Supa American leading the field in last week's Golden Guitar heat at Tamworth. Photo by Brett Atkins
FEATURE racing in the state’s north continues on Friday evening at Tamworth with the $50,000 Multiquip Golden Guitar final.
The name of the Tamworth Club’s signature race, which was first run in 1984, was changed to the Golden Guitar at some stage through its 40-year staging, the initial winner being the Col Hobday-trained and reined Zel Lobell.
The race is sought after by trainers and the time-honoured feature has continued to grow in stature, a prizemoney boost in 2020 elevating it to Group 3 status.
Five strongly-contested heats were run last Friday night as part of Tamworth’s mammoth Carnival of Cups program and the task of determining a pre-post-race favourite was hard, such is the depth of this year’s field.
But after coming up with gate two for the final, the Jason Grimson-trained Supa American is likely to start favourite following his impressive winning performance.
Ace junior driver Jack Callaghan will take the reins behind the four-year-old entire, who has won three of his five outings.
The KerryAnn Morris-trained Sweetheart Bart rated 1.56.2, the fastest time of the heat winners, while Victorian raider Rakajed overcame a backline draw to score.
His trainer Jamie Kirk earmarked the Golden Guitar some time ago, booking top Sydney reinsman Cameron Hart to handle his gelding.
Both pacers have tricky draws, making their task more difficult.
One finalist that could be the dark horse in the Guitar is Bettors Hope, which is trained near Canowindra by Mat Rue.
He has drawn ideally in barrier one and is likely to gain a perfect run in transit.
Bathurst driver Pheobe Betts, who has been campaigning at Tamworth with her own horses, secured the catch drive on Bettors Hope, which was gallant in defeat behind Sweetheart Bart last week.
“I think he can run a bold race from that good draw,” said Betts.
“Mat’s horses are always fit and race well, so I expect a forward showing from Bettors Hope.
“His run in the heat was creditable and from the inside draw he should enjoy a cosy trip.
“I headed up to Tamworth in the hope that one of my own horses would make the final.
“But that was not to be, so I am grateful for the opportunity that Mat and his owners have given me.”
