Sapling Stakes winner making a claim at open Gold Crown series

The 2024 Bathurst Gold Crown series for harness racing two-year-old colts and geldings appears to be one of the most open versions seen since the classic event was introduced in 1987.

With six heats of the Crown at Bathurst tonight, it is difficult to ascertain which of the contenders will be posted as pre-post favourite for the series.

No doubt, a clearer picture will be painted following tonight’s qualifiers have been run but based on performances to date, the KerryAnn Morris-trained Hezatreacherous (Captaintreacherous) is one of the highest raters. The well-bred colt could not have been more impressive when taking out the Sapling Stakes at Tabcorp Park Menangle on March 9 and has drawn perfectly in barrier two in the sixth heat.

Reinsman Robbie Morris drove Hezatreacherous like a good horse, taking off early from the tail of the field in the Group 3 classic to face the breeze for the last half mile where he was brave to pull out plenty and score by a half-length in 1:54.4.

But there are a number of well-performed youngsters heading to Bathurst in the hope that they can qualify for Saturday week’s $150,000 Final including Brad Hewitt’s colt Springfield Amore and Ultimate Cruza for Hunter Valley trainer-driver Mick Formosa who ran the placings behind Hezatreacherous.

Local trainer Bernie Hewitt has a runner in each of the six heats, his best appearing to be Sweet On Lexy and Ohoka Dream.

Both geldings won on debut but blotted their copybook in the Sapling Stakes after missing away badly.

The interesting runners are first starters Wazza and Fox Dan from the Victorian stable of Clayton Tonkin, as colts have not been seen at the races.

Recently appointed Bathurst CEO, Brendan Micallef is excited over the strong line-up that each of this year’s Crown and Tiara series have attracted and cannot wait to see how it all plays out on the track.

“As a Club, we could not be happier with what both series have thrown up. On paper, the depth of talent in the qualifiers looks unreal,” said Micallef.

“It is very hard to pinpoint a standout performer, which adds to the mystique of the Carnival.”

“I have no doubt that we will end up with fantastic racing and a big crowd on March 30.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW