TAB TURNBULL STAKES
On to our excellent feature, the G1 Turnbull Stakes. VIA SISTINA (4) comes here off a near identical scenario to last year. She won the G1 Winx Stakes before being beaten in the G1 Makybe Diva, exploding here before the amazing Cox Plate win. The tempo in this year's Makybe Diva was beyond pedestrian and there wasn't much more she could do late. At her best, she's still the best horse in the land and the one to beat. SIR DELIUS (3) is the new kid on the block. The return was excellent and his stamina kicked in late to win the G1 Underwood Stakes after being headed by Buckaroo in the straight. Like 2000m on the big track for him but this is definitely harder. AELIANA (7) has been excellent in two runs back, edging Via home last time out. She gets 1.5kg off her and 2000m will only suit her better as well. Not risking ANTINO (1) who was out the back in the Makybe Diva and did more than enough off that pace. He can absolutely win. ZARDOZI (13) is the blowout with 53kg third up.
Visit TAB.COM.AUOn to our excellent feature, the G1 Turnbull Stakes. VIA SISTINA (4) comes here off a near identical scenario to last year. She won the G1 Winx Stakes before being beaten in the G1 Makybe Diva, exploding here before the amazing Cox Plate win. The tempo in this year's Makybe Diva was beyond pedestrian and there wasn't much more she could do late. At her best, she's still the best horse in the land and the one to beat. SIR DELIUS (3) is the new kid on the block. The return was excellent and his stamina kicked in late to win the G1 Underwood Stakes after being headed by Buckaroo in the straight. Like 2000m on the big track for him but this is definitely harder. AELIANA (7) has been excellent in two runs back, edging Via home last time out. She gets 1.5kg off her and 2000m will only suit her better as well. Not risking ANTINO (1) who was out the back in the Makybe Diva and did more than enough off that pace. He can absolutely win. ZARDOZI (13) is the blowout with 53kg third up.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 5th of 9 at Caulfield in the G1 Memsie on August 30 over 1400m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Treasurethe Moment with 59kg at $7.50. Second-up 4th in a small field at this track in the G1 Makybe Diva on September 13 over 1600m, 2 len behind Mr Brightside with 59kg at $7.50. Going better than it looks, genuine winning chance.
Most recently 5th of 11 at Caulfield in the G1 Underwood on September 20 over 1800m, 4 len behind Sir Delius carrying 59kg at $71. The start before that got back early 9th of 12 at Randwick in the G2 Chelmsford on September 6 over 1600m, 7 len behind Lindermann with 59kg at $21. Building nicely but this isn't his race.
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming came from midfield; 2nd of 12 at Randwick in the G2 Chelmsford on September 6 over 1600m, head behind Lindermann with 59kg at $5.50. Second run from a spell favourite; won by 0.5 len at Caulfield G1 Underwood September 20 over 1800m defeating Buckaroo with 59kg at $2.10. Exciting prospect who will take a power of beating.
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming favourite; won by a long-neck at Randwick G1 Winx Stks August 23 over 1400m on a heavy track defeating Aeliana with 57kg at $2.80. Second-up 3rd in a small field at this track in the G1 Makybe Diva on September 13 over 1600m, 2 len behind Mr Brightside with 57kg at $1.80. Champion mare who should explode out to 2000m.
At the latest run 4th of 11 at Caulfield in the G1 Underwood on September 20 over 1800m, 4 len behind Sir Delius carrying 57kg at $5. The run before that ran on from midfield; 2nd of 10 at Moonee Valley So You Think on September 6 over 1500m, long-neck behind Desert Lightning with 58kg at $3.80. Expected more last time, not sure.
At the latest run favourite; scored a big 3.5 len win at Caulfield G3 Naturalism September 20 over 2000m defeating Berkshire Breeze with 54.5kg at $2.60. Before that made ground from midfield; 5th of 18 at Rosehill Bm100 on August 30 over 1500m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Estadio Mestalla with 57.5kg at $6. Dominant last time, this is a good test.
Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming 2nd of 11 at Randwick in the G1 Winx Stks on August 23 over 1400m, on a wet track; long-neck behind Via Sistina with 56.5kg at $6.50. Second-up 2nd in a small field at this track in the G1 Makybe Diva on September 13 over 1600m, 1.5 len behind Mr Brightside carrying 56.5kg at $5. Been excellent in two runs back, can win.
Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. First-up eased back early on 6th of 10 at Moonee Valley 4yo+ Hcp on August 23 over 1523m, 5 len behind Hard To Cross with 58kg at $51. Second run from a spell made some head-way from midfield; 3rd of 16 at this track Hcp on September 13 over 1700m, long-neck behind Golden Path with 58kg at $13. Loves this race but hard to see him winning.
Dual acceptor. At the latest run held ground to the line 2nd of 14 at Randwick in the G3 King Town on September 20 over 2000m, nose behind Birdman carrying 56kg at $19. The start before that 8th of 12 at Randwick in the G2 Chelmsford on September 6 over 1600m, 6 len behind Lindermann with 59kg at $81. Needs easier.
Racing well recently. Last start held ground to the line 3rd of 11 at Caulfield in the G1 Underwood on September 20 over 1800m, 0.5 len behind Sir Delius carrying 59kg at $21. The run before that won by a long-neck at this track Hcp September 13 over 1700m defeating Kingswood carrying 61kg at $9.50. Going very well but it only gets harder.
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 5th of 14 at Caulfield Qlty on August 30 over 2000m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Revelare carrying 62kg at $11. Second-up second last of 11 at Caulfield in the G1 Underwood on September 20 over 1800m, 5.5 len behind Sir Delius with 59kg at $26. Needs to show something.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 12th of 14 at Caulfield Bm100 on August 30 over 1400m, slow going 9 len behind Sepals carrying 61.5kg at $41. Last start 7th of 16 at this track Hcp on September 13 over 1700m, 3 len behind Golden Path with 60.5kg at $21. This is a tune up.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming got back early 5th of 10 at Moonee Valley So You Think on September 6 over 1500m, 4 len behind Desert Lightning with 55kg at $6.50. Second-up 7th of 11 at Caulfield in the G1 Underwood on September 20 over 1800m, 4 len behind Sir Delius carrying 57kg at $15. Gets in light and could be a blowout hope.
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 7th of 15 at Caulfield in the LR Heatherlie Hcp on August 30 over 1700m, on a slow track; 9 len behind Too Darn Discreet carrying 58kg at $11. Last start 8th of 16 at Caulfield in the G3 Naturalism on September 20 over 2000m, 7 len behind Half Yours carrying 58kg at $19. Not yet.