Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott to continue Melbourne Cup chase with Eliyass in Turnbull Stakes at Flemington

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will adopt the traditional approach to the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups with exciting import Eliyass in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes.

Tradition compelled trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott to put Eliyass’ unbeaten Australian record on the line in Saturday’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.

Eliyass has had three Australian runs, all resulting in wins at Randwick, to push himself up to the third line of Melbourne Cup betting at $15 alongside Queensland Derby winner Warmonger.

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Waterhouse said tackling the Turnbull Stakes was traditionally the best way into the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups rather than staying in Sydney for the Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap at Randwick.

“I think that this is a more traditional course that is proven over the decades as probably the best way to go to the Cup and be effective in the Melbourne Cup,” Waterhouse said.

“The Metropolitan doesn’t have the same strike rate.

“It (the Metrop) is still a very good race and it’s nice to win and maybe Serpentine can do that on Saturday.”

Long-term trends support Waterhouse and Bott’s decision.

Since becoming a Group 1 race in 2006, six Melbourne Cup winners and seven Caulfield Cup winners progressed through the Turnbull Stakes.

Yasss!

A great finish to the G3 Kingston Town Stakes, with Eliyass adding another win to his impressive record! Bring on the Metrop!@clarkyhk | @GaiWaterhouse1pic.twitter.com/NGW067HC04

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 21, 2024

Waterhouse’s 2013 Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente and 2010 Caulfield Cup winner Descarado tackled the Turnbull Stakes before their respective spring triumphs.

Ladbrokes rated Eliyass as the $5 second pick behind the $3 favourite Via Sistina in its all-in Turnbull Stakes market and ahead of Underwood Stakes winner Buckaroo ($6).

Waterhouse said Eliyass had all the elements required to win a Group 1 race in Australia to build on his outstanding record of nine wins and two seconds from 11 starts.

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“What makes him the right horse? He’s a stayer, he’s very relaxed, he’s got a great heart and he’s got quality,” Waterhouse said.

“He can do anything.

“He can come from off the speed. I think the other day, he came from about fifth and was able to quicken.

“He’s got a good turn of foot and that’s what you need to win these very good staying races.”

Imported galloper Eliyass will attempt to maintain his unbeaten record in Australia in Saturday’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. Picture: Getty Images

Waterhouse and Bott have booked jockey Ethan Brown to ride Eliyass in Saturday’s $750,000 feature.

Brown will chase his second Turnbull Stakes win after steering Smokin’ Romans to a surprise win for trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace in 2022.

“He’s shown great talent and I like jockeys that are in form, I like jockeys that are on the up and I like young jockeys,” Waterhouse said.

“He ticks all of those boxes.”

Brown will attempt to notch his second Group 1 win of the spring after claiming the Moir Stakes aboard the Gavin Bedggood-trained Mornington Glory at The Valley last month.

Originally published as Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott to continue Melbourne Cup chase with Eliyass in Turnbull Stakes at Flemington