Steve knows what it takes to produce a good one

Bathurst harness racing trainer Steve Turnbull knows what it takes to produce juvenile horses to win big races.

The champion horseman who has been a trainer in his own right for more than forty years continues the legacy of his forebears and he quips that it would be nice to start slowing down but there is no evidence of that.

Turnbull officially debuted as a trainer in 1982 but he worked alongside his father Tony and brother Greg before branching out on his own, with his first horse of note being Radiant Group.

To date the Inter Dominion and Miracle Mile winning trainer has produced 3960 winners and his four children are etching distinguished careers for themselves.

On Saturday night Turnbull will tackle the heats of the New South Wales Oaks at Tabcorp Park Menangle with two of his fillies and despite them coming up against a lot of talent, he is confident they are not just there to make up the numbers.

Pas De Cheval (heat one) won two heats of the New South Wales Breeder Challenge and is a filly that Turnbull has specifically set for the Oaks.

“Pas De Cheval is a tough little girl with a lot of ability, “said Turnbull.

“We gave her a let up after the Breeders Challenge and she has come back really well. Her two trials have been sharp, and I expect her to run a good race as Amanda always gets the best out of her.”

London Legs (heat 2), an impressive last start Blayney winner will be suited by the 2400 metre trip. She will be driven by Steve’s youngest son Mitch and is getting better with racing, winning three of her past five starts.

“London Legs deserves a crack at the Oaks as her form at home has been solid. She had a soft trip at Blayney but won comfortably posting 2.00.5, a respectable time around the small track.”

“Our team has performed well of late at headquarters of late. In particular, Smooth Baht won impressively last week, and he just keeps getting stronger with each run down there.”

Turnbull has just three runners engaged at Bathurst tonight with Fly Like A Falcon being his best.

A winner of two of his three runs in Australia, the ex-kiwi looks likely to develop into a future metropolitan campaigner under Turnbull’s tutelage.

To view the upcoming Australian meetings click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW