Some of Australia’s most talented thoroughbreds will warm up for Cup Week features, with more than $3.4 million dollars in prizemoney on offer and a packed program full of black type races and on-course excitement.
The Group 1 $1 million TAB Turnbull Stakes is the first 2000m feature race for the spring that will see a competitive clash between horses such as Group 1 winning mare Duais, highly-rated former international galloper Gold Trip and Profondo.
Duais is on the road to the 2022 Lexus Melbourne Cup and will be looking to follow a similar Cup path as reigning Melbourne Cup champion, Verry Elleegant who placed fourth in last year’s TAB Turnbull Stakes.
There is a strong Melbourne Cup Carnival flavour right across the card on Saturday, with a golden ticket into the 2022 Lexus Melbourne Cup on offer for stayers in The Lexus Bart Cummings (2510m). The $750,000 Group 3 race will attract the likes of the 2019 Melbourne Cup champion Vow and Declare who will compete against up and coming stayers such as Interpretation and Daqiansweet Junior.
These two iconic races are coupled with a strong undercard which is highlighted by the Group 2 HQ Tavern Danehill Stakes (1100m), Group 2 TAB Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m), Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) and Group 2 Furphy Rose of Kingston Stakes (1400m).
The winners of the Furphy Rose of Kingston Stakes and the TAB Edward Manifold Stakes will be eligible for a lucrative $1 million bonus if they were to go on and win the TAB Empire Rose at Flemington on Saturday 29 October 2022.
Living Legend Almandin will be trackside at Flemington and was able to complete the Bart Cummings/Melbourne Cup double in 2016. He will be joined by fellow Melbourne Cup winning horse Efficient, with the duo accessible to racegoers in the horse stalls and will parade around the Mounting Yard after races 2 and 4.
VRC Members and guests can elevate their race day look through the Meet the Milliner pop up which will see an amazing array of hats, fascinators, headbands and hair accessories inspired by Australian designer’s flair as well as providing insights into Cup week trends and designs. The Pamper lounge will be in full swing keeping racegoers looking on point all day.
Dining is sold out in The Byerley, The Dining Room, Straight Six, The Terrace, The Peak plus Picnic Pods and Mates Rates. Racegoers can still book into The Atrium and walk up spaces, with general admission tickets starting at $25.
The Flemington Front Lawn will play host to fun activities for the whole family - arts and crafts, face painting and a range of lawn games. Kids under 12 enjoy free entry.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said TAB Turnbull Stakes Day is the ultimate preview to the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“The TAB Turnbull Stakes Day card really signals the build up to the Melbourne Cup Carnival,” Mr Rosich said.
“It is an important Flemington milestone race day with more than $3.4 million in prizemoney on offer. Spring racing comes alive in the city of Melbourne with racegoers getting their chance to witness the elite athletes of the sport.”
Due to the Royal Melbourne Show, there is increased traffic anticipated around the Flemington area and we encourage racegoers to use public transport on TAB Turnbull Stake Day by visiting the website.
The nine-race program begins at 12.40pm with the last race at 5.40pm. General Admission tickets are available for purchase for $25 each, for more information or to purchase tickets visit vrc.com.au.
Image caption: Incentivise ridden by Brett Prebble wins the TAB Turnbull Stakes (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)
