Busy night ahead for in-form reinsman

BATHURST reinsman Mitch Turnbull is driving in career best form with the current season shaping as his most successful.

Turnbull registered a winning treble on ANZAC Day at the Forbes Club’s TAB Carnival of Cups meeting which closely followed a double at Parkes last week.

Being the youngest son of Jenny and Steve, Turnbull has had the unenviable challenge of following in the footsteps of his siblings Nathan, Josh and Amanda who have enjoyed success in the industry.

With more opportunities presenting themselves of late, Turnbull is making the most of them.

Turnbull has patiently served his apprenticeship behind his siblings to currently become his father’s foreman and number one stable driver.

“Our horses are racing very well at present, and I am fortunate to be in the driver’s seat,” Turnbull said.

“We have some nice horses which are either coming back from a spell or are dropping back for racing in the feature juvenile races and getting back into races that they can win.

“These opportunities have made me more committed to being on my game and I feel that I am driving much better, giving our horses the right run and every chance of winning.”

One of Turnbull’s best efforts on ANZAC Day was behind Baxter Red which overcame barrier seven over the short course compliments of a copybook drive.

Turnbull never hesitated getting Baxter Red off the pegs shortly after the start and then made a lightening move with 1000 metres to run, dashing to the lead and never being headed thereafter.

“I think Baxter needed that win as a confidence booster,” Turnbull said. “He has been racing against the top horses of his age group so a win like that will do him the world of good.”

Turnbull will have a busy time at his home track tonight where he has five drives on the eight race program.

“The Rainbow Beach is a horse that I have always had plenty of time for and he looks to have a good each-way chance in race three,” Turnbull said.

“He won a heat of the Gold Crown last season and has always raced against the better juveniles.”

Last start Wagga winner, Ideal In Dreams shapes as The Rainbow Beach’s main danger.

• MICHAEL DUMESNY