McCarthy faces Regional Championship dilemma

Two of New South Wales’ best harness racing drivers shared the honours when the second round of heats for the Metropolitan TAB Regional Championships were run on Tuesday.

Brad Hewitt and Luke McCarthy were the victors.

In the first round, Brad won aboard Send It while Luke guided Muscle Factory to an all-the-way win in heat two.

On Tuesday, Hewitt combined with his father David to claim the prize with Im Bruce Almighty while Belinda and Luke McCarthy took out the final heat with Ilikembettor.

McCarthy admits that winning two heats has presented him with a real dilemma as he believes that both pacers are capable of going on to win the $100,000 Group 1 feature.

“Muscle Factory was really good in his heat win,” said the gun reinsman.

“I was soft on him as I let him coast down to the line.

“Belinda is under the impression that he will tighten right up with the solid work we have been giving him heading into the final.

“I am confident that he will be spot-on for next week and is the horse that they will have to beat.”

Ilikemebettor was forced to do a power of work in his heat win after being caught three wide for the opening 800 metres.

He then raced without cover and surged to the lead at the top of the lane before holding on to score by just over a metre.

“To do the amount of work that he did and still get home was pretty special, in fact he was running away from them on the line.

“Without wanting to sound arrogant, I really feel that our two are the top seeds going into the final.

“I will most likely stick with Muscle Factory and Belinda will give young Jack Callaghan the call up for Ilikemebettor.”

Brad Hewitt trains Send It so his decision is easy, he will take the reins behind the talented four-year-old while David will most likely drive Im Bruce Almighty in the final.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW