Turn It Up To Turn It On

26 November 2020 | Chris Barsby
Turn It Up

Turn It Up Photo by Dan Costello

“He’s ready”.

That’s the clear and simple message from leading driver Shane Graham to punters wanting to know the latest on the condition of favourite Turn It Up ahead of Saturday night’s Gr.3 $30,660 Garrards Be Good Johnny Sprint at Albion Park.

The star pacer hasn’t been sighted since scoring a decisive victory at headquarters back on October 24 when leading throughout in a time of 1:53.0 at only his second local start.

He finished a very encouraging third behind pin-up pacer Colt Thirty One and Secretagent Tycoon in his return to racing back on October 10.

Previously prepared by the All Stars in New Zealand, the Courage Under Fire gelding was sidelined for over 14 months before transferring to the care of Vicki Rasmussen back in July.

Boasting a record of 12 wins from just 17 starts, the triple Gr.1 winner is ready to return to the big stage during the 2020 Queensland Summer Carnival with connections focused on the main target, the Gr.1 $175,660 TAB Blacks A Fake (2680m) on December 12.

But first, he’s ready to take the opening leg of the open class triple crown this weekend.

Turn It Up will start from gate two in the 1660m feature and TAB market framers immediately installed him as the popular choice at $1.85.

“Everything is in readiness for a big couple of weeks, his race didn’t get off the ground a fortnight ago which explains the gap in runs but he’s in really good shape and we felt the benefit of a public trial would be futile,” Graham said.

“It’s been well documented he’s had his fair share of issues over the years so spacing his runs is the best way to handle him. All of his preparation work has been completed in good style and he’s ready to perform this weekend.” He added.

As it stands, Turn It Up will bypass next week’s feature, the Gr.2 $50,660 Badcock Group of Companies Queensland Cup, an event staged over 2138m with connections deciding to stick to his normal pattern of spaces between starts.

“It’s unfortunate that you can’t contest everything with him but that’s life, he’s got the Be Good Johnny Sprint followed by the Blacks A Fake during the carnival.

“He’s a lovely horse to work with and he’s blessed with ability, it’s not about improving him while he’s in our system rather a chance to manage him and pick the right races moving forward.

“I’m sure he can lead this field and a winning time of 1:52 should be good enough to win it but Colt Thirty One is all class, he’s high on confidence with a string of recent victories recorded so he’s going to be hard to shake.”

The Albion Park track record is co-owned by Im The Mightquinn and Cruz at 1:50.4.

Meanwhile, the Rasmussen/Graham combination is also starting three-year-old star One Change in the sprint feature.

The highly decorated youngster tasted defeat for the first time on local soil when a runner-up behind promising New Zealand pacer L L Cool J in 1:52.0 a fortnight ago.

One Change will start from the coveted inside draw.

“Technically, he’s a four-year-old and he’s proven his class and these open features were always part of his plan. Although beaten last start he was excellent and I was really pleased because that’s not his style, he’s very capable and will prove dangerous coiled away.

“All going to plan, he will start in each of the three features during the carnival. I would like to be driving both but that’s just not possible so it’s a great opportunity for Kylie (Rasmussen).”

Currently, TAB have Turn It Up listed at $1.75 with One Change ($3.10) and Colt Thirty One ($4.20) as the next elect.

First staged in 2010, the Be Good Johnny Sprint has been won by the likes of Mr Feelgood, Washakie, Destreos, Saucy Legend, Majestic Major, Our Hi Jinx (x 2), Iam Mr Brightside, Rakarolla and Mattgregor last year.

Be Good Johnny, a dual Miracle Mile winning champion amassed more than $1.6 million during a glittering career which netted 48 victories.

The mighty son of Fake Left was prepared throughout his career by John McCarthy.

It’s Race 7 on the ten-event program and is listed to start at 8.47pm local time.

 

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