27 March 2024
by HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY

THERE have been few surprises throughout this year’s Gold Crown Carnival at Bathurst over the past 10 days with most of the leading contenders making their way through to Saturday night’s four major Group 1 finals.

That made Monday’s barriers draw crucial to the chances of finalists and to be fair, the outcome has strongly favoured some of the better chances.

The first of those came up in the Gold Crown when the Clayton Tonkin- trained Fox Dan drew gate one for the $150,000 feature.

To be driven by champion reinsman Cameron Hart, the colt rated 1:54.4 in his comfortable heat win and will take a power of beating.

In stark contrast, leading local hope Sweet On Lexy will have to overcome his outside draw if he is to give prominent owner Lex Crosby his first Bathurst feature.

The gelding certainly has the ability to win the race, but he does have it all to do.

The best-performed juvenile filly for the current season is undoubtedly Bittersweet and she dominated in her heat win.

Undefeated in three wins at Bathurst, she will start from the pole position and is likely to start at short odds to win the Gold Tiara.

Owned by her breeder Denise Thurston, the daughter of Captaintreacherous toyed with her rivals when leading in her qualifying heat, running a scintillating 55.9 second last-half to score by almost 40 metres.

Trainer-driver Brad Hewitt has held the filly in high regard since acquiring her from Phil Thurston in February and was thrilled when learning that Bittersweet came up with the perfect draw.

“Gate one will be ideal for her,” said Hewitt.

“There can be an element of doubt about young horses drawing the inside in juvenile races, but to date, she has left the gate like a bomb, so I am confident she will be fine.”

Hewitt is yet to win one of the big four classics at Bathurst but admits this may be his best chance.

“Obviously we get our chance from the good ally, but there is some really nice fillies in the race, and I am not underestimating that.

“The McDowell’s filly, Peace Out was also impressive in her heat win and is drawn on our back, so my filly will certainly have to be at her best.”