Fast work was on the plough or the synthetic track.

The Liquidator used the plough and had trainer Leon Mudgway aboard over a quiet round before galloping from the 1000m in 1.5.5, with the final 800m taking 50.2, the last 600 in 36.9.

He has had two races over a sprint distance in a new campaign and steps up to a mile on Sunday much fitter. Senior jockey Kate Hercock continues her association with the War Decree gelding.

John Doe (r65 1400m), a maiden winner at Otaki two starts ago, was timed 1000m in 1.9.2, increasing the tempo as he went to finish with 800m in 52.6, the last 600 in 37.9. He will appreciate the easing of the ground.

An unraced Sweynesse filly trained by Mark Oulaghan was sent 1000m in 1.7.5, the last 600 in 38.2, and her unraced stablemate Basslock (by Shocking) took 1.10.3 and 39.1.

Otaki acceptor Jacobite Rising (mdn mile), unlucky last start, and Wingman were paired over an even 1000m in 1.12.9, coming the final 800m in 55.9, the last 600 in 40.4. Wingman will race at Matamata on Saturday week. 

Port Chalmer, another in the maiden mile, did similar work and clocked 1.14.2 for 1000m, with the final 800m taking 56.1, the last 600 in 41.2.

Sevenayes (r75 mile) was kept to 800m in 56 seconds even, the last 600 in 40.2, while two Lisa Latta-trained unraced two-year-olds, by Per Incanto and Ace High respectively, took 56.1 and 40.3.

Otaki runners Under Orders and Qacentina left 1000m behind in 1.14.6, covering the final 800m in 57.5, the last 600 in 42.1.

Platinum Tyche ended 800m with 600 in 42 seconds even; Silent Applause (mdn 1200m) and unraced Pippasjewel (by Proisir) 43.3; and Sand Point (mdn 1400m) 43.9. Sand Point will race without blinkers on Sunday.

An Almanzor filly and a Tarzino gelding, both trained by Mike Breslin, did 800m in 62.1, the last 600 in 42.9.

On the synthetic track, Dapper Dan and his unraced two-year-old stablemate Magna Carta (by Sword Of State) ran 800m in 54.5, the last 600 in 39.8. Magna Carta is a half-brother to What You Wish For.