Samurai's two trials very pleasing

Otaki-bound Samurai looked the part in training at Woodville yesterday morning.

Galloping was shared between the plough (good) and No 1 grass (easy).

Samurai used the No 1 grass the reverse way, with two sprints from the 600 to the 1200m mark. His first was in 44.6, but he showed more of his ability with the second in 37.2.

Samurai galloped on Tuesday with Waipukurau visitor and race rival My Astron over 800m, but were not timed because of the fog. While owner-trainer Neil Connors was disappointed with Samurai's first-up run at Hastings, he was pleased with the two gallops this week.

Private Moon went an easy 800m in 56.3, the last 600 in 39.8. The 4-year-old debuts for owner-trainer Noel Coombe in the 1200m maiden.

Race rival Tachina also used the grass in her 1000m gallop in 1.8.5, the final 600 in 39.5. She showed promise in her first campaign.

Mr Mor (r70 2100m) used the plough when sprinting twice over 600m in 38.8. and 38.7. Stablemate Konini Dance (r70 mile) dashed 1000m in 1.3, the last 600 in 37.4

Passport, trained by Neil Connors, dashed early over 1000m in 1.4.6, slowing over the final stages with the 600m in 39.2, while Vault, also with Connors, completed 1000m in 1.5.6, the last 600 in 38.6. A stablemate by High Chapaaral took 56.4 for 800m, the final 600 in 41.

- © Fairfax NZ News