The epic Turnbull Stakes takes place each year at Flemington Racecourse and in 2024 the race will be run on Saturday, October 5. The race is the perfect test for middle-distance runners, slated at a distance of 2,000m and we always see a mixture of the best Australian and international runners take part in the race.
Turnbull Stakes Tips, Betting, Odds, Horses & More 2024
Turnbull Stakes Information
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📅Date: | Saturday 5th October, 2024 |
⌚Race Time: | 4:25pm (AEST) |
📏Race Distance: | 2,000 metres |
🛣️Racecourse: | Flemington Racecourse |
🐎Conditions: | Set Weights & Penalties - 4YOs+ |
🏅Status: | Group 1 |
🏆Prize Money: | $750,000 |
🏇2023 Winner: | Gold Trip |
- Race Information
- About the Turnbull Stakes
- Turnbull Stakes Tips
- Best betting sites
- Turnbull Stakes Betting
- Turnbull Stakes Field
- Turnbull Stakes Field
- Turnbull Stakes Form Guide
- Turnbull Stakes Horses
- Turnbull Stakes Odds
- Turnbull Stakes History
- Turnbull Stakes Results
- Turnbull Stakes Replay
- Turnbull Stakes Winners
- Turnbull Stakes FAQs
About the Turnbull Stakes
The Turnbull Stakes holds a significant place within the Melbourne Spring Carnival, traditionally held in October at Flemington Racecourse and falling on the final weekend before the official start of the carnival. Flemington Racecourse is undoubtedly one of the top tracks in the country.
The allure of the Turnbull Stakes arises not only from its Group 1 status but also from its ability to attract the best of mature horse talent from across Australia and serve as a vital lead in race to some of the great distance races on Australian turf. You certainly don’t want to miss the action that the Turnbull Stakes brings each and every year.
Run at the prestigious Flemington Racecourse, the Turnbull Stakes acts as a launching pad for many of Australia's premier racehorses to strut their stuff. There is a sense of excitement in the air as we still have the full Melbourne Spring Carnival to come.
The Turnbull Stakes runs over 2,000m under set weights and penalties conditions (meaning the weight carried by the horse is determined by its age and sex) for horses 4YOs and upwards. Boasting a hefty $750,000 prize pot for competitors, it's an important race to win in its own right.
Along with the Turnbull Stakes, we also see an important Group 3 race, The Bart Cummings. A win in The Bart Cummings is crucial as it is one of the few races that is exempt from the ballot for the biggest race of them all, the Melbourne Cup.
No matter what information you are looking for about the Turnbull Stakes, you’ll find it here with OnlyRacing. We have information on horse racing betting for the race, so if you want to place bets, we’ve got you covered. We also include other important pieces of information like the field, form guide, odds, tips, history and more!
The race is also often seen as a stepping stone towards the more abundant prizes up for grabs later in the carnival. Even so, the horse that takes top honours walks away with a cool $450,000. Plus, there's prize money given out all the way down to the horse that finishes 8th. For a detailed breakdown of the prize money distribution, see below:
Place: | Prize Money: |
1st | $480,000 |
2nd | $135,000 |
3rd | $67,500 |
4th | $33,750 |
5th | $18,750 |
6th, 7th & 8th | $15,000 |
Turnbull Stakes Tips
Would you like some horse racing tips? Well, good for you because you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got all the Turnbull Stakes tips you’re looking for. There’s something for everyone as well, as our experts provide three tips for the race, their best bet, next best and best roughie. If you're looking for something more, you can always check out our Flemington tips that cover all the biggest race meetings.
Now is the time to see what our experts have put together for the 2024 Turnbull Stakes. It is race week and our experts have taken the time to look into all the runners and crunch the numbers. They have put together three Turnbull Stakes tips for you, their best bet, next best and best roughie.
