Racing: Top group contenders confirm favouritism for Te Rapa

Bazelle and Darci Brahma confirmed their favouritism for feature racing at Te Rapa tomorrow when they worked in good style at Matamata yesterday.

Galloping 18m out on a dead course proper, Bazelle set off at a leisurely rate and was timed from the 1000m in 1:6, quickening over the final 600m in 38.2. She bounded to the finish and is obviously in the right order to repeat her last start win.

Darci Brahma also relished his task, a steady 1000m in 1:8.4 and a final section in 38.6. He looks every bit the hot favourite for the Waikato Draught Sprint.

Race rival Kristov was allowed to stretch out only over the final 600m of his work, but did so in his usual enthusiastic style to record 38.3.

Terroir and Princess Coup took time honours on the grass with 1000m in 1:5.4 and the last 600m in a smart 36.8. Terroir is headed for the Ford 2YO Classic at New Plymouth next week, while Princess Coup is being reserved for the Matamata Breeders Stakes at the end of the month.

Winsome Kash worked at an even rate over 1200m in 1:21.2, the last 600m in 39.3. She lines up at Rotorua.

Whakanui International candidate Kerry O'Reilly wasn't asked for much in his final hitout, finishing off striding work with 600m on the all-weather track in 43.2. He is very well.

On the sand, which was good, Sweet Caroline flagged her Te Rapa prospects with 1000m in 1:7.2 and a final 600m in 37.8.

Patrol and Kiwi King had pace on throughout 1000m in 1:2.8, the last 600m in 37.4 and Valley Chief was given an easier task over the same distance to record 1:9.8 and 41.7.

Everswindell completed her preparation for the Sir Tristram Classic with 1000m in 1:12.8, the last 600 in 40.5. Race favourite Shikoba was asked for even less over 1200m in 1:30.4 and 600m in 44.6. Both fillies are very well.

The Bighearted got through his work in good style over 1200m in 1:24.8, the last 600m in 39.6. Healing Kiss ran over the same ground in 1:25.3 and 39.6. Mer De Chine took 1:25.3 and 41.2, Fancyfree 1:26.7 and 43, and Nordic Dancer and Advanced 1:20.8 and 39.2.

Sedecrem promised to be a match for Darci Brahma and the others in the Waikato Draught Sprint judged by his gallop on a fast plough at Pukekohe yesterday.

The 7-year-old, seeking a hat-trick of wins in the Te Rapa race, showed surprising dash to run 1200m in 1:16.5, the final 600 in 38.

Promethean, Richard Yuill's other runner tomorrow, went 1400m, the last 1200 in 1:18.3 and 600 in 39.6.

Tantalic covered 1000m in 1:5.5, as usual running on strongly over the last 600 to clock 37.6.

Black Panther continued his New Zealand Derby preparation with 1200m in 1:18, the final 600 in 38.6.

On the all-weather sand, Riccarton 4-year-old Hurrah worked off from the 1400m and ran the last 1200 in 1:18.5 and 600 strongly in 37.

Co-trainer and track rider Ricky Carston is happy with him.

British Made strode 1200m in 1:22, the last 600 in 39.5. He looks hard and fit. Little Jess was given a quiet 600, taking 40.8.

Mr Multiwin looked at peak fitness for the Waikato Draught l400 when working on the course proper at Cambridge. The going was good.

Mr Multiwin worked quietly around to the 600m before dashing the final section in 34.8.

Fog prevented the timing of several early gallops.

Carnegie Salad and Leontes worked attractively over l000m in l:5.3, running the final 600m in 37. Both look in good order for their Te Rapa engagements.

Free Sea covered l000m in l:5.8, coming home in 37.l. Blazing Lady was timed from the 600m in 40.9 and Cocoama in 4l.7.

On a good plough, Sovereign sprinted 600m smartly in 35.4. Jaws was let off with a comfortable work-out, running the final 600m in 44.5. Lucky Governor came in from the 600m in 37.4. Cuzzie ran the last 600m of easy work in 43.

On the sand, Purde was given a comfortable work-out, running the final 600m in 44.8. Bridie Belle and Tyler Taylor finished on terms after l000m in l:6.8, coming home in 37.9. Sneetch and Just Curious left 600m behind in 4l.4.

Rosetti Bay drew attention to her Te Rapa prospects with solid work at Te Awamutu.

On the plough, Rosetti Bay ran a solid 1000m in 1.2.7, the last 600 in 35.6.

Carbonaio and Florella were doing their best work at the finish of 1000m in 1.3.7, the 600 in 35.4.

Camponechi and Anne Carina finished a 2000m gallop with 1000 in 1.3.8 and 600 in 36.3.