A strong gallop by Fonsi and a nice even workout by Free Bee were among the highlights at this morning’s Hastings trackwork session.
Both horses are entered for races on their home track this Sunday.
Fast work was confined to the plough, which provided good footing.
Fonsi finished clear of stablemate Bahia Emerald at the end of 800m in 52.1, coming home the last 600 in a quick 36.3.
Fonsi only managed fifth over 1000m at Tauherenikau last start but had recorded a second and a third before that and will contest the three-year-old maiden over 1400m on Sunday. Apprentice Tayla Mitchell has the mount.
Mitchell has also been booked to ride Free Bee in the Rating 75 race over 1400m and this morning the Rageese mare had co-trainer Mick Brown aboard when working in from the 1000m peg. She was not extended at any stage, coming home the last 800 in 53.7 and final 600 in 39.1.
Free Bee has missed two starts in the past month due to abandonments but looks in great order and has a great record on her home track.
Wewillrock and Flashlight, both in the Lowry/Zydenbos stable, were others to record a fast time when they ran 1000m together in 1:04.5, the last 600 in 36.7. They are both likely to have a run at the Waipukurau jumpouts next Monday.
An Ocean Park two-year-old gelding and a Rubick two-year-old filly, two others in the Lowry/Zydenbos stable, also finished their workout off strongly when running 800m in 51.1, the last 600 in 36.7.
Chairman, entered for the maiden 1600m race at Hastings on Sunday, worked with Candle over 800m early in the session. Bad light prevented them from being timed.
Candle has had no luck in her recent starts and is likely to race next at the Hawke’s Bay meeting on February 28.
Fancy Like Lass stretched out nicely over 1000m, running the last 800 in 53.2 and final 600 in 38.6. She has been freshened since winning at Trentham on January 20 and will have an exhibition gallop between races at Sunday’s Hastings meeting in preparation for the Listed $90,000 Lightning Handicap (1200m) at Trentham on March 16.
Eparaima was not hurried when running a solo 800m, the last 600 in 40.6 and is another who may start next at Hastings on February 28 while stablemate Rosalita ran an easy 800m in 57.7, the last 600 in 42.