18 August 2017
AMANDA RANDO | @Amanda_Rando
A GROUP win before heading to the breeding barn is what connections of Gotta Bewitched will be looking for as she aims up in Saturday night’s feature race at Tabcorp Park Menangle.
The recent metropolitan winner is ranked at $19 with TAB Fixed Odds for the Group 3 Baby Bling Stakes (1609m) and trainer Gemma Hewitt is confident her mare can run a good race.
“It is a big step up in grade for her but with a kind run she should be able to pick up a cheque,” Hewitt said.
“She is a horse that always runs a nice race.
“As for dangers Gina Grace is drawn to her inside and looks the one to beat while Takara Truffle is going super at the moment.”
Gina Grace and Takara Truffle are the two fancies for this feature at odds of $2.40 and $3.20 respectively and both horses won at Menangle last Saturday night.
As for Gotta Bewitched, her win two starts ago saw the four-year-old exceed a milestone in earnings.
“She won a metro race and hit the $100,000 mark and the owners are considering retiring her to stud,” Hewitt said.
“They have the best interest in mind for the mare as she has only had 44 starts but it would be a shame to not race her anymore as she is such a lovely mare to have in the stable and she is certainly hit a purple patch at the moment.”
Usually driven by Hewitt’s fiancé Mat Rue, the reins have been handed over to another Miracle Mile-winning reinsman in James Rattray for this test.
“Mat is away for a bucks party so can’t drive on Saturday night but he is keen to try and drive 100 winners before the end of the season,” Hewitt said.
“He is sitting on 89 wins and is flying from Sydney to Dubbo on Sunday so he can drive at that meeting.”
Hewitt herself is experiencing her best season to date as a trainer pocketing 12 wins for the term so far, giving the 25-year-old 20 wins overall.
“We are having a good run,” Hewitt claimed.
“Gotta Bewitched’s recent win was Mat and my 30th win together since we started training horses at the Bathurst Showground.
“We moved into the barn last October with just one racehorse so have come a long way.
“Hopefully next season we can grow again.”
Hewitt and Rue have already pencilled in a celebration for the beginning of the new season with their wedding set for September 18.
So make sure you keep an eye out for Gemma Rue as a trainer from then on.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
AMANDA RANDO | MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • arando@hrnsw.com.au • @Amanda_Rando