Better Be The Best out to win another feature

Bathurst pacer Better Be The Best (Shoobees Place) will be out to add another feature win to an already impressive harness racing record when he contests Saturday’s (Mar. 25) $100,000 Bathurst Gold Chalice.

After his strong heat win on Monday, the son of Shoobees Place will be at short odds to win the final after securing gate four.

“He felt really strong in his heat win on Monday,” said trainer- driver Nathan Turnbull.

“He just did what he had to do to get through and the run screwed him down perfectly for the big dance on Saturday.

“The barrier draw has been kind to us as from there as it gives me options to be where he will be best placed.”

Turnbull is aiming for his first feature win at his hometown carnival and is confident that if all goes to plan his star colt can provide him with that special moment.

“I have been busting to win a big race at this carnival for years and this is my best opportunity to do so,” he said.

“This guy has been faultless this preparation and hopefully he can step up to the plate again to claim another feature.”

It could potentially be a big night for locally-trained horses with numerous runners in each of the feature finals.

Another pacer that claimed a much-deserved Group 1 victory last season was the Ash Grives-prepared filly Saveeon, who has drawn ideally in gate one for the Gold Bracelet.

First up after a New South Wales Oaks campaign where she finished fourth behind Windy Hill Tara, Saveeon ran a gallant second in her heat on Monday after leading and just being claimed by Tin Tin Jo in the shadows of the post.

The Bracelet appears to be a more open affair than the Chalice with the Emma Stewart-trained pair of Major Delight and Tempting Tigress having strong claims while other heat winners Soho Seraphine and Windy Hill Tara were equally impressive in making their way through to the final.

Saturday night’s 10-race program at Bathurst is certain to attract plenty of interest and a big crowd.

This year, for the first time in the carnival’s strong history, more than one million dollars in stakes has been provided throughout two weeks of quality racing.

The Bathurst Mayor’s Cup has attracted a class field headed by Sicario from the Jason Grimson stable.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW