Pakenham-based trainer Andrea Leek has secured her most significant career triumph with Cosmic Crusader’s victory in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. Leek now aims to return to the track for Australia’s premier weight-for-age event, the Cox Plate, with the Perth-owned galloper, seeking an even more substantial prize.

The Cox Plate, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, will this year be contested at Flemington on October 24, owing to track renovations at its usual home.

Ridden by Willie Pike, Cosmic Crusader, a $8 outsider, performed admirably on the heavy conditions, finishing 1-¾ lengths ahead of Light Infantry Man ($26). Aeliana ($3.80) claimed third, a length behind the runner-up.

Leek mentioned that her dedication to her horses has helped mitigate family pressures, as her husband John is currently disqualified and unable to stay at their property.

“I think I’ve been lucky to have this focus,” Leek shared. “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 no prior experience beyond 1800 metres before Saturday but successfully handled the increased distance.

The trainer pointed to the former Perth galloper’s existing race fitness as a key factor.

“I just think, I shouldn’t say it, but he was the fittest in the field,” Leek stated. “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 race was Cosmic Crusader’s first on a heavy track, despite having won five of his six starts on soft ground.

Leek had confidence in the gelding’s ability to handle the conditions, having previously worked him on a heavy track at Pakenham.

“It was about a heavy 15 one morning,” Leek recalled. “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 suggested that Cosmic Crusader’s performance on a forgiving track was crucial for his Saturday success, following his second place in the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 19.

“What might have brought us unstuck last start was the firmer deck,” Pike explained. “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 commented, “He was back being edgy today. I like him when he’s up and about, throwing his head. I like this version of him.”

This impressive Turnbull Stakes victory sets Cosmic Crusader up perfectly for the Cox Plate. Explore the top online bookmakers for the latest Cox Plate odds.