The Message left little doubt about his fitness for tomorrow's Hawkes Bay Challenge Stakes when striding out at Matamata yesterday.
On a firm all-weather track, The Message appeared keen to go faster than 1:17.6 for 1200m, the final 1000 in 1:3.4 and 600 in 37.2.
Ruakiwi Lad wound up for Hastings with a steady 1200m in 1:27.2, the last 600 in 36.8. Butterscotch looked at peak when covering 1000 effortlessly in 1:7.2, the 600 in 38.6.
Pukekohe candidate Count Cristo showed his usual dash to return 1:15.8 for 1200m, the 1000 in 1:2.6. Jaaus did 1200 soundly in 1:19.8.
On a firm sand, Integrate was allowed an easy 1000m in 1:14.4, the 600 in 40.8. Roman Tuscany strode 1200 freely in 1:17.6, the 600 in 37.8.
Danamite and Rip It Up galloped 1000m together in 1:6. Promise Keeper went 1000 in 1:7.8, the 600 in 38.6. White Collar Junkie ran an easy 1200 in 1:25, the 600 in 40.
Movenpick took 1:20.8 for 1200m and 39 from the 600. South Of Dixie covered 1000 in 1:4.5, the 600 in 37.8.
At Takanini, Gold Sign completed her fast work pleasingly, covering 1000m on a soft No 1 grass, 12m out, in 1:9.3, the 600 in 40.8.
Our Porsha went 1000m with Gold Disc in 1:6.9, the 600 in 41.1. Mohamed's Star, unlucky not to finish closer than third at Ellerslie last week, did 1000 with Secret Beauty in 1:10.9, the 600 in 41.9.
Millnorm, who looks well, went 1000m in 1:11.6, quickening from the 600 in 40.3. Scheherezade and Letter Getter sprinted 600 in 38.
Santiga Lass led Miss Merc through 1200m in 1:23.9, the 600 in 41.7. Danny Day went 1200 in preparation for Hastings but could only be timed from the 600 in 41.
Pukekohe candidate Ronald John worked well enough in soft going at Avondale to be considered a chance tomorrow, leading Jovial Princess after 1000m on the sand in 1:7.3, the 600 in 38.1.
Royal Marine, who was impressive winning a recent hurdles trial, and Single Minded relished the conditions when running 1000m on the course proper in 1:6.5, the 600 in 38.2. Both race at Te Aroha next week.
Orl Lord ran an easy 600m on the sand in 45.2.
All other tracks in Auckland and the Waikato were blanketed by fog.
Racing: The Message in peak form
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