Message Bank all the way win in the Gold Crown

Prominent horseman David Hewitt won his first Group 1 event as a harness racing driver when Message Bank (Captaintreacherous) ran up to his excellent heat win in taking out the $150,000 Group 1 Hynash Group Gold Crown Final for two years olds at Bathurst on Saturday night.

Despite running the fastest heat time of 1.53.7 at his debut, Message Bank was not fancied against favourite Rewatch who was driven by his son Brad and had the coveted pole position.

As expected Rewatch easily held the lead with the Victorian Loucasso a well backed second favourite going through to take the trail behind the leader. An intriguing battle was then expected but David Hewitt decided to push forward and after a short battle he was in front of Rewatch. James Herbertson on Loucasso immediately come off the rails to go and race outside the leader.

MESSAGE BANK MAR 29 REPLAY

Message Bank looked to be still travelling well within himself on the final bend and Rewatch attempted to take an inside run. However Loucasso who was still prominent went into a gallop disorganising some of those behind him and Message Bank won by just under three metres from Rewatch with Soho Park Avenue flashing up along the rails to just miss out on second placing.

David Hewitt reflected on the event.

“I haven’t had many starters over the years in it. I finished third on the old track and had a couple of Heat winners but this has all topped it off tonight. I was really pleased with last week’s effort.

He’s a big green fella and doesn’t know much. It was a really good effort last week. I just had to roll the dice and I thought if I went back I’ve got too many in front of me. So I aimed him up to do his best. It was fairly tight at the finish. I could see Brad wasn’t going to get me but the horse on the inside got home quick but anyhow he had enough in hand to hold them off.”

Owned by Ross Angove Message Bank is now unbeaten in two appearances and his bold front running technique coupled with his explosive speed is going to give him an advantage over other two year olds at this stage of the season.

Loucasso who finished near the rear has been stood down for one trial but he’s obviously better than that while Rewatch appeared to have every chance.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink