Horse Racing Tips for the Turnbull Stakes 2025

The road to the Cox Plate takes another crucial step this Saturday with the running of the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.

For many of the headline acts, this is the final stop before Moonee Valley’s ultimate test, and the field assembled ensures we’re in for a fascinating clash.

Champion mare Via Sistina again dominates betting at around $2.50, but stablemate Aeliana, who beat her home in the Makybe Diva, looms large at $4.80.

Adding intrigue is the unbeaten Australian newcomer Sir Delius, a galloper who has looked outstanding in his short time here, but faces his sternest test to date.

You can access my full set of racing tips for this Saturday via the link below.

 

 

Turnbull Stakes 2025 Tips & Best Bets

Track Conditions

The Flemington track is rated a Good 4, and while some rain is predicted in the lead-up, it should remain that way come Saturday.

The rail is out 9m, but history suggests racing will be fair with every runner getting their chance.

 

Speed Map & Race Shape

The tactical battle will be key. Golden Path (3) looks to land on-pace from his draw, with roughie River Of Stars (8) likely pushing forward with a light weight.

The big question is Sir Delius (14): can Craig Williams get him across without being trapped three-wide? If he misses that 1-1 spot, his task becomes much harder.

Meanwhile, Via Sistina (1) should get the gun run behind the pace under James McDonald, with Aeliana (5) and Half Yours (4) not far away. Antino (6) will again drift back and look to storm home down the centre.

Expect a controlled tempo, suiting those closer to the speed.

 

Selections & Analysis

1st – #7 Aeliana $4.80

It’s hard to knock the champ, but at the prices, Aeliana is the bet.

She ran within a half-length of Via Sistina fresh before turning the tables in the Makybe Diva.

With a 1.5kg weight swing in her favour and a dream run from barrier 5, she represents excellent value to strike again.

 

2nd – #4 Via Sistina $2.50

Her class is undeniable, and if she’s wound right up here, she could simply blow them away.

But this prep, there’s been little between her and Aeliana, and she might be saving her peak for Moonee Valley in three weeks.

Still, she maps perfectly and will be in the finish.

 

3rd – #10 Golden Path $16.00

The forgotten runner of the field.

He stuck on bravely behind Sir Delius and Buckaroo in the Underwood, beaten only half a length, and now gets a 3kg swing.

From a soft run on-pace with just 55kg, he’s a massive chance to cause an upset at double-figure odds.

 

4th – #3 Sir Delius $5.00

Talented and exciting, but perhaps overvalued by the market.

He faces his first real Group 1 acid test against hardened stars, and the wide draw poses serious questions.

If Williams gets across, he’s in the mix, but if trapped wide, his Cox Plate credentials could be dented here.

 

Cody’s Verdict

It’s set up beautifully for another clash between Via Sistina and Aeliana, but this time, the younger mare looks to hold the aces with the weight swing and map advantage.

Golden Path is the smoky at odds, while Sir Delius will learn plenty about his place in the spring pecking order.

Top Four:

1. Aeliana

2. Via Sistina

3. Golden Path

4. Sir Delius

 

For thousands more tips including free selections for today's racing, head to Australia's best racing tips market at thegreattipoff.com.