Shandance continued her Bathurst winning ways last Wednesday night with Mitch Turnbull in the sulky.
THAT maxim was well illustrated at last Wednesday night’s Bathurst Gold Crown Paceway meeting where three of the six winners extended their winning streaks.
Shandance NZ, the well-bred and magnificently-conformed Art Major filly that bloodstock agent Stu Valentine wasn’t able to sell, made it four-on-the-trot here in Australia with a sterling win against C1 company, setting the tone for the evening’s winners.
An outstanding drive by Mitch Turnbull, working clear of a three-fence possie to storm down the outside, also set the standard for the night, and racecaller Luke Marlow didn’t spot a more-deserving effort for the Drive-of-the-Night award.
“I just hope Dad stays up in Queensland a bit longer, so I can keep the drive on her and some of the others," commented Mitch, grinning like a pleased winner and definitely not tongue-in-cheek.
Take another couple of weeks, Steve!
Ominous Warning (John O’Shea for Peter Trevor-Jones ) racked up his third successive win, leading for most of the 2260 metres Reward Series final heat, after O’Shea utilised his high speed to easily loop the field mid-way through the first lap.
From there, it was a virtual procession, and the eight-metres margin back to Walk On Kimmy and the chasing pack could have been extended had O’Shea elected to ease his grip.
The six-year-old has spent almost three years, in total, on the sidelines from a series of leg injuries, and his record of nine wins from just 19 starts is just reward to his connections for their patience and persistence.
In the night’s fast-class, Mitch Turnbull got his driving double, when Smithstars Lexus scored his third successive Bathurst win, charging late out wide to just grab big sister Amanda on Hidden Courage and Im Cool Harry, which must be getting sick of the sight of the winner after being run down by him in all three recent starts.
It was win number 17 from 71 starts for the son of Broodmare of the Year Panoramic Lady, and took his earnings over the $100,000 mark.
The other driving double of the meeting went to Jason Turnbull, with Miss Rodriguez (for Wayne White ) in C2-C3 grade, and his mother Wendy’s runner Rock Bottom NZ, in a 3YO sprint.
Miss Rodriguez relished the fast pace, with a 56.7s middle half, and was able to get a tag into the race behind Bernie Hewitt’s Our Little Digger, just getting the bob in on the line from that horse, with Bradness Eldefuego holding on remarkably well for third after racing three-wide without cover for the last lap.
Rock Bottom NZ led throughout, dashing home in 27.7s for a 1:57.7 win, putting behind him a string of three successive second placings after a debut win when he first arrived from New Zealand.
He looks a real prospect, and has the breeding to match - by Bettors, from classy Sands A Flyin racemare Whanau, making him a full-brother to prolific winner Mabrook and a half to good Bathurst pacer Skirmish.
Amanda Turnbull broke a surprising run of outs on her home track with the good win of the family-owned Smooth Cash in the 2YO sprint that closed the meeting.
The half-brother to a real family favourite in $300,000 earner Runaway Red, Smooth Cash missed away and settled last, before coming with a strong run to grab last-start winner Rainbow Comet right on the line. It was a courageous effort by the horse, and a deft, delicate touch from the driver.
Bathurst race twice in the coming week, with Wednesday’s heats leading into Sunday’s NSW Breeders Challenge Regional Finals.
