IN terms of the big spring races, Flemington’s Turnbull Stakes meeting probably left more questions than answers on a messy day of racing.
Due to a combination of a lack of tempo in races and with the rail being out nine metres races were decided by jockeys who could get a spot on the speed and also be close to the fence.
With that in mind, it wasn’t a surprise that Smokin’ Romans was able to take out the Turnbull Stakes as he had a perfect run behind Knights Order.
There’s no doubt he looks perfectly placed in the Caulfield Cup with 51.5 kilos and his on-speed style always gives him an advantage. TopSport has installed Smokin’ Romans as a $4 favourite.
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Gold Trip didn’t have a lot of luck having been trapped wide for most of the race and he fought on well. He has drifted to $12.
Inspirational Girl also was unlucky as she was held up for a run in the straight.
The unluckiest runner of the meeting was Chris Waller’s Francesco Guardi who almost fell with 900m to go in The Bart Cummings and still finished second.
The most impressive win for the program was Joe Pride’s Private Eye who produced the fastest last 400m for the meeting running home in 21.77 seconds with 60 kilos to win the Gilgai Stakes.
Pride is a freak with sprinters and it’s no surprise he’s pushing for an Everest spot with Private Eye.
HORSES TO FOLLOW
CHARACTER
James Cummings and Godolphin are sure to find a race over the carnival for him as he was held up for a run between the 400m and the 150m before he flew home to finish fourth when he finally got into the clear.
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AS TIME GOES BY
Don’t drop off her yet. She didn’t get a lot of clear galloping room in the Edward Manifold Stakes. When she gets to 2000m she’ll be hard to beat.
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VOW AND DECLARE
Danny O’Brien has him going as well as he was when he won the 2019 Melbourne Cup. No luck when fifth in The Bart Cummings. He won’t be far off them in the Caulfield Cup. He needs to finish top 10 to qualify for the Melbourne Cup.
YOUNG WERTHER
O’Brien also has this fellow back and flying. He was placed in the Turnbull Stakes for the second year in a row and he also didn’t have a lot of luck. Next start is the Moonee Valley Cup and then it’s the Melbourne Cup.
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