Great Escape looked ready to go one better at Trentham on Saturday after a first-class gallop at Awapuni on Tuesday morning.
Fast work was held on the outside of the new course proper or on the plough amid a heavy frost. Fog prevented the timing of some gallops.
Great Escape used the course proper and had last-start winner Lemaitre for a partner over 1000m in 1.5.4, with the final 800m taking 49.2, the last 600 in 35.6.
Great Escape, trained by Rosie Fell, has paid a dividend in each of her three races this campaign and a win is pending, while in-form Lemaitre, trained by Peter Didham, scored a narrow win at Waverley on Easter Monday.
Bradman and Reign It In lost no kudos with their 1000m together in 1.6.8, finishing with 800m in 50.2, the last 600 in 35.5. The Scunner followed them around, about six lengths behind, and recorded similar times.
Kana, who won a Waipukurau trial last week, worked alone over 1000m in 1.8.2, coming the final 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 36.9. She should go well fresh up.
Sotirio and Scandalize were paired over 800m in 52.5, the last 600 in 36.5.
Top jumper West Coast and stablemate Super Spirit left 1000m behind in 1.6.1 and clocked the final 800m in 51.6, the last 600 in 37.3, which was great work.
Barzetti and Durham Lad were timed 1000m in 1.8.7 and 800m in 52.2, the last 600 in 37.4, while Jack Morrison and Super Flash ended with 800m in 52 even and 38 even. Our Sniper and Belzoni posted 55.2 and 38.3.
Lucullan and Gum Basher worked right-handed over 1200m in 1.27.1, the last 600 in 39.3.
On the plough, McKhan did a quiet round then skipped over 1000m in 1.4.5, the last 600 in 36.3, and his stablemate Smokin Mo did similar work, finishing with 800m in 53 even, the last 600 in 37.2.
Super Gold, who won a trial on the course proper last month, covered 1000m in 1.6.4, the last 600 in 38.6, and has come to hand well. Sweet Ada and The Precursor went together in 1.5.9 and 38.4.
Opawa Scarlett and Poppy's Girl matched strides over 1000m in 1.8.5, with the final 800m taking 52.8, the last 600 in 38.1.
Faustian Bargain did a quiet round before galloping 1000m in 1.10.6, the last 600 in 39.5, and Final Chapter took 1.14.6 and 40.8. Ocean Melody and Silent Applause clocked 1.15.1 and 40.9.
Flying Celebration ended with 43.5.