28 September 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
New South Wales’ leading female driver Amanda Turnbull made the first day of Eugowra’s TAB Carnival of Cups her own on Sunday afternoon, winning five races including three heats of the Kriden Farms Canola Cup series.
Two of her heat winners were fillies trained by her father Steve, who qualified three horses for the $30,000 final, which will be held on Monday.
Amanda’s third heat winner, Racing Time, is a colt she trains herself and will be obliged to drive in the Group 3 feature.
The Turnbull duo kicked off their day by scoring with Smooth Bon Bon in heat one of the Cup, setting the benchmark for the series by recording a comprehensive 14-metre victory in a fast 1:57.1.
Despite there being three more heats to run, most on track were quick to suggest that Smooth Bon Bon became the filly to beat in the final, but team Turnbull still had an ace up their sleeve in the shape of the classy Pas De Cheval.
Drawn in gate one, Pas De Cheval was forced to work hard for the lead but once there, she dominated proceedings and captured the Eugowra track record by rating 1:56.5, bettering it by four tenths of a second.
Steve was on a high after his other filly, Lexie Girl ran a brave second to qualify, but his enthusiasm was dampened after the barrier draw saw his three finalists draw poorly.
“It was good day until the barrier draw was done,” said Steve.
“Unfortunately, that is all part of racing and as they say, they are only bad draws after the event.
“But they will now have their work cut out from where each of them has drawn.”
Pas De Cheval will start from gate seven, while Smooth Bon Bon has barrier five to contend with and Lexie Girl gate 11.
“All three filles proved that they are capable of winning the final and if luck goes their way, I am confident they will figure in the finish,” said Steve.
Turnbull has runners in each of three heats of the Alabar Breeders Challenge at Bathurst tonight and suggests that Smooth Buzz (Race 1) is his best winning chance.
“He is a really nice horse.
“I am rapt with the way he has come back from a spell and his second last week behind Our Sunset Delight was solid.”
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