Let’s get cracking, shall we? Check out our tips for the Turnbull Stakes in 2024 here:
Turnbull Stakes Best Bet - Via Sistina
Talk about a high-quality field, we have multiple Group 1 winners here and the market reflects that as it is quite an open affair. For my best bet, I’ve landed on Via Sistina, who is currently the second favourite with odds of $4.20 to win the race, thanks to PlayUp. It just all depends on how much rain we actually get in Melbourne.
The less rain, the better considering her flop in the Makybe Diva Stakes when going around as favourite. So, I’ll be holding off a little bit, just to see how Friday and Saturday shake out before making a final call. Even if it does rain, I reckon forgive her on one bad run. She is third-up and has won over this distance, with her form stacking up nicely here.
Turnbull Stakes Next Best - Warmonger
Buckaroo is really in this, but I can’t pass up the value we’re getting for Warmonger (and I already found a good roughie, my best roughie pick is also taken!). Like many other runners at this stage, the Turnbull Stakes is just a stepping stone to bigger Spring riches, like the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup.
He is a top-class runner who loves the longer races and I think he is a genuine winning chance in this one. He has faced some difficult opponents in the past so far this prep, but the Turnbull Stakes is set up for him pretty nicely. Good each-way odds for him as well, currently listed at $12 to win the race.
Turnbull Stakes Best Roughie - Sharp ‘N’ Smart
Taking a chance here, but if it pays off, I’ll look like a genius. Sharp ‘N’ Smart is currently paying $26 thanks to PlayUp and he is already a three-time Group 1 winner. Also, two of those wins came over the same distance, so that works in his favour as well. He hasn’t had things all his way recently, so some luck will need to be on his side.
Gets a wide barrier, but it could work to his advantage as he’ll look to stay out of trouble in the middle of the field, giving himself some free air when the time is right. He is a classy horse, no doubt, so to see him as one of the bigger roughies in the market is surprising, I think he can surprise a few.
Best Betting Sites for Group One Races
Turnbull Stakes Betting
Placing your bets on the Turnbull Stakes and other Group 1 Australian thoroughbred races can really let your racing know-how shine. Whether you're into simple Win or Place market bets, or fancy dabbling in the more intricate world of exotic bets, there's plenty to choose from.
If multis and exotics are your thing, or if you're keen on zeroing in on particular jockeys or the top bets of the day, our all-inclusive guide has you covered. The Turnbull Stakes promises to be an exciting Group 1 race held at Flemington Racecourse and many punters choose to test their skills, betting on the race.
Choosing from one of the best Australian betting sites can be overwhelming, but we aim to make it easier by suggesting a few reliable options. Before diving into the recommendations, it's important to study the field of runners for the Turnbull Stakes and decide which horses you wish to bet on.
One of the key factors to consider when selecting one of the top best betting apps is the odds they offer. It may require some effort, but visiting multiple bookmakers and comparing the odds they provide for your preferred market can help you determine which bookie offers the best odds.
By choosing the bookmaker with the highest odds, you increase your potential return. For a comprehensive list of Australian bookmakers that offer Group 1 thoroughbred horse racing markets, you can refer to our bookmaker reviews page.
Another aspect to consider is your comfort level with a particular bookmaker. Many Australian punters prefer to bet with bookmakers they are familiar with, whether it's due to the app or website they frequently use.
It is entirely reasonable to stick with a bookmaker you feel comfortable placing your bets with. Our bookmaker reviews page provides information on the reliability of each bookie, which can assist you in making an informed decision.
Betting sites bonuses also play a significant role in selection. Check our OnlyRacing promotions page to see what various Australian bookmakers offer in terms of bonuses and promotions. Some bookies may have specific promotions for the Turnbull Stakes, so it's worth exploring those options as well.
Ultimately, there is no definitive method for choosing a bookmaker for the Turnbull Stakes. The tips mentioned above are all valid considerations. However, it is crucial to ensure that you bet with a reliable bookmaker and provide any necessary verification information before placing your bets.
Turnbull Stakes Field
We all want to know which runners will be taking part in the Turnbull Stakes field for 2024. As of right now, we know exactly which runners are preparing to line up in the Turnbull Stakes on Saturday. The final field is confirmed and we take a look at all the runners here in this section.
