Strong workouts by Shezzacatch, Maria Dior and Hunta Pence, all likely starters at Awapuni on Saturday, highlighted today’s Hastings trackwork session.

Fast work was again confined to the plough, which was conducive to fast times.

Shezzacatch was very keen when running a solo 1000m in 1:01.5. She ran the first 400m in 27.7 but then really stretched out over the final 600 in 34.8.

The Savabeel mare has been freshened since her two unplaced runs at the New Zealand Cup meeting in Christchurch and will contest the Rating 75 race over 1300m at Awapuni.

Maria Dior looked to be working extra well at the end of 800m in 50.7, the last 600 in 36.2. She is another who has been freshened up since finishing second over 1200m at Hastings in mid-October and is also expected to line up in the Rating 75 race over 1300m at Awapuni.

Hunta Pence, who runs in the $45,000 Open 2100m race at Awapuni, was also hitting out well at the end of 800m in 51.7, the last 600 in 36.7. He was not far away when sixth in the Wanganui Cup (2040m) last start.

Dictation and Do The Maths, two members of the Nelson/McDougal stable who are also likely starters at Awapuni on Saturday, worked together over a round and were timed to run the last 1200m in 1:18.8 and final 600 in 37.6.

Zakra had co-trainer Mick Brown aboard when running 1000m in 1:13, the last 600 in 41.5 while stablemate No Bid ended his work with an easy 600m in 44.8.

Succeeder looked to have plenty in reserve at the end of an easy 600m in 39.5 while Darwin ran over the same ground in 41.5.

Free Thyme was not asked for a serious effort when running 800m in 59.9, the lasty 600 in 42.4 while Checkpoint Charlie worked over 1000m at three-quarter pace, the last 600 in 45.7.