The Group One Turnbull Stakes over 2000m sees a plethora of stars step out in the most wide open feature of the spring to date.
Very Elleegant makes the trip down from Sydney as she prepares to prove that her last start performance as a beaten favourite was a mixture of bad luck and an off day.
Meanwhile, Master Of Wine, Finche and Surprise Baby are out to prove their status as leading Cup contenders.
There’s a case to be made for at least seven horses in this race, but we’ve narrowed it down to just one.
The track is currently rated a Good 4 and with wind and warm weather forecast across Melbourne, expect the track to enter the Good 3 range come race day.
With racing returning to fabulous Flemington and the rail out 7 meters, every horse will be given their chance so you can bet with confidence.
The Map
Expect Finche (12) and Django Freeman (13) to take up the running from Dalasan (5), who can box seat in behind them.
Look for Very Elleegant (9) and Master Of Wine (6) to take midfield sits with cover, while Surprise Baby (1), Superstorm (14) and King Of Leogrance (7) settle towards the rear.
Dalasan and Master Of Wine present as the map horses from low draws, and look likely to get superb runs in transit in behind a slow speed.
With a lack of speed engaged in the race, Finche looks set to get it all his own way in front and can put them away if they allow him to walk in front.
1st Finche $10.00
Keen to be with the big chestnut here, who has returned in fantastic order this time in.
His run first-up in the Chelmsford at Randwick over 1600m was superb when wide and on-speed, before finishing third against quality opposition.
Now second-up and extending to 2000m (5:2-1-1) should see him ready to fire, with the light weight on a large track suitable for a horse of his size.
The knock is the outside barrier. However given there’s very little speed engaged in this race, I expect Melham to roll across with ease and assume a forward position close to the rail.
2nd Master Of Wine
This galloper is a huge chance to finally add a Group 1 to his resume, after teasing elite level potential since landing on Australian soil.
Drawn barrier 4 and with Michael Rodd in the saddle, he sets up as the map horse in the race who can take a midfield sit with cover and present when the gaps open.
His second-up effort in the Makybe Diva Stakes over a mile indicates that he’s back on track, following a disappointing first-up effort in the Winx Stakes.
Now stepping out over 2000m, he needs to figure prominently to prove his worth as a leading Caulfield Cup contender.
3rd Surprise Baby
A genuine winning hope, but I’m happy to lean to others from a price, weights and map perspective.
He's drawn awkwardly in barrier 1 and maps to be buried in between runners towards the rear, which could see him once again be a good thing beat down the Flemington straight.
4th Dalasan
An ever consistent type who is continually around the mark at Group 1 level.
Now fourth-up and reaching his best distance, I expect even more improvement from his last start 5th in the Makybe Diva over a mile.
At $17 he’s well over the odds and a great selection for your exotics.