STEVE Turnbull's Smooth Baht narrowly missed out on a top three finish in the Bathurst Gold Crown but he's got the opportunity to claim an even bigger prize this Saturday at Albion Park.
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Smooth Baht lines up in the $350,000 Group 1 Australian Pacing Gold 2YO Colts and Geldings Final (1,660 metres), searching for a bit cut of the nation's richest juvenile prize.
The short priced favourite didn't quite live up to expectations when running third in the recent heat at Menangle but did enough to earn his place in the final field of 10 at Queensland.
The question on everyone's lips regarding the final is whether anyone can stop Margaret Lee's Jilliby Nitro.
The Bathurst Gold Crown champion colt was bested by Emma Stewart's Mach Dan in the heats but the latter won't be lining up.
That, along with a start from gate one, makes Jilliby Nitro the one to beat.
Smooth Baht shapes up as one of the best hopes of spoiling the party.
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Turnbull himself will have the drive on Saturday night and he'll be starting directly behind Jilliby Nitro, giving him the opportunity to stick close to the classy colt.
Amanda Turnbull, who would normally have the drive, won't be available as she has her star runner Ellmers Image racing in the Group 2 Bill Green Bulli Pacers Cup at Menangle.
Despite the race being packed with NSW's top pacing talent talent, and several Inter Dominion Final starters, Ellmers Image looks set to start as favourite following his Renshaw Cup and Treuer Memorial double.
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Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
