AMANDA Turnbull put a disappointing Canola Cup final for Eliza Dushku behind her with a strong win at Bathurst Paceway on Wednesday night.
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Eliza Dushku finished last in the recent Group 3 feature at Eugowra but was back in the winner’s circle on her home track thanks to her performance in the BHRC Awards Night 13 October Pace (1,730 metres).
Turnbull’s mare was sent out as a commanding favourite in Wednesday night’s opening race and she didn’t disappoint.
Eliza Dushku ($1.10) got to the lead early and never let go of her advantage.
She won by 5.2m ahead of Promoted ($13.60) in a winning mile rate of 1:58.4.
Turnbull said Eliza Dushku was up to her usual antics but had the class to see her rivals off.
“She was having a look around and wasn’t concentrating but she kicked away pretty easily in the end,” she said.
“She has a new trick every time she goes out there. She’s a bit of a grumpy horse. Hopefully we can work her out because she’s got the ability.”
Eliza Dushku was challenged in the early stages for the lead by Siotada on her inside but Turnbull’s mare was able to take control.
There were a number of early casualties before the field reached the winning post for the first time.
Peggys Legacy broke into a gallop during the score up and just moments after the green light flashed Hallycould was retired due to a flat tyre.
Elsu Rockstar reduced the number of competitive runners to eight when he also broke.
Limbo Larry moved up to the death seat and Promoted sat one out and one back.
She was having a look around and wasn’t concentrating but she kicked away pretty easily in the end.
- Amanda Turnbull
Eliza Dushku pinched an easy first quarter of 31.9 and remained unchallenged out in front.
No-one was making a move until the field straightened for home, where Robbie Morris started a three wide surge on Promoted.
Turnbull upped the tempo with 200m to go. Siotada was able to keep up for just a moment in the sprint lane before dropping back to fourth.
Promoted and Its Inevitable ($14.20) finished strongly down the outside but by that time Turnbull had already allowed her runner to ease to the line.
The former Pink Bonnet winner and NSW Oaks placegetter was clearly a class above her rivals on her way to a fifth career win.
Turnbull had a field day at Wednesday night’s meeting with five winning drives.
Also among the wins for Turnbull was the night’s feature race, the $10,000 Evolution Series Heat (1,730m), which she won on Uncle Ryan.
