Take The Miki winning his qualifier. Photo by Coffee Photography Framing
The Hynash Group Gold Crown Final will take centre stage on Saturday night when the Bathurst Harness Racing Club conducts one of the richest nights of pacing and trotting action in regional Australia.
The $150,000 Group for two-year-old colts and geldings’ along with the $150,000 Alabar Farms Gold Tiara classic for the fillies feature on the 10-race program.
This year’s staging of the Crown appears to be the most even seen in the race’s long history and the barrier draw has swayed punters towards the two heat winners from Victoria, namely Jacwill Kid, that will start from gate one for trainer Geoff Webster, and the Matthew Craven-trained Take The Miki likely to come out of barrier two.
Both horses are currently quoted at $2.70 in betting with the early weight of money being with Take The Miki who has firmed in from $3.80.
After winning first up in his home state Victoria, Take The Miki was sent out as a short-priced favourite in his qualifier and never let his supporters down.
Craven allowed the youngster time to settle from a wide barrier, eventually landing a perfect trail before making a lightening move from the five hundred metre mark, scoring by two metres in 1:55.0.
Following the barrier draw, Craven said that he was happy with his gelding’s heat win and post-race recovery and is excited heading into the final.
“He is a nice horse with plenty of ability,” said Craven.
“We are extremely happy with the draw, and the way he performed in his heat.
“He has come out of the run well and I am now looking forward to Saturday.
“But it is a strong final as you would expect.
“The O’Connor family who bred and race him have been so good to me over the years.
“We had his mum who looked as though she was going to be top shelf before being injured and subsequently retired.
“I am just glad that we have been able to produce another nice one for them with this fella.
“In all honesty I cannot take all of the credit here, my partner Amy done much of the early preparation with this fella and we have had this race earmarked for some time.
“It would be great for us all if he could take out the final.”
