Hunta Pence, preparing for Saturday’s $100,000 Manawatu Cup, was one of only a few horses to work at speed in a quiet session at the Hastings track this morning.

Fast work was confined to the plough, which provided good footing.

Hunta Pence worked in from the 1200m peg on his own, running the first 600m in 43.5 and finishing off the final 600 nicely in 39.3.

Trainer Patrick Campbell was pleased with the horse’s work and the eight-year-old looks to have trained on well since his last start win in the Wanganui Cup (2040m). Darryl Bradley will again ride him in Saturday’s 2300m feature at Awapuni.

Bellesgirl, entered for the Rating 65 race over 1400m at Otaki on Friday, was let off with an easy 600-metre gallop in 39.6s. The daughter of Niagara was a late scratching at Awapuni a fortnight ago after she crashed through the running rail before the start. She was a good maiden winner over 1400m at Hastings two starts back.

Alpine Charm, who will be nominated for the Maiden 1600 at Otaki, was also let off with an easy 600-metre run this morning and clocked 40.9s. She over-raced when tried to be ridden from the back at Hastings last start and is likely to be ridden a lot more forward next start.

Velarde worked nicely on his own over 800m in 54.7, the last 600 in 38.9. He could have a run at next Tuesday’s Waipukurau jumpouts to prepare him for a Maiden 1800m race at Taupo on December 30.

Stablemates Free Thyme and Serengeti worked together when sent over two lots of 400m, the first taking 25.4s and the second in 24.4s. Free Thyme is another who could start next at Taupo while Serengeti will be entered for the Hawke’s Bay meeting on New Year’s Day.