The feature race at Flemington this Saturday is the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) with a high class field assembled.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Turnbull Stakes.
2024 Turnbull Stakes Speed Map
Who leads here? On paper, the gate is tricky for Eliyass, but I think he can glide across and lead these comfortably. Duke De Sessa can push forward. Bois D’Argent could too, likewise Buckaroo to settle handy. Via Sistina likely drags back for three wide cover.
2024 Turnbull Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Circle Of Fire: He has eyes on one race on the first Tuesday in November so he’s not here to play.
2. Bois D’Argent: Very plain return in the Underwood and can’t entertain him here.
3. Buckaroo: The Underwood was the first time he raced anti-clockwise and the end result was a spank job. You can only think he’ll improve off that, he’s come back really well and 2000m is ideal. For mine, he is a deserving favourite.
4. Via Sistina: Saint George was my lay of the Spring in the Naturalism and I’ll make this girl the second lay of the Spring. I just don’t get the love for her. Two G1 wins were barrier trials, and prior to the Makybe Diva, they talked her up that she’ll eat up a fast speed and the wet ground. She folded, and badly. Contender or pretender time here and IMO she’s a pretender.
5. Warmonger: Warmonger looks to be ticking along beautifully towards the Caulfield Cup. He resumed three weeks ago in the Makybe Diva and he stamped himself as a near top seed with a very strong finale, closing with purpose when fourth to Mr Brightside. Fitter and up to 2000m, firmer footing, he takes beating.
6. Eliyass: When I first heard he was coming here, I thought they were dreaming, but gee the race has set up ideally for him on paper. He’s an on speed horse and looks the only one here that will show intent early, and from there, he’s going to be hard to run down.
7. Atishu: Atishu could easily rock and roll here. Thought she did enough fresh behind Via Sistina in the Winx before going to the Makybe Diva where she really struggled with the race shape and the testing track so forgive and forget the run. Firmer deck, 2000m, very well weighted, M Zahra, maps perfect…great each way play.
8. Huetor: Blackbooked him off a sharp trial prior to the Underwood and he ran right up to that trial with a closing second. Fitter and up in trip, bigger track, I think he’s one that could be slight overs.
9. Sharp N Smart: Last start was the first sign of life since his 3YO season. He’s got no hope here surely.
10. Young Werther: Young Werther has a good record in this race has been kept on ice for this. He won at Caulfield last time and yes, he didn’t beat much, but was impressive the way he put them away and how strong he was. Form out of that race has been solid, he loves Flemington, dry ground…appeals for sure.
11. Francesco Guardi: Why on earth are they running here and not the Bart Cummings? He’s sneaky flying, but IMO this is the wrong race.
12. Place Du Carrousel: She paraded like a skunk and was much the same behind the gates. She ran her race behind the gates. I think a firmer deck is perfect, and if she behaves herself…gee I can see her running a big race.
13. Bankers Choice: Had jumped out super prior to the return but since, he’s been plain. Not for me.
14. Duke De Sessa: Attempted to lead throughout in the Underwood and tried hard but was outclassed late. Racing well, and I think with a more patient steer, he’s dangerous.
15. Knight’s Choice: Knight’s Choice is dangerous with his best. He resumed in the Underwood where I am not sure he was 100% happy on the shifty ground but that said, I thought he didn’t disgrace himself in defeat behind Buckaroo. Better for the run, he can bounce back and run an improved race.
16. Valiant King: Nope, not here for me.
2024 Turnbull Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win/$80 Place Atishu (Best Tote Win/Mid Tote Place)
Group l Strategy Outlay: $700
Group l Strategy Return: $215
