WHEN Lucky Nutter charged home down the Bathurst Paceway straight to claim victory in the Harness Racing New South Wales Rewards Series Final (1,730 metres) on Friday night, driver Emma Turnbull had plenty to smile about.
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In saluting as the $2.90 favourite in the series for runners aged four years and above, Lucky Nutter picked up the biggest win of her 20-start career.
Given she had won her heat of the series at Bathurst on October 31 as well, it also marked the first time the IfIhadyourluck x Panpari mare had made it back-to-back wins in her career.
And on top of that was the fact that Turnbull not only drove Lucky Nutter, but bred her alongside her mother Wendy and brother Jason. Wendy Turnbull also owns and trains the mare.
“It would’ve been a very good win for her I’d say,” The Lagoon’s Emma Turnbull said.
“It’s a big collect for us.”
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After going from barrier three in the final, Turnbull had to work Lucky Nutter early to try and find a good sit.
Shazam Shannon had the best of the start from gate two to take the lead once the green light was given, while Josephine Brook rolled up on her outside.
Amanda Turnbull then began a move from further back in the field with Sophie Brown, but Emma Turnbull saw her coming and decided to guide Lucky Nutter three-wide.
By the time they hit the front straight for the first time Lucky Nutter had taken over up front, while Sophie Brown worked forward to sit in the death seat on the favourite’s wheel.
Lucky Nutter was able to pinch an easier 31.3 second quarter to give herself a half length lead over Sophie Brown at the 700m mark.
The field bunched at the turn and as they balanced in the straight, Turnbull asked Lucky Nutter to give again.
That she did, holding off Sophie Brown ($6) to win by 2m, while Allstar Sea ($3.70) found the line well to claim third.
Lucky Nutter got home in a 28.8 seconds split for a 1:59.2 winning mile rate and while noticeably slower than the 1:57.6 she clocked in her heat win, Turnbull was still pleased with the effort.
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“She’s going pretty well, she’s not as good in front, but she’s going along nice,” Turnbull said.
“She’s probably better in the death seat, sometimes it helps keep their mind on the job.
“I think I went a bit slow in the third quarter, had I done a bit more up the back she might have been a bit more convincing.”
Friday night’s success marked Lucky Nutter’s first win in a Rewards Series Final, having placed second in two prior deciders.