Hong Kong sensation Romantic Warrior takes top billing in a capacity field for Saturday’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington in Melbourne, Australia.
Turnbull Stakes draw does Romantic Warrior no favours
Flemington Racecourse is abuzz with anticipation as the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes readies for a spectacular showdown this Saturday, boasting a full field of 16 runners and two eager emergencies awaiting their chance to shine.
A standout contender capturing the limelight is the Danny Shum-trained Romantic Warrior, a Hong Kong sensation, marking the commencement of his Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
With an impressive track record of 10 victories in 14 starts, including three Group 1 triumphs, Romantic Warrior’s back-to-back wins in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 2022 and 2023 have solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with.
However, a poor draw in barrier 11 adds an element of challenge to his bid for glory in Australia.
Joining the international fray is the Simon & Ed Crisford-trained West Wind Blows, armed with formidable Group form from England and eyeing potential paths to the Cox Plate or Caulfield Cup.
On the local front, Chris Waller and the formidable Ciaron Maher & David Eustace team each command a formidable quartet of contenders in the Turnbull Stakes.
Waller’s stable, however, has secured notably favourable barrier draws.
In a twist of fate, Melbourne Cup victor Gold Trip (18) and 2022 Turnbull Stakes champion Smokin’ Romans (17) face challenging barriers, joined by Right You Are (16) and Duke De Sessa (12), placing them in the outer echelons of the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Waller’s charges, including Soulcombe (2), Francesco Guardi (7), Osipenko (6), and El Bodegon (9), have garnered advantageous barriers, positioning them for strategic runs from the inner to middle gates.