If you want to get a little sneaky peek at which runners are targeting the Turnbull Stakes and are more likely to appear in the final field, you should check out the odds. If the odds are available, we will have them listed below in our “Odds” section. The runners with the shorter odds are deemed more likely to make it into the final field.
There is no time like the present, so let’s take a look at the Turnbull Stakes field for the race in 2024:
No. |
Horse |
Trainer |
Jockey |
Barrier |
Weight |
1 |
CIRCLE OF FIRE (GB) |
Ciaron Maher |
John Allen |
11 |
58kg |
2 |
BOIS D’ARGENT (GB) |
Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald |
Jamie Mott |
14 |
58kg |
3 |
BUCKAROO (GB) |
Chris Waller |
Joao Moreira |
8 |
58kg |
4 |
VIA SISTINA (IRE) |
Chris Waller |
Damian Lane |
12 |
57kg |
5 |
WARMONGER (NZ) |
Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) |
Michael Dee |
10 |
57kg |
6 |
ELIYASS (FR) |
Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott |
Ethan Brown |
16 |
56.5kg |
7 |
ATISHU (NZ) |
Chris Waller |
Mark Zahra |
5 |
56kg |
8 |
HUETOR (FR) |
Peter Snowden |
Koby Jennings |
6 |
56kg |
9 |
SHARP ’N’ SMART (NZ) |
Graeme & Deborah Rogerson |
Luke Currie |
13 |
55kg |
10 |
YOUNG WERTHER (NZ) |
Danny O’Brien |
Jye McNeil |
2 |
55kg |
11 |
FRANCESCO GUARDI (IRE) |
Chris Waller |
Craig Newitt |
1 |
55kg |
12 |
PLACE DU CARROUSEL (IRE) |
Anthony & Sam Freedman |
Ben Melham |
4 |
55kg |
13 |
BANKERS CHOICE (NZ) |
Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson |
Billy Egan |
15 |
55kg |
14 |
DUKE DE SESSA (IRE) |
Ciaron Maher |
Declan Bates |
7 |
55kg |
15 |
KNIGHT’S CHOICE |
John Symons & Sheila Laxon |
Jordan Childs |
9 |
55kg |
16 |
VALIANT KING (GB) |
Chris Waller |
Beau Mertens |
3 |
55kg |
In 2024, we see a field of 16 runners line up for the Turnbull Stakes, with no emergencies confirmed either. This means if there are any pre-race scratchings, the field will be reduced. At the time of writing, we haven’t seen any scratchings yet, but do keep your eye on things because they can change pretty quickly.
You’ll notice in horse racing that scratchings happen all the time. It is very unfortunate and there are several reasons as to why a runner might be scratched. It is also important to keep an eye on the field as scratchings can happen at any time and you don’t want to be blindsided.
Along with any scratchings, you should look into the barrier draw. Before the race each runner is randomly selected a barrier and this can have a fairly major impact on the race tactics deployed. The way the race pans out can be a direct result of the barrier each runner jumps from.
Turnbull Stakes Form Guide
If you want to increase your chances of picking a winner for the Turnbull Stakes, one of the biggest things you can do is go through the form guide. The Turnbull Stakes form guide covers a lot of data that can present patterns, which can lead you down the road of a winner. While it isn’t 100% foolproof, it can give you a leg up.
If you don’t have the time to go through and find all the key form indicators, that’s okay! You’ve come to the right place. We go through all the stats and data from the Turnbull Stakes and have put together some key form indicators that you need to know before placing any bets. Check out the details below!
The 2,000m event is a top-class test for middle-distance runners and its location in the Spring Racing Carnival presents a unique crossroad for punters, with multiple formlines to look into. Some of the best lead-up races include the Underwood Stakes and the Makybe Diva Stakes.
In the last 24 years, we’ve seen 10 Turnbull Stakes winners come from the Underwood Stakes. The Makybe Diva Stakes also needs to be considered, in 2021 Incentivise successfully completed the Makybe Diva Stakes - Turnbull Stakes double.
