Romantic Warrior Out To Claim Big Titles

Romantic Warrior ready to win the Turnbull

Romantic Warrior will take part in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington on Saturday looking to build on his 10 wins and 3 seconds from 14 starts in his career.

Trainer Shum confirmed that it had always been a plan to travel abroad with Romantic Warrior and part of owner Peter Lau’s dream to have a runner abroad. 

"He (Lau) found that the Cox Plate is the right place to go," Shum said.

"He told me that because Dubai Honour won two times in a Group 1 in Australia. Romantic Warrior beat him easily."

Dubai Honour won the Ranvet Stakes and Queen Elizabeth Stakes emphatically earlier in the year however Shum believes that even at his current level, Romantic Warrior can still claim a Group One title.

"He's not 100 per cent, I can guarantee to you guys," Shum said.

"He's 85, maybe 90 per cent but he will be improved.

"After the Turnbull Stakes, he will respond into the Cox Plate.

"If he draws a reasonable draw, I do have confidence he can win the race."

Jockey James McDonald has partnered with Romantic Warrior for three wins in Hong Kong to date and was aboard the Irish Bred Galloper in his first run around Flemington earlier this week. 

Shum confirmed that McDonald had chosen the lead up race for connections and was looking for his local knowledge to find the best route to Cox Plate victory. 

"I told James, 'you know more than me so you need to pick a lead-up race for him'," Shum said.

"I do believe he considered ... (other races) but he finally picked the Turnbull Stakes."

The 2023 Turnbull Stakes claims a high calibre field with Romantic Warrior leading the betting at $2.05. 

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