Browns Creek trainer Brett Davis picked up a winner with Lotta Laughs, driven by Ashlee Grives, at Bathurst's Wednesday night meet, but it was the Nathan Turnbull-driven Bettor Jiggle that turned heads after a scratching worked in his favour.
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Turnbull said he knew the Josh Turnbull-trained colt could feature in the Three Year Old Pace after the favourite was scratched and his confidence was well-placed despite a barrier 10 draw, Bettor Jiggle swept to the lead at the top of the home straight and went on to take the honours in the 1,730-metre contest.
He'd had been in handy form in the lead up to Wednesday's race at the Bathurst Paceway, with a pair of victories and a second in his four most recent runs.
In the absence of Balraj, a son of Art Major who was set to make his Australian debut, Bettor Jiggle was backed into $1.80 favouritism.
"I sort of gave him a chance, with the favourite in it first up from New Zealand I knew nothing about it but when it scratched I got really confident," the driver said.
"He had a tricky draw, but we had options. He could go up into the death or stick in the running line.
"They were running along solid enough, so I decided to stay in that running line."
As Turnbull indicated, he was happy enough to sit in the running line early as the leaders set a good tempo ahead of him.
Backintown and Phizzwizard pushed that pace as they jostled for the lead after the green light was given.
From barrier eight Backintown began well, but Phizzwizard kicked up on his inside and pulled a length clear.
But Backintown's driver Jack Trainor was keen to have the lead, so popped off the pegs and pushed forward before crossing to take front spot as the bell sounded.
Into the back straight Backintown led by three-quarters of a length over Alta Downs with Phizzwizard in the trail, but as they rolled past the 600 mark Turnbull came hunting with the favourite.
Bettor Jiggle worked three and four wide on a sweeping run and as he balanced at the top of the straight, he had the lead.
While Mitch Turnbull pulled Phizzwizard into the sprint lane to make a challenge, Bettor Jiggle was too strong.
He won by 2.4 metres over Backintown ($10) in a 1:56.4 mile rate, with Phizzwizard ($5.50) a further 1.4 back in third.
That victory took Bettor Jiggle's record to four wins and eight placings from 17 starts this season. He will now be aimed at the NSW Breeders Challenge series.
Nathan Turnbull finished the meeting with a double as he also drove Sophie Brown ($1.55 favourite) to victory.
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