Felucca and stablemate Lemaitre earned plenty of respect for pending engagements at Trentham on Saturday when they galloped boldly together at Awapuni on Tuesday morning.
The majority of fast work was on the plough, where Felucca and Lemaitre were paired over 1000m in 1.4.6, increasing the tempo as they went to finish with 800m in 50.2, the last 600 in 36.5.
Both horses have won a race, each from a handful of runs so far, with minor placings to boot. Further spoils are just around the corner.
Wellington Cup entrant Inmyshadow could not have run a better trial five days out from the iconic race, with trainer Ashley Meadows in the saddle.
After a quiet round, he sped up on the second circuit to clock 1.2.7 for 1000m, coming the final 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 37.6. He did not run in the cup last year, but finished a close fifth in 2023.
Danjuro had stablemate Almalane for a partner over 1000m in 1.8.9, building speed as they went to complete the final 800m in 52.8, the last 600 in 37.9.
Platinum Designs and northern visitor Mr Jay Eight matched strides over an even 1000m in 1.5.1, with the final 800m taking 51.4, the last 600 in 38.2.
Unraced three-year-old gelding Kosta (by War Decree) did similar work on his own, with 1000m in 1.5.8 and 52.2, the last 600 in 38.1. He is with Mike Breslin.
Rosemary Fizz and unraced four-year-old mare Sweettest (by Time Test) went 1000m in 1.10.6, the last 600 in 38.3, and unraced three-year-old Afterthought (by So You Think) ran 800m in 54.8, the last 600 in 39.1.
Rev It Up Rusty and stablemate Chelsea Rose were not chasing the clock over 1000m in 1.10.7, the last 600 in 40.1, and a Redwood gelding trained by Stephen Mercer took 1.13.7 and 40.7.
Cry Baby ended 800m with 600 in 41.1, while a Per Incanto-Heni filly and an Alamosa gelding, both from the Breslin barn, recorded 43.1.
On the synthetic track, Asahi skipped over 1000m in 1.4.5, finishing with 800m in 50.5, the last 600 in 38.7. He was unplaced when resuming under a big weight four weeks ago, but continues to work solidly.