Warmonger set to boost 2024 Caulfield Cup claims in Turnbull Stakes

Trainer Michael Kent Jr has realistic expectations on Caulfield Cup favourite Warmonger in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes on Saturday at Flemington.

Trainer Michael Kent Jr has realistic expectations on Caulfield Cup favourite Warmonger in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes on Saturday at Flemington.

An ideal first-up run in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes – fourth behind Mr Brightside, Pride Of Jenni and Antino – has the Queensland Derby winner “right on track” for the Caulfield Cup.

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Kent Jr wants more of the same – another “flashing light” run – on Saturday.

“We never thought he could win against Australia’s best milers at weight for age (in the Makybe Diva),” Kent Jr said.

“Certainly he’s more in contention in the Turnbull over 2000m but he’s becoming a top level stayer.

“We really do feel he’ll come into his own in the Caulfield Cup and that’s where we’re peaking him.

“He showed he’s a good horse up in Queensland, he trialled accordingly, has kept maturing, got more speed, got the temperament, doing things more tractably, he’s right on track.”

WHAT A RACE! 🔥

Mr Brightside runs down Pride Of Jenni & goes back-to-back in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes 🖤@[e-mail]/yGmo3s6eSJ

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 14, 2024

• BIG BETS REVIEW: Punter lands $30,000 collect on Saturday

Warmonger is $9 in the Ladbrokes’ pre-nominations market for the Turnbull Stakes behind Via Sistina ($3.20), Eliyass ($5) and Buckaroo ($8).

The rising star surged to the top of Caulfield Cup markets, equal $7 favourite with Eliyass, after the Makybe Diva dominated by champions Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni.

Pride Of Jenni defeated Mr Brightside last Friday night in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes with Antino in third.

Warmonger raced to expectations in the Makybe Diva.

“It was the ideal first-up run. He came down from Queensland with two things, fitness and a forward coat, to see him run past Via Sistina late was just what you wanted to see,” Kent Jr said.

“It was a tough test (on a heavy track) but (jockey) Mick Dee rode him really well, they sprinted away from him on the home bend but then he stayed on very well late.

“It would be nice to win the Turnbull on the way through but everything has been aimed at the Caulfield Cup and whether we go on after that we’ll listen to and read the horse.”

An act of war!

Warmonger absolutely destroys them in the G1 Queensland Derby! @BrisRacingClub@MickPriceRacing@MichaelRhysKent@blake_shinnpic.twitter.com/NpGwFja9Xq

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 1, 2024

• ‘Not his ceiling yet’: Lightning strikes at Sandown

Via Sistina is expected to rebound on Saturday after a plain performance in the Makybe Diva while Buckaroo was a dominant winner of the Group 1 Underwood Stakes last start.

“It’s going to be a great race – Buckaroo, Via Sistina is too classy not to bounce back,” Kent Jr said.

“We’ll be looking for a flashing light run and then Caulfield Cup, a beautiful mile-and-a-half (2400m) and drop down to 53.5kg would be lovely.”

Originally published as Warmonger set to boost 2024 Caulfield Cup claims in Turnbull Stakes