Experienced jockey Troy Turner says he can think of no reason why he can’t score another upset win with Startthefriar in the Listed Northam Cup (1600m) on Sunday.
Turner partnered Startthefriar in last month’s Hannans Handicap (1400m) when the Blackfriars gelding posted one of the biggest upsets in the race’s history.
Many had questioned trainer Kylie Craig for entering Startthefriar in the race, but under a daring and positive ride from Troy Turner, the seven-year-old defied the doubters.
Sent out the $61 rank outsider, Turner made his race-winning move before the turn when he sent Startthefriar forward to snatch the lead from That’s Funny Az.
Unwavering and strong in the straight, Startthefriar withstood the fast-finishing run from Dig Deep to win by a half length and the biggest of his 36 races.
Keen to claim another scalp in the Northam Cup, Turner says if the same Startthefriar turns up as the Goldfields, he wouldn’t be surprised to see him run another spirited race.
“If Kylie (Craig) can produce him in the same manner as Kalgoorlie, he can be competitive,” Turner told The Races WA.
“I thought his form going into Kalgoorlie was actually pretty good, really, really good.
“I thought he was the pick of the yard in the Hannans.
“His coat was glistening, he was pig-rooting, happy and looked in top order.
“I don’t think there will be a problem stretching out to the mile and he’s had a couple of races at the track.
“He’s up in class, but if he is anywhere near what he was in Kalgoorlie, I’m sure he will be competitive.”
Startthefriar jumps from barrier nine and carries 54.5kg.
His two runs at Northam has registered one win and a third placing for previous trainer, Jason Miller.
Turner last won the Northam Cup (2003) on Free At Last when it was run over 2200m.
