Pakenham trainer Andrea Leek has achieved her most significant career milestone with Cosmic Crusader’s victory in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. The trainer is now keen to return to the premier track for Australia’s premier weight-for-age race, the Cox Plate, with the Perth-owned galloper, aiming for an even more significant prize.
The Cox Plate, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, will this year be staged at Flemington on October 24, due to the track undergoing significant renovations.
Cosmic Crusader, starting at $8 and ridden by Willie Pike, demonstrated a clear preference for the heavy conditions, winning by 1-¾ lengths from Light Infantry Man ($26). Aeliana ($3.80) finished a length further back in third place.
Leek indicated that focusing on her horses has provided a welcome respite from family pressures, as her husband John is currently disqualified and unable to reside on their property.
“I think I’ve been lucky to have this focus,” Leek expressed. “It’s been tough on the family, and I have just focussed on my horses and that is what has got me through.”
Prior to Saturday’s race, Cosmic Crusader had not competed beyond 1800 metres but coped well with the distance increase.
The trainer highlighted the former Perth galloper’s excellent race fitness.
“I just think, I shouldn’t say it, but he was the fittest in the field,” Leek remarked. “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).”
She added, “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 event marked Cosmic Crusader’s first appearance on a heavy track, though he had previously won five of his six starts on soft ground.
Leek had no concerns regarding the track conditions, having galloped the gelding on a heavy track at Pakenham.
“It was about a heavy 15 one morning,” Leek stated. “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.”
She concluded, “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 commented that Cosmic Crusader’s return to a forgiving surface was crucial for his success on Saturday, following his second-place finish behind 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 added, “He was back being edgy today. I like him when he’s up and about, throwing his head. I like this version of him.”
The Turnbull Stakes win provides a strong lead-up for Cosmic Crusader’s Cox Plate bid. Check out the latest betting sites for the most up-to-date racing odds.