HE'D had to settle for minor placings five times in his first eight starts, but on Sunday at the Bathurst Paceway Mach Daddy was finally the man.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With Mitch Turnbull in the gig, the $1.65 favourite led from start to finish in the Harness Breeders NSW 2YO Maiden Pace (1,730 metres) to post the first win of his career in impressive fashion.
Turnbull said barrier one draw played a role in the success, but the decisive factor was his ability to sprint home. The Mach Three x Now Look gelding clocked a 27.9 seconds split for the final quarter.
"Today he got a comfortable draw and a quiet race and then he sprinted well down the straight," Turnbull said.
"Usually he's waiting for another horse, but today it was good, he had a bit of company down the straight and he kept going to the line.
"He's always had a good sprint, that's why he has so many placings, he's always away on the fence then sprints home."
Driving for his father-trainer Steve Turnbull, Mitch Turnbull was able to hold the lead with the favourite after going from the inside of the front row.
He led by four meters over stable-mate Drive To The Beach as the bell sounded and while that margin closed, Mach Daddy then kicked at the top of the home straight.
He went on to win by 2.6m over Hes Sweet ($6.50) with Drive To The Beach ($4.20) a further 9.5m back in third.
"He's signed up for all the big races and hopefully they'll be on later in the year. He'll have a nice spell now," Turnbull said.
"It's been great to race at Bathurst every week and getting a few winners to keep me going."
