Racing: Zarius steps up to 2000m at Hastings

Zarius confirmed his fitness for Hastings on the weekend when he worked stylishly at Matamata yesterday.

Galloping 12 metres out on a dead course proper, Zarius (Sapsworth) set off at a steady rate and gradually increased speed to run his last 1200m in 1:19.8. He hit the line with a full head of steam, timed over the last 600m in an impressive 36.8.

The Melbourne Cup prospect will enjoy the step up to 2000m in tomorrow's Cleve Mackie Memorial.

Kenadaad (C. Ormsby) underlined his Paeroa prospects with a smart workout over 1200m in 1:20.7, the final 600m in 38.5. He has trained on well since his last start win and is a definite lightweight threat in the Evans Classic.

Stablemate and race rival Pentane was handled by his co-trainer Lance O'Sullivan in a more restrained workout, clocked over 1200m in 1:25.9 and the last 600m in 39.8.

On the all-weather track Stoney Bridge Stakes candidate Kristov (O. Bosson) was not asked for a lot but was travelling well at the end of 1200m in 1:22.8 and 600m in 38.2.

Stoney Bridge favourite Darci Brahma completed his fast work on Wednesday morning, with trainer Mark Walker content to let him slide up the back straight at the end of an easy right-handed workout.

Hastings sprint topweight Clifton Prince (McKay) quickened attractively over the final 600m of his work on the all-weather track, timed to run 37.2. Paeroa acceptor Kerry O'Reilly (R. Jones) did similar work, with his 600m taking 37.6.

Dezigna (Hillis) covered 1000m in 1:07.2 and 600m in 38.8. He will be better for his run at Hastings. Derry Lad (Gillies) was travelling well at the end of 1000m in 1:09.8 and 600m in 41.8, while stablemate Logarhythm (Gillies) recorded 1:22.8 for 1200m, the final 600m in 41.2.

On the sand, which was good, leading Highview Stakes candidate Naturo (Ritchie) was let off with an easy final 600m in 39.6. She is in forward condition for her three-year-old debut.

* Stripped was again pleasing in training for Paeroa at Pukekohe yesterday.

Ridden by Brendan Yuill, Stripped galloped 1200m on the all-weather sand in 1:18.5, the last 600 in 39.

Mandela (Yetton) was allowed an easy 1200m, taking 1:23.5, the final 600 in 42.3. He will be hard to beat if he gets a start tomorrow.

Cruncher (Yetton), who has often raced well fresh, ran 600m under a tight hold in 41.8.

Dane Warne (Sargent) strode 1200m in 1:25.3, the closing 600 in 40.9. Putri Singa (Yetton), for the same task, returned 1:25 and 41.

Cross Lease (Yuill) worked nicely over 1000m in 1:5.8, the last 600 in 39. Bon Ton Roula (Bertling) looked to be training on well when running 1200m in 1:22.4, the closing 600 in 38.8.

Highview Stakes candidate Magic Tryst (M. Ritchie) had her final gallop on Wednesday, a comfortable 800m on the outside of a dead No 1 grass in 55, the last 600 in 39.

* Seachange was again in outstanding form when galloping with stablemate Rags to Riches on a firm plough at Cambridge yesterday.

Seachange (Holmes) and Rags to Riches (Johansen) were sent 1000m in 59.7, dashing the final 600m in 34.6. Both were impressive, especially Seachange, who has improved further with recent racing.

Pinot Grigio (Young) , who begins a fresh campaign at Hastings, looked in good order when working over 1200m in 1:21, finishing off in 39.2. Killaloox (Collins) left 600m behind in 38. Pay the Believers (Peters) came to the end of 800m in 51.4.

Giovanni (Young) looked ready for a bold showing this weekend, when cruising 600m in 42. Danz Star (Griffin) completed 1000m in 1:8.8, coming home in 38.2.