Racing: Habana set to sparkle in Diamond

Habana turned in an impressive trial for Saturday's Diamond Stakes when he galloped at Matamata yesterday.

On a good plough Habana (P. Ormsby) was accompanied by Blink (Teggert) over a smart 1000m in 1:03.8, the final 600m in 36.2. Habana has yet to win a race but has compiled a string of placings in strong company and has to be respected in the Ellerslie two-year-old feature.

Race rival Jokers Wild (Coleman) got through his work well to record 1:24.4 for 1200m, with the last 1000m taking 1:08.2 and 600m 38.7. He appears to have trained on well from his last start win.

Starcraft Stakes candidate Bazelle (De Klerk) was partnered by Sir Trev (Bowman) over a soundly run 1200m in 1:20.2 and final 600m in 37.3. The Paul Jenkins-trained mare is peaking again at the right time for Saturday's weight-for-age contest.

Race rivals Kristov and Envoy worked on the all-weather track where they each completed two rounds solo. Kristov (T. Thornton) covered the last 1200m of his work in 1:20.2, with the final 1000m taking 1:03.8 and 600m 36.3. He will be an interesting runner in his middle-distance debut.

Envoy (Wratten) quickened to run his last 1200m in 1:21.4 and 600m in 37.8. He will definitely be better for a weekend outing, his first start since winning the Wellington Cup six weeks ago.

Last start maiden winner Bedrock (Verry) looked ready for another good effort on Saturday when she led Phantom Lady (Hercock) to the end of 1200m in 1:19.3 and 600m in 37.2. Pinprick (Coleman) and Skimmio (T. Harris) were responsible for a slick 1000m in 1:02.7 and 600m in 36.2.

Devoted (Cheshire), who steps up to 1600m on Saturday, looked bright when running 1200m with Bankside Boy (T. Harris) in 1:15.2, the last 600m in 37.3. Sir Sintillate (C. Ormsby) and promising maiden The Fuzz (Teggert) cut out 1000m in 1:05.5 and 600m in 36.5.

Faltaat Gold (P. Brosnan) covered the same ground in 1:08 and 40.4, while Kirra Sand (Russell) took 1:07.6 and 38.9, Madamvizelle (Betty) and The Gambler (Swann) 1:08 and 38.8, and Smartway (T. Thornton) 1:03 and 37.2.

Wildgoosechase (O'Sullivan) and Anton (C. Ormsby) turned on the pace over 1200m in 1:17.2, with the final 600m in 36.2, and Arniston (Waddell) took 1:17.2 and 37.8.

Sea Me Starkers (K. Jones) ran 1000m in 1:07 and the last 600m in 36.5, Muppet Dancer (Lanigan) took 1:06.9 and 39.7, Flynn's Flight (Rastrick) 1:09.8 and 39.6, and Cheap Trick (Ramsay) and a Jade Robbery filly (Russell) 1:03.8 and 37.

Grand Legacy (Waddell) strode over 1200m in 1:21.2 and 600m in 37.3, Classy Belle (Russell) ran the same distance in 1:21.6 and 39.7, and Half A Crown (Gartner) took 1:05.2 for 1000m and 37.5 for the final 600m.

* Cross Lease drew attention to his prospects at Ellerslie on Saturday with a splendid gallop at Pukekohe yesterday.

Working on a good plough, Cross Lease shaded Alberton Rose in the finish of 1000m in 1:00.5, the last 600 in 36.8.

Waikeepadacash and Red Chief completed their 1000m in 1:2.2, the last 600 boldly in 36.

Time Warp and Al Vialli finished 800m in 51.3, the last 600 in 37.5.

Riccarton filly Italia was not extended to run her 800m in 54.7, the last 600 in 38.5.

Sheezasport and Towzee covered 800m in 51.4, the closing 600 in 37.8.

On the all-weather sand, Italia's stablemate Hurrah galloped the last 1200m of 1600 in 1:18.9, 1000 in 1:5 and 600 in 38.8. Both visitors appear to be thriving.

Magnolia shaded Punt Higher after 1200m in 1:20.8, the last 600 in 39.

Piccardo and Capital Hill worked away from the 1600m, quickening for the last 600 which took 38.5.

* Texas returned the best gallop of the session at Cambridge yesterday morning. Working on a good plough Texas (Callaay) dashed 600m in 36.3. He looks in excellent order for upcoming engagements.

Gorgeous George (Peters) worked in from the 1000m in 1:5.5, completing the last 600m in 37.8. Myriad (Whitworth) worked nicely over 1600m, finishing off with 600m in 41.2.

Thedukeofcambridge (Clark) strode 1000m in 1:7, coming home in 37.2. Daddy Knows Best (Peters) was timed from the 800m in a fast 49.1. Andari Flyer (Houston) was let off with a three-quarter pace gallop over 1200m.

Our Lionette (Peters) covered 1000m in 1:5.5, the last 600m in 38.2, Santyoya (Bransakova) left 1000m behind in 1:4, the concluding 600m in 38. She is coming to hand well and has improved after a recent race.

Whata Fox (Ropiha) was sent a comfortable 800m in 59.9. La Force (Satherley) and Fascinetta (Crawford) returned 1:4.6 for 1000m, finishing off in 38.4. Lone Head (Seguin) and Aukay (Wood) matched strides over 1200m in 1:19, the final 600m in 39.8.

Diamonds on Fire (Houston) and Madam Superior (medium weight) impressed over 1000m in l:2.8, sprinting the last 600m in 36.7. Deltorro (Callaway) ran 600m in 38.1. Gristle (Hofmann) completed a comfortable work-out with 600m in 40. Viaduct Belle (Satherley) and Just Curious (Walsh) were on terms throughout 1000m in 1:7, coming home in 38.4. Waikeria (Bransakova) worked in from the 600m in 38.2.

Galloping on the sand Spectacular Icon (Seguin) and Chateau Cougat (Hills) cut out 600m in 38.1.