Matamata Tuesday Trackwork

Star performers were out in force at Matamata this morning as Xanadu, Viadana, Puccini, Bounding, Spellbinder and Fix all got through their work well in preparation for new season racing.

Xanadu had regular jockey Michael Coleman in the saddle when she galloped on the course proper, which was slow 20 metres out. The big mare worked away steadily to cover 1000m in 1:09.4 and quickened from the 600m for a final section in 39.2. She is likely to kick off her preparation in the Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate on August 16, with an exhibition gallop planned beforehand.

Viadana (C Grylls), who also has the Foxbridge Plate on her agenda, did smart work on the sand in company with Ruakaka weekend candidate Sophie's Gem (Leveque), who covered 1200m in 1:18.6.
Sophie's Gem picked up Viadana along the way to run the last 1000m in 1:04.7 and the final 600m in a smart 36.9.

Also on the sand, Spellbinder (Hercock) wasn't after time as she strode over her final 800m in 59 and 600m in 42.5. She is another heading to the Foxbridge Plate and may go to Avondale on Friday for an exhibition gallop.

Puccini (P McKay) worked on the all-weather track, partnering stablemate Antonia Lombardo (S McKay) and hitting the line well at the end of 1000m in 1:05.7 and 600m in 37.2. The New Zealand Derby winner is coming to hand well but is unlikely to be seen in any majors until September.

Bounding (K Jones) worked from the 800m under a hold in 58.1 and 42.2 for the final 600m.  Also from the Kelso stable, Pussy O'Reilly (K Jones) was partnered by Hong Kong returnee Prince Of Patch (Coleman) over a smart 1000m in 1:04 and 36.9.

Vettel (J McKay) and Canterino (S McKay) were keen as they prepared for Ruakaka with 1000m in 1:02.8 and 600m in 37. Donny Brasco (J McKay), another heading north this weekend, was partnered by Jimmy Hoffa (S McKay) over 1000m in 1:05 and 37.8.
Traveller (K Jones) worked in good style over 1200m in 1:21.6, 1:06.4 and 37.8. Cherry Bay (Leveque) and Villa Elba (Dowling) took 1:09.4 and 41.8 over 1000m. Rhythms Of Nature (C Grylls) was timed from the 800m in 53.2 and 37.9, while over the same ground Zaballet (C Grylls) and Flying Siege (Wilson) returned 56.5 and 40.2.

On the sand Brave Centaur (Dowling) put his usual dash into 1000m in 1:01.4 and 600m in 36.6. He is another likely to kick off in the Foxbridge Plate. Gurus Spirit (Swann) got through her work well over 1200m in 1:22.8, 1000m in 1:08.3 and 600m in 40.5.

Tiger Moss (Coleman) was timed over her last 1000m in 1:07.6 and 36.8, Swansong (Dowling) and Marcel (Leveque) returned 1:09.6 and 39.6, I'll'ava'alf (Miller) took 1:08.4 and 39.2, and Musket Hill (C Grylls) and a Guillotine filly (Roff) 1:10.2 and 37.5.

Back on the course proper Sir Darcy (Hercock) and Alchemy's Flight (Miller) were paired in sound work over 1000m in 1:07.4 and 38.7. Jewels Gift (Hercock) finished her work well over the same distance with Osmunda (Richards) in 1:10.3 and 38.9, while King's Rock (Miller) and Wolfwhistle (Allen) covered 1200m in 1:23.4, 1:07.9 and 38.8.

Credit - Dennis Ryan