Racing: Envoy impresses for Te Rapa feature

Derry Lad drew attention to his prospects at Te Rapa on Saturday when he worked impressively at Matamata yesterday.

Heavy overnight rain meant fast work was at a minimum and fog affected the timing of some gallops.

On the all-weather track, Derry Lad maintained a good rate to record 1.5.6 for the last 1000m of his work and 38.8 for the final 600m. He has trained on well from a good last start effort at Trentham and rates a strong chance when he drops back to intermediate class on the weekend.

Although not after time, Envoy still impressed in his hit-out over 1200m in 1.23.2, with the last 600m in 41. Despite his hefty weight he will be the horse beat on reasonable footing in the main handicap at Te Rapa.

Etoile Du Nord, who is likely to line up against Envoy rather than at New Plymouth, was timed over the last 1200m of her work in 1.18.2. Stablemate Kindacross hit out boldly on the two-year-old grass but could not be timed.

Showgirl completed her preparation for New Plymouth with a steady 1000m in 1.12.2, the last 600 38.8.

Patrol ran a sound 1000m in 1.4.6, the 600 in 37.4. He deserves a winning turn at Te Rapa.

Love Explodes and Cedar of Lebanon had pace on throughout 1000m in 1.3.4, the last 600 in 37.2.

New Plymouth acceptor Uhuru was not after time in his work, running his final 600m in 42.5. Eloquent Dancer left 1200m behind in 1.23.2, the last 600 in 40.7 and Goldsinga was working well at the end of 1000m in 1.8.6.

Mercury Island cut out 1000m in 1.7.8, the 600 in 38.8 and Seventh Heaven clocked 1.7.2. Stablemate Belleview Lass took 1.8 and 38.2.

Sosweetsofine was hard held over 1000m in 1.10.2, the 600 in 41. Adelariva worked in from the 600m in an attractive 37.4 and Vinopolis ran his 1200m in 1:19.8 and the 600m in 38.4.

On the sand, which was soft, Commanche Flyer and Opus Dei left 1000m behind in 1.6.5. Dont Tell Pete was not after time over 1000m in 1:12.2, the 600 in 43.

New Plymouth-bound Pin High galloped pleasingly at Takanini.

Working 10m out on a firm No 1 grass, Pin High went 1600m, the last 1200 in 1.19.7, 1000 in 1.4.5 and 600 in 37.9. She should be a sound each-way chance in the Rough Habit 3YO.

Dansky, a smart trials winner three weeks ago, and Danskup sprinted 1000m in 1.3.8, the last 600 in 38.6. They are members of the McKee team and rivals at Te Rapa.

Queen To Be, a dashing first-up winner, was under a firm hold through 600m in 39.9. She promises to be tough to beat again at Te Rapa.

Oso worked keenly away from the 1200m and ran the last 1000 in 1.3.1 and 600 in 38.7.

Pinnacle covered 1200m in 1.23.8, quickening for the last 600 in 38.5.

Al Vialli did her 1200m in 1.23.7, the last 600 in 40.3. She went much faster on Tuesday and looks well.

Hasta La Ciao Ciao promised to maintain her excellent record when she hit out strongly at Cambridge yesterday morning.

Fog interrupted the timing of many gallops.

On the plough, Hasta La Ciao Ciao looked in first class order when galloping 1000m, the last 600 in 42.4.

Lanson was given an easy 1200m in 1.24, the 600 in 44 and Danske A Lot completed 600 in 40.

On the sand, Iolana sprinted 600m in 41.7 and Sun Hawke finished off his work in 40.9.

Zaracha clocked 42 for the last 600m of 800 and Starliner returned 54 for 800m.

Aeroforce One went 2000m, the last 600 in 41.2.

Fog prevented the timing of most gallops at Te Awamutu, but Gibby The Burglar was running on well at the end of 1000m in 1.4.6, the last 600 nicely in 37.7

On the sand, Skyward and Flight Fighter ran an easy 1000m in 1.7.5, quickening a bit to clock 39 and Desert Romar was not asked for much over 1000m in 1.9.7.