Record Runs Have Egg Hopefuls Sweet For Semis

SLASHING trial performances have cemented star sprinters Mackenna and Tim Zoo atop of betting for the Group 1 Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg (520m).

With last Saturday's semi-finals pushed back a week due to the wild weather that lashed Sydney, connections of Golden Easter Egg hopefuls were forced to trial to ensure that their charges were kept up to the mark for this weekend's all important qualifiers.

At Richmond on Monday, Australian Cup hero Tim Zoo, winner of his Egg heat in 29.59, trialled at Richmond over the 401 metres, stopping the clock in a sizzling 22.34, inside Vamoose's 22.36 track record.

Other Golden Easter Egg semi-finalists to have a spin around Richmond on Monday included Nad Al Sheba and Angel Shirley, running 24.83 and 25.13 for their respective post-to-post assignments.

Just a few hours later, star bitch Mackenna, which became the fastest female to win at Wentworth Park when running 29.20 in her Golden Easter Egg heat romp, trialled at Maitland over the 400 metres.

And the daughter of Whiskey Riot didn't disappoint, posting a blinding 21.88, a mere 1/100th outside Precious Sal's longstand 21.87 track record.

Mackenna is currently the $5 Golden Easter Egg favourite ahead of Tim Zoo and Nangar Larry at $8.

First and second from Saturday night's four semi-finals will progress through to the $350,000-to-the-winner finale on April 20.

Meanwhile, at The Gardens on Monday, an additional trial session staged by the club in the aid of participants, saw key Association Cup runners have an important hit-out.

They included Queensland star Valpolicella which recorded a flying 41.58 for the 715 metres, just a few lengths outside the track record.

Premier stayer Palawa King and Country Classic winner Bella Una also trialled to keep up to the mark for this Saturday night's group 1 heats.