The Melbourne Cup winner, Gold Trip, delivered an impressive win in the Turnbull Stakes, deepening the dilemma for his jockey, Mark Zahra. Zahra was originally favored to ride Without A Fight in the Caulfield Cup, but the French horse’s stunning performance has made him reconsider. Gold Trip’s victory has sparked discussions about whether he should be entered into the Cox Plate instead of the Caulfield Cup, as he showcased both speed and stamina.
Zahra expressed his enthusiasm for the Cox Plate, stating that his rivals in the Turnbull Stakes have made a strong case for Gold Trip’s entry into the race. While Zahra hasn’t made a final decision yet, he admitted that it would be difficult to pass up the opportunity to ride such a remarkable horse.
Trainer Ciaron Maher indicated that Gold Trip is unlikely to compete in both the Cox Plate and the Caulfield Cup, leaving the final decision to the owners. Gold Trip’s exceptional turn of foot and surprising speed in the Turnbull Stakes left both Zahra and Maher pleasantly surprised.
The path for Gold Trip this spring remains undecided. Bookmakers have rated him as a $9 chance for the Caulfield Cup and a $7 chance for the Cox Plate. Ultimately, the decision will rest with Zahra, Maher, and the owners of Gold Trip.
Turnbull Stakes: Gold Trip Shines, History Prevails
The recent G1 Turnbull Stakes was a significant event in the spring carnival. It showcased some of the potential Melbourne Cup winners and served as the final major meeting before the four-day Flemington carnival. This year, six of the past seven Melbourne Cup winners raced at Flemington on Turnbull Stakes day.
The Turnbull Stakes featured a clash between world No.10 Romantic Warrior and the outstanding Gold Trip. Although Romantic Warrior finished second, Gold Trip’s performance was head-turning, leaving the crowd in awe. Thirty-three of the runners in the Turnbull Stakes are still in the running for the Melbourne Cup, highlighting the race’s reputation as a key form indicator for Australia’s most prestigious race.
In contrast, the G2 $2 million Hill Stakes at Rosehill failed to match the class and history of the Turnbull Stakes, with the top-rated horse, Numerian, finishing ninth. The import West Wind Blows made an impressive Australian debut by securing second place in the Turnbull Stakes.
Star Patrol’s Options: Everest or Hong Kong?
Following his convincing win in the G2 Gilgai Stakes, Star Patrol’s trainer, Clinton McDonald, is weighing his options. While some offers for an Everest slot have been rejected, the prospect of racing in Hong Kong in December is still being considered. McDonald believes it’s a choice between racing in the G1 Champion Sprint or the Hong Kong Sprint, but doing both events may not be possible.
Star Patrol’s recent win provided a boost for jockey Ben Melham, who earlier faced a fine for failing to make the weight in the G1 Turnbull Stakes. McDonald is optimistic about Star Patrol’s performances at Flemington and is considering his record there when making his final decision.
Stretan Angel’s Impressive Win in the Danehill Stakes
Stretan Angel, purchased by trainer Phillp Stokes for a mere $64,000 as a yearling, demonstrated her worthiness for the prestigious G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes with a thrilling win in the G2 Danehill Stakes. The three-year-old sprinted past I Am Unstoppable to secure victory.
Stokes views the Coolmore as a realistic goal for Stretan Angel, affirming her potential as a leading contender in the upcoming race. This bargain buy has proven to be a smart investment for the Stokes stable.
Sources:
– “Gold Trip enters spring dilemma for jockey” by Andrew Eddy, Racing.com
– “Turnbull Stakes day at Flemington builds on tradition” by Bruce Clark, Racing.com
– “Clinton McDonald thinks big after Star Patrol wins Gilgai Stakes at Flemington” by Marc McGowan, Herald Sun
– “Stretan Angel proves worth for G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes” by Brad Waters, Racing.com