An eye for talent

Harness racing’s combination of owner Jackie Gibson and trainer Mark Hewitt unearthed another promising filly at Bathurst when Eye Keep Smiling (Sweet Lou) made an impressive debut in a heat of the NSW Breeders Challenge, running second to Saveeon.

The well-bred two-year-old is out of the Gibson family’s former smart racemare Oh Eye See, who won more than $100,000 in stakes from 11 wins and as many placings.

She has now produced four foals with the first three meeting success and Eye Keep Smiling appearing likely to join her siblings in the winners’ circle.

Eye Keep Smiling sat three wide from the half mile with Saveeon carving out a slick pace, but she never shirked her task as she made up plenty of ground to get into second placing, securing her place in the semi-finals to be run in late October.

“I am very lucky that I get to work with these lovely horses for Jackie,” said trainer Mark Hewitt.

“We have had so much luck together over the past 10 years and hopefully that will continue with the fillies we currently have racing.

“I was really happy with Eye Keep Smiling’s effort in the heat at Bathurst.

“She is still very new to things, but she has always given me a great feel.

“Without getting too far ahead of myself, I do feel she is going to have a successful career on the racetrack.

“I was a little bit sceptical heading into last week’s race, especially coming up against the likes of Saveeon and Studleigh Melise.

“Both of them had race fitness and experience on their side.

“But this filly travelled well and exceeded all my expectations.”

Hewitt returns to Bathurst on Wednesday (Sep. 21) with Eye Keep Smiling, where she steps out against some older pacers.

Her main rivals appear to be fellow two-year-old Studleigh Melise as well as the Steve Turnbull-trained three-year-old Smooth Bon Bon.

“I think tonight’s race should be an exciting contest and it will be a great test to see where our filly is at as we prepare for the semi-finals,” said Hewitt.

“She has come up with a nice gate four draw, but Studleigh Melise should get a good run through from her second-line draw while Smooth Bon Bon will also pose a treat with Amanda [Turnbull] aboard.”

For complete race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW