22 June 2023 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
IT is a case of “have horse – will travel” for Goulburn trainer Brad Hewitt.
Over the next three days Hewitt will be making road trips from his home base to place his boutique team of pacers in races that best suit them.
Regarded as one of the most astute at his craft, Hewitt’s busy schedule starts at Penrith tonight, where he has two drives.
He will then turn his attention to Young on Friday afternoon followed by a trip to Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday evening.
His main mission on the provincial circuit is to contest qualifying heats of the New South Wales State Bred three-year-old series, which was introduced this season and has been well received by owners and trainers.
He will also drive in a heat of the Waratah series at Young for his father David, another incentive for him to make the trip out west.
Hewitt has Shez A Reason engaged in the NSW-Bred heat for three-year-olds tonight at Penrith, a filly that is owned and was bred by a group of his owners that have been among his stable’s staunchest supporters.
Out of the mare Sheza Sharpie, who herself performed well from limited opportunities on the racetrack for the same group of owners, Brad opted to take Shez The Reason to Penrith to avoid a clash with other youngsters that he has eligible for the series.
“I have a lot of horses in the same age groups that are eligible for of these better races, so I am trying my best for their respective connections to qualify all of them for the finals,” said Hewitt.
“Shez The Reason is meeting a handy field tonight, but I feel she has the talent to qualify.
“Her first-up placing at Wagga a fortnight ago was solid enough following a six-month break and if we can gain the right run tonight, they will know she is there.”
The Michael Doltoff-trained Miss Hornigold shapes as Hewitt’s main threat.
Brad will drive Freason in the opening race at Penrith for his father David and the gelded son of For A Reason should be suited by a drop in grade.
He will start from barrier eight, which is not ideal over the short trip, so Hewitt will be hoping that there is some speed in the race to assist his chances.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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