Bathurst a happy hunting ground for Jack

You could assume that Menangle Park-based harness racing trainer Jack Trainor rates Bathurst’s Gold Crown Paceway as one of his favourite tracks . . . and you would not be far wrong.

Fresh from training a winning treble at the venue last Wednesday evening, Trainor heads back to Bathurst on Wednesday night with three runners, two of which will vie for favouritism in the feature race, the Bedwells Feed Barn Star Trek Final. Click here to view fields.

Despite coming up against strong opposition, Trainor dominated the two qualifying heats with Surf Ace and Werent Watching scoring comprehensive wins in their respective divisions and he admits it is hard to split the pair in tonight’s final.

“Werent Watching led from gate one in her heat and fought on gamely in the run to the line,” said Trainor.

“My junior stable driver Jack Brown has retained the drive on her tonight where she has drawn the pole again through his concession claim.

“If she leads, I do expect that she will take some catching.

“Jack knows the mare well as he has driven her at her past three starts for us.

“I am sticking with Surf Ace as I was really impressed with him last week.

“He ran a quicker time than Werent Watching in his heat and was strong in doing so.

“That was his first run for me, and I was keen to lead on him.

“This week there looks to be plenty of speed drawn to my inside so I will be looking for a sit.

“I am confident that he will relish tracking the speed and will finish off strongly.”

It could be another big night for Trainor as he will also partner Carlas Mach in the Tuff Rock GI Pace for the faster-class horses.

“Formerly trained by Corey Peterson, the gelding is having his first start for Trainor and looks to have both class and fitness on his rivals.

“I have not had the horse all that long,” said Trainor.

“But he came to me in top condition and has been racing in much tougher company at Menangle.

“What he has done for me on the training track suggests that he can win tonight.

“I always enjoy racing at Bathurst, it is a state-of-the-art track and I have had a lot of success there.

“Hopefully, tonight we can add another feature win to that record.”

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW