Reigning champ looking to join elite sorority

REIGNING champion Just Hope will aim to join an elite sorority when she heads to Bathurst this week.

Winner of last season’s Gold Tiara for two-year-olds, Just Hope is engaged in Friday night’s Gold Bracelet for three-year-olds.

Should the Russell Jack-trained youngster emerge triumphant she will become just the sixth filly to capture the two Finals since the latter was added to the calendar in 2000.

Former brilliant pacer Nemeeshar was the ground breaker by scoring in 2003 and ’04.

The ‘fab five’ is rounded out with Lady Euthenia thanks to her wins in 2009 and ’10, Aussie Made Lombo which was too good in 2010 and ’11, Frith was victorious in 2012 and ’13, while Dont Think Twice was a cut above her rivals in 2016 and ’17.

Successful in her heat two days ago, Just Hope has come through her run in perfect condition and is ready for the $100,000 Group One according to Jack.

“She did it pretty easy in her heat and by the time she got home it was like she never raced,” Jack said. “She licked her feed bin clean and was full of herself the next day.

“I gave her an easy time on Tuesday and she was as keen as ever this morning.

“She won’t have any issues with racing again with a few days.”

To be driven by Jack’s son, Nathan, Just Hope has drawn barrier seven, but slots into five with the removal of the emergencies.

Despite her awkward draw the Australian Pacing Gold eligible star is a $1.60 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds.

Jack will also be represented by Captains Queen, which has drawn perfectly in the pole.

An APG purchase, Captains Queen won seven of her first eight starts last season, with the defeat coming behind Just Hope in the Tiara.

Also a winner of her heat, Captains Queen will be driven by Brad Hewitt.

“It’s an ideal draw for her,” Jack said. “Although she has the barrier in her favour Just Hope is still the better chance of the two.”