Boom harness racing youngster Bettermatch will be aiming to join an elite fraternity this month.
Beginning with Saturday night’s heats, the Colin Thomas-trained freshman is looking to complete the Sapling Stake/Bathurst Gold Crown double.
Having captured the Sapling at Tabcorp Park Menangle last month, Bettermatch is the early favourite for the prestigious Bathurst series.
Only seven pacers have registered the double since the Crown’s inauguration in 1987 when Rocket Jason annexed both features.
Woy Woy Karamea followed suit in 1989, before being joined by Bastille Beggar in ‘94, Dream Mover in 2001, Kathryn Dancer in ’03, Lombo Pocket Watch in ’06 and Emjayem Grand in 2008.
As for Bettermatch, he will contest the last of the six qualifiers and is expecting to be untroubled in extending his unbeaten sequence to five.
Drawn well in barrier four, the son of Kenneth J is poised to lead throughout the 1730-metre trip.
Pleased with the two-year-old’s progress, Thomas is confident Bettermatch can provide him with an elusive Group One win.
“He just hasn’t stopped improving,” Thomas said. “He is getting better with each run and will take a lot of beating.
“I’ve had a few Group One runners, including the Gold Crown, but just haven’t been able to win one.
“With a bit of luck, we can do it this year.”
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PAUL COURTS