AGRA, WELLCOURT SHAPE WELL

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32676, 4 August 1971, Page 8

AGRA, WELLCOURT SHAPE WELL

“The Press" Special Service HASTINGS. Agra, which is certain to be one of the favourites for the Harold Russell Memorial Steeplechase at Hastings on Saturday, and Wellcourt, which appeals for the Springvale Handicap, were among the most impressive track workers at Hastings yesterday morning. Others which worked well included the hurdler Worker. Just William, Game Rullah, Triallst, Earlez, Civil Defence, and the stablemates, Gold and Prince Tim.

The plough offered excellent going, but the course proper, which was lightly used, was very heavy and, as there seems to be rain about still, it will probably remain heavy for Saturday.

Trialist (I. Lawson), which is in the Okawa Maiden Plate, worked with the smart galloper, Mix (R. Marsh). They ran half a mile in 52sec, the last three in 39sec.

Pimlico was well clear of Rouse Cheval at the end of half a mUe in 52 l-ssec, the last three in 39 l*ssec.

Agra (B. Dodds) worked once round then ran seven furlongs boldly in Imin 3 8 4-ssec, the last three in 41 l-ssec. He has freshened since racing at the Mauawatu Hunt meeting and should be hard to beat in the

Russell Steeples. Prince Tim (P. Julius) and Bold (I. Lawson) ran six furlongs solidly in Imin 19 l-ssec, the last three in 40 2-ssec. This was a sound workout. Worker iR. Marsh), Consulate (M. Donoghue), Quick Sal (A. Pringle), and Argyle (T. Manley), finished in that order on completion of a round in imin 41 3-ssec, the last six in Imin 20 sec and the last three in 40 3-5 sec. This was a particularly good effort, especially for Worker, which must be a threat in the Braehead Hurdles. Game Rullah (B. Dodds) and Just William (R. Grantham) topped off their work with three furlongs in 38 l-ssec. They both hit out freely. Wellcourt (I. Lawson), a good winner at Levin last time out* and Mr Spy (B. Kirke) ran once round in Imin 43sec, the last seven in Imin 34sec and the last three In 39sec. Wellcourt will be a threat in the Springvale. Earles (M. Donoghue) and Civil

i Defence (M. Burridge) ran five furlongs strongly in Imin 4sec, the last three in 38 3-ssec. This was good work.

On the course proper Minralne (J. Couper) ran a mile in 2min 1 3-ssec, the last six in Imin 28 sec and the last three in 43sec, which was quite good considering the going.