'JT' in form

9 June 2021

AS a reinsman, Bathurst’s John O’Shea has been associated with some smart pacers and is regarded as one of the most talented freelance drivers in country New South Wales.

And he proved the recognition to be spot-on at Dubbo on Sunday by landing a winning treble for three different trainers.

“I had a good day out at Dubbo, it has always been a happy hunting ground for me,” said O’Shea.

In the past 12 months, he has driven 15 winners at the western districts track and is having a neck-and-neck battle with Mat Rue for the current Drivers Premiership with Rue matching O’Shea’s feat on Sunday by also driving a treble.

“All three winners that I drove went super,” he said.

“Alta Downs led and held on strongly when challenged in the run home.

“I have no doubt that he has got a metro win in him.

“I got a late call up to drive Kempley Princess for Andrew Ward who was ill.

“The mare had been knocking on the door and she travelled sweetly for me in the run and got to the line strongly.

“It was great to get a winner for the Wards.”

Great Presence finished off the successful day for JT when he took out the feature race, the Peak Hill Community Local Pace.

“Great Presence is a young horse with untapped ability,” said O’Shea.

“Barry (Lew) is an astute trainer, and I was pleased to cap off a good day for the locals.”

O’Shea will drive the latest Bathurst star on the rise, Hes Chiming in Race 5 tonight.

The lightly-raced gelding has won seven of his 14 race starts and looks likely to scale greater heights.

“He is a very exciting horse on the way through.”

“He has had a bit of a checkered path throughout his career with injury and bad luck, but this time in he looks in great fettle and is ready to race through his grades.

“Speaking to trainer Lester Hewitt, his immediate plan is to race him week to week.

“But all things going well I do think he will be a city-class horse.

“He was impressive in winning last week but I do have a slight worry with his awkward draw, the longer journey and some strong opposition.”