Hewitt ready to Blaze

It is well known that astute Goulburn harness racing trainer Brad Hewitt has the knack of getting his hands on a good horse and then taking them through their grades.

In the current season, Hewitt has maintained that reputation, producing some progressive types including bonny Dubbo mare Yarraman Bella, who went from racing in modest country grade to becoming a Group 1 winner under his tutelage.

Tonight (Aug. 31) at Bathurst Hewitt may very well produce yet another of those gems when boom three-year-old Blazing Banner (Rock N Roll Heaven) has his first start for the stable.

The gelding who is raced by prominent Riverina owner Michael Boots has not been seen at the races for eight months and was formerly prepared by David Kennedy at Narrandera and failed to flatter in the Vicbred Series.

But following two impressive trials for Hewitt, Blazing Banner will start at short odds to win the opening race tonight against older horses.

“He is a lovely little horse,” said Hewitt.

“Massive wraps were placed on him after he came out on debut at Wagga and won by a big space in fast time.

“I will be happy if he does everything right tonight and gets around safely.”

In preparation for his return to racing, Hewitt travelled Blazing Banner to Tabcorp Park Menangle to give him a solid hit out and was impressed by the effort, prompting him to give the gelding a start.

“I have been mindful of his lengthy break and have just worked on getting him back to races in his own time,” said Hewitt.

“He has not drawn all that well against the older horses tonight, but I was happy with his latest trial, and I do feel that he will be hard to beat.”

Hewitt has another new stable acquisition engaged at the Bathurst meeting in the shape of Macarena Madi

Owned by Bruce and Natasha Harpley, Macarena Madi has been sent to Hewitt to give the talented filly every opportunity to race and perform well at Menangle.

“She has had a few hiccups since she arrived from Bruce and Tash,” said Hewitt.

“They sent her to me in top condition though and she looks to have overcome those setbacks.”

“She is an evenly graded field and I expect her to be thereabouts.”

Hewitt has two other winning chances tonight with Debutante Party (race 4) and Mick Danger (race 8).

For complete race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW