The Team Snowden trained California Turbo will kick start his Queensland Derby assault when he lines up in the Group 3 $125,000 East Coast Car Rentals Gunsynd Classic (1630m) at Doomben on Saturday.

California Turbo, above in yellow and red colours, will line up in the Gunsynd Classic at Doomben. Photo by Steve Hart.

California Turbo is chasing a hat trick after wins in a 1300m Class 1 at Newcastle followed by a win in the Listed $150,000 The Agency South Pacific Classic (1400m) at Randwick on day two of The Championships.

Co-trainer Paul Snowden said that California Turbo will continue to step up in distance on his way to the Group 1 $600,000 Channel Seven Queensland Derby (2200m) at Doomben on June 9 and will likely start in the Group 3 $125,000 Mitty’s Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben on May 12.

“I’m sure he’ll stay but this run on Saturday won’t decide if he runs in the Derby,” Snowden told Racing Queensland News.

“He’ll have another run over 2000 metres in a couple of weeks which will probably determine if we push on.

“We want him going into the Derby with four runs under his belt.

“I’ve got little doubt he’ll stay as there’s plenty of stoutness on his dam’s side and he’s by Fastnet Rock.”

Robbie Fradd takes the ride on California Turbo who Snowden can see settling in the middle of the field after drawing barrier seven in the capacity fifteen horse field.

“If they go fast, they can stop just as fast,” Snowden said.

“He’s still learning but he’s got a good turn of foot.

“I expect they’ll roll along in this race so he won’t be on the pace and he’ll settle midfield.”

Pre-post betting for the Gunsynd Classic at Ladbrokes.com.au has California Turbo marked at $8 while the Ciaron Maher trained Villermont is the short priced favourite at $2.60 ahead of Dark Dream at $6 and Hang at $7.50.

Villermont is also coming out of The Championships with a fourth in the Group 3 $200,000 China Horse Club Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Day One on April 7.