Lisa Latta-trained Old Town Road earned some respect for Saturday's open sprint at Te Rapa when he galloped at Awapuni on Thursday morning.

All the horses timed used the plough, with Old Town Road, ridden by Jonathan Riddell, covering 1000m in 1.3.8, coming the final 800m in 49.8, the last 600 in 36.9.

The seven-year-old, one of the most consistent gallopers in commission, has not won a race for just over a year, but his form-line is strong.

In 40 career starts, which includes seven wins and eight seconds, the gelding has finished further back than fifth just six times for total earnings exceeding $258,000.

He meets a strong line-up on Saturday, but is down in the weights to 54.5kg from a good draw, with northern hoop Craig Grylls engaged to ride.

Meanwhile, lightly raced four-year-old Opawa Scarlett, ridden by co-trainer Shaun Fannin, was in fine touch this morning as well. She cut out 1000m in 1.4.8, with the final 800m taking 50.3, the last 600 in 35.7.

The mare won a maiden race on debut at Trentham in May and was then put aside. She finished third at the synthetic trials early last month and was unplaced when resuming at Wanganui three weeks ago.

Three-year-old filly Rushin Home, who won a Foxton trial last week, and four-year-old mare Call A Friend were paired over 800m in 54 seconds even, the last 600 in 39.2.

Their stablemate Pepeha was given an easy 800m in 57.1, the last 600 in 40.4, and Ima Brazen One from the same barn clocked 57.7 and 40.5.