TURNBULL STAKES G1

RACE 8 - 2000m

VIA SISTINA / AEILANA / MOIRA / SIR DELIUS

VIA SISTINA experienced a minor setback, demonstrating that she is not invincible after finishing third behind MR BRIGHTSIDE in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva (1600m) last time out. Regardless, the FASTNET ROCK mare was unable to settle with the slow tempo and not helped by a questionable, cocky JMac ride. The Cox Plate champion is aiming for a repeat performance at Moonee Valley this month and this trip should allow more time for the elegant mare to find a nice slot before opening up over a similar distance. Her class is undeniable and she will start a short priced fave in the Turnbull. With that powerful sprint and a wise ride, VIA could be ready to show her best prior to defending her Cox Plate crown.

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Waller also has AELIANA starting and she looks a real star in the making. The CASTELVECCHIO mare won the Gr.1 ATC Derby (2400m) in April after finishing 2nd in the Rosehill Guineas when hampered. Resumed with a tidy run for 2nd to stablemate VIA SISTINA in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) before another strong effort for 2nd to MR BRIGHTSIDE in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva (1600m). She is expected to perform well at the mile, and her condition should be excellent as she is a younger competitor with genuine G1 star quality talent. Can win this and show up her unbeaten stable star, but the timing of her run will require precision. Still maturing, but funnily enough she doesn't know that and few negatives.

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MOIRA is worth retaining as the Underwood run wasn't too bad and the Canadian import may have needed that firm hitout over 1800m to add extra strength. Rock solid when finishing 2nd to DESERT LIGHTNING in the So You Think Stakes (1500m) resuming and the GHOSTZAPPER mare does have a touch of quality about her. Yulong paid a bomb ($4.3M) for the mare, then just days later she won the G1 Breeders' Cup F&M (2213m) at Del Mar. Instead of retirement and off to the breeding barn, they ran her in the Doncaster in April, then put her aside for the spring. The 2000m will suit and she just has to be a chance of featuring with the goal of increasing the residual value of her future offspring.

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SIR DELIUS looked in incredible condition and stood out by a mile in the Gr.1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) before striding away to win convincingly. The 5YO stallion by the mighty sire FRANKEL was G1 placed twice in the UK before joining the Gai/Bott stable down under. Chased hard for 2nd behind LINDERMANN in the Gr.2 WFA Chelmsford (1600m), but really stepped it up building momentum in the Underwood. Going on looks alone he came across as a horse that the team have developed beautifully and it will be a great test up against some high class stayers. Cox Plate/Melbourne Cup the key targets so may not try to break him here with a gut busting run. Willo aboard, however draw makes it hard.

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EDWARD MANIFOLD STAKES G2

RACE 4 - 1600m

BELLAZAINE / JUST A JOURNEY / YUM

The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained BELLAZAINE sustained a tough run to claim the Listed Lonhro Plate at Randwick, holding out the talented BEIWACHT in the shadows of the post. The daughter of ZOUSAIN was unable to gain a spot in the $2 million Inglis Millennium, before running out of the money in the big Sydney Group ones. On pace, although out kicked resuming at Flemington over 1100m, then a fair 5th in the Gr.2 Guineas Prelude at Sandown last start. Better placed here and 3rd-up can make an impact over the mile.

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The Micheal Freedman trained JUST A JOURNEY has done little wrong in only six starts and makes a serious step towards some bigger assignments. Won at Kembla, then Kensington in tbe Autumn before a battling 5th at Eagle Farm. The three-year-old JUSTIFY filly then resumed with a solid 2nd to TULLERIES at Warwick Farm before fighting hard to win over 1550m at Canterbury Park. The $400,000 purchase now has an opportunity to display her best in Group company, but it won't come easy.

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YUM is an interesting runner from the John McArdle barn at Mornington who has won 2 from 4 and can continue to improve. Nice trail behind the speed at Seymour before driving to the front from the 200m to win well. Arrived late to prove victorious in the Listed Jim Moloney (1400m) at Caulfield last start and show he can match these good 3YOs. The GHAIYYATH filly hasn't exactly drawn the best but is the type to wind up strongly and fight her way into the finish.

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DANEHILL STAKES G2

RACE 6 - 1100m

MCGAW / TYCOON STAR / INKARUNA

MCGAW, a cheap acquisition, demonstrated his potential with a decisive victory in the $1M VOBIS Platinum Showdown (1200m), marking a significant achievement for Emma-Lee and David Browne since shifting across the Tasman. The $14,000 purchase by the sire I AM IMMORTAL proved he possessed bravery as well as brilliance and we're willing to stick by him here despite the big challenge. He may look a bit wonky with big ears, but he does possess some stamina and may be even stronger this prep as the judicious hubby and wife team develop his talent.

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The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and JD Hayes made the right gear changes which helped TYCOON STAR take out the Gr.2 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in early September, erasing any doubt over his ability. The WRITTEN TYCOON colt won the Maribyrnong Plate on debut 12 months ago then ran 3rd in the Gr.1 Blue Diamond and 4th in the Todman before scoring no favours in the Golden Slipper. Travelled sweetly when 3rd in the Poseidon last start and capable of further improvement.

