Cosmic Crusader strikes Group 1 glory as Melbourne Cup Carnival momentum builds

It was a TAB Turnbull Stakes to remember for trainer Andrea Leek, who secured her first Group 1 victory with Cosmic Crusader, for leviathan Western Australian owner Bob Peters and star jockey William Pike. Light Infantry Man continued his fantastic record at Flemington, leading throughout to hold on for second, while Aeliana strengthened her Cox Plate and Lexus Melbourne Cup credentials with a fast-finishing third.

n the Group 3 $350,000 Lexus Bart Cummings (2500m), Ciaron Maher-trained Mr Monaco delivered a dominant display, securing a Golden Ticket into the $10.2 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) under talented apprentice Jabez Johnstone. The Danny O'Brien prepared Litzdeel and Chris Waller's Valiant King filled second and third, respectively. 

Other features on the card saw Ciaron Maher’s The Next Episode prove too good first up under Mark Zahra in the Group 2 Asahi Super Dry Danehill Stakes (1100m). Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning winner Skybird lapped up the heavy conditions in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes for Mitch Freedman, Stylish won the Group 2 Cirka Rose of Kingston Stakes for Team Hayes and Ethan Brown. 

Miss Waititi surged to favouritism for the Group 1 Crown VRC Oaks after defeating the colts and geldings in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) for training duo Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr. 

Mornington trainer John McArdle unleashed his latest stable superstar, two-year-old filly Musandam, who put in a terrific display to take out the Listed Darley Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m). 

Off‑track, Fashions on the Field presented by Lexus delivered a fiercely competitive showcase, with an exceptional calibre of entrants travelling from across Australia to vie for top honours.  

Caroline Beaumaruis of Prahran claimed the coveted Best Dressed title, while Milano Imai from the Gold Coast impressed judges to secure Best Suited.  In a major enhancement to the 2026 program, today’s winners earned direct entry into the Crown Oaks Day Grand Final on Thursday 5 November - a fast‑tracked opportunity to compete on one of Australia’s most prestigious fashion stages. 

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said the success of TAB Turnbull Stakes Day had built excitement for the upcoming Melbourne Cup Carnival. 

“TAB Turnbull Stakes Day is always one of the most anticipated race meetings of the Spring Racing Carnival, and today delivered another sensational day of racing,” Ms Rogers said. 

“I am incredibly proud of the VRC team and the work that has gone into delivering today’s meeting. 

“Our attention now turns to the build-up to the Melbourne Cup Carnival. With strong momentum across the Club, we look forward to welcoming racegoers to Flemington for the historic running of the Cox Plate followed by what will be an incredible Melbourne Cup Carnival.”