Luke Nolen has already scored a race double, at Doomben today, winning his second race of the day on Peter Moody’s Turnitup in the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes.
The jockey felt that Turnitup showed his true ability in today’s race.
“He didn’t turn it up,” Nolen joked.
Nolen expressed his gratitude for being able to work with Peter Moody, saying he could think of no better stable.
“I can think of none,” Nolen said.
“I’ve been here eight years now, I’m getting close to long service.
“They place their horses very well and that’s why I’ve been here as long as I have.”
The jockey feels that the Group 1 Queensland Derby on June 11 will be well suited to Turnitup.
“I think the boys are a bit thin this year,” Nolen said of the Derby field.
“I think he’ll definitely improve off this run.
“I think he’s a definite chance in the Derby.”
Turnitup’s part owner, Gino Loiero, was over the moon to get a Group win with the gelding.
“I’m really really happy because we bred the horse and it means a lot to us,” Mr Loiero said.
Mr Loiero said that Moody wasn’t sure that the horse had great talent when he first received him as a yearling.
“When I sent him the horse he wasn’t quite sure,” Mt Loiero said.
However, to the owner’s delight Turnitup proved to possess an incredible amount of ability.
“He hasn‘t let us down,” Mr Loiero said.
“You can’t ask any more than that.”
Mr Loiero is optimistic about Turnitup’s Queensland Derby chances, and will be hoping for a wet track on the day.
“You’ve always got to be in it to win it,” Mr Loiero said.
“You never know.
“If we get a wet track it will help him.”
Turnitup past the post ahead of Mr Light Blue, who finished second and Alamas Fury, who finished in third.