KEY POINTS:
Needuask looked a prospect for Matamata tomorrow judged by his final gallop at Pukekohe yesterday.
Working on the all-weather sand, Needuask (Spratt) was travelling nicely in the finish of 1000m in 1:4.7, the last 600 in 39.2. He won at Matamata in his only visit and has been freshened since last racing.
Gallions Reach (Spratt) ran the last 1200m of 1600 in 1:26.5 and 600 in 43. Even drawn badly tomorrow he should be respected.
Rival Kingsinga (Judy Collett) was under a tight hold through 800m in 56, the last 600 in 41.5.
Dominus (Singer) was let off with 600m in 43 and Crossyourheart (N. Collett) sprinted only the final 200 of her work.
Mercedes Derby favourite Redoute's Dancer, ridden by Maurice Campbell, was given a working gallop over 1600m, running the last 1200 in 1:29.3 and 600 in 45.1.
Hitman (Yuill), who has been freshened, and Court In Action (Spratt) cut out 1000m in 1:1.7, the final 600 in 36.9.
* A heavy fog obliterated all but one early gallop at Matamata.
Pentane was ridden by his trainer Lance O'Sullivan in striding work on the plough and was timed from the 1200m in 1:18.5. No further sectionals were possible but he looked comfortable at the finish as he rounded off his preparation for the Stanley Group 2000 at his home track, Matamata, tomorrow.
Otaki Weight-For-Age candidate Shikoba worked strongly on the plough, while rivals Jokers Wild and Calveen were let off with quiet work. All three look in good order for tomorrow's group one event.
* D'Elcatraz came through his final preparation for Matamata in fine style at Cambridge The plough provided good footing.
D'Elcatraz (Walsh) hit out freely with stablemate Dem Hills (Lewis) over 500m in 38. Far Too Much (O'Styke) worked well over 1000m in 1:4, the final 600m in 37.1. True Emotions (Walsh) shaped well in preparation for the Duke of Bedford Matamata Breeders' Stakes when working 1000m with Spinning Meteor (Lewis) in a comfortable 1:8, finishing off in 28.1.
