A Rea of sunshine in Gold Final

24 March 2021

MICHAEL DUMESNY

COOLAMON freelance reinsman Daryll Perrot was ecstatic after learning that Gold Crown favourite, Mister Reay had drawn barrier one for this Saturday’s $100,000 Group 1 at Bathurst.

“Drawing gate one is a dream come true but we will have to be on our game to take advantage of that fortune as if we happen to be crossed at the start things could get sticky,” said Perrot.

“Being a $2.60 favourite, having won three from three and running the fastest of the heat winners means that all eyes will be on our bloke, which adds a little bit more pressure on us.”

Perrot feels privileged to have been chosen by trainer Ray Walker to drive Mister Reay, which has shown promise right from the start of his preparation.

“I first drove him in a trial at Coolamon back in mid-December and then we travelled down to Kilmore in late January where he won on debut and rated a fast 1:56.9,” said Perrot.

“Even though we already felt we had a smart horse, the run down there had us looking forward to the better races.

“And he has just kept getting better with every run.

His win in the Sapling Stakes was special and then he was just as good when winning his heat last week.

“I think we will have no other option but to try and lead and hopefully go all the way.

“It won’t be an easy race but if our bloke produces his best, he will take a power of beating.”

Meanwhile, a Bathurst Gold Crown Series rarely gets through without some drama.

Last year it was run at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic which almost railroaded the series while this week extreme weather has already wreaked havoc with the all important Gold Chalice and Bracelet heats being postponed from Monday until tonight after heavy storms extended all over the state and left the Bathurst track far too wet for racing.

Tonight’s meeting will now see the running of the qualifying heats for the three-year-olds along with some other feature races including the Hondo Grattan Sprint for the fast class horses and the Rowleyalla Sprint for the three-year-old colts and geldings.

In the Hondo Grattan Sprint, Amanda Turnbull has two strong hopes in the shape of classy pair Obe One and Gotta Party Doll.