Turnbull has the power in TAB Regional Championships

Tonight’s (May 17) $100,000 TAB Western Regional Championships Final at Bathurst is one of the most open feature races in recent memory with the majority of the 12 harness racing runners all genuine winning chances.

In early betting, Modern Power and All Starzzz Frankie share equal favouritism at $5, while another five runners are quoted at $10 or less in an open market.

Nathan Turnbull currently leads the trainers’ premiership at Bathurst and will be hoping his run of success continues in the rich final with Modern Power (Modern Art).

The past 18 months has seen Turnbull’s stable enjoy a golden run with his smart juvenile Better Be The Best providing him with his first Group 1 success as well as the charismatic horseman claiming multiple training and driving premierships on western area tracks.

Modern Power has been a revelation since joining Nathan’s stable, winning eight races for him.

Purchased by Aaron Bain Racing and Summit Bloodstock, the daughter of Modern Art won five of her first seven starts for Turnbull and was impressive in scoring in her heat of the Championships a fortnight ago.

“She is a lovely mare who has really thrived since coming into our stable,” said Turnbull.

“I was impressed with her heat win as she toughed it out after working hard early.

“She pulled up well following the run and is in top shape going into tonight’s race.”

With the emergency unlikely to gain a run, Modern Power will start from gate one, which is in complete contrast to her gate eight draw in her qualifying heat.

“Gate one is far less daunting than the wide draw she had to contend with in her heat,” said Turnbull.

“I really had to drive her hard to get across the face of the field and thankfully was able to find the top.

“I am confident she will be able to muster the speed to hold up from the inside draw and only has to put her best foot forward to be right in the finish.

“I went close to winning this race aboard Bettor Jiggle in 2020, so hopefully I can go one better tonight.”

A heat of the Waratah Series opens tonight’s program and Newcastle visitor Karaoke King will start as a short-priced favourite for trainer Mark Callaghan.

The gelding is resuming from a spell with Mark’s son, star reinsman Jack Callaghan in the gig.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW