Turnbull Stakes 2023 Race Details
Race 8 at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday the 7th October 2023.
The Turnbull Stakes is a 2000 metre race for Australia’s best middle distance horses. The race is held in October each year at Flemington during the Spring Racing Carnival.
You can read more about the race history, lead-up races, and past winners on the Turnbull Stakes page.
Turnbull Stakes 2023 Preview
Track: Good Weather: Fine
A capacity field of sixteen plus two emergencies have accepted for the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes. This has proven a very strong form race for the Melbourne Cup in recent years with many using this as one of their final lead in runs to the race that stops the nation. The race is of particular interest this year with the Hong Kong Champion and current Cox Plate favourite Romantic Warrior having his first run in Australia. He is hovering around the $2.20 mark in early betting and it will be interesting to see which way the market goes on Saturday. Will the bookies take him on or will he be sensationally backed into an odds on chance? Only time will tell.
Turnbull Stakes 2023 Runner by Runner
1 Romantic Warrior (IRE)
Hong Kong Champion and current Cox Plate favourite. He’s finished in the top three at Group 1 Level at his last five starts winning two of them. Hasn’t raced since May and this is a tune up for the Valley but if he shows up he should just be winning this.
2 Gold Trip (FR)
Last years Melbourn Cup winner. Was a good thing licked at the Valley first up against easier company. Looks a real threat again heading towards the big features I’m just not sure where he gets too here from 18. I think they drift right back and he may just have too much to do.
3 Smokin’ Romans (NZ)
Won this race last year. Don’t think he will be winning it this year.
4 Francesco Guardi (IRE)
Has got back and worked to the line very solidly over unsuitable distances this time in. Out to a trip now which better suits. Might need one more but he is well drawn and Lane sticks!
5 West Wind Blows (IRE)
Super interesting runner from UK having first run in Aus. Has got some super strong UK around starts like Paddington, Emily Up John and Dubai Honour! Jamie Spencer comes over to take the ride which looks significant. Chance.
6 Emissary (GB)
He ran a solid enough race in the Naturalism but this is harder and he might be looking for more ground now.
7 Osipenko (NZ)
He’s been building strongly. Has hit the line really strongly at all three runs. Looks ready to peak fourth up at 2000m and may end up with the right run.
8 Uncle Bryn (GB)
Was an impressive winner of the Naturalism last start at big odds. Maps for a similar run here from barrier 1.
9 Berkeley Square
Was heavily supported last start in the Naturalism and didn’t fire. Doesn’t appear to have come up this prep after the long lay off.
10 Bank Maur
He had the right run last start in the Underwood and was disappointing. I doubt he can win.
11 Soulcombe (GB)
Was brilliant winning the Heatherlie two back and then measured right up in the Underwood with a good closing effort. Maps to be in an awful spot here from the draw but if the gaps were to come his way he could win. Dangerous.
12 Duke De Sessa (IRE)
Was a sneaky good run in the Memsie but not sure this is the set up or his race.
13 Spanish Mission (USA)
Safely held first up. Need to see again.
14 El Bodegon (IRE)
Not here.
15 Right You Are
Love the horse. Kept finding in the Underwood for fifth. Think they roll forward here which could see him end up with a good run in transit. Could he be the Smokin’ Romans of this years race? Looks the best roughie to my eye.
16 Lunar Flare
On route to the Melbourne Cup. Will be getting back and attempting to work home.
17e El Patroness
Has been some money for her early after she ran well first up in the Let’s Elope. Personally I can’t find her off that form line.
18e Goldman (NZ)
Won the Roy Higgins here beating Soulcombe back in March. Will roll forward again here and make his own luck but might be another looking for further?
Turnbull Stakes 2023 Tips
The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.
Lewis Oliver’s Tips
|
Jo Jackson’s Tips | |
1 Romantic Warrior | 1 Romantic Warrior | |
15 Right You Are | 5 West Wind Blows | |
7 Osipenko | 7 Osipenko | |
5 West Wind Blows | 11 Soulcombe |
Previews for other races this week
Group 2 Danehill Stakes 2023 (Flemington 1100m)
Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes 2023 (Flemington 1600m)
Group 2 Gilgai Stakes 2023 (Flemington 1200m)
Group 2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes 2023 (Flemington 1600m)
Group 3 The Bart Cummings 2023 (Flemington 2500m)
Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes 2023 (Flemington 1000m)
Listed Paris Lane Stakes 2023 (Flemington 1400m)
Listed Super Impose Stakes 2023 (Flemington 1800m)
Group 2 Hill Stakes 2023 (Rosehill 2000m)
Alan Brown Stakes 2023 (Rosehill 1400m)
Tapp-Craig 2023 (Rosehill 1400m)
Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes 2023 (Rosehill 1200m)
Group 3 The Nivison 2023 (Rosehill 1200m)
Listed Queensland Cup 2023 (Eagle Farm 2400m)
Listed Murray Bridge Gold Cup 2023 (Murray Bridge 1600m)
Listed Kalgoorlie Cup 2023 (Kalgoorlie 2300m)
Turnbull Stakes 2023 Race Results
Result | Horse | Margin |
1st | 2 Gold Trip | |
2nd | 5 West Wind Blows | 1.75 lengths |
3rd | 11 Soulcombe | 2.15 lengths |
4th | 1 Romantic Warrior | 3.9 lengths |
The track was rated as Good 4.
Scratching: 17e. El Patroness, 18e. Goldman.