The Group 1 Turnbull Stakes headlines a huge day of racing at HQ this Saturday.
Tasmanian mare Mystic Journey is the favourite for the feature event however there are plenty of chances in an open field over the 2000m.
We have had a look at all races on the card and offer our thoughts and betting suggestions.
A difficult start to the day with a lot of first starters however I’m always keen on a Hayes trained early two year old. This colt is by Spirit of Boom and should get every chance from the inside barrier.
Music Bay is a talented four year old mare and I think she is up to a race last this one second up. She looked the winner at Caufield when she went straight past the leaders however she was caught late by My Pendant. She maps to get a lovely run from barrier six and Flemington looks ideal for her.
Brooklyn Hustle was not far away in both the Blue Diamond Prelude and the feature two year old event behind Lyre and has not been seen at the track since. She has had two trials leading into this first up assignment, both wins, and although this is her first time down the straight, she is the one to beat on exposed form.
I’m a little suspect on the Let’s Elope form so I’m happy to take on Fidelia in this. Savatiano is a proven Group 1 quality mare who has a sensational record first up. That’s where my money will be.
Lachlan King was caught napping heading around the turn at Caulfield last start and the field was off and gone before the colt had any chance. He did his best work late in the race and he is much better suited back to Flemington where he was a 1.8 length winner last time he was seen at HQ. Barrier is a bonus.
Sunlight is coming off a nice third in the Moir Stakes last Friday night and I think the market has got this one wrong. Santa Ana Lane is a champion sprinter don’t get me wrong but he tends to do his best work later in his prep. Sunlight meets him 2kg less at the weights and has the fitness edge on him.
The closing sectionals of Mr Quickie in the Makybe Diva Stakes were simply phenomenal and he looks a star in the making. He is already a Group 1 winner, taking out the Queensland Derby in the Winter and the further he gets out in distance, the better he will be.
Surpise Baby was the run of the race behind Homesman in the Feehan Stakes at The Valley. He is much suited over distance and he gets that here second up. He loves Flemington and he is the one to beat.
I thought Fascino was very much overs in this contest at the $21. She didn’t get it all her own way at Caulfield but stuck to the task late and I think she can run a stronger 1600m. Would be a good way to finish the day!