LAST year The Lagoon trainer-driver Steve Turnbull had to wait until the fifth race on the third day of the annual Bathurst Gold Crown Carnival to find success – but in 2010 his first victory of the annual event came much earlier.
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In the opening race of this year’s Gold Crown Carnival, heat one of the Bathurst RSL Club Soldiers Saddle last night, it was Turnbull who claimed the honours as he once again demonstrated why he is considered a master reinsman.
Turnbull positioned his chance, three-year-old colt Avonnova, outside earlier leader Stand Your Ground in the 2130 metre contest at the Bathurst Paceway.
Given the Mark Rolfe trained and driven front runner was the biggest threat, Turnbull was able to keep a watchful eye.
Happy to sit outside without cover and not force the pace through the first three quarters, Turnbull made his move down the home straight.
Avonnova had to fight to pass Stand Your Ground and a hold off a late challenge from the Ben Hagney driven Miniature Classic, but the striking bay colt had the strength required.
It was something which Turnbull acknowledged.
“He really dug deep there ... he’s pretty tough this fella,” Turnbull said of the son of Art Major.
Heading into last night’s contest Avonnova had been in solid form for Turnbull, having not finished worse than second in his four starts this season.
The most recent was a first placing in Penrith with Steve Turnbull’s daughter Amanda Turnbull in the gig, Avonnova showing gate speed to grab the lead and ensuring he stayed there by peeling off a 28.9 seconds final sectional.
It was for that reason that punters backed Turnbull’s chance into the $2.10 second elect yesterday behind $2 favourite Stand Your Ground.
Going from barrier two, Stand Your Ground was able to cross for the lead, but Turnbull quickly took up position on his outside to have the two favourites first and second.
McAvaney (Graham Betts) took up position in the trail while Prince Of Mysteic punched through from the back row to sit one out and one back as the field was led through a 30.7 opening quarter.
The field held position as the bell sounded on a 62.1 first half, but as they headed down the back for the final time those at the rear began to make their moves.
Up front it was still Stand Your Ground leading the way as the Londonderry colt upped the ante and as they headed for home Rolfe’s favourite had around a length on his nearest rival.
It was time for Turnbull to make his move and that he did, urging Avonnova up alongside Stand Your Ground before grabbing the lead in his final strides. He held on to win by a half head over $49.50 outsider Miniature Classic, who flashed home to finish a nose ahead of the favourite.
The win, which came in a 2:01.2 mile rate, was number four from nine starts for Avonnova and it secured his place in next Wednesday’s $10,000 final.
