5/10/2019 Flemington tips and best bets: Turnbull Stakes

This year's edition of the Turnbull Stakes shapes as an intriguing clash between two emerging stars of Australian racing.

Mystic Journey and Mr Quickie are both high up in Cox Plate betting, with the latter also the current Caulfield Cup favourite.

I am willing to forgive the gun mare, who suffered defeat last start following a stellar seven race winning streak. 

 Flemington Track Traits

The Flemington surface is currently rated a Good 4, with the rail out 9m the entire circuit and fine conditions predicted for Saturday.

Given the rail position, riders may have a slight preference to be up the inside and on-speed. 

As always, a close watch is advised early to determine any fast lanes or bias.  

 Racing Market Movers

Race favourite Mystic Journey is a slight drifter early, out to $2.90 from $2.80 openers.

At longer odds, Trap For Fools has seen support and now sits at $26 from an opening quote of $41.

All other runners remain steady.

 Key Runners

#1 Hartnell $10

Continues to tease punters, following three fourth placings in Group One company at his past three starts.

As the weariness continues to grow in his nine-year-old legs, it's likely that he'll continue to find a few too sharp. No.

#3  Mr Quickie $4.20

Ran a slashing race last start when 3 of 15 in the Makybe Diva Stakes, after coming from a long way back.

Given any form of tempo up front, he will be charging again late.

They often struggle to replicate the ultra high-rating first-up run, however this gelding is very good and can peak up again here. Leading fancy.  

#4 Mystic Journey $2.80 > $2.90  

Is the rising star of Australian racing, who had her colours slightly lowered last start when the seven race winning streak came to an end. 

She ran an excellent second on that occasion and still looks very hard to beat in this.

She is likely to race midfield with cover, before unleashing the trademark electric turn of foot.

Just needs to be close enough in the run. Top hope.  

#5 Rostropovic $13  

Finished midfield in the Makybe Diva, when he worked home nicely from well back.

The extra distance here up to 2000m will suit perfectly and it would not surprise to see him go close.

Looks to be the smoky of this field. Can win. 

#6 Finche $8.00

Brings strong Sydney form, where he won the Kingston Town at Randwick last start over this distance.

He has the Waller factor and I like the fact that he has been over 2000m already this prep.

The rider can use his natural tactical speed to race just in behind the leaders, and that looks the ideal place to be in a moderately run race. Yes. 

#7 Verry Elleegant $14

Has raced well without winning this prep and now appears to be looking for a run beyond 2000m.

She has been forced to chase them up off unsuitably slow tempos at her past two starts, which is not her preferred race profile.

I doubt she gets the strong speed up front to run over the top of them here either, and you can expect them to ride her "upside down" in order to be closer. No. 

#8 Kings Will Dream $12

Has been slightly disappointing at his first two back this prep, however he does love it third-up (3:2-1-0).

From the good draw in barrier 3, he is likely to position close to speed and that will suit him considering the predicted moderate tempo.

Has genuine speed map favours.    

#5 Trap For Fools came up at huge odds at $41, which was quickly crunched into $26.

He will lead and there is a good chance he simply dictates and is there bobbing at the end. Could pull their pants down.