Turnbull starting to produce his stable stars

Regarded as one of New South Wales’ best harness racing two-year-olds last season, the Nathan Turnbull trained Better Be The Best (Shoobees Place) will make his racetrack return for his three-year-old campaign at Bathurst tonight.

The colt earned a well-earned rest after winning the Group 1 New South Wales Breeders Challenge Blue Final in November and has shown the benefit of his time away with two slashing trial wins at his home track.

Turnbull is now setting the talented pacer for the New South Wales Derby with heats of the blue riband event to be staged at Tabcorp Park Menangle on February 25.

Another of Turnbull’s youngsters, former kiwi Our Deadline will also have a crack at the Derby following an impressive win at Penrith last Thursday, his fourth since joining Turnbull’s stable.

“It is a handy position to be in,” said Turnbull.

“Both horses have returned from let ups in super condition and I am really excited for what is ahead of them in the upcoming weeks.

“Being here at home, tonight’s race is ideal for Better Be the Best’s return.

“His trial last week was strong, and he has drawn where I have a few options over the longer journey.

“I just wanted both colts to have solid runs leading into the Derby, you just cannot go into the big races underdone.” 

Another Bathurst three-year-old being aimed at the Derby is Our Sunset Delight who will tonight have his last hit out before the series starts.

Trained by Chris Frisby and driven by his son Anthony, the gelding has also impressed since returning from a spell and despite drawing wide in gate seven, will start a very short-priced favourite in race one.

The Bathurst Club will conduct two heats of its time-honoured Star Trek series, with the $20,000 final to be held next Wednesday.

The Amanda Turnbull-trained Blue On Black (heat 1) is the most interesting runner in the series, returning from a spell that followed his first up win in Australia last August.

Drawn the inside of the back line, Blue On Black has had two solid trials in preparation for this assignment and will start as a short-priced elect.

Grinfaron has won his past three for Nathan Turnbull and is also favoured to win the second heat of the Star Trek.

For complete Bathurst race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW