Last-start Tauranga winner War Princess and stablemate Lucullan were in fine form at Awapuni on Tuesday morning, but did not have all the kudos.
The majority of fast work was held on the course proper, with several smart times recorded on a good surface.
War Princess and Lucullan used the course proper and covered 1000m in 1.5.5, the last 600 in 35.2.
Not to be denied a headline, Old Town Road and Ardroe were no less impressive with 1000m in 1.4.1, the last 600 in 35.7, and Semper Magico drew attention with his solo 1000m in 1.2.4, the last 600 in 35.9.
First Gear and a stable companion left 800m behind in 50.2, the last 600 in 35.8, while Kereti and East End Lad went together in 51.1 and 35.9.
Keeping Time and unraced three-year-old filly Darci Dior (by Darci Brahma) matched strides over 1000m in 1.4.8, the last 600 in 36.5, and stablemate Redana went on her own in 1.5.5 and 36 seconds even.
Rithim, Identikit and Sacred Pearl all went together over 1000m in 1.5.3, the last 600 in 36.8, and Zackery galloped alone in 1.5.9 and 36.7.
Last-start Wairarapa winner Uncle Arch and unraced stablemate Belle Coeur (by Vadamos) ran 1000m in 1.6.3, the last 600 in 36.2. Belle Coeur has had three trials for three placings and is down to debut on Saturday.
Cooper, a Foxton trial winner last week, and Tivaci's Affair were paired over 800m in 52.2, the last 600 in 36.1, while Testing, Waititi and Too Sweet went together in 52.3 and 36.8.
Velton, narrowly beaten at Tauherenikau last start, worked over 1200m in 1.22.4, increasing the tempo as she went to finish with 800m in 53.3, the last 600 in 37.9.
Unraced four-year-old Louis Swey (by Sweynesse) did nice work over 1000m in 1.5.1, the last 600 in 37.2, and Poppy's Girl, a Foxton trial winner last week, required 1.12.1 and 37.9.
Tears Of Victory had Hello My Dear alongside over 800m in 52.5, the last 600 in 37.3. Hello My Dear won at trial at Woodville two weeks ago.
Our Sniper, who broke maiden status last start, and Bantry, unplaced on debut, gathered speed from the 1000m (1.10.8) to finish with 600m in 38.3, while The Scunner clocked 1.12.8 and 38.4.
Durham Lad was kept to 800m in 55.6, the last 600 in 39.2, and former southerner Litigator, now with Lisa Latta, took 59.4 and 41.6.
Lets All Boogie, another to break maidens last start, was not chasing the clock over 1000m in 1.13.2, the last 600 in 41.1.
On the plough, unraced six-year-old Basslock (by Shocking) ran 1000m in 1.5.7, the last 600 in 37.1. She is with Mark Oulaghan.