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INKARUNA was tidy juvenile last season from the Anthony & Sam Freedman barn who looks to have some ability. The I AM INVINCIBLE filly is out of a talented stakes winning racemare in RAVI (Redoute’s Choice). INKURUNA trialed up beautifully before winning the Gr.3 Chairman's Stakes on debut. Fought hard after bursting through and got the bob of the head. Should be much stronger and wiser as his last start third in the Listed Cap D'antibes Stakes at Flemington was a good effort after being held up for 200m down the straight. Don't underestimate, even in this strong field.

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GILGAI STAKES G2

RACE 9 - 1200m

WAR MACHINE / SHE'S BULLETPROOF / AIRMAN

The exciting sprinter WAR MACHINE changed from the Glen Thompson to the Hayes and went to another level as a dynamic sprinting machine. The HARRY ANGEL gelding proved just what a force he is when drawing away to win the Gr.3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben quite easily, then held them all off in the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June. Won the Bendigo Guineas, then 3rd in the Silver Eagle at Randwick. Scores another stinker of a draw here, but that hasn't stopped him in the past and his hellish sprint will allow him to charge home late.

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SHE'S BULLETPROOF didn't go straight to a first-up Group 1 test this spring, and she failed to fire fresh up in The Heath. Nonetheless, runner-up in February's G1 Oakleigh Plate behind JIMMYSSTAR and she can fire up like a demon once the sprint comes on. You only have to refer to the Gr.3 Bellmaine at Sandown (1200m) victory where the SHOOTING TO WIN mare just went whoosh straight past them with ease. Just a stunning racehorse when on her game and forget the last run as her jumpout work prior was enormous.

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The Hawkes trained AIRMAN is a pretty handy fresh up horse and we wouldn't be surprised if the stable have the I AM INVINCIBLE gelding wound up like a spring. Won the Premiere Stakes 12 months back beating home an elite field of sprinters then battled in two Autumn runs. Three nice trials to prepare before shaping for a good run in the Gr.2 Bobbie Lewis, but weakened out a tad into 5th. Draw not the worst here and hopefully Jamie Mott can position the horse in a fair position before charging home late. One for the multiples.

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ROSE OF KINGSTON STAKES G2

RACE 5 - 1400m

MARBLE ARCH / RUNNING BY / MIRAVAL ROSE

MARBLE ARCH appears to be a promising contender, having demonstrated impressive performances in her previous preparation. The PER INCANTO mare scored a hollow victory in the Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington alongside a BM100 victory over the mile there and another at Caulfield over 1500m. The Hayes-trained six-year-old’s victory also earned her a golden ticket into the Gr.1 All-Star Mile (1600m), however the stable opted for the Gr.1 Coolmore where she faced the breeze and couldn't go on with it. Marble Arch will have the skilled Mark Zahra in the saddle and 2nd-up looms as a major threat.

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RUNNING BY has a few runs behind him now and loves this Flemington track so has to be a live chance at smashing odds. The Ciaron Maher-trained IMPENDING mare won with some style here last November, then close up in a number of runs. Even return when 7th in the MacDonald Stakes at Morphettville, then lacking that little bit extra when 4th over 1600m at Ballarat last start. Gate not the kindest, however on a Good 4 he does appear a threat.

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Grahame Begg has a good one in MIRAVAL ROSE, who came out last start and edged ahead over the final 150m to win at Caulfield over 1200m. Fought evenly to the line with a fresh up 3rd behind the gifted ANGEL CAPITAL in the Chautauqua Stakes at Moonee Valley and looks in for a fruitful preperation. The five-year-old GRUNT mare is aided by the power of ZABEEL on her mother's side and has proved it multiple times racing in Stakes company. Very dangerous in this.

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THE LEXUS BART CUMMINGS G3

RACE 7 - 2500m

BUR DUBAI / REVALARE / GILDED WATER / MARK TWAIN

The hopes and dreams of connections in Melbourne Cup entrant BUR DUBAI go on the line at Flemington with this Price/Kent Jnr-trained gelding. The UK imported NIGHT OF THUNDER gelding was a little unlucky in the Gr.3 Archer (2500m) when bumped trying to obtain room at the 500m, then eased at the 400m when it all got a bit tight. Bur Dubai started his career in Europe and was successful over 2514m at Chester before making his way to Australia. Chased home the powerful stayer REVELARE which was a more accurate indication of his ability. Won at the Valley over 2500m in March then rock solid for 2nd there in August. Allow another chance as sure to be at absolute peak.

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The Australian bred son of SO YOU THINK in REVELARE won the Gr.3 Archer (2500m) to gain entry into the Melbourne Cup and will only carry 51.5kg in the great race, which has him right in the mix. His staying ability is not in doubt, having won at Sandown twice and Flemington twice early in the year before a victory over 2000m at Caulfield. At only five-years of age he is a rising home bred with fine staying credentials. His pedigree says he will be competitive here before being put away for the first week in November. Seems to only know how to win and this big, strapping boy can do it again.

