Mornington trainer David Brideoake is hoping to strike with a fit in-form galloper at Pakenham while his rivals may be underdone for race fitness.
Brideoake is starting Turbeau in the VOBIS Gold Bullion (1400m) on Saturday coming off successive victories at Geelong and Tatura while four starts back the gelding also scored at Benalla.
But Brideoake is wary of the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Yulong January, who is resuming from a spell, but is the only other last start winner in the race.
“I think it’s a nice race, a good race for him and the horse is in really good form,” Brideoake said.
“I’m well aware that Yulong January is a class act, but I really think my horse is going well and you have to give them their shot in these types of races when they’re fit and they’re well.”
A five-year-old son of Brazen Beau, Turbeau has raced 16 times for five wins and a further six placings.
Brideoake said Turbeau had been a slow maturing galloper but is looking forward to the remainder of his five-year-old year and seasons ahead.
“He’s taken time, but I think he’s at his lifetime best at the moment,” Brideoake said.
“He’s continued to improve and his last couple of wins have been great.
“The trip will suit him, and I think we can look forward to not a bad season with him.”
Turbeau is the latest in a number of good gallopers from Canny Lad mare Pantenny that Brideoake trained and has bred from, and still does.
“She’s produced Thames Court, which was her best and won a couple of stakes race, she’s produced Our Harmony, Extreme Bliss and this horse,” Brideoake said.
“She’s been a great broodmare and they’ve all been good city horses and hopefully this horse can be a city winner also.”
Brideoake also had Strategic Phil in Saturday’s race, but has scratched him in preference for another 1400m race at Flemington next week.