Matamata Tuesday Trackwork

Te Rapa weekend candidates Copacabana, Arabian Duke and Handsome Hermes caught the eye during a quiet session at Matamata this morning.

Galloping 26 metres out on a slow course proper, Copacabana (Sapsworth) revelled in the conditions to lead Fast 'N' Gorgeous (B Grylls) at the end of 1000m in 1:06.4 and 600m in 39.7. Even allowing that Fast 'N' Gorgeous is a lazy trackworker it was still impressive work by Copacabana, who has gone close in her last two starts.

Arabian Duke (K McQuade) and Handsome Hermes (Tierney) had use of the course proper against the rail in the 3.5m position, where they cut out 1200m in 1:18.2, with the last 1000m in 1:05.3 and 600m in 38.5. After second placings at his last two starts Arabian Duke is knocking for a win, while Handsome Hermes has been placed in his two races to date.

Te Rapa candidates Rivertaine Coup (B Grylls) and Jubilate (Sapsworth) got through their work well over 1200m in 1:20.7, 1:06.9 and 40.1. Jubilate was scratched from Ellerslie last Saturday due to the ground and will hopefully strike improved conditions at Te Rapa this weekend.

Last start winner Show No Emotion (Cameron) suggested she could carry on that form when she travelled up strongly with Prospero (Hercock) over the final stages of 1200m in 1:25.1, 1:10. and 40.2. Sophisticate (A Jones) went solo over 1200m in 1:26.8 and 41.8, while Vermer (Sapsworth) and Miss Elegante (A Jones) also began steadily before completing 1200m in 1:29.4 and 42.7.

Merrily (Hercock) was timed over 1000m in 1:07, running in strongly from the 600m in 38.2. Among those who could not be timed were Te Rapa candidates Estelle and Daifuku, who were ridden in separate gallops by their co-trainer Chad Ormsby in what looked like smart work.

On the all-weather track Hey Mr (Ahlen) and Jovan (Ulucinar) were in good form over 1000m in 1:05.8, dashing in from the 600m in 35.8.

Traveller (K Jones) and Irish Moon (B Grylls), two more headed for Te Rapa, also worked soundly over 1000m in 1:05.3 and 36.8.  Sky Hi Baby (Goodwin) was allowed an easier task as she strolled over 1000m in 1:15.2 and 600m in 40.4.

On the sand recent two-year-old debut winner Southern Icon (Tait) got through attractive work over 800m in 48.6 and 600m in 35.8. He has thrived since his impressive Ruakaka win.

Credit - Dennis Ryan