Turnbull has two runners in the race - the other being Royal Surprise – but the barrier draw and predicted wet weather has him convinced Slick Bromac, to be driven by his daughter Amanda, is the better of his chances in a race where six of the nine runners are trained in the Bathurst region.

Slick Bromac has won four of its eight career starts on the Dubbo track with two other minor-placed efforts under its belt.

With more than $200,000 in prizemoney in the kitty, the seven-year-old Falcon Seelster (USA) x Sabrina Bromac (NZ) gelding has shown ability throughout its career but its toughness which Turnbull believes gives Slick Bromac the edge.

“It looks a pretty even race and I think it will probably be a slog given its 2520m and it will probably be wet,” he said.

“I have Royal Surprise in the race as well but he is a speed horse which does its best racing when it’s able to get to the front and roll along.

“It has drawn the inside of the back line so it will be difficult for the race to pan out in its favour so for that reason I’d say Slick Bromac is the better chance.

“He will be able to put himself into the race at some point and he is a tough old bugger so he shouldn’t have any troubles if the track is heavy underneath.

“Both horses have been racing well though. It’s just you can’t always get the barrier draw to fall your way.”

Early markets have Weasel, trained by Peter Russo and to be driven by Ashlee Siejka, as the early $3.30 favourite for the event with Slick Bromac second pick at $3.50 and Royal Surprise a $4 chance.

Also among the nine Turnbull runners at Dubbo tonight is in-form mare Highview Kiwi (NZ), which is owned by Dubbo businessman and keen golfer David Gleeson.

The five-year-old has won its past two starts, at Penrith and Bathurst, but has also drawn awkwardly in the $9,000 Million Dollar Cam Western Districts Championship Final (2120m).

“She has been racing well but again the draw will be the big thing for her,” Turnbull said.

“The heat win at Parkes was good but all of the horses in this race are in a bit of form so it won’t be easy but hopefully she can put herself into a position to win the race because she is going quite well.”