It has been a massive year both professionally and personally for Menangle Park horsewoman KerryAnn Turner and with strong chances across this weekend's harness racing it could end up even bigger.
On track to having one of her most successful seasons to date as a trainer, Turner has juggled this with also becoming a mother for the first time.
With her son Archie born late last year, Turner's hard work is paying off as she is currently the third top trainer in New South Wales.
Sitting on 124 wins for the term, Turner looks to add to this with multiple runners engaged this weekend including at Newcastle's feature meeting on Sunday.
Having already won one of the major Alabar NSW Breeders Challenge Finals just last month with Charlaval, Turner now has her sights set on Sunday's Breeders Challenge Regional Finals.
Turner has three horses aimed at the Group Three features and the 27-year-old admits one of her best hopes is with juvenile pacer Rainbow Flash in the Three-Year-Old Fillies Final.
Drawn in barrier 13 on the second row and set to come out of barrier 12 with the removal of the first emergency, Turner believes this could work well for the daughter of Santanna Blue Chip.
"She should gain a nice run through from this draw," Turner said.
To be driven by Turner's partner Robert Morris, Rainbow Flash heads into the $30,000 feature as a last start winner.
"Her win was very strong the other day," Turner said.
"Off that run hopefully she will finish in the money."
Pacer Si Nardore is also a hope for Turner in the Three-Year-Old Colts and Geldings Final and is currently the $3.50 second favourite with TAB Fixed Odds.
"Si Nardore is a really nice horse," Turner admitted.
"He hasn't had a lot of luck lately . . . taking a look back at his run on Breeders Challenge Final Day, he finished eighth in the Final but his sectionals were the next fastest in the race behind the winner Charlaval so I was really happy with that effort.
"He is one of our best chances on Sunday."
Turner is even optimistic of her runner in the Four-Year-Old Entires and Geldings Final Pompidou.
The gelding has also finished amongst the placings in his last two outings and has a strong record at Newcastle of two wins and as many placings in his four starts at the Hunter based track.
"Pompie is really well and is always very consistent," Turner said.
"He has to be up there with the speed on, that is the way he likes to race.
"His last few runs have been good so hopefully we have a bit of luck with him too."
AMANDA RANDO