Group One winner Embellish and promising galloper Te Akau Shark pleased connections after their exhibition gallop at Ellerslie on Monday.

“Rather than going to Taupo on Friday where it was pretty firm, we thought we would go to Ellerslie where there was a bit of give in the track,” trainer Jamie Richards said.

“Speaking with Opie (Bosson, jockey), he was very pleased with the way both of them worked.

“Opie rode Embellish and he is probably a bit behind Te Akau Shark in terms of fitness, and Shafiq (Rusof) was really happy with how Te Akau Shark worked. That will tidy him up nicely for the sprint (Gr.3 Red Badge Spring Sprint (1400m)) on the last day at Hastings.”