JOHN McCarthy admits he is not a fan of the sprint lane, but after what played out at the Bathurst Paceway on Wednesday night, he might be using it more often.
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Contesting one of the Gold Crown Silver Consolations (1,730 metres) with Golden Year ($13), the master Cobbity trainer-driver swooped to victory using the sprint lane.
The victory was the first in three starts for the two-year-old son of Art Major and was a pleasant surprise for McCarthy.
“I didn’t give myself much of a chance in that race, I thought he had a bit of work ahead of him,” McCarthy said.
While not qualifying for the Group 1 Gold Crown final for two-year-old colts and geldings, McCarthy still faced some stiff opposition in the consolation.
After going from barrier two, Golden Year settled into the trail behind $2 favourite Our Sams Home. McCarthy then ducked into the sprint lane down the straight and beat out a flying Jeronimo Joe ($2.80) to win by a head.