Finding you a winner at the Shirley Turnbull Memorial meeting at Bathurst

RACE ONE:

The running of the Shirley Turnbull Memorial will highlight a quality eight-event card, with the feature race attracting an outstanding field, and rightly so. As always, the Turnbull team will be out in force and Steve appears hard to toss in the first, courtesy of his talented filly, SMOOTH BON BON (5). Boasting eight wins and 18 placings the daughter of Captain Treacherous is coming off a rare disappointing appearance. Facing the starter as favourite for the Red Ochre Classic at Dubbo just over a week ago, Smooth Bon Bon drew well in gate two, but found herself three deep in working forward, en route to a tough trip from the majority of the 2120m assignment. The end result was a tiring 23m last behind Myra Dawn and Wattlebank Lass. The Lagoon-based filly has drawn handily and her form on her home track is hard to fault so expect a far more competitive showing from Smooth Bon Bon. The second row will contain two of Smooth Bon Bon's main threat and they are both under the care of Bernie Hewitt. PROMISING (9) is a consistent son of For A Reason while INFINITY BEACH (10) is also a reliable Somebeachsomewhere mare. Bernie has elected to take the reins behind Promising, which has drawn the inside of the row. Following back-to-back Bathurst wins, Promising had the same draw at Dubbo, which resulted in Bernie sending the 3yo on a three wide move in search of the role outside of the leader. Promising battled on strongly in posting a 4.2m 3rd to Mista Macneedy and Bettor Keppel. INFINITY BEACH (10) will be partnered by Doug Hewitt and, with the pair coming off an 11,4m 4th to Myra Dawn in the Red Ochre after the mare attempted to dictate the terms. Despite the move to the back row, Infinity Beach will again make her presence felt. Another Steve Turnbull runner in LEXIE GIRL (3) has drawn nicely and her 10.5m 3rd to Myra Dawn in the Red Ochre was pleasing so another bold showing is a distinct possibility while a fitter ROCKNROLL MAMA (7), PRESI BELL (8) and SPLASH OF CRIMSON (4) are capable of being in the mix, especially when it comes to forming exotic investments.

SMOOTH BON BON 1, Promising 2, Infinity Beach 3, Lexie Girl 4.

RACE TWO:

Trainer Peter Rixon has a number of chances sprinkled throughout the card, commencing with DANCE AND DELIVER (3), which has come up with a suitable draw for this open contest. Since resuming from a spell the son of A Rock Dance has faced the starter on 11 occasions, posting a win and nine placings, seven occupying the role of finishing third. That was the case at Menangle a week ago when the 3yo was held up for a suitable run before hitting the line for a solid 3.4m effort behind Reign Maker and Gimme A Reason. In-form reinsman Will Rixon will again take the reins and from the good draw, Dance and Deliver should be in the mix from the outset and that will play a big part in the pair greeting the judge for a deserving win. The Steve Farrugia-prepared MISTER JONES (5) has only contested three starts, but the son of American Ideal has been responsible for two emphatic wins after commencing his career with a 6th of eight runners in the race won by Heavenly Reason at Penrith a year ago. Following that extended period away from the track, the 3yo resumed with a 27.8m win at Newcastle before scoring by 13.2m at the same circuit on Dec 17. Inter Dominion winning reinsman Josh Gallagher will again jump in the bike, and although this will be a harder test for Mister Jones, the gelding warrants attention. Steve Turnbull will send BETTOR KEPPEL (6) and BAXTER RED (7) around to the start and, as per usual, the pair must be kept safe as they are rarely far away when the judge calls a halt. BETTER SHUSH (2), which is prepared by Josh Turnbull and to be driven by Amanda, is coming off a solid 3.4m 2nd to Flying Banyula, as an odds-on elect, but from gate two the son of Betterthancheddar is bound to give a good account now that is level of fitness has gone up a notch, following two runs from a spell.

