Ripples outstanding effort in Gold Tiara Final

Unbeaten filly Ripples (Bettor’s Delight) gave an outstanding performance to outstay her harness racing rivals in the $150,000 Group 1 One Group Industries Gold Tiara Final for two year old fillies at Bathurst on Saturday night.

Drawn the outside of the front row Ripples was trapped three wide early with driver Luke McCarthy eventually racing outside the leader Discernment whose driver James Herbertson had no hesitation in holding the lead. Favourite Sparkling Sea who had won her heat in record time last Monday was able to secure the one out and one back trail for the last lap. Central West filly Captain Jazz had the trail behind the leader.

Discernment looked to be travelling well within herself on the final bend but Ripples displaying tremendous courage and maturity for a youngster really put the pressure and she was drawing clear to safely hold off Sparkling Sea with Discernment close up in third.

Ripples rated 1.53.9 for her success which was 0.7 seconds faster than her heat success.

Raced by Mick Harvey Ripples continues the incredible run of success for the Emma Stewart stable which also took out two races at Melton.

RIPPLES MAR 29 REPLAY GOLD TIARA FINAL BATHURST

McCarthy commented. “She’s a lovely filly. I was impressed with the way she went in the Heats. I said to Mick Harvey (the owner) the other day she just felt like if I let her stride even a second quicker in the middle half she would have done it.

Even though we drew wide I was very confident and thought she’s run a great race. It was a great race and if you look at the times they’re unbelievable for two year old fillies. Full credit to the Bathurst Harness Racing Club to have the track ready with the rain we have had. I was lucky enough to come out on top.”

Outside the placegetters Riverina filly Capture Our Heart finished well to take fourth but the eye catching run was that of Willow’s Girl. She raced roughly at the start and was a clear last on settling down. When making a run in the back straight she was forced very wide and yet she was still doing her best work at the finish to run a credible fifth. She can only improve on that performance.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink