Derby winner makes his racetrack return tonight

This year’s New South Wales Derby winner Better Be The Best (Shoobees Place) makes his racetrack harness racing return from a well-earned mid-season break at his home track of Bathurst this evening.

Trainer-driver Nathan Turnbull has managed his star colt perfectly by giving him time to freshen after he missed away at the start in the Gold Chalice in March, when his effort to run fourth was courageous.

Connections bypassed the chance to have a crack at the $2.1m dollar TAB Eureka with Turnbull with owner Chris Buttigieg believing allowing the colt time to mature before taking on races like the Eureka would be in his best interests.

Instead, they have opted to chase the Group 1 Breeders Challenge Blue series, with the final scheduled for September 2 at Tabcorp Park Menangle, the same night as the Eureka.

“The timing for the  Breeders Blue series just seemed right for the horse,” said Turnbull.

“He had a big start to the year winning the Derby and was massive in the Gold Chalice final after doing things wrong, so we opted to give him a good spell and give the Eureka a miss this year.

“He was so dominant in last season’s Blue Final and if he comes through the series well this year, I will simply keep him ticking over until the major Breeders Challenge series.

“That is the plan we have mapped out at this stage.”

Turnbull gave the colt a sharp trial 10 days ago at Bathurst and tonight Better Be The Best will line up at the shortest of odds when he contests Race 5 against a handy local field of middle-grade pacers.

The three-year-old will start from gate seven and Turnbull plans to work forward and hopefully find the lead and then ideally give the son of Shoobees Place a sturdy hit-out in preparation for his Blue series qualifying heat at Menangle on August 21.

“We cannot go into heats of a Group 1 race underdone,” said Turnbull.

“Obviously these rich series are always super competitive, and horses needs to be at the top of their game.

“So, I will be ensuring that he is sharpened up and ready to go.

“The best way to do that is to give him a solid hit-out tonight.”

For complete Newcastle race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW