It’s a massive card at Flemington with some outstanding Group racing lined up on Turnbull Stakes Day, as we head into the business end of the spring.
The sun is out in Melbourne and it should be a Good 4 track, with the rail out 7 metres, which has historically favoured those settling behind the leaders in running. The track should play fairly, let’s sink our teeth into some that are standing out…
Race 1 – Maribyrnong Trial Stakes – 1000m
Obviously there are lots of unknowns in these early season two-year-old races, with 9 of the 12 runners lining up for the very first time.
General Beau ($2.45) was super impressive winning effortlessly down the Flemington straight, and has the advantage of race day experience over many of these.
General Beau is the deserving favourite, though there are plenty at big odds, like the Maher Eustace’s Fake Love ($8), who are very well bred.
GENERAL BEAU wins the first 2yo race of the Australian 2020-21 season – granddam a sister to Gr3 Nediym’s Glow & winner 84 for Brazen Beau. @ellertonzahra @jamieleekah07 @HsktBloodstock @DarleyAus @DarleyEurope pic.twitter.com/vPybnA7Ldp
— Pedigree Update (@pedigreeupdate) September 23, 2020
Race 2 – Poseidon Stakes – 1100m
I’ve always had a big opinion of Valaquenta ($6.50), who resumed with the ultimate gear change last start and has by all reports calmed down a bit and has his mind on the job.
I think he would’ve won it if not for the bumping duel with Portland Sky ($8) and with even luck should be very tough to beat at a nice price.
The future looks bright for smart filly MUNTASEERA ☀ @yarramanpark @cmaherracing @eustacedj pic.twitter.com/4dvWaxvo90
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 19, 2020
Race 5 – Edward Manifold Stakes – 1600m
This is a wide open race for the fillies with $4.80 the field, with Thermosphere ($4.80) bringing the Sydney form and topping the market.
It’s tough to knock the form Thermosphere brings around Dame Giselle and Hungry Heart, who would no doubt start in the red in this field.
I’m also keeping an eye on Miss Guggenheim ($6) who won well at Geelong with an electric finish, with jockey Damien Oliver having a high opinion of the daughter of Dundeel.
MISS GUGGENHEIM breaks her Maiden at Geelong. $510,000 ylg, Dundeel 3yo out of Gr3 Sharnee Rose, similar Redoute’s Choice cross as Gr1 Super Seth Gr3 Entente. @MickPriceRacing @MichaelRhysKent @inglis_sales @ArrowfieldStud pic.twitter.com/cMlABy83eF
— Pedigree Update (@pedigreeupdate) September 6, 2020
Race 7 – Turnbull Stakes – 2000m
Click here for a full runner-by-runner analysis for the headline event!
Race 9 – UCI Stakes – 1800m
Similar to the first race on the card, there are lots of lightly raced gallopers going around here and with that there’s a fair few unknowns.
What is known, however, is Young Werther’s ($4.60) impressive Geelong maiden win, doing it easily and has been backed into $12 for the VRC Derby as a result. Is well worth a watch here.
Wasn't that a top win from Young Werther on debut! 👀@DOBrienRacing has a talented 3YO gelding on his hands. @GeelongRaceClub pic.twitter.com/Vp05hifwKr
— Racing.com (@Racing) September 6, 2020
