THE Lagoon's Steve Turnbull has tasted success in some of Australia's richest races ? he and his former champion Smooth Satin saluted in the 2002 Inter Dominion, the 2001 Miracle Mile, a Chariots of Fire and a Ben Hur but tonight is the first time he has had a starter in a final of the Australian Pacing Gold series.

Owner Rob Davis is enjoying the thrills of rich juvenile racing and Turnbull is hoping that he can reward the first time owner with a big cheque.

"I spoke with Rob for the first time at the Penrith races one Thursday night and he said he would like to buy a couple of horses and get me to train them," Turnbull said.

"His first purchase was Runaway Red and since then he has bought an older horse in Scolari, who won for him on Friday night at Harold Park, and he bought two other youngsters including Herbert John who goes all right too."

The Australian Pacing Gold final for two-year-old colts and geldings is race seven at Moonee Valley tonight and will start at 9.42pm