Spring Racing Review: Stylish win for Verry Elleegant

Verry Elleegant
Verry Elleegant led home a Chris Waller trifecta in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.

Three Group 1 races were run and won on Saturday, October 3 in Sydney, but none were as thrilling as the four-way go in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. We take a look over the weekend that was and give you a few horses to put in your black book and back next start.

Melbourne Cup smokey emerges at Flemington

Verry Elleegant made it Group 1 win number five in the 2000m Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. After being worse than midfield, Mark Zahra rode her a treat to put her in the race and got every last inch out of her to edge out stablemates Toffee Tongue and Finche. Dalasan was tough up on the speed also. Only three lengths covered the first 12 runners past the post, which does add some doubt over the race going forward, but we were really pleased with one four-year-old gelding. Last year’s VRC Derby winner, Warning, was superb into sixth place, clocking the best last 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m of the race. He settled in the back half of the field and was shuffled back to next to last on the turn, which abolished his chances, before he absolutely flew late. His only two wins have come at Flemington, and he gets better as the prep goes on and as he steps up in trip. There’s a very nice race for him at Flemington in four weeks…

While we are on the topic of the Melbourne Cup, Persan gained a spot in this year’s edition by winning the Bart Cummings. After winning a Bendigo maiden back in May, Persan now has an extra five victories to his name, all at 2000m and beyond, with four of those coming at Flemington. He certainly has fitness on his side and has reached Bart Cummings’ Cup winning formula of 10,000m of lead-up runs, but he might not have the class of some of his rivals.

The Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes finally saw Thermosphere in the winner’s stall after we have been harping on about her all campaign. She took the Sydney form to Melbourne for the first time, and after sitting three deep facing the breeze, she was still too good under Damian Lane. She now goes on the quick backup and will run this weekend in the Thousand Guineas, which should suit her again at the mile. If the rain comes, she will be even better suited there. Succeed Indeed was good from an Oaks perspective and will be one to keep a close eye on going forward.

Probabeel shows Cox Plate credentials with Epsom win

Royal Randwick hosted three Group 1 races, and we were gifted with thrilling finishes in all of them. History was against New Zealand mare Probabeel, but she was too good in the Epsom Handicap, winning by a length to her top rival, Funstar. Riodini was tough into third. Probabeel was three wide without cover for most of the trip and was still too good, adding huge merit to her win. Not a great deal made much ground, with Rock and Looks Like Elvis the best from the back. Probabeel now heads to the Cox Plate and will run well.

Mirage Dancer returned to the winner’s circle with a brilliant victory in the Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap. After settling midfield on the fence, Nash Rawiller sliced through the field to get out right on time and beat the favourite, Mugatoo, in a head bopper. Up to 2400m and on a dry track was the key for the import, who will now head back to Melbourne for the Caulfield Cup in a fortnight as a $26 chance. Mugatoo will be on a similar flight for either the Caulfield Cup or the Cox Plate. While we question the depth of the race outside of the first two, the Bentley St Leger over 2600m at Randwick could be a good target for the likes of Paths Of Glory and Rondinella.

Montefilia upset the Hungry Heart party in the Group 1 Darley Flight Stakes, winning by 0.2 of a length over the odds-on favourite. The David Payne filly was suited by the fast tempo, coming from last to get the favourite right on the line. Vangelic was tough up on the speed and finished third, while Dame Giselle was stuck in a pocket on the fence and made steady ground late. Montefilia, Hungry Heart and Vangelic will now all back up this Saturday; Montefilia is staying in Sydney for the Spring Champion Stakes over 2000m, while the other two head to Melbourne for the Thousand Guineas.

Libertini all but cemented her place in The Everest with a dominant victory in the Premiere Stakes, beating Classique Legend, Deprive and a once-again lacklustre Nature Strip. After two nice trials, Libertini got the run of the race and put paid to her rivals, winning by a dominant margin. Classique Legend was super in defeat after being wide throughout. If you swap their runs, we think you swap the result too. They look the two going forward into The Everest also.

Best futures bets for Spring Carnival 2020

Melbourne CupWarning $41 with Sportsbet
The EverestClassique Legend $5 with Sportsbet

Horses to add to your black book

  • Classique Legend
  • Libertini
  • Paths Of Glory
  • Succeed Indeed
  • Warning

Topics: Classique Legend, featured, Melbourne Cup, The Everest, Verry Elleegant, Warning

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