When Charlaval takes to the Bathurst Paceway track on Tuesday night in the Shirley Turnbull Memorial, the five-year-old bay harness racing gelding will bring up his 50th career start.
Robbie Morris will be in the gig for the KerryAnn Turner-trained gelding and is confident that Charlaval will perform well in the iconic Bathurst pace.
“He’s going really well. This is his first season where he’s kind of stepped into the big league,” he said.
“He’s looking to equip himself really well. He’s starting to acclimatise.
“He’s drawn one, so he’s definitely a chance.”
In his last start at Menangle on December 16, Charlaval finished just 0.1 metres behind Bling It On, who will start as red-hot favourite in Tuesday’s memorial at $1.70.
“You go to any race to win but Bling It On is a serious horse. He’s coming back from a serious injury and his runs since coming back from that injury has been enormous,” he said.
Morris said it was great to be apart of one of Bathurst’s key race meetings.
“The Turnbull family are a great family in harness racing,” he said.
“They’ve got the pristine that goes along with them.
“Any race that is for any Turnbull is a race you want to win. It’s something great to be a part of.”
Quality-wise, Morris is aware of the strong field he is going up against.
“Blazin N Cullen has been a good horse for a number of years,” he said.
“Admiral Bronski is lowly assessed but he’s last three or four races have been handy.”
Charlaval has won 16 races, finished second 15 times and claimed three thirds.
By Bradley Jurd