The Turnbull Stakes is expected to have a less than capacity field
The Group One Turnbull Stakes is expected to have a less than capacity field with the Winx factor coming into play.
Aiming for her 21st consecutive win, Winx is one of 11 entries for Saturday’s Group One race over 2000m for which nominations have been extended until 10am on Tuesday.
Saturday’s race will be Winx’s first at Flemington and only her fourth in Melbourne following two Cox Plate victories at Moonee Valley and last year’s Caulfield Stakes.
With regular rider Hugh Bowman aboard, Winx had a gallop on the course proper at Flemington on Monday.
Trainer Chris Waller said Winx steadily built momentum during the 1200m gallop.
He said the mare finished strongly, running 1000m in approximately 1 min04seconds, the final 400m in 23s despite some reports she had broken 21s.
“Both Hugh and I couldn’t have been any happier with the work,” Waller said.
“It was a good work-out which she recovered quickly from.
“I am happy with her fitness.”
Winx travelled from Sydney to Waller’s Flemington stable last week to prepare for Saturday and her attempt at a third Cox Plate on October 28.
“It is great to see her settle in so quickly and not take any harm from the travel,” Waller said.
Winx has opened the $1.20 favourite for Saturday’s race ahead of Humidor at $5, the only other horse at single figure odds.
Darren Weir isn’t going to be put off by the presence of Winx with last-start Makybe Diva Stakes winner Humidor.
He said Humidor has trained on nicely since defeating Hartnell at Flemington on September 16 and travelled to Coleraine in western Victoria last week for a gallop.
“He’s in good order,” Weir said.
“It’s not ideal racing her but you can’t be put off by one horse.”
Five-time Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams has nominated Amralah, Assign, Gallante and Sir Issac Newton in the Group One race with the first three also entered for The Bart Cummings (2500m).
The winner of the Bart Cummings gains automatic entry to the Melbourne Cup, the route Williams took last year with Almandin who went on to claim the famous race.
Almandin is again nominated along with Aloft, Bondi Beach, Crocodile Rock and Granddukeoftuscay.
