Lantern Way hinted at an upset win at Trentham on Saturday when he worked in fine style at Awapuni on Thursday.

Fast work took place on the course proper, on the plough or on the synthetic track.

Lantern Way used the course proper and reeled off 1000m in 1.5.7, coming the final 800m in 50.4, the last 600 in 35.8.

The four-year-old son of Satono Aladdin is a former Hawke's Bay Guineas winner but, since that success as a spring three-year-old, he has chalked up just one more victory in 11 starts.

Saturday's r75 1200m may be a bit short in distance, but his gallop this morning suggested he can give his rivals plenty of cheek. Matt Cartwright rides him for the first time.

Three-year-old filly Pleasing gathered speed from the 1000m to complete 800m in 50.8, the last 600 in 36.5. She won a Waipukurau trial last month then finished an improver's fifth when resuming at New Plymouth three weeks ago.

Lydia Pickford-trained Lady Performer had senior rider Leah Hemi aboard over 1000m in 1.15.5, with the final 800m taking 49.2, the last 600 in 36.3. She has not raced since the spring.

Wellington acceptors Town Cryer (Awapuni Gold Cup) and Too Sweet (Sires' Produce), were paired over 1000m in 1.14.2, clocking 50.9 for the final 800m, the last 600 in 37.4. They worked boldly on Tuesday as well.

The outside barrier draw proved too tough for Too Sweet in the Karaka Million 2YO last start and, unfortunately, has to start from the outside gate again.

A gear change will see a nose band taken off to be replaced with a shadow roll. Masa Hashizume will ride Too Sweet her for the first time, while Sam Spratt will have her first ride on Town Cryer.

Remiro (by Wrote) and an unraced Turn Me Loose two-year-old, both trained by Lydia Pickford, ran 800m in 52.5, the last 600 in 37.4.

The Scunner, in the r75 mile on Saturday, had trainer Ashley Meadows in the saddle over 800m in 54.3, the last 600 in 38.6. Sam Spratt, who won two races on the gelding in the spring, is reunited with the five-year-old.

Steeplechasers West Coast and Kentucky Boy went together over a very tidy 1000m in 1.4.7, the last 600 in 38.1.

Ima Brazen One, in Saturday's r75 1200m, covered 800m in a quiet 55.1, the last 600 in 40.4. The Brazen Beau mare won fresh up at New Plymouth last month with blinkers on for the first time.

On the plough, Knickerless skipped over 1000m in 1.6.7 and finished with 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 37.5. She has not won for over 12 months, but since then has chalked up two seconds, one third, and two fourths from 11 starts.

Awapuni Gold Cup runner Manifique was sent 1200m, being timed her final 800m in 54.6, the last 600 in 38.9, while Textbook and Dealornodeal went together in 54.2, and 38.2.

Platinum Designs worked alone over 1000m in 1.13.8, the last 600 in 38.8, and finished second at Wanganui two starts ago before a very unlucky fifth at Waverley. He has since been freshened.

Sires' Produce stablemates War Princess and Shameless Star were not chasing the clock over 1000m in 1.16.8, with the final 800m taking 57.9, the last 600 in 41.2.

Unraced three-year-old filly Platinum Goddess (by Alpine Eagle) and unraced two-year-old filly Versatile (by Almanzor) ran 800m in 58.5, the last 600 in 42 seconds even. They are with Lisa Latta.

A Per Incanto mare with Lydia Pickford ended with 600m in 42.2, while Damiano and a Hello Youmzain filly posted 43.2. Wellington entrant Charlotte's Way (r65 1400m) clocked a quiet 44.9.

On the synthetic track, Afterthought and Kosta sprinted 600m in 39.7, while unraced Alamosa two-year-old Cassius The Colt, a U S Navy Flag gelding and another Alamosa gelding went together in 40 seconds even. They are all with Mike Breslin.