Hewitt looking to continue Group 1 roll

Bathurst harness racing trainer Bernie Hewitt will be searching for more Group 1 glory when he heads to Wagga on Easter Saturday.

Hewitt had possibly his most successful night at any track last month at Bathurst when he secured a feature double, training the winners of both the Gold Tiara and Gold Chalice and adding a third win to his tally by night’s end.

On Sunday evening the champion horseman gave himself another opportunity to win a Group 1 event when he qualified Winona Writer for the $100,000 Ladex Riverina Championships Mares final.

Winona Writer started on the third line of betting in the first heat on Sunday and after racing near the tail of the field for much of the race, unleashed a brilliant finish from the top of the lane to score by a half head over the favourite Yarraman Bella, rating 1:57.1 for the 2270-metre journey.

Winona Writer had not been seen at the races since early December last year, which only added merit to the win and thrilled Hewitt, who is confident his mare will be better for the run.

“She is a lovely mare who proved on Sunday that she can mix it with the best of them,” said Hewitt.

“To do what she did first-up on Sunday was very pleasing and it gives me confidence going into the final.

“I do think Anntonia, who won the other heat, will be hard to beat.

“She is such a professional racemare and has been at the top of her game ever since she first raced.

“But you have to be in it to win it and I believe my mare is a real chance.”

Tonight, at Bathurst, Hewitt has five starters on what is a strong 10-race program.

And the best of his runners appears to be Always Thunder in the opening event.

Raced in the same interests as Winona Writer, Always Thunder has only had three race starts, recording a last-start win as well as an earlier minor placing.

Despite being lightly-raced, Hewitt believes the gelding has a bright future once he learns what racing is all about.

“He can be a real handful, but I am slowly working him out,” said Hewitt.

“His effort last week when he scored by more than 30 metres was great and I expect him to perform well again tonight.”

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By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW