Five year old gelding El Gran Senor hasn’t had much luck at Menangle but on his home track he was right up for it at the Gold Crown Paceway on Wednesday night over 2260m in the Lion Nathan Pace.
Mitch Turnbull had the Bettor Delight pacer perfectly placed off a hot speed set by Jonah Jones and when the front runner caved in, El Gran Senor stormed past Sams Express and Future Stride who were in the final fight.
Virtually unwanted ($10.00) by punters Turnbull was always confident.
‘’I was a bit surprised about the price they offered, and he was always going well. He hasn’t had much luck at Menangle but always thereabouts,’’ he said.
A mile rate of 1.57.7 set up by a slow early speed gave El Gran Senor the perfect position and race caller Mick Dumesny rated Mitch Turnbull as his drive of the night.
Stewards queried the performance of heavily backed ($1.04) Lavros Midas Touch who was backed into Winx type odds in the Bling It On Pace (1730m). Starting from a good gate the ex kiwi trailed the field and unleashed a finishing burst but finished third to Just One More who grabbed victory with Isobel Ross who said it was no surprise at all to see the Josh Turnbull trained gelding win.
‘’Josh is a good trainer and I am happy to drive for his stable and win. He is a tough type, ‘’ she said
Lavros Midas Touch off strong form in New Zealand will be better for the run.
MyMatePog surged to win the Hynash Constructions Pace (1730m) by 4 metres Mat Rue setting the tempo in a controlled showing but says the three year old gelding has more to give.
‘’ I was a little disappointed in him when I gave him the chance, so he has to do better but a win is a win and he can improve,’’ he said.
Amanda Turnbull was all smiles when Chasing The Wind sailed along the sprint lane to score in the HRNSW Guaranteed Two Year Old Pace (1730m).
The Fly Like An Eagle gelding and the ace reinswoman, patiently waited for the last crack at them off Magnifco to Watch’s solid lead and once in space created the momentum to win easily by 12 metres.
‘’Yes he was good at Menangle and tonight showed he is going well. We will now weigh up his options but will probably spell him,’’ she said.
Farren Hotham