Doubles all round

Winning doubles were a common occurrence at Dubbo on Friday night with three harness racing drivers sharing the honours.

Nathan Turnbull began the night off in style winning when he partnered Forbes-owned mare Promise To Rock to a solid win in the opening event.

He then completed his winning double when Punters Delight led and raced clear, ironically in a race named in honour of Turnbull’s achievement of taking out the 2021 Dubbo Trainers’ Premiership.

The locals had plenty to cheer about on Friday night when their best reinsman, James Sutton matched the feat of Turnbull, his first winner being Constantina, which scored by a narrow margin after leading.

In similar circumstances, Sutton was able to land his double aboard Yarraman Markle, who finally broke her maiden status after 18 career starts.

Both Sutton’s winners were trained by his father Lloyd.

Junior driver Justin Reynolds made the long trip from Oberon worthwhile when his two catch drives, Karloo Bradley and Kulani Courage were both ultra-impressive in winning.

Reynolds is closer to home tonight at Bathurst, where he is the reigning premier junior driver, and he will be looking to add to his good record at the Gold Crown Paceway with five drives.

And the 22-year-old believes that Hartley trainer Steve Conroy could provide him with his best chances of winning.

“I am really keen on all of my five drives, but I do feel that Steve’s horses look to be my best,” said Reynolds.

“I won with Cradle Of Fire last week and he was strong in the run to the line.

“And he ran a quick time as well.

“Unfortunately, he has drawn on the inside of the second line tonight, which is not ideal, but if he gets a crack at them, they will know he is there.

“Finery is the second of Steve’s runners and she is a lovely filly.

“She has drawn ideally in gate three and her recent efforts have been sound.”

Reynolds also has two drives for Barry Lew, who has been a strong supporter of the young reinsman.

“Barry is great to drive for and we have had some good success over the past few months,” said Reynolds.

“Both of his horses are up in grade and will need luck, but they are racing well.”

Manhattan Island is Reynolds’ final drive in the last race for his father David.

To view the fields for Bathurst on Wednesday click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW