Sights will be firmly set on Flemington this Saturday for a particularly intriguing edition of the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes.
Not since Winx went around five and six years ago has the Turnbull Stakes piqued my interest so much, and that’s because Hong Kong star Romantic Warrior will make his Australian debut in the feature, alongside some quality rivals.
There is a case to be made for a few of them, but you can find my 2023 Turnbull Stakes Tips below.
Suggested Bets
- 4 Units straight out #1 Romantic Warrior
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Turnbull Stakes – Winner
I’m sure that Romantic Warrior will improve for whatever he does this weekend, but he is also undefeated at this point of his preparation, and I can’t wait to see him in the Turnbull Stakes.
The Acclamation gelding has recorded ten wins from his fourteen career starts, finishing second a further three times and truly dominating over in Hong Kong.
James McDonald has partnered him in multiple Group 1 victories, and the conditions at Flemington look absolutely perfect for him.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Romantic Warrior
Turnbull Stakes – 2nd
We were with him in the Underwood Stakes a fortnight ago, and while he ultimately wasn’t successful on that occasion, I think that he’ll be right in the finish of the Turnbull Stakes.
The Frankel gelding announced himself to the Australian racing community last spring and after a quiet autumn prep, he returned this time for an eye-catching win in the Heatherlie Stakes.
He was a long way back when they turned for home at Caulfield a fortnight ago, but he let down well late to finish fourth, beaten less than a length and a half behind Alligator Blood.
Fitter third-up, back to Flemington and further out in trip, this actually looks a perfect race for him, in my opinion.
Suggested Bet: No. 11 Soulcombe
Turnbull Stakes – 3rd
Romantic Warrior’s pending Aussie debut has kind of taken the focus away from the fact that this outstanding international raider has also accepted into the 2023 Turnbull Stakes field.
West Wind Blows has been a model of consistency for Simon & Ed Crisford over in Europe since making his debut, winning five of twelve starts and placing as any times, while finding form around some truly world-class opposition.
His fresh record is excellent, but he last appeared at the races competitively in late August, so I’m also expecting some residual fitness there.
Regular rider Jamie Spencer has travelled to Australia to partner him, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the pair in the Turnbull Stakes winner’s stall.
Suggested Bet: No. 5 West Wind Blows
Turnbull Stakes – 4th
Gold Trip has drawn horrifically into the Turnbull Stakes field (barrier 17), but he’s open to plenty of improvement second up and we obviously know how good he can be.
The 2022 Melbourne Cup winner hasn’t returned to winning form since that memorable day, but he has continued to perform well in some of our best races, and he obviously loves Flemington.
He was arguably the run of the race when fourth, beaten a length by a fit Young Werther at The Valley first-up last month, and I’m keen to see him back to HQ on Saturday.
Suggested Bet: No. 2 Gold Trip