Trainer-driver Steve Turnbull hoping to relive his 2002 Inter Dominion glory with two runners qualifying for the upcoming series in Victoria. Photo by Amanda Rando
HE has been there, he has done it and now he is hoping to do it again.
Premiership winning trainer-driver Steve Turnbull is set to head south to Victoria next week after receiving the news that two of his stable stars have ranked high enough to compete in the 2018 Inter Dominion.
Having won this very race back in 2002 at Harold Park with Smooth Satin, Turnbull is hoping to relive the glory of winning the prestigious Grand Circuit event.
Both Joes Star Of Mia and Conviction will be heading to Victoria on Thursday hoping to earn a spot in the final with the first round of heats commencing on the December 1 at Tabcorp Park Melton.
With both horses in career best form, Turnbull is confident that his team can do enough in the heats to earn a spot in the final.
“I couldn’t be happier with their condition,” Turnbull said.
“They’re both working sensational at home so we’ll just have to wait until the fields come out and hope for some decent draws.”
While Turnbull has always rated Conviction highly, he is very impressed with extent of improvement seen in Joes Star Of Mia, having won his last start at Tabcorp Park Menangle stopping the clock in a blistering 1:49.3.
“Earlier on Conviction and Atomic Red were the better race horses but Joes Star Of Mia has really stepped it up, especially in the last six weeks he’s come so far,” Turnbull said.
“I’m hoping they’ll be split in the heats so Amanda (Turnbull) can drive them both initially but she also has one in (Elmers Image NZ) so we’ll just have to see.
“I don’t know who I would pick to drive if they both make it, there’s nothing separating them at home.”
The second round of Inter Dominion will be run at Ballarat on December 4 and the last night of heats will be run at Cranbourne on December 8 with the final taking place back at Tabcorp Park Melton on December 15.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
HRNSW MEDIA CONTACT:
AMANDA RANDO | MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • arando@hrnsw.com.au • @Amanda_Rando
