Turnbull Stakes – 2021

Track: Good-Slow Weather: Shower or two

Ten runners have accepted for a cracking edition of the $1,000,000 Turnbull Stakes.  Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have a strong hand with three runners.  Six had their last start in the Makybe Diva Stakes and two others ran in an Open Handicap over 1700m here on the same day.  The early favourite in the betting is Verry Elleegant.  She won her last start in the George Main Stakes and won this race last year.  The second favourite is Incentivise.  He won the Makybe Diva Stakes last start and is aiming to make it eight wins in a row with a win here.

Sir Dragonet is one of the three Maher & Eustace runners – he hit the line hard in the Makybe Diva Stakes first up to finish third.  Colette is classy mare who is going well but may need a rain affected track to challenge the top two in the betting, while Persan strips fitter second up.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Sir Dragonet

Last years Cox Plate winner.  He was any eye catcher first up in the Makybe Diva finishing third beaten less than half a length.  Strips fitter second up.  Each way claims.

2. Explosive Jack

Won the Australian Derby, South Australian Derby & Tasmanian Derby earlier in the year.  Was good through the line first up in the Makybe Diva and looks right on track for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.  Consider for multiples in this.

3. Incentivise

The Caulfield Cup favourite made it seven wins in a row in the Makybe Diva first up.  He was as strong as anything through the line and is much better suited out to 2000m here second up.  Should find the front again.  One of two key winning chances.

4. Verry Elleegant

Nine time Group 1 winning mare who won this race last year.  Narrowly beaten by Mo’Unga first up, then badly held up in the George Main Stakes but still found a way to win.  Draws perfectly in barrier five here third up for Damian Lane.  The other key winning chance.

5. Johnny Get Angry

Last years Victoria Derby winner.  Blinkers back on can see improve on his tenth in the Makybe Diva but I think he needs 2400m+ to be competitive at this level.

6. Chapada

Not beaten far first up at Moonee Valley, then plain in the Naturalism Stakes.  Outclassed here.

7. Persan

Third of the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace runners.  He won the Bart Cummings on this day last year on his way to running fifth in the Melbourne Cup.  Returned well when third here behind Floating Artist on September 11.  Consider for multiples.

8. Colette

Blinkers come off again for Colette who hasn’t been beaten far in her two runs this preparation.  She’s going well and could be ridden further forward here.  A soft track brings her right into consideration.

9. Mount Popa

Won the Mornington Cup in March.  Was okay first up, then battled away in the Makybe Diva last start.  Out to 2000m suits.

10. Young Werther

Talented four year old trained by Danny O’Brien.  We made him a black booker after a good first up effort behind Floating Artist, who won again impressively last Saturday at Sandown.  Drops in weight for this.  Is capable of running a big race with an inform Daniel Moor in the saddle.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
4. Verry Elleegant	3. Incentivise
3. Incentivise	4. Verry Elleegant
8. Colette	1. Sir Dragonet
1. Sir Dragonet	10. Young Werther

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3. Incentivise
2nd	10. Young Werther	0.5 length
3rd	6. Chapada	1.75 lengths
4th	4. Verry Elleegant	3.5 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratching: 8. Colette