The reigning Melbourne Cup champion Gold Trip (+1800) has taken out the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes in impressive fashion, destroying a strong field of spring contenders by just under two lengths, after being eased down in the final 50m.
After settling towards the rear of the field in the feature event at Flemington, Mark Zahra pushed the button on the son of Outstrip and within a few strides, he had gathered up the field and hit the front with 200m to go.
By the 100m mark, Zahra had enough of a lead over West Wind Blows (+600) to have a cheeky look over his shoulder, put the whip away and sit up for the photo in splendid isolation.
Running on along the rail was Soulcombe (+500), who finished third behind West Wind Blows and the race favourite Romantic Warrior (+140) ran into fourth at his first start in Australia.
Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have now gone back-to-back in the Turnbull Stakes, after Smokin' Romans won the race last year, and Maher spoke post-race.
“That really gets you going doesn't it,” Maher said.
“He put the writing on the wall with his run at The Valley, and just looking at him in the yard, he looks amazing.
“Credit to everyone and his owners, they had to be patient but they are getting well rewarded now.
“I'd say he would have another Cox Plate on the table.
“It's probably his best win, if you can say that, from a Melbourne Cup winner, but he was dynamic today and very impressive.”
When Maher was asked if they will aim Gold Trip at all three majors in Victoria, he didn't rule anything out.
“I think Mark (Zahra) might play a big role in the decision, he might push for a Cox Plate because he has one in the Caulfield Cup.”
Mark Zahra was elated and clearly surprised by the win of Gold Trip, and he spoke post-race.
“Unbelievable, I'm tingling,” Zahra said.
“I can't believe he won like that, what a win.
“He's such a race day horse, he goes down the straight and looks at the crowd and he's an absolute ripper.
“I had him just switched off and I don't like to cuddle him and when I give it to him, I like to give it to him.
“He is a stallion so he does think about, but when I give it to him, he hit the front at the 200 (metres) and he was just gonna bolted in.
“Ciaron (Maher) and Dave (Eustace) have got him going so well, this prep it won't matter what condition the track is.”
Gold Trip is now the second favourite at $5 in the Cox Plate futures market with online bookmakers.