Turnbull Stakes Day at Flemington is one of the great occasions on the Australian Racing Calendar, with the Group 1 feature well supported by a number of high quality Group 2 races.
I've found a Godolphin runner in the Danehill Stakes who is a "hidden gem" following a low profile win at Hawkesbury last start.
Whilst in the big one, I am with the boom horse who should simply lead and brain them.
The Flemington track is currently rated a Good 4, with the rail out 9m for the entire circuit.
Showers are predicted for the remainder of the week and on Saturday in Melbourne.
Typically the Flemington track will play fair however with the rail out 9m, on-pace runners could hold some advantage.
As always, refer to the early races for a good guide on track bias.
The Map
The speed looks genuine in this event, with General Beau (12), Mornington Glory (9), Ranveer (7), Lloyds Crown (3) and Bruckner (2) all likely to charge forward early.
Expect Mornington Glory (9) and Bruckner (2) to win this early speed battle.
Ingratiating (10), Kallos (5), Ranch Hand (6) and Gimme Par (4) should all receive run of the race favours, and can find the ideal trailing positions just in behind.
The Favourite
Ingratiating ($3.80) had his colours lowered last start by Ranch Hand and this race doesn't look much easier.
He does enjoy the Flemington straight (4:2-2-0) and should have the right run just in behind.
The price does look skinny, however he is certainly a major player.
I'm happy to be with Kallos, who was expected to be a Blue Diamond contender as a 2YO and looks to have returned in great order as a 3YO.
He was sent for a soft "kill" at Hawkesbury first-up and brained them. If the money comes late, bet with confidence.
Gimme Par also gets a gun run tucked in behind the leading wall and is another that has returned well as a 3YO, following her win in the Quezette Stakes at Caulfield.
Moody will have her ready to fire here again, following the 7 week freshen.
Ranch Hand had a big boom on him over the Brisbane winter carnival, where not much went to plan. He made a statement beating Ingratiating first-up and could go right on with it here. Include.
The smart Ingratiating can't be left out, and should be included in all broader exotics.
1st Kallos
2nd Gimme Par
3rd Ranch Hand
4th Ingratiating
The Map
Expect a moderate tempo early here, with Incentivise (6) the most likely to take it up.
Others that should also be handy include Mount Poppa (9) and Persan (1).
Expect Verry Elleegant (5) and Young Werther (4) to find themselves covered up just in behind.
The Favourite
Verry Elleegant ($2.45) is racing in great form, however strikes her strongest test this season here.
Although she is in white-hot form, I'm willing to oppose her on this occasion as she had a tendency to over-race and could get cluttered up at the midway point unless they opt to go forward.
I have to be with Incentivise here, who should find the top and simply prove too hard to run down.
Colette has not been suited in recent times, where at her latest effort she raced too far back in the Makybe Diva Stakes at this track, in a complete forgive run. She is the big improver here.
Persan has the ability and plenty of options from gate one, where they can kick up to receive the nice tow just in behind and can be darting through late.
Verry Ellegant must be included on recent efforts, after winning the Group 1 George Main Stakes at Randwick last start. However, she does have a tendency to over-race and could bring herself undone. Beware!
1st Incentivise
2nd Colette
3rd Persan
4th Verry Elleegant