Interestingly, all winners between the years of 2014 and 2018 had their lead-up run in Sydney before travelling south to Melbourne. Historically, horses coming from Sydney have had difficulty in the Turnbull Stakes, but this is now changing and these runners should be seriously considered.
Favourites don’t really have a good record in the Turnbull Stakes as we’ve only seen five favourites win the race since 2006! On top of this two of the five favourites that have won since 2006 were Winx and we all know how unique of a situation she was.
The age that has had the most success in recent years is 6YOs. Since 2011, we have seen seven 6YOs win the Turnbull Stakes. On the not-so-successful side, mares have a poor record in the race, winning on just eight occasions since 1983.
Wide barriers don’t seem to be very successful in the Turnbull Stakes. Since 2002, we have only seen three runners who have won the race from a double-digit barrier. You should also look to avoid those who are taking on the race second-up. Since 1989, we have only seen three winners take on the Turnbull Stakes second-up.
Turnbull Stakes Horses
With a race that has been running for as long as the Turnbull Stakes has, we’ve seen some of the best-ever horses in the industry compete. There are many Turnbull Stakes horses that we could feature in this section, but we only have a handful of spots available.
This means that we’ve had to make some pretty tough decisions on which horses to feature. With the horses that we do include in this section, we will go through their history of success as well as any honours or awards they have achieved. Check out the Turnbull Stakes horses below:
Wakeful - 1903
The 1903 winner of the Turnbull Stakes, Wakeful, ended her career with a record of 44:25-12-4. Throughout her career, she won Group One races like the Doncaster Mile, the Newmarket Handicap and the Caulfield Stakes. In 2002, Wakeful was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
Ajax - 1938 & 1940
Multiple winner of the Turnbull Stakes, Ajax won the race in 1938 and 1940. The stallion won or placed in almost every race he competed in and his record stood at 46:36-7-2. Some of the biggest races Ajax won throughout his career included; the Cox Plate, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the All Aged Stakes.
Tobin Bronze - 1966
Tobin Bronze was one of the most successful runners of his time and this included a victory in the 1996 Turnbull Stakes. He was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2003 and some of his biggest victories included; the Doncaster Mile, the Cox Plate, the Victoria Derby and the CF Orr Stakes.
Makybe Diva - 2005
This queen has a record of 36: 15- 4-3, which included prize money of over $14 million. She was named the Australian Racehorse of the Year in both 2005 and 2006, as well as this, she also has a Group 1 named after her, the Makybe Diva Stakes. Her greatest feat, however, is undoubtedly winning the Melbourne Cup three years in a row.
Winx - 2017 & 2018
If Makybe Diva is a queen, then Winx is certainly also a queen! She won 37 races throughout her career which helped her gain over $26 million in prize money. She was named the Australian Horse of the Year four seasons in a row, from 2015/6 until 2018/9. She also managed to win the Cox Plate four years in a row!
Turnbull Stakes Odds
Before you place any bets, you’ll notice the odds attached to each market or runner you are looking at. The shorter the odds, the less return on investment you’ll receive if that bet gets up, but the more chance that bookie thinks that outcome will eventuate.
Even if a runner is the favourite and has odds of something like $1.75, for example, it doesn’t 100% guarantee that the runner will win the race. Nothing is a sure thing in horse racing and massive roughies win all the time!
Before the Turnbull Stakes, all the top bookies will open up horse racing markets for the race. This means that you’ll have plenty of time to get your bets sorted, but remember that as soon as the odds are released, they will be changing constantly, so if you see a price you like, it’s best to jump on!
Something else we recommend is to bet when the market is listed as “Before Noms”. When you bet during this time, it means that you’ll get your stake back if your runner doesn’t make the final field. If you’re betting when the market is listed as “All-In” you won’t get this luxury.
