up to the mark.

Platinum Pantheon (by Hanseatic) has not raced since winning a sprint double in the South Island last spring.

Cheval de Foudre caught the eye with his solo 1000m in 1.5.8, the last 600 in 35.4, and he has not raced since finishing fourth in the Manawatu Cup at Trentham last month.

Anderson Bridge, who let an army of supporters down last start, was another to work alone and covered 800m in 50.6, the last 600 in 35.5. His stablemate Kawakawa clocked 51.3 and 35 seconds even.

Casta Shadow and a Sweynesse filly were paired over 800m in 52.6, the last 600 in 35.7, while Taupo Dancer and Loose Jewels went 51 seconds even and 36.1.

Charmstruck, unplaced on debut in the Wellesley Stakes four weeks ago, and unraced two-year-old She's A Weapon (by Armory) ran 1000m in 1.7.8, the last 600 in 36.8. They are fillies in the Didham barn.

Their stablemates Pistachio and City Gold Dragon matched strides over 1000m in 1.8.5, the last 600 in 36.5, while Kawatiri and Furiosa recorded 1.9.9 and 36.2.

Silent Is Gold worked alone over 800m in 52.1, the last 600 in 36.3, and his stablemate Cooper required 53.1 and 37.2. Shameless Star clocked 54.9 and 38.3.

Wellington Cup prospects Crouch and Call A Friend went 1200m, being timed from the 1000m in 1.7.5, with the final 800m taking 52.9, the last 600 in 38.1.

Their stablemates Kosta and French Doll did similar work, without being pushed to the limit either, covering 1000m in 1.11.7 and 54.8, the last 600 in 38.9.