2026 Turnbull Stakes Tips, Odds & Betting Preview

The 2026 Turnbull Stakes is the Group 1 feature at Flemington on Saturday, October 3, with a final field of 15 tackling 2000m in Race 8. Defending champion Sir Delius is the clear favourite, with Aeliana and Cosmic Crusader the only other runners at single-figure odds in the betting market at the time of writing.

2026 Turnbull Stakes Odds

Sir Delius heads the Turnbull betting market at $3.20, ahead of Aeliana at $3.80 and Cosmic Crusader at $4.80. There is then a significant gap to Saint George at $14, with Zahrann and She’s A Hustler at $15 and Buckaroo at $16.

Dabble fixed win prices shown from the market supplied on September 30 and are subject to change.

Sir Delius the Horse to Beat

Sir Delius is the obvious starting point. The defending Turnbull Stakes winner has an outstanding overall record and his return over 1600m in the Makybe Diva Stakes was always likely to be a stepping stone towards getting back to 2000m. He remains at 59kg under the set-weights-and-penalties conditions and Craig Williams retains the ride from barrier nine.

The extra 400m is strongly in his favour and Flemington holds no fears. The $3.20 available makes him a clear favourite, but the price is considerably more appealing than the very short all-in quotes available earlier in the week. He looks ready to improve sharply second-up.

Aeliana Draws Perfectly

Aeliana is the main danger at $3.80. The Chris Waller-trained mare gets 57kg and has drawn barrier two for Damian Lane, giving her every opportunity to settle economically before getting into clear air in the straight.

Her best form is more than good enough for this level and the move to 2000m looks ideal at this stage of her preparation. With Sir Delius likely to keep improving deeper into the spring, Aeliana has an opportunity to beat him here if she is closer to her peak.

Cosmic Crusader the Market Mover

Cosmic Crusader has firmed into $4.80 after opening around $9 according to the Turnbull market. That support is significant in a race where the market becomes much more open beyond the top three.

He carries 58kg for William Pike and has drawn barrier four, which should allow him to settle in a favourable position without doing much work. He is stepping into a genuine Group 1 test, but the draw, map and strong market support all warrant respect.

Zahrann and Saint George Lead the Value Chances

Zahrann comes up with barrier one and is $15 with Dabble. He brings strong recent form into the race and Ethan Brown should be able to conserve ground throughout. The concern is whether he can produce the same acceleration when the established Group 1 horses increase the pressure, but at $15 he represents a much different betting proposition to the favourites.

Saint George is $14 and comes through the same stable for Ciaron Maher. The wide barrier 13 makes his task more complicated, although the 2000m should suit and he has the profile of a horse who will appreciate a genuinely run race.

She’s A Hustler, Buckaroo and Half Yours

She’s A Hustler has attracted some support, trading at $15 after opening around $16. She gets 55kg, Jordan Childs and barrier seven, giving her one of the better setups among the double-figure runners.

Buckaroo is a proven Group 1 performer and $16 is tempting on his best form. The rise to 2000m suits, although he needs to improve on his recent form to trouble the top three. Half Yours is another established performer at $18 but barrier 14 creates an awkward map for Jamie Melham.

Turnbull Stakes Speed Map

The final field has a more tactical look without some of the prominent all-in nominations making the race. Sir Delius should be able to settle within striking distance from barrier nine, while Aeliana, Cosmic Crusader and Zahrann have all drawn to save ground.

The inside draws are particularly attractive over 2000m at Flemington if the tempo is only moderate. Cosmic Crusader looks capable of landing closer than his principal rivals, while Damian Lane should have options aboard Aeliana from barrier two. Saint George and Half Yours may need more luck from their wider gates.

2026 Turnbull Stakes Betting Tips

Sir Delius is the selection at $3.20. He is the defending champion, has already established himself as an elite 2000m horse and his first-up run over the mile should have him ready to take a substantial step forward. At the current price, there is enough value to back his class.

Aeliana is the clear danger and Cosmic Crusader must be respected after the market move. For those looking beyond the favourites, Zahrann appeals most at $15 from barrier one.