by Chris Barsby
Its decision time for Brad Hewitt.
The ultra-talented Goulburn horseman is weighing up his options with his in-form pacer Our Triple Play; he’s either north to Brisbane for the Queensland Derby or going south for the Vicbred Super Series in Melbourne.
It won’t be both.
The speedy three-year-old scored another arrogant victory at Canberra last night (Monday) when leading most of the way in the Ray & Anne Grubb Pace over 1770m in a time of 1:58.7.
Our Triple Play has now recorded back to back victories at Canberra following an easy romp the previous week.
“I’m thrilled with the way he’s going right now, obviously it’s going to get harder in the coming weeks but he’s ready to take it up a notch. He felt really strong through the line at his past two wins and right now, I’m probably leaning towards the Queensland Derby.” Hewitt said.
The Queensland Derby is scheduled for July 15 at Albion Park.
Our Triple Play has won 4 of his 12 starts with 6 minor placings this season which includes victories in the Canberra and Young Derby’s while finishing as the runner-up in the Simpson Memorial and the Wagga Derby.
The Shadow Play – Triple Sec colt qualified for the Gr.1 New South Wales Derby back in February after finishing third in his heat behind eventual winner Vincent but could only manage 8th placing in the final.
“He’s come back a much better horse this campaign but I expected that, he showed enough once he arrived from New Zealand last season and the time away has certainly helped him this season.
“He’s a versatile colt with good speed and that helps him in the bigger races, you can drive him to suit the conditions. He’ll be competitive in any race he starts in but I’ll sit down with connections and get things sorted out.”
Another possible Brisbane raider for Hewitt is the classy filly Our Casino Belle, the Bettors Delight filly is being aimed towards the Queensland Oaks on July 8.
My Casino Belle has not raced since finishing third behind Partyon and Petacular in the Gr.1 Australasian Breeders Crown 2yo Fillies Final at TABCORP Park, Melton last August.
The former New Zealand filly has been placed in all three Australian runs to date.
Hewitt is no stranger to success during the Queensland winter carnival after winning the 2015 Gr.2 $50,000 4yo Championship with the talented mare Sweet Molly Oshea.
Hewitt’s talented performer Spare Me Days raced well in both the Queensland and Gold Coast Derby features that same year finishing just behind the winner Menin Gate.
The 2017 Queensland winter carnival starts this week at Redcliffe and culminates on July 15 at Albion Park.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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