Fast work was held against the rail on the course proper, with perfect conditions underfoot, but a lingering fog prevented the timing of several gallops.

Hoorah Henry and Platinum Sixty Six were in action before the fog closed in and covered 1000m in 1.7.5, with the final 800m taking 51.6, the last 600 in 35.6.

Not to be denied, their stablemates Justashotaway, also in at Trentham, and unraced five-year-old mare Sweetnesse (by Sweynesse) went 1000m in 1.8.1, and completed the final 800m in 52.1, the last 600 in 35.8.

Wingman and Wonderboy, two more for Trentham, matched strides over 1000m in 1.11.7, increasing the tempo as they went to finish with 800m in 54.2, the last 600 in 36.5.

Bona Sforza had trainer Samantha Finnegan aboard over 800m in 52.1, the last 600 in 37.3, while Popinjay (Trentham) and Al Passo took 52.8 and 37.6.

Saturday entrants Sotirio and Breaker Bay were sent 800m in 57.1, the last 600 in 38.9, and Breaker Bay's fifth at New Plymouth last time out had plenty of merit.

Sir Mikki, an acceptor at Te Aroha on Friday (mdn hurdle), did a quiet round before galloping 800m in 58.1, the last 600 in 41.2, and Mendacious (by Nadeem) sprinted 600m in 41.3. He was unplaced on debut in May and has not raced since.