Matamata Tuesday Trackwork

Joe Cargo looked on target for the Cornwall Handicap at Te Rapa on Sunday when he worked boldly at Matamata this morning.  Galloping on a frosty course proper against the rail in the eight metre position, Joe Cargo (S Turner) covered the last 1200m of his work in 1:21.6, with the 1000m in 1:05.8 and the final 600m in 37.4. The Phil Stevens-trained gelding has thrived since finishing third in the Rotorua Cup and is sure to play a prominent role in Sunday's flat feature.

Twenty metres out on the course proper Ritzy Sparkle (S Collett) and Nirvana In Fire (S Weatherley), rivals in Saturday's Castletown Stakes at Wanganui, hit out boldly over 1000m in 1:09.2 and 600m in 39.8. Lady Painton (Newman) prepared for her Wanganui engagement with 1000m in 1:09.6 and 600m in 40.2.

On the sand Underthemoonlight (K McQuade) did sound work ahead of the feature sprint at Te Rapa as she cut out 1000m in 1:03.3 and 600m in 36.3. She has taken a lot of improvement out of her resuming run at Rotorua and will have the benefit of an apprentice claim with the booking of Darren Danis.

Te Rapa hurdle candidate Dubai Shuffle (Handley) was paired with Avondale Monday entry Recollect (Hashazumi) over a solid 1200m in 1:15.3, 1:01.4 and 36.4. Divine Duke (Yanagida) prepared for his Te Rapa engagement with solo work over 1200m in 1:18.8, 1:03 and 37.2.

Avondale runner Slow Hands (Yanagida) covered 1200m in 1:22.5, 1:06.2 and 38.6, Pacquiao (Handley) and Raspberry Sweet (Hashazumi) worked over the same ground in 1:23.6, 1:08.1 and 39.6, and Dontbreakmyheart (P Brosnan) recorded 1:24.4, 1:08.9 and 39.6.

Reliable Lad (Clements) was never at top over 1000m in 1:10.2 and 41.4, while Monifa (Comignaghi) and Akaba (Clements) were well held over the same ground in 1:12.2 and 40.4.
Credit - Dennis Ryan