Shoobee Doo chases Simpson Memorial glory for Turnbull

Favouritism in the three-year-old colts and geldings classic is set to be a toss up between Lauren and Shane Tritton’s APG Sales Graduate champion Muscle Factory and Laura Crossland’s Victorian raider Lochinvar Art.

Shoobee Doo is rated the best of the rest in the battle to bring down the two leading colts. 

Turnbull’s Group 3 Rod Fitzpatrick Memorial winner and Gold Crown Consolation runner-up enjoyed a great two-year-old campaign despite missing out on a finals place in the Bathurst series.

His preparation included a four race winning streak worth $42,000 and a close fourth place finish in the Breeders Challenge Final behind Hardhitter plus Saturday’s opponents Muscle Factory and Lochinvar Art.

Only 1.3 metres separated the three horses in that final but after Muscle Factory’s mammoth Sales Graduate victory – and a gate one start – he’s looking like a tough colt to stop.

However, Turnbull said the Victorian runner is one worth watching.

“I’m more worried about the widest one. He’s had a couple of runs and he’s fit,” she said.

“There wasn’t much between them all last time so hopefully they all come back good.

“I’ve been happy with [Shoobee Doo]. His work’s been about the same. I’ve just had to keep him fresh and happy.”

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Shoobee Doo, as described by the race commentary, was virtually in another postcode during his recent trial win.

The Shoobees Place colt was more than 30m clear of his nearest rival in a 1:55.9 mile rate achieved at cruising pace.

Muscle Factory was also impressive in his recent trial win at Menangle while Lochinvar Art comes into the race with two races to his name already this preparation.

Bathurst has outside chances in the race with Make Mine Memphis for Bernie Hewitt and Bettor Jiggle for Josh Turnbull.

Our Uncle Jim and Uncle Jord were scratched from the Simpson Memorial by Chris Frisby.

Given Uncle Jord’s impressive start to the season he would have been a leading hope for the Bathurst trainer.

The memorial has been given a $20,000 prizemoney increase and Group 2 status upgrade for 2019.

The Simpson Memorial begins at 8.45pm.