Racing: Desert Flight ready to fly in Hawkes Bay Cup

Hawkes Bay Cup candidate Desert Flight completed his preparation at Matamata yesterday morning in good style.

Heavy fog restricted the timing of many gallops.

Working 27m out on a soft course proper, Desert Flight hit out freely over a round, the 1200m taking 1:24.8. While it wasn't a fast time it was the manner in which he completed his task that impressed.

The in-form candidate will be ridden by Hayden Tinsley in the group two event.

One of his main rivals at Matamata Kerry O'Reilly was restricted to quiet work on the all weather track, covering two rounds of striding work and increasing over the last 800m in his usual comfortable style without being timed due to the fog.

Derry Lad impressed while covering 1200m on the the all weather track in 1:19.8. He could make his presence felt in open company on his home track on Saturday.

Race-rival Kind Return galloped on Wednesday right-handed on the course proper in company with Brisbane-bound Arabian Knights. They kept on terms over 1200m in 1:18.3.

British Ensign covered 1200m in 1:22.5, the 600 in 38.2. Centapin was allowed to stride over 1200m in 1:24. Imananabaa and Bazelle were two others that completed attractive work seperately without being timed on the course proper.

On the number 2 sand, Multi Tasker appeared ready to make up for her unlucky run last time as she covered 1200m in 1:18.8, the 600 in 39.2. Madamvizelle hit out well to record 1:19.2 for her 1200m. She will benefit from Craig Grylls' 3kg claim on Saturday.

Habana ran 1:5 for 1000m, the 600 in 38.8. Patrol covered a sound run 1200m in 1:21.2. Promising galloper Maz Quinn had Don't Tell Pete for a companion over 1000m in 1:11.5, the 600 taking 39.5. Devoted increased the tempo from the 1000m peg to record 1:6.5.

Shar Ari shaded Rosalind at the finish of 1200m in 1:23.2. Waitui Music and William Tell kept on terms over a sound run 1:23.8, the 1000 in 1:8.2 and the 600 in 39.

Tosto ran a quiet 1200m 1:24, the 600 in 39.2. Bellevue Lass completed an easy 1200m in 1:20.2.Smart Way was allowed to run 1:5.4 for 1000m. Ribarnica completed a quiet 1200m in 1:29.4.

* In-form runner Joe's Cook, a candidate for the Hawke's Bay Cup, came through his final preparation at Cambridge in good style.

Working on a soft No.4 grass Joe's Cook strode l200m comfortably in l:25.4. Fog prevented the timing of all sectionals apart from the l200m.

Murali, a race rival for Joe's Cook, worked with stablemate Tommie over l200m in l:23.2.

Ritzy Lady was timed over the same distance in l:26.2. Kaapsise came in from the l200m in l:24.

Kajema followed in l:23.3. Slavenger came nicely to the finish of 800m. He has derived benefit from his fresh-up run and should be prominent at Tauranga this weekend.

You're My Angel came to the end of an easy l200m in l:29. Howmuchyoucharging, who is in excellent order for Hastings, and La Force were together after l200m run in l:24.7. Waikeria was sent 800m at a comfortable pace.

Jamaican Gold was let off with a sharp sprint over 600m. Jaws, who ran the race of an improver at his last start, was restricted to l:30.l for l200m.

Matata and Pinot Gris kept up a solid gallop over l200m in l:20.9. Just Curious and Sun Hawke finished on terms after sprinting 600m.

* Montecristo promised to win again at Matamata tomorrow judged by his appearance at Pukekohe yesterday.

Unfortunately, fog ruled out the timing of his gallop and nearly all others.

Working on the all-weather sand, Montecristo was shading Crayfish King as they emerged from the fog in the finish of a comfortable 1000m.

The Richard Yuill-trained 2-year-old, a winner last time out, is Pukekohe's sole representative at Matamata.

Magic Tryst went 800m, the last 400 in 27.5. A smart recent trials winner, he makes his debut at Avondale on Tuesday.

The fog lifted briefly to allow On The Quiet to be timed for 1200m in 1:17, the final 600 in strongly in 37. Sheezasport and Little Jess travelled well in the finish of their 1000m in preparation for Avondale.