Turbo Linn tackles big guns
Turbo Linn is set to make the leap to Group One company in Friday’s Juddmonte Coronation Cup at Epsom.
The five-year-old proved a real star last term, notching up an eight-race unbeaten run which saw her progress from bumper company to winning the Group Two Lancashire Oaks.
However, Alan Swinbank’s mare lost her 100% record when beaten in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster on her final outing of the season.
The mare then finished a narrow second on her reappearance in a Hamilton Listed contest and Swinbank is keen to seize the initiative following the recent wet spell in the south.
“We are planning to run and we’re just hoping the ground stays on the softer side,” he said.
“She’s very, very well but she will have to be as it’s a very good race and a big ask of her.
“She’s ready to run though and there’s nothing for her apart from a couple of things abroad. We could wait for Royal Ascot but the ground will probably be quick then so we’ll take our chance.
“The track at Epsom will suit her and so would easy ground so we would be hoping for some prize money.
“She ran a great race last time and in another couple of strides I think she would have won. She needed the run that day though and has come on since.”
Turbo Linn is likely to be one of the outsiders in the 12-furlong contest, as is the Willie Muir-trained Big Robert.
The four-year-old was a winner at Leicester last July but was subsequently found wanting in Listed and Group Three company.
Muir sent out 66-1 shot Enforcer to finish third in the Coronation Cup two years ago though, and he is hoping Big Robert can create similar waves.
“We’re throwing him in at the deep end but we thought we would go there and enjoy the day out,” he said.
“I took Enforcer there a couple of years ago and everyone thought I was mad but he finished third giving 5lb to Ouija Board and he wasn’t beaten far.
“Obviously you wouldn’t expect Big Robert to be in the finish as he has a lot to find but I think he’s better than he has shown on a racecourse.
“We will enjoy the day out with him and if we have to, we will go back and find an easier race for him in time.”
