The Grand Prix Stakes was always going to be one of the most interesting races of the day at Doomben and it certainly lived up to its expectations.
A full field of 16 was on hand making it an absolute nightmare for punters with chances across the board.
It’s a direct lead up event to the Darby and the performances for many would determine whether or not they get a start.
From the jump horses in the outside gates looked to push forward with Doomben clearly favouring the front runners.
Alma’s Fury made excellent ground across from barrier 17 and took up the lead with a bit of pace stretching out the field.
Mr Light Blue was trapped three wide around the first bend and was still three wide a couple of pairs back as they ran along the back straight.
As a result the jockey chose to push forward and he took up the lead as well with Alma’s Fury and Fillydelphia in third on the outside.
They straightened for home and both the leaders still had plenty left in their legs while the big surprise was Fillydelphia which came out but went nowhere.
Turnitup moved out from behind her and started a good run but like all day nothing from further back in the pack every threatened.
As they came to the line it was a race in three but Turnitup had the easier run early on and edged out his rivals on the line.
A tremendously gutsy run from Mr Light Blue got him into second spot with Alma’s Fury on the rails in third.
Fillydelphia crossed in fourth but she was a long way back and if it weren’t for the bias in the track she would have been further back for sure.
Luke Nolen claimed the win on Turnitup and he was very pleased with he performance of the horse and stable.
“I’ve been here eight years now, it’s a great place to be a part of and they place their horses very well,” he said.
He positioned the horse brilliantly in the run and thinks he’ll only get better from here.
“I was three pairs back one off, I was trailing Fillydelphia,” he said.
“I think he’ll definitely improve of this, it was his first run beyond 2000m.”
Turnitup will now head to the Queensland Derby where connections are hoping to continue riding the wave.
“You always aim for the penthouse,” Part owner Mr Loiero said.
“You’ve always got to be in it win it you never know.
“If we get a wet track it’ll help him too.”
The result was far from surprising for them and they had every confidence in Peter Moody that he’d be right in it today.
“He hasn’t let us down yet and he won’t let us down today,” he said
“We should have probably won another two races in Melbourne.”
