Turnbull victory a Cosmic Plate tune up

Pakenham-based Andrea Leek has registered her biggest success with Cosmic Crusader taking out the TAB Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. 

And Leek hopes to return to head-quarters for Australia's weight-for-age championship, the Cox Plate with the Perth-owned galloper to chase an even bigger prize. 

The Cox Plate is traditionally run at Moonee Valley, but with the track undergoing a rebuild it will this year be staged at Flemington on October 24. 

Ridden by Willie Pike, Cosmic Crusader ($8) appreciated the heavy conditions in running out a 1-¾ length winner from Light Infantry Man ($26) with Aeliana ($3.80) a length away third. 

Leek said focussing on her horses had taken away family pressures as husband John is sidelined through disqualification and unable to currently stay on the family property. 

"I think I've been lucky to have this focus," Leek said. 

"It's been tough on the family, and I have just focussed on my horses and that is what has got me through." 

Cosmic Crusader had not raced beyond 1800m prior to Saturday and handled the distance rise without a query. 

Leek said the former Perth galloper had race fitness on his side. 

"I just think, I shouldn't say it, but he was the fittest in the field," Leek said. 

"He's had a few runs now, I thought he had come on from the last run, and I just thought he would run the 2000 (metres). 

"He's a tricky horse but I sent a message to Bob (Peters) this morning, (saying) there's no excuses today. 

"He's spot on and thank God I was right." 

Saturday's outing was the first time Cosmic Crusader had seen a heavy track, although he had won five times from six starts on soft tracks. 

Leek had no concerns about Saturday's ground after working the gelding on a heavy track at Pakenham one morning. 

"It was about a heavy 15 one morning," Leek said. 

"The tracks were closed but they were good enough to let us work him because he was going into one of his previous races. 

"He went across the top of it like it was a good track and I was pretty confident he would handle the wet today. 

"I can't wait to go and see the horse and see how he's pulled up. 

"It was a great ride from Willie, I'm very appreciative of the Peters family and I'm thrilled for my whole family." 

Pike said getting Cosmic Crusader back on a forgiving surface was crucial in the gelding's success on Saturday after running second to Birdman in the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 19. 

"What might have brought us unstuck last start was the firmer deck," Pike said. 

"To get good cut out of it today, I think it wasn't quite as heavy as I initially thought, and he loved it. 

"He was back being edgy today. I like him when he's up and about, throwing his head. 

"I like this version of him."