Who will prevail in mouth-watering clash between Verry Elleegant and Incentivise in Turnbull Stakes? Experts have their say

The big three majors are looming large but it’s doubtful we’ll get a more mouth-watering clash than today’s Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. Experts including Bruce McAvaney have their say.

Verry Elleegant wins the 2020 Turnbull Stakes. Picture: Pat Scala–Racing Photos via Getty Images

While there are plenty of big races on the horizon this spring it’s doubtful we’ll see one more anticipated than today’s $1m Turnbull Stakes which pits reigning Queen Of The Turf Verry Elleegant against the boom ex-Queenslander Incentivise.

Verry Elleegant is aiming for her 10th Group 1 while the new kid on the block Incentivise will be lining up for his eighth straight win, but he’s in the deep end now!

We asked some of the experts their thoughts on just who will prevail in the 2000m Group 1 contest.

Bruce McAvaney (Seven) VERRY ELLEEGANT

“It’s a mini version of Bonecrusher and Waverley Star. The champ and the challenger. And the add-on for this is the reprisal of the rivalry between Chris Waller and Peter Moody. It’s great to have Moods back on the big stage and you can’t get any bigger than Chris right now. Verry Elleegant is the benchmark, the nine-time group one winner, and Incentivise is a bolt from the blue. His seven-race winning streak is remarkable in many ways — not least his winning margins. The mouth-watering probability is their racing patterns is likely to create a long and lasting battle all the way up the Flemington straight. Lee Freedman once said that Turnbull Stakes Day marked the true beginning of the spring. It’s ‘moving day’, where horses either become serious spring contenders or pretenders. The result of Saturday’s Turnbull will have a significant bearing on the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate markets. I think Verry Elleegant will make it 10 Group 1s and join two other champions, So You Think and Octagonal, on that magical mark.”

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James McDonald (Champion jockey and News Corp columnist) VERRY ELLEEGANT

It’s going to be some clash but if she’s within striking distance, her tenacity will be his worst nightmare and I think she will have Incentivise’s measure.

David Gately (Sky Racing tipping guru) INCENTIVISE

So strong through the line winning Makybe Diva when fresh at just his 10th start and still on an upwards spiral, 2000m and set weights and penalties conditions are his favour.

Incentivise wins the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington in his first start out of Queensland. Picture: Vince Caligiuri – Getty Images

Katie Mallyon (Seven and News Corp columnist) VERRY ELLEEGANT

I’d say Damian Lane will jump out with Incentivise and use him to gain a spot forward, maybe even outside the leader. Verry Elleegant’s grit and determination will get her over the line. A mouth-watering clash coming up.

Gilbert Gardiner (Herald Sun) VERRY ELLEEGANT

Better the devil you know. Sure, Incentivise could be anything but Verry Elleegant is the champion.

Brad Waters (Herald Sun) VERRY ELLEEGANT

She’s got everything a superstar needs, class and a big heart, which got her home last start. She’ll relish Flemington and be too strong again.

Stephen Brassel (National Racing Editor) INCENTIVISE

The set weight conditions suit but more importantly the race shape looks ideal and you‘d expect he’ll lead unchallenged and dictate to suit himself. He could be something special!

Originally published as Who will prevail in mouth-watering clash between Verry Elleegant and Incentivise in Turnbull Stakes? Experts have their say