DANCE AND DELIVER 1, Mister Jones 2, Bettor Keppel 3, Baxter Red 4.

RACE THREE:

Hall of Fame mentor Paul Fitzpatrick has enjoyed plenty of success this season and it is set to continue when FULL BROTHER (3) steps out for this suitable challenge. Sean Grayling, who has also enjoyed a stellar year in the bike, jumps back in the sulky after Lucas Rando, who has shown immense improvement under the guidance of Paul this season, guided the son of Somebeachsomewhere to a stylish all-the-way win at Penrith a couple of weeks ago. Sean had been driving the 4yo during a period of solid form prior to that run, and with another ideal draw, Full Brother looks the one to run down once again. The Amanda Turnbull trained and driven WATTLEBANK LASS (5) has also drawn handily and with a run of consistent displays of late, the daughter of Art major will have plenty to offer. The 5yo mare drew the back row when a solid finishing 1.9m 2nd to Myra Dawn in the Red Ochre at Dubbo, so the move to a suitable front row draw will enhance of prospects. Although confronted by a tricky draw, SPIRIT OF ANZAC (9) will loom as a serious threat. Prepared by Joe Conolly and to be driven by his stable reinsman Seaton Grima, the 7yo son of Bettors Delight is coming off a solid display at Menangle on Dec 17 when he came from a rearward role, due to drawing deep, in finishing a 5m 5th to Delightful Angel. Spirit Of Anzac has been thereabouts on a number of occasions at Headquarters and with any luck from the inside of the back row, then the gelding is more than capable of greeting the judge. The consistent BLUE CHIP DELIGHT (10) will join Spirit Of Anzac on the back row, along with ZIGGY ROCKS (11). Rarely far away, but finding it hard to greet the judge, Blue Chip Delight attempted to lead throughout at Menangle recently, with a gritty photo 2nd behind Elektra being posted. The 5yo is deserving of another chance while ZIGGY ROCKS has been mixing his form, although he did post a determined win at Newcastle three runs ago, with a last-start 5m 3rd to Ashark at the same track, keeping him in the mix as a threat.

FULL BROTHER 1, Wattlebank Lass 2, Spirit Of Anzac 3, Blue Chip Delight 4.

RACE FOUR:

Following 18 months away from the sport, John Wheeler has 'hit the ground running' in his comeback and the trend should continue here, courtesy of his smart filly PAINTMEAREASON (9), which is coming off a career-defining win at Newcastle. The daughter of For a Reason finished strongly in defeating Sugar For My Honey and Lady Delight in the Final of the NSWBC Eastern Region for 3YO Fillies. Timing her run to perfection, Hannah Rixon, who is driving in fine fashion, will continue her association with the filly, and with John having such a high opinion of Hannah's ability, the trio look poised for further success. This will be a harder test, and as the lone back row runner, Hannah will have the opportunity to hold her position in the hope of securing the role behind the polemarker, last-start Penrith winner DREAMY CASTAFIORE (1), which led throughout in scoring at that venue last Thursday. The main threat to Paintmeareason appears to be the consistent BEAUTY PLAY (6), which is prepared by Peter Rixon with son Will taking the reins. Family bragging rights will be up for grabs in what could develop into a 'race, within a race'. Beauty Play didn't have the best of luck last time out when a creditable 10.7m 8th to the classy Miss Chantilly at Menangle on Dec 10. Although the daughter of Sweet Lou doesn't win out of turn, the filly has been contesting stronger events and hasn't been disgraced. Apart from Paintmeareason, Wheeler will also be represented by the promising SALERO (4), a 3yo daughter of Four Starzzz Shark. The filly broke her maiden status four runs into her career when she scored at Penrith. Salero followed that effort with a more than useful 10.4m 4th to Im Bills Last at Menangle and she will appreciate returning to a contest involving her own sex. Still learning her trade, Wheeler has a good opinion of this filly so don't ignore her claims. DREAMY CASTAFIORE debuted for Peter Russo with a solid all-the-way win at Penrith last Thursday and with the pole role a big plus for this harder assignment, it will give Jack Callaghan options. The daughter of Tintin in America is certainly worthy of keeping safe. The recent form of SHANERRA STAR (7) has been encouraging and as a member of the Amanda Turnbull team, the Bettors Delight mare stays in the mix when it comes to exotic transactions.

