TWO BIG GUNS SET TO CLASH IN TURNBULL

Verry Elleegant set to clash with incentivise

The clash looks likely to happen with trainer of Verry Elleegant Chris Waller leaning towards tackling the Turnbull Stakes in Victoria over the $1m Hill Stakes in Sydney.

In an interview with SEN Track, part owner Brae Sokolski said Waller has his patterns and will follow them in order to get the best from his runners.

“Everyone knows Chris is such a pattern trainer,” Sokolski said.

“Typically he likes to get those horses down south for a run before their Grand Final.

“That’s why critically the Turnbull is the more likely outcome. It also gives Damian Lane a chance to sit on the mare in race conditions.

“Both of those factors are probably why he is leaning towards the Turnbull, but by the same token the Hill is now worth $1 million, it’s on her front doorstep and would have to be given due consideration as well.”

Verry Elleegant was the victor in last years Turnbull Stakes on her way to winning the Caulfield Cup before finishing 7th in the Melbourne Cup.

TAB sees the market being closely contested with Incentivise at $2.80 with Verry Elleegant at $3.30 with Sir Dragonet at $8 in ‘all-in’ betting. Sir Dragonet in particular caught the eye when narrowly going down to incentivise in a fast finish earlier in September.

With heavy rain forecast however there has been good support for wet track specialist and Godophin trained Colette. 

Colette won the Golden Eagle and last years Australian Oaks on heavy ground and with up to 50mm of rain forecast the mare has seen her price close from $8 into $6 for the Group 1 contest. 

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