Mitch Turnbull chasing Canola Cup glory

It has been a race meeting that has captured the imagination of people from far wide since 1999, and this afternoon’s (Oct. 2) Canola Cup harness racing meeting at Eugowra will be no exception.

The fun-filled day of pacing and social activities is highlighted by the 21st edition of the Kriden Farms Canola Cup.

The field for this year’s final is possibly the most even since its inception, made the more intriguing after many of the fancied qualifiers drew awkwardly.

Despite having had a few realistic chances to win the Cup, Bathurst’s Mitch Turnbull is yet to taste success, but the charismatic reinsman is hoping that the stars will align for him this time around.

Turnbull has only had a handful of drives in the feature, but it does appear that he has his best chance of joining the impressive list of champion horsemen that have won the Cup after the filly he will partner Oliveira (Tintin In America) drew ideally in gate two.

Trained by Mitch’s father Steve, the daughter of Tintin In America was an eye catching run in her qualifying heat after racing three back on the pegs before working home strongly, failing by just two metres to run down Rippin Rupert who had enjoyed a comfortable trip in front.

“Her effort was quite handy in last Sunday’s heat,” said Mitch.

“She had a rather soft run back along the pegs and she really hit the line hard once in the clear in what was a sit and sprint affair.

“Gate two is a perfect draw for her which should ensure that she gains an early advantage on our main rivals.

“If the race were over the mile trip, I would be much more confident. That said, if I can snare a good spot early, I will see what unfolds from there.”

Oliveira’s owners, the Sloane family, have been loyal supporters of the Turnbull stable over the years and have enjoyed great success during that time.

One of their better pacers was Grand Circuit campaigner Conviction, who took Steve and the Sloanes  all over Australia.

They have two runners in this afternoon’s final, the other being heat winner Mister Manager who clocked the fastest time in last Sunday’s heats when he rated 1:57.2.

The first race this afternoon is scheduled for 12:40pm with the co-feature being the TAB Don Tildsley Memorial for open class pacers.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW