Turnbull set to dominate at feature meeting

Bathurst trainer Amanda Turnbull will head into harness racing’s TAB Carnival of Cups meeting at Blayney on Sunday holding a leading hand in the feature, the time-honoured Billy Soo Memorial Blayney Cup.

Turnbull has two runners in the race, which is for the higher-graded horses, and she will be hoping to take home the spoils.

The champion driver has taken advantage of concession claims and will therefore be watching the race from the sidelines, but is confident that both Sweet Heaven and Perfect Cut can figure in the finish.

“I needed a concession driver claim to get both horses into the race and I am more than happy to have Casey Owen (Sweet Heaven) and Blake Micallef (Perfect Cut) handling them,” said Turnbull.

“They are both good drivers and have the ability to get the best result.

“Sweet Heaven has proven her class by winning the Group 3 Red Ochre Mares Classic at Dubbo in December and she has drawn to be able to go forward again, so I would have to say she is my best chance of winning the Cup.

“But Perfect Cut is a genuinely nice horse also.

“He won the Western District Derby, and his run here last week was solid in finishing second behind Karinya Rocco.

“If you go back and watch the way Sweet Heaven won a fortnight ago at Bathurst, she was pretty impressive after being driven off the speed.”

Apart from the Billy Soo Cup, the Blayney club has attracted strong fields for the remaining seven races, including a Club Menangle Country Series heat, the final of the Jack Honan Memorial and a two-year-old event which always adds interest leading into the upcoming Bathurst Gold Crown.

Club secretary John Kingham said his club was pleased with this afternoon’s line-up and encouraged patrons to head to Blayney and enjoy the day.

“We always put a lot of effort into our TAB Carnival of Cups meeting and this year is no exception,” said Kingham.

“Apart from the quality racing we have assembled, we look forward to watching the kids in the mini trots.

“And we have all the usual facilities and plenty of entertainment for the little ones.”

Kingham said he wanted to send a vote of thanks to the Blayney club’s sponsors and Harness Racing New South Wales for their support and assistance, ensuring a successful day.

To view the fields for Blayney on Sunday click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW