Hope for Jack is high as he chases Bathurst Gold

27 March 2021

VICTORIAN trainer Russell Jack has had a great affinity with the Bathurst Gold Crown and Gold Tiara.

Formerly from the Riverina, Jack’s first taste of success came in 1995 when Yeronga Songbird won the Gold Tiara while Albert Terrill provided him with Gold Crown success in 2004.

The astute horseman has been one of the Series best supporters and this was recognised by the Bathurst Harness Racing Club when they named him and his family as Honourees.

And while Russell reflects on those happy years at Bathurst, his focus is clearly on tonight’s Group 1 racing where he has a strong hand with three runners in the Gold Tiara Final and another in the Gold Crown Final.

“I am happy with all four of my runners,” said Jack.

“They all pulled up well following their respective heat runs and appear to be fit and well going into tonight’s finals.”

Jack feels his best winning chance of the four is Just Hope, which has drawn perfectly in gate two.

“She is a lovely big strong filly who has been impressive in her two runs to date.”

“She did a ton of work when she ran second on debut at Geelong and then her heat win spoke for itself when she raced clear and was not extended.”

Jack said the plan for Just Hope is to push forward from the good draw and hopefully lead where driver Zac Phillips can dictate terms.

“Our other fillies, Captains Queen and Shez Bettors Babe should not be taken lightly either,” said Jack.

“Both look set for bright futures and will be driven by two of the best in Amanda Turnbull and David Moran, however it will come down to luck in running for them to get into the race.”

Russell is not quite as bullish about the chances of Nineteenth Man in the Gold Crown who came from near last to win his heat.
“I have to concede that my bloke will need luck as he has speed runners drawn inside him and Zac will have to try and find a spot in the running line. But you have got to be in it to win it, so you never know.”

It is interesting to note that it will be a big night for prominent stable clients Terry and Roz Cluse from Adelaide who part own three of Jack’s finalists.

-MICHAEL DUMESNY