Fast work during a quiet session was held five or six metres out from the rail on the course proper, with just one workout on the plough.

Belardo Boy covered 1000m in 1.8.9, warming to his task to finish with 800m in 52 seconds even, the last 600 in 37.3.

Platinum Diamond was the next to go, completing her 1000m in 1.9.4, with the final 800m taking 51.8, the last 600 in 37.2. She will have an addition to the gear on Saturday in the form of a tongue tie.

These two, plus Benefactor, give trainer Lisa Latta a strong hand in the Opunake Cup.

Time honours went to in-form middle-distance stayer McKhan, who had his trainer Ashley Meadows aboard over 1000m in 1.5.9, coming his final 800m in 49.8, the last 600 in 35.7.

McKhan has won his last two in a row, the latest over 2200 metres at Waverley two weeks ago. He will now tackle the $100,000 Taumarunui Cup (2200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday week.

Last-start Trentham winner Farravallo, who runs at Otaki the same day, sprinted 600m in 36.9, and was keen to go a lot quicker.

His stablemate Bradman, in the $110,000 Winter Cup a week later, was kept to 1000m in 1.10.4, the last 600 in 39.5.

My Alibi, off to New Plymouth on Saturday (r75 mile), also worked alone, being timed 1000m in 1.11.3, the final 800m in 54.6, and the last 600 in 39.3.

Identikit (open 1800m) and Sir Mikki went 1000m together in 1.11.8, the last 600 in 39.7, and Wonderboy, working on his own, clocked 1.14.9 and 39.9.

Subtle Image, down to race on the synthetic track tomorrow (Friday), and rising three-year-old Charmstruck (by Anders) were kept to 800m in 56.1, the last 600 in 39.3. Charmstruck has not raced since Waitangi Day in February.

Testing and No Love Lost ran 800m in 56.2, the last 600 in 40.8, and smart filly War Princess ended a quiet 800m with 600 in 44.6.

On the plough, last-start winner Al Passo, in at Awapuni tomorrow, and a Vespa filly ran a quiet 800m in 59.4, the last 600 in 42.3.