Exciting Kiwi raider Millwood Daisy is favourite despite a back row draw in Saturday night’s $102,000 Group 1 Bathurst Gold Tiara final (1730m).
The Cran Dalgety-trained filly looked a bit lazy and to have plenty in hand when she won her heat after sitting parked last week.
Luke McCarthy will take the reins and Millwood Daisy will need to be sharper against a much stronger field and from the back row (gate 11) to win the final.
“Luke’s been looking after her and said she pulled-up like she needed the run in the heat,” Dalgety said. “He’s sure it will sharpen her up for this week.”
The Aussie TAB has Millwood Daisy $3.50 favourite from another heat winner Belligerence (gate three, $3.80), who is trained by Peter Rixon of Divisive fame and will be driven by Amanda Turnbull.
Others with claims include: Dont Think Twice (gate 12, $5.50), Rockonbye (gate four, $6.50), Joyces Desire (gate five, $7.50) and Might And Rain (gate nine, $8.50).
McCarthy also co-trains and will drive $3.20 favourite Astride (gate four) in the $102,000 Group 1 Bathurst Gold Crown final for two-year-old colts and geldings.
The market says the final will be a rematch of the fastest heat when Astride camped on the leader, John McCarthy’s Bettor Be Gold, and ran him down late.
Bettor Be Gold was fantastic in defeat and is $3.50 favourite from gate six in the final.
Polemarker Wardan Express ($5.50) has claims along with Weona Sizzler (gate five, $7) and Greenngold (gate two, $8.50).
In the Group 3 Gold Bracelet final three-year-old fillies, emerging trainer-driver Michael Stanley holds the key with Soho Madeleine.
She looked terrific winning her heat earlier this week and is drawn best (gate four) of the major players. The Aussie TAB has her $2.80 favourite.
The other key players are: Rockmemama (gate 11, $4), Hot Shot Woman (gate three, $5.50) and Pixies Parlour (gate 12, $8.50).
In the Group 3 Gold Chalice final for three-year-old colts and geldings, eye-catching heat runner-up Charlaval (gate two, $3) heads the betting.
He ran a mighty race from a back row draw in by far the quickest heat when a close second to Sams The Master.
Last year’s Gold Crown 2YO winner Shadow Runner, who won his Chalice heat strongly, is $3.20 second elect.
The other key runners are: Ascot Encounter (gate six, $4.80), Sams The Master (gate nine, $6.50), Power Of Red (gate 10, $8) and Soho Tribeca (gate 14, $9).
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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