KEY POINTS:
Disregard Sir Slick's spring form of last year when he tackles the Hastings spring treble.
Twelve months ago Sir Slick was underdone in his physical condition and initially looked dull in the coat.
He got better and better with racing through the season to end up a superstar.
The moment he walked into the birdcage at yesterday's Te Teko barrier trials you knew this was the version of Sir Slick punters came to love at the end of the last campaign.
And winning his heat in largely unsuitable wet conditions proved part of that point.
The winning rider was 17-year-old stable apprentice Catrina Morris, having just her sixth trials ride.
"He didn't handle the shifty ground on the home bend, but apart from that he wasn't too bad," said Morris, who expects to have her first raceday ride in October.
Trainer Graeme Nicholson was more than satisfied with Sir Slick's 1200m effort.
"Bruce [Herd] is coming up to ride him at the Taupo trials and that will top him of well for the Mudgway Stakes."
Speedster Ticklish will run in the Ian McEwan Stakes at Moonee Valley after winning a 1000m heat at the trials.
The brilliant mare with top form against some of Australia's fastest sprinters headed Kay's Awake and Jokers Wild with an effort that did not surprise her trainer Steven Pinfold.
"We were quietly confident she was bigger and stronger than last season," said Pinfold.
Ticklish is likely to take on the Manikato Stakes if she wins the McEwan.
"We'd have to have a crack at that while some of the good horses over there are still getting in condition," said Pinfold.
The underrated Kay's Awake did what few could do in the slow footing throughout the programme - she made a big run from the back of the field to finish second and is clearly in good shape for a big spring and summer.
The Moroney stable was delighted with the effort of Jokers Wild, who was unhappy in the conditions.
He looked in strong condition and there is plenty for the stable to work with as the horse heads to the Mudgway Stakes.
"He's come up very well, he is a loot, happy and settled within himself," said co-trainer Paul Moroney.
"He needed the run and wasn't happy in the ground and this way around is not his preferred style.
"He'll have another trial at Taupo then it's 11 days to the Mudgway, so the timing should be perfect."
Alamosa and Sarajay were impressive winning their heats.
"Phew, it was good to see that," said trainer Peter McKay after Alamosa won his heat by one and a half lengths for Michael Walker.
"He does absolutely nothing on the training track so you never know where you are with him.
"I worked him with a maiden the other day and he was well beaten and I'm not saying the maiden's much good."
McKay said he would aim Alamosa at the Wanganui Guineas provided the track was in reasonable condition. Michael Walker will ride him.
"The main aim of course is the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton."
Easy On The Eye, Russian Conquest and Point Guard all looked good chasing Alamosa home.
Noel Harris did not ask Sarajay for much of an effort to win her heat narrowly. Stablemate Sharvasti was similarly under a strong hold from Harris, finishing not far from the placegetters in Ticklish's heat.
"There's a long way to go to the Kelt," said trainer John Sargent.