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The Kings horse, GILDED WATER hit the endurance trail over the summer period after landing in Australia for the Maher team. Won at Kembla Grange over 2000m on debut down under, then strong to the line winning over 2400m at Randwick. Missed the start but kept trying when 2nd at Rosehill over the same trip, before a long spell. The royally-bred FASTNET ROCK gelding was solid resuming over 1800m on a Soft 5 Caulfield track, then ran clear with a soft victory over 2000m there. Big track should suit but goes to another level now and will need to continue bringing his ‘A’ game for old Charlie.

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We didn't feel the New Zealander MARK TWAIN was terrible in the Gr.3 Naturalism two weeks ago despite finishing well down the field over 2000m at Caulfield. Third in the Auckland Cup back in March 2024 before roaring home to win the Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington in "Kiwi like" fashion. A hoof injury then scuttled his Melbourne Cup campaign, although the James/Wellwood team are back for another shot at it with this 6YO son of SHOCKING. In the context of the Cup, most of his Australian runs have been conditioning hitouts at shorter distances as the wet NZ tracks set his prep back a little. Gets out to a proper staying trip here and an opportunity to gain direct entry into the Cup. Has a powerful staying sprint and not hopeless.

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Eleven of "Cups King" Bart Cummings' record 12 Cup winners ran at Flemington on Derby Day, three days before the race that stops the nation. But for a lucky few, the journey begins with a Golden Ticket like the Lexus and this is the last chance a month out from the cup. It is ten years since the passing of Bart Cummings, one of the most iconic figures in Australian racing. His methods shaped generations of trainers, his results defined an era - and the Cup, more than any other race, still feels like his

PARIS LANE STAKES (L)

RACE 10 - 1400m

WARNIE / IS IT ME / FREEDOM RALLY

WARNIE is a tremendous imported sprinter for Ciaron Maher and the HIGHLAND REEL gelding must be closing in on his best. His owner believed he could have given the Stradbroke a shake after he flew home in the Gr.2 Moreton Cup, finishing third behind FRONT PAGE, when a win would have given him a golden ticket into the race. Although good in the G2, a little underwhelming when 4th and 5th at Ipswich and the Sunny. WARNIE was purchased from a sale in Ireland and he had his first start in a two-year-old race at Royal Ascot in 2023 when James McDonald rode him. A big run closer to the speed is probable here with connections eyeing a stakes victory.

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The IFFRAAJ gelding IS IT ME trained by Daniel Bowman at Warrnambool has been a little out of touch, although he did show his true colours when exploding to go clear in the Gr.3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap here at Flemington in March. That was his third 1400m victory in a row, before an even effort for 4th in the Behemoth Stakes at Morphettville. Took on high class G1 fields in his last two, so much better suited here and has to be considered coming back in class.

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FREEDOM RALLY has won a $1M representing the Tony Gollan stable and he probably wouldn't have him here from Eagle Farm if he didn't feel it was warranted. Ran some tidy races last year, although the 6YO RUBICK gelding hasn't won since taking out the Listed Wayne Wilson on his home course. Solid when 3rd at Rosehill in the Five Diamonds Prelude and 2nd at Randwick in the Five Diamonds, however failed to return in the Autumn with the same gusto. Resumes fresh over a popular distance and capable of springing a surprise.

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SUPER IMPOSE STAKES

RACE 3 - 1800m

OPTIONS / AZAZEL / ARCORA

The McEvoy's train this three-year-old IMPENDING colt OPTIONS who has been quite impressive, winning two from his three starts. Won at Eucha over 1300m on debut back in August, then backed that up with another victory, over the mile at Bendigo. Took on a few decent 3YOs in the Derby Prelude over 1800m and only lost the bob for 3rd after being hindered, before coming wider with a nice effort. Sticks at the trip and appears awfully hard to beat here.

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AZAZEL is a New Zealand bred 3YO gelding by SHOCKING who is trained out the Te Akau base at Cranbourne. Finished third over 1000m in his only jumpout on that track, before a nice run to win over the mile at Seymour on debut. Asked for some effort turning in and landed some big strides to edge ahead in the final stages. His TAVISTOCK dam, ALAGANT ANGEL did very little, although the 2nd dam ALAGANT SATIN possessed some ability, winning the Gr.3 Eulogy and Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic.

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ARCORA's performance behind Buccleuch was noteworthy in the Taj Rossi series final back in July on this racecourse. He demonstrated significant progress, closing strongly to secure second place despite not being a winning contender initially. Went on to win over 1800m at Flemington before a spell. Resumed with a tough run in the Exford Plate, but this JUSTIFY can turn it around quickly based on ability. With considerable potential a move up to the longer trips could prove advantageous given time.

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BEST BET: VIA SISTINA

NEXT BEST: WAR MACHINE

BEST VALUE: SHE’S BULLETPROOF

WILDCARD: MARK TWAIN