Benefactor and last-start winner Knickerless drew attention to their Manawatu Cup day prospects when they galloped boldly together at Awapuni on Tuesday morning.
Fast work was held against the rail on the course proper in perfect conditions as most of those timed were preparing for Otaki on Friday or Trentham on Saturday.
Benefactor, in the Manawatu Cup, and Knickerless were paired over a smart 1000m in 1.3.7, the last 600 in 34.9, and the two six-year-old mares are in fine fettle.
Can Do and last-start winner Lucullan matched strides over 1000m in 1.7.4, the last 600 in 35.9, and are another pair at the top of their game.
Former Sydney maiden winner Anderson Bridge (by Savabeel) caught the eye with his solo gallop over 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 35.8. He is with the Gray partnership and won a trial at Woodville two weeks ago.
Lisa Latta-trained maidens Ribella Rose and Ocean Melody did nice work together over 1000m in 1.2.8, the last 600 in 36 seconds even. They are down to race at Otaki on Friday, with Ribella Rose to wear blinkers for the first time.
Belardo Boy covered 1000m in 1.4.6, with the final 800m taking 50.5, the last 600 in 36.5, and his stablemate Manzor Blue recorded 1.7.1 and 36.2.
Lady Angelsea and Under Orders, two more from the Latta barn, ran 1000m in 1.8.6, the last 600 in 36.4, and First Gear went alone in 1.8.5 and 36.7.
Eulogy Stakes runner War Princess had two-year-old filly Vahvay for a partner over 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 36.5, while Jazlene and Street Appeal, both trained by Bryce Newman, posted 52.4 and 36.6.
Street Appeal is an acceptor for Otaki, with blinkers being replaced by side winkers.
Vee Vee and Our Giulia ended with 600m in 36.8, and Poppy's Girl had senior rider Chris Dell aboard when galloping post-to-post, being timed from the 1000m in 1.7.5, the last 600 in 37.4.
Unraced four-year-old Louis Swey gathered speed from the 1200m to run 1000m in 1.7.1, the last 600 in 37.9, while Chelsea Rose and Rev It Up Rusty went together in 1.7.8 and 37.2.
Casino had Only The Lonely for a partner over 1000m in 1.7.9, the last 600 in 37 seconds even, and their stablemate Uncle Arch went alone in 1.9.4 and 37.7.
Furiosa and My Alibi were locked together over 1000m in 1.10.6, the last 600 in 37.1, and Too Sweet ended with 37.1 as well.
Coulthard and Hoorah Henry were sent 800m in 52.1, the last 600 in 37.2, and their stablemates Golden Lining and Damiano came up with 52 seconds even and 37.7.
Tears Of Victory and unraced three-year-old filly Top Of The Pack (by Ace High), both from the Gray stable, ran 800m in 56.4, the last 600 in 38.7. Top Of The Pack won a Foxton trial last month.
John Doe, in at Otaki with the blinkers off, and a Staphanos maiden were not chasing the clock over 1000m in 1.12.2, the last 600 in 40.5, and unraced three-year-old Donatello (by Reliable Man), trained by Ashley Meadows, took 1.16.8 and 40.8.