Fast work was held 2-3 metres out from the rail on the course proper amid rainy conditions. The track surface got heavier as the session progressed.

Leica Ace was one of the first to use the course and had unraced four-year-old mare Queen Of France (by Ace High) for a partner over 1000m in 1.9.5, with the final 800m taking 53.3, the last 600 in 37.6.

Leica Ace is chasing a maiden success on Sunday after three seconds and a third from his six starts so far. Two of his seconds came in successive races at Woodville this time last year.

Rithim (r60 mile) and first starter Bellass (mdn 3yo 1200m) were paired over 800m in 53.9, the last 600 in 37.7, while Lumos Solem and a Written By maiden, both trained by Samantha Finnegan, took 54.5 and 37.8.

Maiden hurdler Sweettest worked in good style over 1000m in 1.7.7, coming the final 800m in  53.9, the last 600 in 38.4.

She was placed over hurdles at Trentham last month and since then has been unplaced on the flat at Waverley before a Foxton trial win (1400m) two weeks ago. She deserves the utmost respect at Woodville on Sunday (mdn hurdle).

Audax (by The Bold One), who debuts in the maiden 1400m, did nice work on his own over 800m in 53.3, the last 600 in 38 seconds even. He has three successive trial placings under his belt going into Sunday's race.

His stablemate Sandbar (mdn 3yo 1200m) did 800m in 56.4, the last 600 in 39.3, while Weneedashock and unraced stablemate New York (by Ace High) recorded 56.6 and 39.8.

Weneedashock, in Sunday's open hurdle race, schooled over fences before he came out for his gallop.

Donnybrook, in the open 2000m at New Plymouth on Saturday, was timed his last 600 in 39.2, and should go well in the small field, with Lisa Allpress booked for the ride.

Startles, who will wear side winkers on Sunday (mdn 3yo 1200m), and a Trapeze Artist maiden, sprinted 600m in 40 seconds even. They are trained by Chrissy Bambry. 

I Toldyou (by Ribchester), who debuts in the maiden 1400m, and stablemate Wonderboy covered 1000m in 1.11.8, the last 600 in 40.2, and Belardo Boy ended with 40.3.

Charmstruck (mdn 3yo 1200m), who will have the blinkers off on Sunday. and stablemate Baronies ran 800m in 57.1, the last 600 in 40.1.

Unraced three-year-olds And So We Pray (by Bivouac) and Joyful Anna (by Proisir) went 800m in 58.7, the last 600 in 40.7, and their stablemate Turn It Up clocked 56.6 and 41.7.

Ride The Tide, in on Sunday (r65 2200m), had trainer Marieke Simons aboard over 800m in 57.3, the last 600 in 41.1, while Chelsea Rose posted 57.3 and 41.8.

He's A Doozy, building again for spring racing, ran a quiet 1000m in 1.12.3, the last 600 in 41.7, while his stablemates Platinum La Danse, in on Sunday (mdn 3yo 1200m), and Manzor Blue went together in 1.12.7 and 41.5.

Wingman and Too Sweet did 1000m in 1.12.8, the last 600 in 42 seconds even, and Sunday's open hurdle runner Semper Magico was kept to 1.14.7 and 43.1.

Foxton visitor Came True, an acceptor at New Plymouth on Saturday (r65 1400m), and unraced three-year-old stablemate Woolf (by Tivaci) ended with 43.6, while Lady Anglesea, off to Woodville (r60 mile), took 43.7.