Barrier draws the key to Hewitt’s chances

The coveted rails barrier is the key to Goulburn horseman Brad Hewitt’s harness racing chances at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Sunday.

Three of Hewitt’s stable stars will contest races at one of the club’s rare Sunday afternoon meetings.

And all three look to have strong chances at the massive Breeders Challenge meeting, which boasts four Group 1 finals and two $50,000 four-year-old finals as well.

Hewitt’s ace square-gaiter Majestic Trio (Majestic Son) has been slightly disappointing since her Group 1 Queensland Trotters Cup success at Albion Park in July.

Still, she does have her share of gait speed and if she can stay near the top might be able to outsprint likely leader Funky Monkey and maybe hold off the likes of Albizia, Doff Your Cap and Toro Stride in the straight in Race 1.

Hewitt’s gun three-year-old Captains Knock also has the perfect draw to be a contender in Race 8, the $150,000 three-year-old colts and geldings final.

Unfortunately for Hewitt, he is up against outstanding youngster Better Be The Best from the Nathan Turnbull stable, who is chasing his seventh successive win.

Captains Knock has won nine races from just 18 starts and one of his wins in 1:51.1 suggests he could spring an upset, as Better Be The Best has only gone as low as 1:52 in his many wins.

“My horse went super last time out; he was quick enough to get across to the pegs and I knew we’d be a serious chance from there,” Hewitt told National Trotguide’s Mike Ko’cass.

“We were behind Oliver Dan for most of the straight and it wasn’t until the last 50m that we clawed back and were going better than him on the line.

“I’m hoping after another week at home and back to his normal routine he can improve again – and he’ll need to.

“We’re going to have to come out as hard as we can.

“When you get draws like that you have to utilize them because you don’t get draws like that in Group 1s very often; you have to use it.”

Hewitt said Majestic Trio made an uncharacteristic error last start and went off stride.

“We’ll put that run behind us and hope she’s back to her best on Sunday,” he said.

“I was happy with her first run back and she was a bit crook after that but I’m hoping she’s on top of things and can bounce back to her best.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Court, for HRNSW