Top drivers chasing Group 1 glory at Bathurst

Two of the best in the gig Cameron Hart and Nathan Jack will both be aiming to capture the four Group 1 races at Bathurst tonight, each being booked on serious chances in the respective harness racing features.

Jack will drive three of the four favoured runners in the Crown, Tiara and Bracelet while two of Hart’s drives are solid in the market.

“The Bathurst carnival is one of the best anywhere in Australia for the juvenile horses and it is a great honour to have four drives in each of the Group 1 races,” said Hart.

“The best of my chances of snaring a feature win are Iambecauseofyou and Madrid in the Gold Chalice and Bracelet as both are highly talented three year olds.

“Iambecausofyou is a strong horse that is perfectly mannered and has drawn perfectly in the Chalice final.

“His run on Monday to qualify was super and his form of late is very hard to fault.

“From the draw I am confident he should find a prominent spot up near the lead and be hard to hold over the latter stages of the race.

“Madrid wasn’t so lucky with the draw and with the favourite Just Hope inside her at the barrier it is going to make our task a lot tougher.

“Still, our filly is very talented, and her form is impeccable, and I would not be writing her off.

“I am also driving Miss Exclusive for Mat Rue and her heat win was brilliant.

“Despite drawing the back line, I feel with luck in the run, she will be booming home over the final stages.

“My fourth drive is aboard Naturally Gifted in the Gold Crown.

“I really liked the way he won his heat and despite the race being littered with so much talent, my horse is definitely a really good chance.

“Luck certainly plays a big part in the outcome of these races.

“And I believe if I can get my share, I will be able to turn it into something fruitful.”

The Honouree Stakes Final at 6.01 pm will kick off what is a mammoth 10-race program at Bathurst tonight.

To view the fields for Bathurst on Friday click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW