The Group 1 $1 million Turnbull Stakes (2000m) field will run under capacity at Flemington today following two scratchings from the all-important spring lead-up with the Godolphin-raced Alegron and Numerian both withdrawn from the Melbourne feature.
Alegron has been scratched from the 2022 Turnbull Stakes field with an elevated temperature. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
The Annabel Neasham-trained $1.2 million The Q22 champion from the winter, Numerian, came out of the Turnbull Stakes field earlier in the week in favour of a Sydney run on Epsom Handicap Day.
Following an eye-catching second fresh in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) in the mud on September 3 the gun seven-year-old will go around at Royal Randwick again today contesting the Group 2 $1 million Hill Stakes (2000m).
The 2022 Hill Stakes field (Randwick Race 4, 1:35pm) is down to just six runners and Numerian in barrier 2 with Tommy Berry to ride pays $5.50 through Ladbrokes.com.au to salute on the Heavy track.
The James Cummings-trained Alegron has also now officially come out of the Turnbull on vet’s advice after displaying an elevated temperature.
Of the 15 remaining Turnbull Stakes contenders the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained French import Gold Trip, coming off a Group 3 Naturalism Stakes third, is clear favourite at $3.70 through Ladbrokes.com.au.
Edward Cummings‘ three-time Group 1 winning mare Duais ($5.50) is the key danger occupying the second line of Turnbull Stakes betting.
Money has also come in for the Danny O’Brien-trained $2 million The Invitation winning mare Inspirational Girl who has been backed in from $13 to $9 to secure her first Group 1 win.
She has been tested in Group 1 company eight times previously for a frustrating run of five minor placings and was last seen running second first-up at The Valley behind Mr Brightside in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m).
The big Turnbull Stakes market mover however is the Chris Waller-trained Surefire.
Originally a dual acceptor, the Fastnet Rock five-year-old has been scratched from Sydney’s Group 1 $750,000 The Metropolitan (2400m) today in favour of a run in the Turnbull.
His Turnbull Stakes odds have been smashed in from $21 to $9.50 accordingly.
The 2022 Turnbull Stakes is scheduled to run as Flemington Race 7 at 4:25pm (AEST) and full markets, courtesy of Ladbrokes.com.au, are available by clicking here.
2022 Turnbull Stakes Scratchings:
- #3 Numerian
- #10 Alegron
