TURNBULL STAKES 2019 PREVIEW
FLEMINGTON RACE 7 – 16:25 AEST
OPEN GROUP 1
2000m
$500,000
GOOD 4
Rail OUT 9M entire
| # | Form | Horse | Trainer | Jockey (barrier) | Weight (kg) | Current Price |
| 1 | x3444 | HARTNELL | JAMES CUMMINGS | B RAWILLER (5) | 57.5 | $9 |
| 2 | 3x907 | TRAP FOR FOOLS | J MCLEAN | P HALL (12) | 57.5 | $23 |
| 3 | 131x3 | MR QUICKIE | P STOKES | J ALLEN (11) | 56.5 | $3.80 |
| 4 | 11x12 | MYSTIC JOURNEY | ADAM TRINDER | A DARMANIN (9) | 56.0 | $2.70 |
| 5 | 557x7 | ROSTROPOVICH | D & B HAYES & T DABERNIG | D DUNN (10) | 55.0 | $13 |
| 6 | 34x51 | FINCHE | C WALLER | D LANE (2) | 55.0 | $9 |
| 8 | 60x58 | KINGS WILL DREAM | C WALLER | J M NEIL (3) | 54.5 | $9.50 |
| 9 | 12111 | LOOKS LIKE ELVIS | BRYAN DAIS | D BATES (1) | 54.5 | $31 |
| 10 | 33114 | KENTUCKY BREEZE | LEVI KAVANAGH | JAMIE KAH (6) | 54.5 | $27 |
| 11 | 048x0 | SOUND | M MORONEY | J WINKS (7) | 54.5 | $91 |
| 12 | 6621x | VOW AND DECLARE | D O'BRIEN | D OLIVER (4) | 54.5 | $23 |
OVERVIEW
A strong field lines up here in for this year’s Turnbull Stakes – Melbourne’s sole Group 1 race of the weekend. The question that everyone is asking, is can Mystic Journey bounce back from last start? She was outgunned by roughie Gatting in what was her first loss in her past eight starts. Mr Quickie is the most favoured to lower her colours but there are a few familiar faces who are fancied as well.
SPEED MAP
Should be a decent tempo here with Finche likely to lead them away with Trap For Fools likely to push forward from the wide barrier also. Hartnell and Kentucky breeze can sit prominently ahead of the rest. Mystic Journey maps awkwardly from the barrier but may be able to slot in midfield.
KEY RUNNERS
- MR QUICKIE ($3.80)
Put together an impressive preparation earlier this year which resulted in four wins including a taste of Group 1 glory in the QLD Derby. Two solid trials before he returned in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes where he was slightly hampered for a run. Hit the line beautifully there and should improve second up.
- MYSTIC JOURNEY ($2.70)
Looked unbeatable last preparation and before, scoring seven consecutive wins before finally having her colours lowered last start by the unfavoured Gatting. There was still a lot of merit in the run however, and “Betty” as they call her will only get better with racing. Will be looking to bounce back here and get back to her winning ways.
- FINCHE ($9)
Finche scored a nice win at Randwick last start over this same trip against Stampede, who has since gone on to win again. Was coming off a long spell first up and raced solidly. Will get a lovely run in front and looks a decent chance at odds.
BLUEY’S PICK
- FINCHE ($9)
With a couple of question marks over Mystic Journey, perhaps it’s best to look for some value, and I think Finche presents well here after being victorious last start. Looks to get all the favours out in front and rail out 9m should help somewhat. Looks a solid value bet.
