The Turnbull Stakes is always a terrific contest, but a particularly strong and open edition of the Group 1 feature will be run and won at HQ on Saturday.

The reigning Melbourne Cup winner will line up, as will this year’s Melbourne Cup favourite, but there is a case to be made for many of fifteen confirmed starters, and the Turnbull Stakes shapes as a terrific betting race.

Turnbull Stakes – Winner

No. 6 Master Of Wine – Bet Now: $7.50

Master Of Wine has remained prominent in betting for races like the Caulfield Cup since autumn, and while I do thing something like that might be just a little out of reach, I think that the Turnbull Stakes looks a lovely target for him.

The Moxios gelding was a revelation during his autumn campaign, and while he clearly needed the run when he finished down the order in the Winx Stakes, he was far better second-up and further out in trip in the Makybe Diva Stakes last time.

I think that the 2000m is his pet trip, Flemington suits and he is drawn to receive a lovely run from barrier 4.

Turnbull Stakes – 2nd

No. 3 Surprise Baby – Bet Now: $6.50

Another horse that harbours plenty of upside and will relish getting out to 2000m is Surprise Baby.

The six-year-old son of Shocking has made just twelve competitive appearances at the races so far, but his outstanding staying ability has already been well documented, and he will surely take plenty of beating on the first Tuesday of November.

He returned a very pleasing performance to finish a half-length behind Humidor in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes when resuming, and I can’t wait to see him back at HQ.

Turnbull Stakes – 3rd

No. 12 Finche – Bet Now: $8.50

Finche returned from a lengthy spell to finish third in the Group 2 Chelmsford and is yet another horse that will be better for the run, out in trip and back to Flemington.

The Frankel gelding hasn’t run a bad race since arriving in Australia in late 2018, and he has been set for another serious crack at the Melbourne Cup.

He is a horse that tends to enjoy sharp improvement with a run under his belt, and I actually think this could be his best chance of winning a Group 1 race to date.

Turnbull Stakes – 4th

No. 9 Verry Elleegant – Bet Now: $4.20

There is little doubt that Verry Elleegant is just one of the best horses in the 2020 Turnbull Stakes field, but with the Cox Plate her major target, this run will be used to iron out all of the last kinks.

The Zed mare is a multiple Group 1 winner, and she returned to the races this time for a truly incredible win in the Winx Stakes.

It’s fair to say that she was a but flat when fourth behind Kolding in the George Main last time, out, however, and I’d just like to see her at this way of going again before backing her to win.

Turnbull Stakes Suggested Bets