2008 Turnbull Stakes – 4 October 2008

The $500,000 Group 1 Patinack Turnbull Stakes is a set weights plus penalties race for four-year-olds and upwards over 2000 metres at Flemington. Weekend Hussler is odds-on favourite in the field of 13, despite having drawn the widest barrier. He is chasing his eighth Group 1 win in a row and has already won over three million dollars from his 15 starts. He is yet to race over the distance, but had no problems with the 1800 metres of the Underwood two weeks ago.

Second favourite in the early market is Pompeii Ruler at around $7.50. He has run a couple of nice races this campaign, but hasn’t won for over a year and a half. However, he seems to save his best for Flemington where his record is three wins from three races. His last win there was in the 2006 Craiglee (now Makybe Diva) Stakes, more than two years ago.

Tuesday Joy is third favourite. She won her last start over 1600 metres very solidly, beating Devil Moon who won last years Turnbull. Her trainer Gai Waterhouse has won the Turnbull before (All Our Mob, 1995) and Darren Beadman is returning from Hong Kong to ride her. He has also won the Turnbull, on Fairway in 2000. Mares can win the Turnbull, but they have to be top-class. The last five mares to win have been Makybe Diva (2005), Sunline (2001), Let’s Elope (1991), Denise’s Joy (1976) and Leilani (1974).

Both Littorio and Maldivian have place chances on the basis of their solid performances so far this campaign. John Sadler has three starters in the race – last years Melbourne Cup wonner Efficient, Zipping and Extend. Danny O’Brien has two starters – the imported horse Alexander of Hales and last years Caulfield Cup winner Master O’Reilly who should finish the race strongly. David Hayes also has two starters with Zagreb and the interesting grey horse Guillotine who has won both starts this campaign.

If Weekend Hussler wins he will join a list of three other horses who have won all three of the Craiglee (now Makybe Diva), Underwood and Turnbull Stakes. These are Northerly (2002), Tobin Bronze (1966) and Aquanita (1962).
by Jo Jackson