Turnbull Stakes Preview

The Turnbull has proven itself a key indicator and lead up race for horses heading to the major cups and features of the Victorian Spring Carnival. It has produced multiple Cox Plate champions as well as Melbourne and Caulfield Cup winners and competitors in the past and looks very likely to do it again. Here’s my take on the top hopes and horses to follow for this year’s Turnbull.

Duais finally steps up to a suitable trip and returns to Flemington, a track on which she’s been successful before. Currently the third favourite for the Melbourne Cup and second favourite here I think she’s about to kickstart what could be the beginning of a very successful spring for the dual Group 1 winning mare. She draws for a suitable run and with familiar jockey Josh Parr on board and what looks to be a reasonable tempo up front I think she’ll be smashing the line and might just be too good for these here.

Gold Trip looks the main danger and has won and placed multiple times over the mile and two furlongs before. Was good enough last start and drops dramatically in the weights here which are both positives. Hasn’t had much experience on top of the ground though and does rise dramatically in grade here which are the worries but should be in the finish and is the danger to Duais.

Profondo returns to a dry surface which will benefit him and rises back to a more suitable distance. Draws well to sit just outside the leader and will give himself every chance to be in the finish. Should be good enough to finish in the placings and will be one to watch for the Cox Plate markets if he runs well.

Inspirational Girl has a perfect second up record and rises to the 2000m for only the second time in her career. Her first up run was good behind Mr Brightside and second up last time she defeated Zaaki in the Blamey Stakes. Back on a better surface here and draws to suit her racing pattern, I think she represents good value for the exotics and place markets.

Alegron was super beating Benaud at Randwick a fortnight ago and I think he has been overlooked here. He does rise in class but has Group 1 form around him and has been competitive in this grade in the past. Third up last time in, he ran a good 3rd behind Hitosu in the Australian Derby and does draw well to sit more forward and be more aggressive with the way this race shapes up. If he runs well he might be one to watch in the Caulfield Cup market.

On top hope and key horse to follow here is Duias. I think she should be good enough to win here fending off Gold Trip and Profondo. Key runners to watch and follow being Inspirational Girl and Alegron.