Orr Stakes Resumption Likely For Turn Me Loose

Turn Me Loose was one of the revelations of the 2015 Spring Racing Carnival and the Kiwi star is on track to return to Australian racing in the 2016 Orr Stakes at Caulfield on February 13.

Turn Me Loose recorded three straight victories during the 2015 Spring Racing Carnival. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos

Turn Me Loose recorded three straight victories during the 2015 Spring Racing Carnival. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos

Turn Me Loose stamped himself as a potential start when he took out the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in dominant fashion at the end of 2014 and he was sent to Australia for The Championships, but suffered from travel sickness and did not make it to the races.

He started his spring campaign with a sixth place finish in the Group 1 Makfi Challenge Stakes (1400m) at Hastings on August 29 and he made his Australian debut with a close second in the Listed Paris Lane Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on October 4 before he recorded his first win in Australia in the Listed Seymour Cup (1600m) on October 18.

Turn Me Loose upstaged a quality field to lead from start to finish in the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley on October 24 and he ran his rivals ragged again in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on November 7.

The Iffraaj gelding was sent to the spelling paddock after he returned to New Zealand, but managing co-owner Lyndsay de Souza told The Informant that the four-year-old was now back in work and would likely return in the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m) before heading to Sydney for the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) and Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m).

“He thrived during the break he had after the spring carnival and has done everything right to date,” De Sousa said.

“He has been back in the stable for just on three weeks and Murray is thrilled with his condition as we build him up for his next trip to Australia.

“He looks likely to head across to Melbourne in early February and have a couple of runs there.

“We are looking at maybe kicking off in the CF Orr Stakes on the 13th of February and then going on from there.

“If he goes well in Melbourne then naturally we are keen to head up to Sydney.

“There are some very good races like the George Ryder Stakes and Doncaster Handicap that appeal as long he is going well.

“He did so well during the spring you would like to think with further maturity he can be just as competitive again.

“He will no doubt have to tackle horses like Winx and the like along the way but that is what Group One racing is all about, taking on the very best.”

Turn Me Loose is currently available at 2016 Doncaster Mile odds of $11 and he is on the third line of betting behind star mare Winx ($8) and Caulfield Guineas winner Press Statement ($9).

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.