PAINTMEAREASON 1, Beauty Play 2, Salero 3, Shanerra Star 4.

RACE FIVE:

The time-honoured Shirley Turnbull Memorial has attracted a star-studded field and that is a mark of respect to a wonderful lady. Throughout his high-profile career, Paul Fitzpatrick had countless clashes with the great, late Tony Turnbull, husband of Shirley, and AD's presence will certainly loom large over this event as well. One of Paul's favourite horses, which he named, is JAY OK (10), named after the rock and roll legend Johnny O'Keefe. The pair have combined for 15 number one hits from 44 engagements, with a further 22 top three chart-topping appearances. Jay OK is coming off a determined display when he raced without cover before  grinding out an emphatic win over Whereyabinboppin and Total Diva in a race named after another legend, Brian Hancock. The classy 5yo son of A Rocknroll Dance drew the outside gate at Menangle on that occasion, with a back row draw awaiting him this time around. Required to handle Zeuss Bromac in the Inter Dominion Final when Jay OK last went around, Gavin Fitzpatrick will replace Sean Grayling, who did a wonderful job in guiding him to victory. The 2790m will certainly be a testing challenge, however, Jay OK will be looking to give his supporters every chance to 'Shout' after another number one hit. Looming as the main threat to Jay OK is another classy performer in JILLIBY KUNG FU (5), who has been a star as a sire these days, while also making his presence felt on the track. The former high-profile Victorian has had his career restricted to just 40, with the 8yo son of Four Starzzz Shark winning 19 and being placed on a further dozen occasions. Hopefully, with his share of problems behind him, Jilliby Kung Fu has managed to win three of his six starts since joining the Belinda McCarthy team. Resuming from a break with a win in the G3 Tony Turnbull FFA at Menangle on Nov 26, defeating Stingray Tara and Jay OK in the process, Jilliby Kung Fu then went hard during the first quarter with Whereyabinboppin, which resulted in a blistering 25.8 time being posted. Chris Geary, who will again drive the entire, then took a sit which resulted in an 8.8 4th to Jay OK. Suitably drawn, Chris will again have Jilliby Kung Fu leaving the machine with intent in the hope of being a major factor from the outset. The Jack Trainor-prepared STINGRAY TARA (12) has drawn the back line but the 6yo remains a serious threat as the trip will certainly assist the son of Bettors Delight. Josh Gallagher has driven the 6yo in each of his past two starts for a 2nd to Jilliby Kung Fu and a last-start 5.6m 4th to Whereyabinboppin at Menangle on Dec 3. The KerryAnn Morris-conditioned PETES SAID SO ( 14) did a fine job throughout his Inter Dominion campaign, which culminated in a solid 8.9m 6th to I Cast No Shadow in the Final. Despite the presence of a back row draw, the 6yo son of Well Said is capable of having a say in the finish. MACH SHARD (13) made a welcome return to the winner's circle when he scored at Headquarters a couple of weeks ago, and now that his confidence has been restored, the 7yo son of Mach Three is capable of going on with the job, particularly over a journey that looks ideal.

JAY OK 1, Jilliby Kung Fu 2, Stingray Tara 3, Petes Said So 4.