Check out Turnbull Stakes odds for every runner in the field here:
Runner: |
Odds: |
Buckaroo |
$4.20 |
Via Sistina |
$4.60 |
Eliyass |
$5.00 |
Young Werther |
$9.50 |
Warmonger |
$12 |
Atishu |
$12 |
Place Du Carrousel |
$13 |
Huetor |
$23 |
Duke De Sessa |
$23 |
Knight’s Choice |
$23 |
Sharp ‘N’ Smart |
$26 |
Bankers Choice |
$51 |
Francesco Guardi |
$61 |
Circle Of Fire |
$71 |
Bois D’argent |
$71 |
Valiant King |
$126 |
*Odds correct as of 03/10/2024.
Turnbull Stakes History
The Turnbull Stakes, a renowned Group 1 open-class horse race, has been a staple of Australian horse racing since its inception in 1865. Initially known as the Royal Park Stakes, the race underwent several name changes until it was finally named the Turnbull Stakes in 1948.
The race, initially held over a distance of 3,200m, has experienced multiple distance modifications, finally settling at 2,000m in 1971. The Turnbull Stakes has seen numerous notable winners, including Winx in 2017 and 2018, which cemented its reputation as a launch pad for the Melbourne Spring Carnival's great distance races.
Despite changes in name, status and distance, the race continues to captivate racing enthusiasts and holds a significant place in the Australian racing calendar, with its annual event now termed Turnbull Stakes Day. We will provide here a wonderful look at the history of the race in a little more detail.
The Turnbull Stakes, a Group 1 open-class horse race, holds a prominent position in Australian horse racing, showcasing a blend of rich heritage and riveting sporting spectacle. The first instance of this illustrious event took place in 1865, under the moniker of the Royal Park Stakes, with a horse named The Sign claiming the initial victory.
For the next three decades, the race underwent various name changes, from the September Stakes to the October Stakes, before finally being christened as the Melbourne Stakes in 1936. In 1948, a significant change occurred when the race was renamed the Turnbull Stakes in honour of Richard Turnbull, then Chairman of the Victoria Racing Club.
The race continued to evolve not just in name but also in its categorisation. Initially regarded as a Principal Race, it ascended to Group 2 status in 1979 and eventually attained its Group 1 classification in 2006, confirming its prestige within the racing fraternity.
Equally as fluctuating as the race's moniker and standing has been the distance over which it has been run. Initially established as a true test for stayers with a gruelling 3,200m length, the race experienced numerous distance adjustments throughout its history.
From an odd 2800m in 1884 to a period of 1600m from 1925-1947, the race finally settled at its current length of 2000m in 1971. Notable winners have left their mark on the Turnbull Stakes, creating a tapestry of racing excellence.
Being the trainer of Winx, Chris Waller also has the honour of having trained the Turnbull winner in five of the seven renewals between 2015 and 2021. As Winx showed in 2017 and 2018, the Turnbull Stakes is often a launch pad for the great distance races in the Melbourne Spring Carnival, which is one of the biggest horse racing carnivals of the year.
Turnbull Stakes Results
Who won the Turnbull Stakes? Who came second? Who came third? All will be revealed! We have all the results information you’ve been on the hunt for including the finishing order of the entire field along with a full race replay.
In 2023, the Turnbull Stakes was taken out by $19 roughie Gold Trip, who overcame a wide barrier and had to make his way through the field to finish first by 1.75L. West Wind Blows finished in second place and just couldn’t hold on against a fast-finishing Gold Trip.
Wrapping up the minor placings was Soulcombe, who finished 2.15L off the pace. The Turnbull Stakes was run in a time of 2:01.62 and there was a total of 16.7L that separated the first and last runner across the finishing post.
