Fast work was held against the rail on the course proper, on the plough or on the synthetic track. Poor light prevented the timing of some early gallops on the course.
Hard Too Think, trained by the Gray partnership, used the course and had senior rider Rohan Mudhoo aboard over 800m in 49.8, the last 600 in 34.9.
The former Group 1 winner from Singapore has raced four times in New Zealand without success, but does boast a second at Tauherenikau in December.
The nine-year-old gets another chance to set the record straight at Hawera on Friday or Trentham on Sunday.
Uncle Arch, fourth in the Remutaka Classic last start, and stablemate Altezza went 800m together in 49.5, the last 600 in 35.7.
Altezza was among the best workers the previous Tuesday, and both horses head to Trentham on Sunday with strong claims.
He's A Doozy and Hoorah Henry were paired over 1000m in 1.6.8, the last 600 in 36.7, while their stablemates Manzor Blue and First Edition recorded 1.7.2 and 36.8.
Hawera acceptors Tears Of Victory (r60 1400m) and Treasure Trove (mdn 1200m) were sent 800m in 50.6, the last 600 in 36.2, and Donnybrook went alone in almost identical time, 50.6 and 36.3.
Intention had Wellington Cup runner-up Crouch for a partner over 800m in 52.4, the last 600 in 36.8, while unraced three-year-old filly Baronies (by Portland Sky) and a Noverre gelding took 54.5 and 36.9. They are in the Didham stable.
Platinum Diamond and Portrush matched strides over 1000m in 1.6.9, the last 600 in 37 seconds even, and Jungle Jane went 800m on her own in 51.5 and 37.1.
Furiosa and unraced three-year-old filly Sapphire (by Sweynesse) were timed 800m in 53.4, the last 600 in 37.9, while Vahvay and She's A Weapon were kept to 56.1 and 39.3.
Ardee Boy and City Gold Dragon ended with 600m in 39.4, followed soon after by Connello (Cuddle Stakes) and Platinum Tyche in 39.6.
On the plough, Tifosi and Only The Lonely left 1000m behind in 1.10.3, the last 600 in 38.3, while an Ocean Park gelding and a Ribchester filly, both trained by Roydon Bergerson, clocked 1.17.2 and 38.2.
Waititi and Madame Labeel, both unraced in the Bergerson barn, ran 800m in 56.3, the last 600 in 40.3, and Super Gold, who has not raced since late September, took 56.1 and 41.2.
East End Lad, not seen since December, covered 800m in 57.7, the last 600 in 41.3. He was an impressive maiden winner in November.
Bold Belle, warming up for another campaign, ran 800m in 58.9, the last 600 in 42.6, and Benefactor was kept to 44.6.
On the synthetic track, unraced two-year-olds Watershed (by Bivouac) and Mac Attack (by Harry Angel) ran 800m in 57.7, the last 600 in 40.9. Ima Brazen One was kept to 46.6.