RACE SIX:

This event honours the memory of Ray and Olive McCarthy and it will be a 'must' win race, as far as, dual Miracle Mile winner John McCarthy is concerned. And, with RAKASHARP (3) drawing ideally, the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere is bound to take a power of beating. Following a comfortable Menangle win a few weeks ago when the filly powered home to defeat Lani Kai Beach and Alberio, Rakasharp contested a harder race, hence the big price, in finishing a 19.6m 8th to Some Chevron in the final race of the season at Headquarters last Tuesday. From gate three, John will have the opportunity to have the filly, poised to pounce, and in an open contest, that will make all the difference. The Josh Turnbull-trained YES YOU MAY (8) hasn't won since May/2021, but his recent form is pleasing, and although confronted by a wide gate, the 5yo appeals as a contender for the top spot. Amanda takes over the driving duties from Isobel Ross, who gave the son of Dawn Ofa New Day every chance in finishing a 3.4m 3rd to Flying Banyula at Goulburn last Monday. Last-start Bathurst winner GRAFFITI LANE (5) put the writing on the wall with a couple of handy runs before his latest success so don't ignore him as threat while REASON TO PARTY (6), ROSE OF JULIANA (4), FOR THE BOSS (1) and A PARADIGM SHIFT (9) have exotic prospects.

RAKASHARP 1, Yes You May 2, Graffiti Lane 3, Reason To Party 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Peter Green has been enjoying a good run of late and the consistent FRANCO FORZA (7) will give him the chance to pay another visit to the winner's circle. Prepared by Richard Camilleri, Franco Forza scored at Menangle four runs ago, and has been consistent in three subsequent engagements, two at Newcastle while the latest resulted in a 9m 4th to Studleigh Melise at this venue on Dec 14. Despite drawing wide the 2yo son of Live Or Die should be able to play a pro-active role in the finish. The Jake Davis trained and driven STUDLEIGH MELISE (11) has a back row draw to overcome, however, the Huntsville filly has won two of her past three, and seven of 13 starts to date, so she knows how to be a winner. BOLDINO (3) has been placed in seven of his 11 starts for dual-code mentor Ash Grives. The youngster strips fitter for a useful 5.5m 3rd to Fire Up Lexy at Bathurst recently and with the draw being an added bonus, Boldino should give plenty of cheek as he looks to record a deserving win. MISTER MANAGER (6) has been mixing his form, but his latest effort, a 6.9m 2nd to Studleigh Melise keeps him in the mix as an exotic player. LADY ROCKABELLUM (1), TOUGH TALKS (2), OLIVEIRA (9) and HAVEYOUCHECKEDIN (10) also have claims in that regard.

FRANCO FORZA 1, Studleigh Melise 2, Boldino 3, Mister Manager 4.

RACE EIGHT:

The Rixon family again have bright prospects, this time Peter will hand the reins over to daughter Ellen, who has been enjoying success since making the move to Victoria. The pair will be looking to guide FEAR THE EAGLE (4) to an overdue win as the consistent son of Fly Like An Eagle hasn't be able to swoop on the top spot since scoring at Goulburn in early January. Placed in two of his past five starts, the latter when a gritty 1.6m 3rd to Sir Simon at Menangle, when driven by Hannah, the 4yo has been just behind the placegetters in two runs since, the latter resulting in a handy 11.4m 5th to Timely Sovereign at Headquarters two weeks ago. Suitably drawn, and returning to a useful assignment, Fear The Eagle is more than capable of greeting the judge. MANLY MACH (1) has also been thereabouts in a number of recent encounters at Menangle and it will come as no surprise if the Troy Williams-prepared 8yo takes a power of holding out. Contesting his latest assignment from the 'death seat' last Tuesday, Manly Mach wasn't disgraced in recording a 9.6m 6th to Reign Maker. On that occasion Manly Mach drew out wide in 10, so the move to the pole position will allow Robert Morris to present the son of Mach Three with a far kinder trip. CHAP DADDY (7) has been mixing his form but he is capable of better and he will loom as a threat while TULHURST TERROR (5), ALTA BILLY (8), TULHURST DANCER (2) and ROCK QUEEN (3) should be linked to multiple transactions.

FEAR THE EAGLE 1, Manly Mach 2, Chap Daddy 3, Tulhurst Terror 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS