Maiden four-year-old Craftsman could be a big improver for the Wanganui meeting on Saturday.
The gelding did not set the world alight at Awapuni this morning, but it is interesting to note that he is making a significant step up in distance this week.
Fast work was held on the plough (good) or on the synthetic track.
Craftsman used the plough and had stablemate Thirsty for a partner over 800m in 56.3, the last 600 in 40.9.
Craftsman has had two races in a fresh campaign, both over sprint distances, finishing fifth in the latest one over 1400 metres four weeks ago.
But he will attempt 2040 metres on Saturday, with Jonathan Riddell again the rider, and it will not surprise if the son of Alamosa pays a dividend.
His stablemates Kereti (by Darci Brahma) and unraced three-year-old Afterthought (by So You Think) covered 800m in 57.2, the last 600 in 40.7.
Kereti, a three-year-old son of former top mare Heni, has raced twice for a second on debut and a fourth.
Former Australia galloper Flying Celebration (by Flying Artie) was timed 1000m in 1.10.2, the last 600 in 40.6. He has had two races for Awapuni trainer Roydon Bergerson, finishing fourth at Tauherenikau last start.
Cry Baby, not seen since early August, sprinted 600m in 40.1, and Wanganui entrant Hurry Home (mdn 2040m) had co-trainer Hazel Schofer aboard over 1000m in 1.11.1, the last 600 in 41.7.
She was unplaced on debut over 1600 metres at Otaki a month ago and steps up to a middle-distance on Saturday, with Taranaki apprentice Elle Sole aboard (3kg claim).
Wanganui Cup runner Colorado Star, on the verge of better form, and last-start winner Call A Friend (r65 2040m) ran 800m in a quiet 58.4, the last 600 in 42.8, and Deadly Pony was kept to 1000m in 1.15.2, the last 600 in 43.4.
On the synthetic track, Savabeel mare Asahi, not seen since the autumn, worked over 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 38.1, and Bold Belle recorded 52.1 and 38.9.
Kawatiri, in the r65 mile on Saturday, was sent 800m in 55.3, the last 600 in 40.3. She has not raced since July, but did finish second in a Foxton trial last week.
Shirley Temple, Kosta and a Vespa gelding all went together over 800m in 55.9, the last 600 in 41.7, with the Vespa gelding, as per instructions, always two or three lengths behind the other pair.