Turnbull Stakes

See the 2023 Turnbull Stakes Preview and results

See the 2022 Turnbull Stakes Preview and results

See the 2021 Turnbull Stakes Preview and results

See the 2020 Turnbull Stakes Preview and results

The first Turnbull Stakes was run in 1948 and was named for Mr Richard Turnbull who was VRC Chairman at that time. Prior to that it was ran under several different names including October Stakes, September Stakes and Royal Park Stakes, with the first running in 1865 being won by The Sign. It has been a 2000m event since the 1972 running as a metric race.

The Turnbull has had several format changes throughout its history as it was a handicap event until 1963 and then a weight-for-age event from 1964-1970. Since then it has been a Set Weights and Penalties race.

It was a Group 2 race when it was won by the champion mare Makybe Diva in 2005, and has only been a Group 1 race from 2006. It carries prizemoney of $500,000 and attracts quality middle distance gallopers.

Chris Waller trained the trifecta in 2020.

Last mare to win: Verry Elleegant (2020)

Multiple winners: Winx (2017 & 2018); Vo Rogue (1987 & 1988); Comic Court (1949 & 1950)

Fastest time (2000m): Elvstroem (2004) 2:00:40

Interesting trivia: In 1994 Redding beat Paris Lane on protest.

Since 1948 only three horses have won the race more than once – Winx (2017/2018), Vo Rogue (1987/1988) and Comic Court (1949/1950). Notable winners of the race include Elvstroem (2004), Northerly (2002), Sunline (2000), Doriemus (1996), Naturalism (1992), Let’s Elope (1991), Better Loosen Up (1990), Super Impose (1989), Dulcify (1979), Leilani (1974), Galilee (1968), Tobin Bronze (1966) and Rising Fast (1954).

2018 Turnbull Stakes Tips:

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Winx will have nine competitors for the $500,000 TAB Turnbull Stakes and she is the oldest runner in the race. Winx is a very short odds-on price after her record-breaking run of 27 consecutive wins. She won this race by 6.5 lengths last year at her first Flemington start and it is almost impossible to see anything beating her this year after her magnificent four-length win in the George Main Stakes last start. Second favourite is Kings Will Dream who followed 3rd in the Memsie Stakes with 2nd in the Makybe Diva Stakes last outing. Third favourite is Grunt who had a strong win in the Makybe Diva then only struggled for 6th in the Underwood Stakes, and should improve on that here.

Youngstar is the other Waller runner and the only other mare in the race. She has won 4 of her 10 starts and was 3rd in the G2 Shannon Stakes last start. Jon Snow was 3rd in the Makybe Diva and goes better over this distance. Ventura Storm ran 2nd in this race last year. The other 4 runners are currently at 66 to 1 or longer and will not worry the champ.

The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this years race.