Myra gives Justin his moment in the sun

THE TAB Carnival Of Cups is in full swing throughout New South Wales and with the holiday period looming, some of the best pacing action will be witnessed in the regional areas.

The Cowra Club hosted the first of the feature meetings in September, attracting a strong crowd which then moved on to Eugowra where the Canola Cup carnival produced great racing and another huge crowd.

On Friday night the Dubbo Club ran its feature race, the time-honoured Tipperary Equine Red Ochre Fillies and Mares Classic, which produced one of the most keenly-contested events of the series.

The Group 3 Classic was run at a frantic pace from start to finish over the 2120m trip making it a real staying test and was taken out by the Steve Turnbull-trained and Justin Reynolds-driven Myra Dawn.

It was the 18th win for the pint-sized mare, who has now amassed more than $220,000 in stakes and was driven patiently by Reynolds, who made his winning move with 500m to run, storming home to beat Wattlebank Lass and Lexie Girl.

For 22-year-old Reynolds, the win was his biggest to date following good opportunities he has been handed by the Turnbull stable.

After the win Justin was quick to thank Steve and owners Greg and Mandy Targett for the opportunity to drive the daughter of Bettors Delight and was full of praise over her performance.

“It was a massive thrill to win this special race,” said Justin.

“The mare felt spot in the warm-up, so I knew she was ready to run a big race.

“In running I could not believe how quickly they were going up front and I felt confident coming to the bell that it was only a matter of pulling the trigger and she would round them up as she was travelling so well.

“I am so grateful to Steve [Turnbull] and Myra Dawn's connections for having the faith in me to drive their mare in such a big race.

"She truly deserved that win, and I am happy that I was on board.”

It is unusual that Reynolds does not have a drive at Bathurst tonight where a nine-race program gets under way with the Merry Christmas Pace at 6.25pm.

In Race 3, Crimson Rock (Mitch Turnbull) appears to be the best bet on the program.

• MICK DUMESNY