Racing: Typhoon Tracy has wind in sails

Sterling Prince will continue his Melbourne campaign in the Turnbull Stakes. Photo / Getty Images

Victorian jockey Luke Nolen says five-time group one winner Typhoon Tracy is on track for next month's Cox Plate and has warned punters not to drop off.

The Peter Moody-trained 5-year-old mare is among 26 entries for Sunday's Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington and while it is her first test at the distance, that is not a concern for Nolen.

"The 2000m holds no fears," Nolen said yesterday.

Moody has taken his time with Typhoon Tracy this spring, whereas last year she was not as seasoned and had her Cox Plate plans shelved after she finished eighth in the longest race of her career, the Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield.

Since then, Typhoon Tracy has won four group one races and Nolen said she was much stronger and the Turnbull would help bring her to her top for the Cox three weeks later.

"Pete [Moody] has one race in mind for her late in October and that is the one she is aimed at," Nolen said.

"She still hasn't peaked but she is getting close to it and, hopefully, she is peaking the week of the Cox Plate.

"There is still condition on her and improvement in her."

Typhoon Tracy has been fancied at her two starts this campaign but has been beaten on both occasions, testing the faith of her fans.

"She's been running super but people have dropped off her pretty quickly," Nolen said.

Typhoon Tracy was fourth to So You Think, Whobegotyou and Shoot Out in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield and beaten two lengths by Whobegotyou when second in the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.

Whobegotyou and So You Think are not entered for the Turnbull.

Last start, a change of tactics almost came off at the Valley when Typhoon Tracy was ridden off the pace.

Nolen said the daughter of Red Ransom would run well in the Turnbull no matter what tactics Moody used.

"I suppose we could do whatever we want," Nolen said.

"She might roll up there, take a sit again or we might ride her right back.

"She's pleased us and I am happy with where she's at and so is Pete."

TAB Sportsbet has Typhoon Tracy at A$18 for the Cox Plate.

So You Think heads the market at A$2.40 from A$5.50 chances More Joyous and Whobegotyou.

Shoot Out (A$10), Metal Bender (A$16) and Melbourne Cup winner Shocking (A$16) are all ahead of Typhoon Tracy in Cox Plate betting and are also key entries for the Turnbull.

Bart Cummings-trained mares Dariana and Faint Perfume are among other Turnbull nominations.

Another rival for Typhoon Tracy is last season's Victorian Derby winner Monaco Consul, who should now be ready to show his best form.

The Mike Moroney-trained entire beat Faint Perfume in a track gallop last weekend.

Of interest to New Zealand punters will be the performance of Matamata gelding Sterling Prince, who is the lone Kiwi in the Turnbull.

Cambridge trainer Murray Baker could be represented by two runners, Mackadoo and Harris Tweed, on the card at Flemington. Mackadoo, an impressive last-start winner at Caulfield, will continue his Victoria Derby preparation in the A$150,000 Clear UCI Stakes for 3-year-olds over 1800m, in which Michael Rodd takes the mount. Baker will be hoping Harris Tweed returns to his best form in the listed A$200,000 Bart Cummings Handicap, in which he has 58.5kg.

The winner of only three races has paid a heavy penalty for his placings in elite company, including runner-up in the AJC Derby, second at group one level at weight-for-age in New Zealand, fifth in last year's Melbourne Cup and third in the Sydney Cup. However, he should appreciate the distance of 2500m under the guidance of Brad Rawiller.

- AAP