Aldebaran Crescent looking to defend Gold Series crown

Aldebaran Crescent (Majestic Son) claimed her first harness racing win since the Group 1 Lyn McPherson Memorial Breed For Speed Gold Series Final in 2022 with a top performance in a heat of this year’s series at Bendigo on Thursday night (Feb. 9).

With James Herbertson in the sulky, the David Aiken-trained squaregaiter led from start to finish and clocked a brilliant mile rate of 1:55.7 while beating Keayang Livana by just under two metres.

Aldebaran Crescent will now look to defend the crown she won last year, with the $50,000 Breed For Speed Gold Series Final a highlight of the WomenCan and Team Teal “Night at the Trots” event at Tabcorp Park Melton on February 25.

Further heats of the Gold Series – for trotting mares rated between 67 and 120 – will be run at Shepparton on Wednesday, with a small but talented field of six engaged.

Opening heats of the Lyn McPherson Memorial Breed For Speed Silver Series (NR 52-66 trotting mares) and Bronze Series (4YO and older trotting mares – NR up to 51) were also conducted at Bendigo on Thursday.

The Chris Svanosio trained-and-driven Abundance led all the way to win the Silver qualifier after Ross Graham and Herbertson combined with Reigning Lillies to take out the Bronze event.

Further heats for the Silver and Bronze series will also be at Shepparton next Wednesday before respective $24,000 and $14,000 finals at Melton on February 25.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for Harness Racing Victoria