Tough effort delivers trainer’s first Group 1

New Zealand-bred five-year-old Eighteen Carat (Mach Three) revealed tremendous fighting qualities when she raced wide early and then in the breeze before getting up to snatch a last-stride victory in harness racing’s $100,000 Barbagallo Norms Daughter Classic at Gloucester Park on Friday night (Nov. 11).

Eighteen Carat, driven by Gary Hall jnr, was the $2.70 favourite from her wide draw at barrier No. 7, and she fought on with grim determination to beat the $6.50 third fancy Fifty Five Reborn by a head, rating 1.57.1, to give 33-year-old trainer Michael Young his first Group 1 success. The Amber Hare ($3.20) sustained a strong run from eighth in the middle stages to finish third.

All her nine starts in Western Australia for seven wins, one third and one fourth for earnings of $168,173 have been over 2130m — and on the surface it could be suggested that she could be tested over the 2536m journey when she has her next start, in the $150,000 Group 1 Mares Classic next Friday week.

However, Young is far from concerned at Eighteen Carat racing over 2536m, saying: “That distance will suit her. She is an all-round horse who is tough and is like an old gelding.

“She did what we thought what we thought she could do. She was the best mare in the race. A good barrier would have made her a certainty, and she could still win from a bad barrier.

“She will have a bit of rest and relaxation over the weekend and then will be back in work on Monday to get ready for the Mares Classic.

“Tonight, when Fifty Five Reborn got a neck ahead of Eighteen Carat at the 400m I thought she might have been in a bit of trouble. But when she levelled up with the leader, I was confident she would beat her.”

EIGHTEEN CARAT REPLAY

Young is enjoying an outstanding season and sits in second place behind Greg and Skye Bond on the trainers’ premiership table with 90 winners, 49 seconds and 36 thirds from 302 starters. The Bonds hold a massive lead, with their 519 runners producing 157 wins, 102 seconds and 65 third placings.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ken Casellas, for Gloucester Park