HASTINGS TRACKWORK

(By John Jenkins)

Bellesgirl, a possible starter at Awapuni on Friday, took the time honours in a reasonably quiet session at the Hastings track this morning.

Fast work was conducted about 10 metres out on the course proper, where the ground was firm.

Bellesgirl ran a solo 800m in 49.8, coming home the last 600 in a quick 35.5 and looked to be striding out well at the finish. Co-trainer Guy Lowry said he would enter the Niagara mare for the Rating 65 race over 1550m at Awapuni but would only start if she drew a reasonably good barrier. She was a fast finishing third over 1400m at Hastings last start.

Kuasa Kuda, another who might run at Awapuni on Friday, ended his work with 600m in 36.5 and looked to be striding out well at the finish. He has been disappointing to date and trainer Patrick Campbell said he will either run in a maiden 1400m race at Awapuni or wait for a jumpout at Waipukurau next Monday.

Matt Cain and Ivory Madonna worked together over 1000m and were not asked to do much more than three-quarter pace, running the full distance in 1:15.9 and final 600 in 43.6. Matt Cain recorded a good last start fourth over 1400m at Hastings and will be stepped up to 1600m at the Wairoa meeting at Hastings on Sunday week.

Hanging Loose and a Swiss Ace four-year-old mare worked together over 1000m in 1:12.2, the last 600 in 38.7 while last-start winner Imperial Party worked easily over 600m in 42.5. He could race next at either Hastings on February 21 or at Otaki the following Saturday.

An Ekraar three-year-old gelding in Fred Pratt’s team clocked 55.8 for 800m, the last 600 in 37.6 while Red ‘N’ Turf and Saskatchewan worked early in the session and were timed to run 1000m in 1:11. Fog prevented any sectional times being taken.