Gold Trip Looks To Regain Form On Softer Ground

Gold Trip ready for Turnbull Challenge

With rain forecast this week, trainer Ciaron Maher believes the wet weather could not have come at a better time with his Melbourne Cup winner in prime condition as he looks to mount another assault on the 3200m handicap.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast heavy rain in the lead up to the Turnbull Stakes which should result in a softer track come Saturday.

The Turnbull Stakes will be Gold Trip’s second up run after runner fourth behind Young Werther at The Valley in late September. 

Ciaran Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, said French Import Gold Trip was ready for a return to competing at the top level and a second up assignment in the Group One Turnbull.

"I think he's going better than ever. We were rapt with his first-up run," Maher said at TAB's spring carnival launch on Tuesday.

"It's well-noted that you've got to keep his feet in the right order but thankfully they've been really good.

"He's got a bit of a swagger about him at the moment.

"His coat is very sleek and he's ready for the spring."

Gold Trip currently sits as a $15 chance for the Turnbull Stakes however the market is dominated by Hong Kong runner Romantic Warrior who makes a first appearance down under before a Cox Plate assault. 

The seven year old Melbourne Cup winner is likely to be one of three runners attempting to stop Romantic Warrior with last years Turnbull winner, Smokin Romans and Duke De Sessa also lining up for the Maher and Eustace stable. 

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