Check out the full Turnbull Stakes results below:
Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Barrier | Weight |
1 | 2 | GOLD TRIP (FR) | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | Mark Zahra | - | 18 | 58kg |
2 | 5 | WEST WIND BLOWS (IRE) | Simon & Ed Crisford | Jamie Spencer | 1.75L | 8 | 56.5k |
3 | 11 | SOULCOMBE (GB) | Chris Waller | Craig Williams | 2.15L | 2 | 56kg |
4 | 1 | ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE) | Danny Shum | James McDonald | 3.9L | 11 | 59kg |
5 | 16 | LUNAR FLARE | Grahame Begg | Michael Dee | 4.65L | 15 | 54kg |
6 | DUKE DE SESSA (IRE) | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | Ben Allen | 4.85L | 12 | 56kg | |
7 | FRANCESCO GUARDI (IRE) | Chris Waller | Damian Lane | 5.05L | 7 | 57kg | |
8 | SPANISH MISSION (USA) | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Beau Mertens | 5.15L | 10 | 55kg | |
9 | EL BODEGON (IRE) | Chris Waller | Jye McNeil | 5.55L | 9 | 55kg | |
10 | OSIPENKO (NZ) | Chris Waller | Damien Oliver | 6.3L | 6 | 56kg | |
11 | RIGHT YOU ARE | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | Dean Yendall | 7.8L | 16 | 55kg | |
12 | EMISSARY (GB) | Michael Moroney | Ms Jamie Kah | 10.05 | 5 | 56kg | |
13 | SMOKIN’ ROMANS (NZ) | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | Jamie Mott | 12.55 | 17 | 58kg | |
14 | BANK MAUR | Richard Laming | Craig Newitt | 12.95L | 4 | 56kg | |
15 | UNCLE BRYN (GB) | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | Daniel Moor | 13.7L | 1 | 56kg | |
16 | BERKELEY SQUARE | Dan O’Sullivan | Harry Coffey | 16.7L | 14 | 56kg |
Turnbull Stakes Replay
You know where each runner finished in the Turnbull Stakes, so now it’s time to relive all the action. Check out the full race replay below:
Turnbull Stakes Winners
Unless there’s a dead heat, there can only be one Turnbull Stakes winner each year. We have all the recent winners of the Turnbull Stakes listed below, check them out:
Year: | Runner: |
2024 | TBC |
2023 | Gold Trip |
2022 | Smokin' Romans |
2021 | Incentivise |
2020 | Verry Elleegant |
2019 | Kings Will Dream |
2018 | Winx |
2017 | Winx |
2016 | Hartnell |
2015 | Preferment |
2014 | Lucia Valentina |
2013 | Happy Trails |
2012 | Green Moon |
2011 | December Draw |
2010 | Zipping |
Turnbull Stakes FAQs
If you still have some questions about the Turnbull Stakes, this is the section for you! We’ve gone through and answered all the most common questions people have about the Turnbull Stakes. Check out all the Turnbull Stakes FAQs below:
Where to bet on the Turnbull Stakes?
There are heaps of different bookies in Australia that will take your bet for the Turnbull Stakes. If you’re in the market for a new bookie, then you need to check out our bookie reviews page. We’ve got heaps of details on each of the top bookies and this will make your job of choosing one a lot easier.
How to bet on the Turnbull Stakes?
Our bookie reviews page can help you here again! We go through all the different markets that are available with each bookie as well as how you go about actually placing a bet with them. You’ll be a pro in no time!
How to watch the Turnbull Stakes?
The most common method when it comes to watching the Turnbull Stakes is through free-to-air. Some of the other methods include Kayo, Foxtel or through a bookie if they offer live-streaming services.
When is the Turnbull Stakes?
The Turnbull Stakes is scheduled for Saturday 5th October 2024 and will be one of the key races on the day.
How long is the Turnbull Stakes?
The Turnbull Stakes is slated at 2,000 metres and we see the race run in a time of around two minutes.
Where is the Turnbull Stakes?
The Turnbull Stakes takes place each year at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.
Who won the most recent edition of the Turnbull Stakes?
In 2023, we saw Gold Trip win the Turnbull Stakes. Gold Trip overcame a wide barrier to get the chocolates as a $19 roughie.
What is the prize money for the Turnbull Stakes?
There is a total of $750K in prize money on offer for the Turnbull Stakes, with the winner claiming the lion’s share.
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