The Liquidator is poised to put the record straight on Monday, judging by his bold gallop at Awapuni on Thursday morning.
Fast work was held on the plough or on the synthetic track.
The Liquidator used the plough and had Kalinya for a partner over 1000m in 1.4.1, coming the final 800m in 49.8, the last 600 in 36.1.
Both horses had their aboard, in Leon Mudgway and Ashley Meadows respectively, which gave the gallop more merit.
The Liquidator was one of the favourites when beaten on debut at Trentham last month, with luck in the home straight right against him.
He has a chance to make amends in the maiden 1340m at Wanganui on Monday.
Kalinya, meanwhile, has not raced since the middle of winter, with her best placing in two starts so far being a last-start fifth at Otaki.
Three-year-old filly Thrilling, in the maiden mile on Monday, worked with stablemate Rithim over 1000m in 1.5.1, with the final 800m taking 50.9, the last 600 in 37.3.
Thrilling has had two races as well, finishing a close third at Otaki (1600m) on Boxing Day. She is improving all the time.
Silent Applause, who debuts in the maiden 1340m, and Coney Island were paired over 1000m in 1.7.4, completing the final 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 37.1.
Silent Applause (by Darci Brahma) was second at the Levin jump-outs last month followed by a fourth at the Foxton trials a week later.
Unraced three-year-old Starpello (by Star Turn) and a Verdi-Quintastics gelding, two more from the Latta barn, went a nice 1000m in 1.5.8 and 51.4, the last 600 in 37.5. Starpello won a Levin jump-out (1200m) last week.
Platinum Attack and Lincoln Star worked right-handed over 1000m in 1.2.5, covering the final 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 37.4.
Wanganui acceptors Almalane (mdn mile) and Can Do (mdn 3yo 1340m) matched strides over 1000m in 1.6.1, the last 600 in 38.3, while their stablemates Felucca and Lemaitre took 1.7.3 and 38.1. Felucca is a fair chance in Saturday's MAAT 1400 at Trentham.
Wellington Cup candidate Inmyshadow had trainer Ashley Meadows aboard over 1000m in 1.10.8, increasing the tempo as he went to finish with 800m in 54.4, the last 600 in 38.1. He could not be fitter.
Victortheinflictor (r65 mile) and Wanganui entrant Moon Money (r65 1340m) stayed together over 1000m in 1.9.2, the last 600 in 38.7. Monday's race rivals Damiano and Honoka (mdn 3yo 1340m) clocked 1.7.8 and 40.9.
After three good runs in lead-up form, Damiano is ready to put a win on the board, while Honoka (by Staphanos) finished second at the Levin jump-outs (1000m) last week.
On the synthetic track, Wellington Cup lightweight chance Zackery covered 1000m in 1.9.6, coming the final 800m in 52.7, the last 600 in 38.8. His two career wins so far have both been over 2200 metres, so he seems to stay well.
Ima Brazen One was sent 1000m in 1.7.6, with the final 800m taking 52.6, the last 600 in 38.5, and Asahi gathered speed from the 1000m to run home 800m in 50.1 and 38 seconds even.
Vee Vee ended with 600m in 42.8.