Track: Good Weather: Fine

A capacity field of sixteen are set to line up in this years Group 1 Turnbull Stakes.  The Naturalism Stakes is a key lead up race this year with four runners having their last start in it, four others come via an Open Handicap here three weeks ago while eight had their last run in Sydney.

Gold Trip, one of two Maher & Eustace runners, has come up favourite in the early betting for this years race.  Duais who is towards the top of the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup markets is second favourite.  The rest are double figures.

1. Knight’s Order

Won the Sydney Cup in the Autumn.  Resumed with a good all the way win in the Chelmsford then was a sold third in the Kingston Town last start.  Will lead, although doubt he is good enough to give these all weight at 2000m and win.

2. Duais

Had a terrific Autumn, winning the Australian Cup this track and trip then the Group 1 Tancred at Newcastle.  Has got back and worked home solidly at both runs this time in.  Could be ready to fire here third up.  In the mix if the breaks come her way.

3. Numerian

Neasham runner who won The Q22 at Eagle Farm in June.  He ran home well first up in the Chelmsford and has trialed well in between runs.  Could end up with a dream run behind Knight’s Order and Milford here?  Roughie with a chance.

4. Profondo

Talented four year old who bolted in, in the Group 1 Spring Champion last spring.  Hasn’t won since however that was the last time he saw firm ground which he is likely to find again here.  His first up run in the Winx Stakes on a soft 5 was encouraging and he should get every opportunity from barrier 7 with Craig Williams in the saddle.  D Day.

5. Great House

Encouraging first up performance here three weeks ago running on into third.  Fitter for that and drops in weight.

6 Smokin’ Romans

Won the Naturalism last start.  Meets most poorer at the weights however he maps for a good run and is in the right camp.

7. Milford

Typically improves second up, however looks outclassed here.

8. Inspirational Girl

One of the few Bob Peters runners still left in Melbourne.  Toppled Zaaki here over the mile in the Autumn.  Got going late first up in the Feehan at the Valley and I thought the jump out in between runs was encouraging.  Chance.

9. Chapada

Ran third in this race last year at a big price.  Thought his run in the Naturalism was quite good.  Struggles to win but is drawn well and it’s no surprise to see some money for him early.  The $81 on offer early was far too big.  Can run a place.

10. Alegron

Won the Kingston Town last start at a price.  Only going to improve off that.  May need a gap or two to open but has D Oliver in the saddle and the stable is absolutely airborne.

11. Young Werther

Was a terrific second behind Incentivise in this race last year.  He ran on well first up and drops 6.5kg for this second up assignment.  Lane sticks.  Wouldn’t shock.

12. Gold Trip

Ex European who arrived on Australian soil with big wraps.  Wasn’t beaten far in the Naturalism last start.  Appeared to get a bit tired late with the gap between runs.  Gets the big drop in weight (6kg) here and the addition of Jamie Kah.  Sure to have fans.

13. Crystal Peagus

Failed in the Naturalism but did start hard in the market there.  Gets back onto firm footing and is unbeaten in two Flemington runs.  Consider for multiples.

14. Lunacies

Outclassed here.

15. Maximal

Was very competitive in two Brisbane Carnival runs.  Not disgraced first up in George Main.  Dry track suits.  Knock out hope.

16. Surefire

Lightly raced five year old from the Waller barn. Wasn’t beaten far in the Kingston Town last start and looks set to peak here fourth up.

17. Hezashocka – 1st Emerg

Ran a good closing second in open company here three weeks ago.  Loses Kah though and gets no favours from gate 17.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
12 Gold Trip	3 Numerian
11 Young Werther	4 Profondo
1 Knights Order	12 Gold Trip
6 Smokin’ Romans	8 Inspirational Girl

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 Smokin’ Romans
2nd	15 Maximal	1.5 lengths
3rd	11 Young Werther	1.6 lengths
4th	1 Knights Order	1.7 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratchings: 3. Numerian, 10. Alegron.