Sailor Jack continued his build-up to some major summer targets with a very satisfactory gallop at Awapuni this morning.

Fast work during a quiet gallop session was on the plough (good).

Sailor Jack had co-trainer Hazel Schofer aboard when gathering speed from the 1200m mark to be timed 1000m in 1.3.3, coming the final 800m in 49.7, the last 600 in 35.3.

The gelding raced sparingly over the last three months, but has ticked over nicely in training, culminating in a Woodville trial win over 1400 metres last week.

He was entered for the Manawatu meeting this Sunday and holds a nomination for the $250,000 Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie on New Year's Day.

His stablemates Linara and Grahams Pride were paired over 1000m in 1.5.8, with the final 800m taking 51.8, the last 600 in 38 seconds even.

Linara won a trial at Waipukurau at the end of October, but was unplaced at short odds on wet ground when produced at Tauherenikau 10 days later. He made amends next time with a second at Otaki two weeks ago.

Grahams Pride won a trial at Woodville last week and should go a bold race fresh up.

Croix De Guerre and King Incanto went together over 1000m in 1.8.5 and finished with 800m in 53.4, the last 600m in 38.8. They are maidens worth watching from the Fannin-Schofer barn.

Jestin Case, freshened since racing in the winter months, was not chasing time over 1000m in 1.10.1, clocking 55.1 for the final 800m, the last 600 in 40.9.

The mare has built up nicely in a new campaign and finished third at the Woodville trials last week. She was nominated for Sunday’s r75 1400m.